My wife and I will be traveling in the lake country of northern Italy starting May 20th. We will have a car. Recommendations on how to spend the week? Budget is pretty open - in other words we are planning to spend a couple of days at Villa d'Este.
Any advice welcome.

Are you going to Lake Como?

I would save your $$$ and stay closer to the best part of Lago Como---look at Hotel Tremezzo or Villa Serbelloni.

I would also spend time in Lugano and Stresa with a day trip to Orta San Guilio from Stresa. Have fun!

http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=4442

There are villas and gardens to visit on Lake Como. Lots of strolling/hiking options. Castle ruins and a falconry in the hills above Varenna.

And shopping.

But a lot of people go to Lake Como to do little but enjoy the scenery.

http://www.lakecomopages.com/things2...tractions.html

I agree with bob's hotel suggestions. Villa d'Este's location isn't great for exploring the top sights on the lake, but, if you're just going to relax in one place, VdE is one of the top hotels in Italy.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo---next to Villa Carlotta, across the lake from Bellagio for fantastic views. Great position on the lake. Close to a boat stop to explore all of the towns on the lake. Also not too far to drive into Switzerland. We spent 10 days here and would have liked a few more.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Lombardy.html

Absolutely loved this hotel. Also one of our most memorable dinners on Lake Como was close by at Al Veluu (about a 10 min. drive)

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/b...alveluu.com%2f