We have reservations in Lugano from 11 sept. for 3 nights. We will have apx. 5 remaining travel days in Svizzera. With the exception of Zurich, any suggestions for an itinerary for the last 5 days would be appreciated. We will be flying home from Milano.

My suggestion would be to head towards Lake Maggiore. Stop in Locarno for lunch (nice little town), proceed towards Cannobio and continue towards Stresa. There are lots of good hotels there and great excursions from there (the Borromean Islands, Villa Pallavicini and Villa Taranto, the Matterhorn, and last but not least Lake ORta with its jewel island of St Giulio). Stresa is just 40-45 miles from Milano Malpensa, easily accessible through highway.

Should you choose to stay in Stresa I can also suggest HOTEL VILLA RUSCELLO. I have spent many summer holidays there, always returned. It is right on the Via Sempione, and it is actually between Baveno and Stresa. So you would need a car because it is not IN Stresa. Small family-run ** hotel,it has an excellent view of Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella, this is what I like more about it.
Check out their web-site:
http://xoomer.virgilio.it/gicardan/
Prices are affordable if you are on a budget. Giuliana Cardani is one of the managers (they are 3 siblings who manage this hotel). Tell her that LILY suggested the hotel because she has always felt so well there!

I would head right to Luzern for at least 2 nites and then return via Locarno and Stresa prior to your departure.

May I ask where you stayed in Lugano? I'm looking to book somewhere for 2 nights in January. Much appreciated!