My husband and I are visting the lakes this September. Our schedule is very tight, so we should pick either Lake Como or Lake Maggiore. <BR> <BR>For what I've read in the forum and several travel guides it seems that Lake Maggiore is the election, however, as I've always heard a lot about lake Como, the famous one, I'm not sure where to go. Your comments are welcome!! <BR> <BR>Also, is it possible to drive from one lake to the other bypassing Milan, or the only (and safe in terms of steep paths) way is to go back to Milan?. I read that Bellagio is close to Malpensa, so we could visit Lake Maggiore and then drive or ferry to Bellagio on our way to Malpensa. Does this make sense? <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help, <BR> <BR>Marta

Marta, <BR> <BR>Both are beautiful and you won't be disappointed. In my opinion, Maggiore has more town-like environments. It also has the charming islands with their villas to visit. I think I prefer Como because it seems bigger and closer to nature. The small towns are farther apart and the villas are so beautiful. It's quieter and more restful. <BR> <BR>I can't comment on driving to either. I took trains to both and both were about an hour from Milan Central. The trains to Lake Como go to Varena (a very small charming town) and Como (a larger busier town). The very popular town at Como is Bellagio, which is very nice and I recommend it. You can take a variety of assorted boats about the lake, car ferries, people ferries, hydrofoils. <BR> <BR>You didn't mention Garda. Is that on your itinerary?

Katherine, <BR> <BR>I wish I had time to go to Garda! Unfortunately, we don't. Thanks for your help!

We've been to Como, Maggiore and Garda and return most frequently to Como. We stay in Mennagio on the western side of the lake. You can ferry from there to both Varenna and Bellagio. The palaces on the islands in Maggiore are more spectacular than those on Como but Como has more peace and atmosphere. Don't stay in Como town. It's too big. Stay in Mennagio, Bellagio or Varenna. You can easily drive to Maggiore for a day of sightseeing from Mennagio. Hotels I'd recommend are: Grand Hotel Mennagio (our favorite) or Hotel Victoria in Mennagio, Florence in Bellagio and Du Lac in Varenna. We've been to a lot of places in Europe and Lake Como is in our top 6.

Julie, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your advice. By the way, which are the other five?

With your short time I would stick with one location and Maggiore is closer to Malpensa. Look at www.stresa.net <BR> <BR>Both are wonderful, but you do not time. <BR>Stay at Stresa or Arona and you will be at Malpensa in about :45. <BR> <BR>Good luck !

Bob, <BR> <BR>Your comments (this and all the rest in the forum) have been very valuable when planning this trip. <BR> <BR>I am considering to reduce our stay in Milan in one day to go to both lakes. Are you familiar with the roads between the lakes? <BR> <BR>Thanks again, <BR> <BR>Marta