Frank

Thinking about a trip to Milan and the Lake District next May, here are some very preliminary questions:

Is late May a good time to go?

Thinking of going to the lake district first, what will it cost to go from Malpensa to one of the lakes by private car?

Can you recommend a private car company?

Would like to spend 3 nights in the lake district, is that too much time?

Which lake would you recommend as our base?

Which lake is closest to Milan?

Can you recommend a 3 day itinerary in the lake district?

Any hotel recommendations in the $200 - $250 per night range?

What will it cost for a private car from the lakes to Milan?

We would like to stay 3 nights in Milan can you recommend a 3 day itinerary?

Any hotel recommendations in the $200 - $250 per night range?

What are the possible days trips out of Milan by bus or train?

What will it cost for a private car back to Malpensa from Milan?

I guess that's it for now, any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Palenque

You have a choice of Lake Maggiore (a k a Lake Stresa) or Lake Como - i have done both and believe for a few days Lake Maggiore is just dandy - Stresa itself is a sweet lakeside resort town and just off shore are the fabled and famous three Borromean Islands, each with a nice surprise on it. Boats scoot over there regularly - and there are other sites of interest around the lake. Or you could even take a boat to Locarno at the top of the lake for a taste of Switzerland.

bobthenavigator

May is good.
Lago Maggiore is closest to Milan but I think you may want Lago Como
Hotels in Bellagio--Hotel Florence--Hotel Belvedere
A transfer to Bellagio will be about 180E
Here is a good driver: http://www.davideguerrera.com/eng/
Take the local bus service back to MXP from the train station
Day trip to Bergamo or Torino by train

Good luck !

nochblad

Is late May a good time to go?

May is a wonderful time to visit Lake Como. Perfect weather and everything in bloom – visit Villa Carlotta - http://www.villacarlotta.it/sito/index2.php

Would like to spend 3 nights in the lake district, is that too much time?

Which lake would you recommend as our base?

Lake Como without a doubt – but I am of course biased!

Which lake is closest to Milan?
Bob – you do not live up to your name! Lake Como is closer. Go measure it on Viamichelin.

Can you recommend a 3 day itinerary in the lake district?

Any hotel recommendations in the $200 - $250 per night range?
I have frequently recommended Cernobbio as there are hotels to meet all price ranges. From the magnificent Villa d'Este at the very top - http://www.villadeste.it/en/13/home.aspx - to the more simple La Vignetta - http://www.lavignetta.it/uk_5.html In between there is Hotel Miralago - http://www.hotelmiralago.it/eng/index.html – and Hotel Regina Olga – http://www.hotelreginaolga.it/index.php?lingua=en. A little up the road at Moltrasio you will find a hotel I particularly like is the Grand Hotel Imperiale - http://www.grand-hotel-imperiale-com.../en/index.html
Ana alternative could be Villa Flori which is between Cernobbio and Como and is right on the lake. It is currently being restructured and will reopen in Spring 2011 and is to be recommended - [email protected]

We would like to stay 3 nights in Milan can you recommend a 3 day itinerary?

What are your interests?

bobthenavigator

Closer to MXP--that was what he meant.

Palenque

Lake Como Lake Maggiore - not peas in pods but having been on and around both a few times i cannot say how anyone can say one lake is 'better' than the other.

Dukey

I would also recommend late May..flowers in bloom (especially along the lakefront in Menaggio..beautiful roses, for example) and also Lake Come is closer to Milan in more ways than just geographical. Weather when we have visited at that time of year has been great...not too hot and not too cold unless you are OUT ON the lake itself.

I would concentrate on the mid-lake area (Varenna, etc.) rather than the town/city of Como itself; i think you'll find the former a lot more scenic than the latter but that's obviously opinion-based.

It is up to you as to spending the money for a private transfer. Yes, it is much more convenient than using public transport but I would NOT do it if the real reason is you simply aren't comfortable "using public transport."

ekscrunchy

I was quoted 160 euro from Menaggio to Malpensa by taxi.

I would ask your hotel, once you book, for tips on drivers/taxi companies.