Hi,
Next month I will be arriving in Basel, Switzerland on September 5th and plan on driving through and arriving in Lugano by the 7th. I will leave Lugano on the 8th because I am attending a wedding in Lake Orta, Italy on the 9th. What I would like to know is what would be the best route that that would also be scenic? What are the must see towns etc. I have already booked my first and last nights stay in Switzerland. If anyone can recommend a hotel for my second night I would appreciate that as well. Thanks for any help.

Sincerely,
Kayton

I recommend an overnight in Zug. Beautiful.

You could get hotel tips if you stated your budget or * level.

For scenic, avoid the super highways and go over the mountains rather than through the mountains whenever possible. This is not as easy as it sounds because Swiss road signs do not always offer the alternative to the super highway, or at least the signs are not as clear as in France and Italy.

Are you aware that there is a hefty drop-off fee on cross-border rentals?

I would train to Luzern for 2 nites, then to Lugano and get the car there. Orta is not far from there, and I would try to return the car in Lugano.

Thanks for all the replies. My hotel budget is mainly a 3 star or 4. Boutique or family run is preferred to a chain. As for the car the plan is too return it in Lugano as I have arranged to be picked up from there and taken to Lake Orta. I will not be driving to or in Italy. Thanks again.