Would Bellagio or Lugano be a more scenic and interesting place to stay? Apparently they are only 30 minutes drive apart according to Maporama. We will be travelling through the Netherlands and Germany and I will need my Italian fix.

If you want a true "Italian" fix as opposed to an "Italian Swiss" fix I recommend you stay in Bellagio.

Although Intrepid has a point, I'd also argue that either place is a top tourist destination and is not likely to give you a true "Italian fix."

For what I consider an even better fix, as you travel you might consider Bergamo or some of the smaller towns on the way there. Good luck.

Thanks Wayne and Intrepid!

If you will have a car with you, you might consider Mennagio. It's on a main road only 10-15 minutes away from Lugano...and a very quick ferry ride away from Bellagio. Just a thought.

Why Mennagio Mr. Go?

We found Menaggio full of geriatric english folk! Much prefered Bellagio and Varenna. Much more character about those places than Menaggio. Only IMO of course.

Enjoy the best of both by staying at the charming small hotel Stella d' Italia in San Mamete, half way between Lugano and Lago Como .

Hi Lily. I would choose Bellagio and Lake Como over Lugano. They're both beautiful, but Lugano is more of a Swiss/Italian city experience, where Bellagio is a small village and Lake Como offers a lot of interesting options.