I will be in Lugano the end of August for 3 days. I was wondering if it would be "doable" to go to Milan for the day or would Lake Como be a better option. I was told that Lake Lugano & Lake Como are very similar. Any advice would be greatly apprecitated. Thanks

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I do not think the lakes are similar at all. I would bus to Menaggio from Lugano and spend the day plying the mid-lake region.

This is one time I disagree with Bob. Obviously Milan is a city, a big city with lots going on. Whereas Lake Como is just another beautiful lake set against the Alps. And you can get to Milan by an hour train ride.

So it depends on what you want to see.

Thank you both for your responses & thoughts. I am leaning toward seeing Lake Como. I love cities but would be perfectly happy to see another beautiful lake. Is the bus ride to Menaggio scenic. If so then Lake Como here I come. Milan will have to wait for my next trip. Since I love to shop I was wondering if the Fox Town outlets are worth a few hours. The outlet malls here in the States usually have picked through merchandise from 1 or 2 years ago. It would be great to pick up something nice & reasonable. Thanks again.

Tex: Yes, the bus ride is scenic.

There is excellent shopping in Mendriso at the Foxtown outlet. I have some details in my trip report; we spent a morning there but I could have easily spent more time had we not been accompanied by a shop-a-phobic male. The "bargains" will vary depending on the rate of exchange with the Swiss franc; when we were there the prices were MUCh cheaper there than in Italy. I have the link in my report; many big-name designers have outlets and we were lucky enough to visit during a Loro Piana sale so I picked up a nice winter jacket for a good price. Remember to stop at the border for the VAT stamp.

Scroll down to the November 2, 2008 entry for more on Foxtown:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-much-else.cfm

Lugano is very different to Como. It is far less developed than Como and the towns are less high end. We stayed at Hotel Del Lago on Lugano on during a drive to Tuscany. We were very glad to have driven off our route to go to Como, Lugano is beautiful but Como is a little more palatial.

Would you be able to do Lugano/Como/Milan in a day?

We did Lugano/Como and Pienza in a day.

Pardon me, but how can a lake be "palatial?"

Do you mean you drove from Lugano to Como to Pienza in a day, or that you "covered" these places in one day?

"Palatial" just a simile.

Dear ekscrunchy,
So glad that you liked Foxtown outlet. You made my day!! I think that the rate of exchange from dollars to swiss francs seems similar to when you were there. I also read your trip report which was so informative & helpful. Since we will be taking public transportation I do not think that we have the time to do Lake Como & Milan. Thanks again.

Yes, the rate of exchange was similar. Lake Como is beautiful and very close to where you will be. Let us know how you enjoy and good luck in the bargain hunting!!