Some friends and I will be traveling through Italy as far north as Lake Como and noticed that it is very near Switzerland. Not knowing too much about Switzerland, does anyone have a nearby city that they recommend that we can drive too or take the train and possibly spend the night? 2 of us are chocolate lovers if you have any recommendations. Thank you!

Lugano is a nice, close trip. It's in the Ticino canton of Switzerland (which is Italian-speaking) and it's a nice Mediterranean-looking city with palm trees, a beautiful promenade, large piazzas, and some large mountains nearby. You can take the a boat from there for day trips to small towns on Lake Lugano such as Morcote and Gandria for a nice lunch. Also, you could take the train to Bellinzona, which is a little north, and has three castles.

Just returned from Soglio, 3 miles past the Swiss border going to St. Moritz, was the prettiest place on Earth in my eyes...stayed at the Salais, beautiful room and great food. Highly recommend Soglio and the hike in the Alps behind the cemetary-breathtaking views....

I absolutely agree. There is no better place on earth than Soglio.<BR><BR>The Hotel Palazzo Salis is indeed fantastic. www.palazzosalis.ch<BR><BR>Ingo