Hi, I'm trying to decide between Lake Maggiore and Lake Como as a day-trip from Milan. Both would be escorted bus tours, and both include boat rides on the lake. The Lake Maggiore tour stops at 2 or 3 of the islands, whereas the Lake Como tour makes a stop in Bellaggio.
I think I'm leaning a little more towards Lake Maggiore, but just wanted to hear opinions from people who have been there. Thanks, Greg
Lake Como vs. Lake Maggiore as a day-trip..
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As a day trip I too would prefer Lago Maggiore because of the Borremenan Isles. You win either way.
People like different things, so it is hard to pick for somebody else without knowing them pretty well -- and even then, it's hard!
I live on the Italian Riviera but I think the view of Lago di Como from Bellagio is one of the top 3 most beautiful views in Italy. I think it makes a perfect lunch day trip from Milan, and one you could easily do on your own by taking the train from Milan's central station to Varenna. From there, you walk downhill to the ferry dock and take a gorgeous 5 minute boat ride to Bellagio. If you have mobility problems, you can get a taxi between the station and the dock, but the walk is mild, not terribly steep.
But if views don't totally float your boat, and you prefer visiting gardens and palazzi, then Lago Maggiore offers that, as well as many lovely vistas of the mountains ringing the very large lake. You can also do this on your own. Take a train from Milan to Stresa, and walk down hill to the boat docks. The boats regularly leave for the islands. Be aware that it is hard to get a real meal on the islands, so you might want to time your visit to arrive in Stresa for lunch, and then take the boats after lunch.
As bob said, either way you will have a rewarding day. If you decide to go with an escorted tour, try not to book it without seeing a short term weather forecast. One reason I point out how easy it is to do these day trips on your own is because you want flexibility in your planning, because it is much nicer to see these places in dry weather.