We will be spending 3 nts in Lugano after having done Lucerne, Zurich, Jungfrau and Geneva area. I know there's not much to see in Milan but would like to do a quick visit and perhaps 1 of the Lakes, maybe I can do another day trip from Lugano to another Lake. Which do you suggest to do the same day as Milan? What is a must to see?

I had a wonderful time in Lago Maggiore area because there is a ferry system that goes from town to town, and they are all very quaint, in July I will visit Bellagio in hope of seeing George Clooney hahaha, when are you going? My memories of Lake Como were that it was a nice landscape but very stuffy.

You only have two full days in Lugano. Do you really want go leave? Lake Como is nearby so if you want to visit another lake it would be eay to do, by car or bus.

Como will be easier logistics---bus to Menaggio and then ferry to Bellagio.

I wonder if you can really do Milan and a lake in the same day - makes me think why you are going at all. Well, you can stop in Como en route between Milan and Lugano, but the Como S. Giovanni station is distant from the lake.

BTW, all lake landscapes are somewhat similar. Lugano has a nice lake landscape, I do not know if I would spend my little time looking for another lake. You may consider the trip to Milan, and for something different (but only on a clear day) train to Capolago and the cog railway to Monte Generoso - so that you can see lakes and Alps from the top of a mountain.