<BR>Flying into and out of Milan in Jun 02 and have three days to visit one of the lakes. Will not have a car. Which lake would you visit?<BR><BR>Where would you stay? Is a double room with private bath for around $110-90 possible?<BR><BR>If Como, is Lugano a good daytrip?

I have never been to Maggiore, and there are people here whose opinion I respect -- and they sing the praises of Stresa and Maggiore also. The Borromeos (sp?) too, but I don't know if they would say three days there.<BR><BR>My own vote would be to take a boat from the town of Como to Menaggio or Bellagio (the heart of the place, but more expensive). I don't think there is any easy day trip to Lugano from Menaggio or Bellagio by public transportation. But I can't think of anything that Lugano offers that you won't find "cooler" and better at Lake Como.<BR><BR>You might have trouble finding a double at that price range, but they probably exist.<BR><BR>Be sure to try to arrange a visit to Villa Balbianello.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

hi Rick! We had to make this choice on our last trip. We chose Lago Maggiore because the Borromean Islands sounded appealing & the gardens too since we went in mid-May. We had 2 full days & would have liked a 3rd. <BR><BR>Visited all 3 islands, staying on Isola dei Pescatori. Next day visited Villa Taranto & Stresa. Would have done the hydrofoil up to the Swiss end of the lake & to see more scenery if we had a 3rd day.<BR><BR>I really don't think you'll go wrong with either choice!

Rick<BR>I vote for Maggiore - it is lively and has a much more "Italian" atmosphere than Como (or Garda) - the islands are lovely and there are some great places to visit nearby.

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That debate has been done time and again on this forum. There is no right answer--it is like choosing which child you love more. Both are fabulous, but I would consider the travel time and logistics for your departure. Stresa is closer to MXP--what is your takeoff time? In June you will see fabulous flowers at both locations. Yes, Lugano is a feasible day trip from Bellagio or Mennagio and worth it in my opinion.<BR>At that price, look at Hotel Bellavista in Mennagio or Lido Perla in Stresa.

Rick: Como is beautiful, fun, charming (particularly Varenna). Maggiore is more so, especially if you can stay at the Albergo Verbena on the Isola dei Pescatori. There are only 12 rooms with knockout views of the lake and the lights of Stresa at night. There is a terrace where breakfast and diner are served with the same glorious views. The hotel, while it may be a bit more than you listed, is really not that expensive. It is three star, but beautifully furnished in an old world style. The rooms are large. You must get to the island by ferry or water taxi. If you want to stick with $100 or less, there are plenty of accomodations in this price range in Stresa. <BR>Spend a day wandering Stresa with it's shops, cafes, cobbled streets and interesting living area. Spend another day touring the islands by ferry. Pescatori is an old fishing village with cobblestoned lanes, small shops and studios. Be sure to get away from the area of the ferry arrival as it is very touristy. Bella is noted for it's villa and grand gardens. Madre is noted for it's botanical gardens. The three can be done in a day. On the third day, make your way up to the Villa Pallavicino. It is up on a hill with beautiful gardens and views and you will probably be followed around the grounds by a peacock or an ostrich. Spend your last afternoon people watching at a lakeside cafe or, if you are out on Pescatori, taking in the views. To quote Fodor's, "The most beautiful and idyllic of the Italian Lakes, Lago Maggiore..."

Everyone<BR><BR>Thanks for the info/thoughts. <BR><BR>It's a tough choice so my daughter and I have decided to do them both. Look's like it will be Como for 3 nights, followed by 4 in Venice, then 3 in Siena, 3 in CT and finally 2 nights in Maggiore before flying out of Milan for 8 days in Spain. Thank goodness for frequent flyer miles! <BR><BR>Looking at Varenna and Stresa. Still open to suggestions on hotels - realize I may have to exceed my original limits of $110 - 80. <BR><BR>Rick<BR><BR><BR>

Rick, what a wonderful trip! You'll have a great time!

Is the forum down? I can search, but not otherwise see any posts (in the lefthand column) UNLESS I do a search.<BR><BR>Anyone else?<BR><BR>I have no idea what I will see after I post this.<BR>

Although by posting that, everything seems to be back to normal! and plenty of posts by others during the past few hours. Who can understand these things?<BR><BR>

And now I can NOT again!! Quite the voodoo!<BR>

Anything to add?