Are there any cities or sites to visit while I am in this area? I am leaving for the lake in three days!

Cheers

Well, Como, not very surprisingly, which has a nice duomo, two more remarkable Romanesque churches, and above all, the very best example of Fascist architecture all over Italy, the former Casa del Fascio.

Here is our photo gallery from last year. The highlights are in the mid-lake area---see the lovely gardens.

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

A boat ride to Bellagio is good for a day.

Bellagio - charming lakeside town
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo - lovely villa and beautiful gardens
Villa Balbianello in Tremezzo - villa set in lush gardens
Villa d'Este in Cernobbio - hotel (former villa) set in beautiful grounds

I would also suggest buying a guidebook. DK Eyewitness travel guide has a nice one on Milan and the Lakes. They also have a nice smaller one that is Top 10 for Milan and the Lakes.

Don't miss Villa Monastero in Varenna.

Villa Balbianello - you can walk to the boat which will transport you to the villa from Lenno. Lenno is the closest village.