My friend and I are looking at a tour through Italy that includes two nights in Varese, however the only lake destination is Lugano. Will this give us a definitive taste of the lake district?
Thanks

"Definitive" in what way? People who travel there seem to love Lake Lugano the same way that people who travel to Lake Como love that. Personally, the only town I have visited in the so-called "lake district" that I thought was NOT "representative" was Bellagio...which is really more unique than representative of a "typical" Italian small town...All the areas and lakes are similar and yet somehow different. You'll never know unless you visit them all, I suppose, but visiting one is better than not visiting any of them. If you like what you see, re-visit another time for a more in-depth experience. Enjoy your trip.

I was trying to think what to write, but Intrepid's response sounds right. Perhaps your tour will permit you to boat to Gandria or Morcote on Lugano's lake? Try to do that real early or late to avoid crowds. Eat rigatoni with gorgonzola. J.

or penne.

Typical of tour companies. They house you in a village where they can get a better rate and then give you a teaser tour. Lugano is lovely but is a city of about 75,000. It is not the same as Bellagio or Varenna or Stresa. However, you will enjoy it anyway. Have fun !

Lugano is great. Very pretty, but it's also Swiss. If you are looking for the Italian "lake experience" then Lugano won't fit your bill. I found it to be an interesting mix of cultures however, half Swiss and half Italian.

A "true" or "definitive" lake district experience is certainly in the eye (and the mind) of the beholder. Some will say Bellagio on Lake Como is the epitome of that experience, and others (including me) would say that Bellagio is too touristy to be "typical." But if you like nice shops and nice views, Bellagio is great.

I tend to like the smaller towns along one of the lakes; almost any lake would do. Many of the smaller towns now also have become a bit overrun with tourists. But among those that are small I like the following:
-On Lake Orta -- Orta san Giulio
-On Lake Maggiore -- Cannobio, Brissago, Stresa
-On Lake Lugano -- Morcote
-On Lake Como -- Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo
-On Lake Iseo -- Sarnico, Iseo
-On Lake Garda -- Torbole, Malcesine, Toscalano Madero.

Now it goes without saying that no tour is going to take you to all of (or probably any of) those places. So if you are committed to the tour, Lugano will have to do. If you do follow through with the tour, you might want to take a one-day short trip over to Ascona and Locarno for another taste of a couple of lake towns. Good luck.

Probably not.......for it is in Switzerland, not Italy (though is has a strong Italian Flavor!) The location and lake are beautiful, but it is a large city.....Perhaps you could take the bus over to Maggio?????,across the lake from Bellagio and Verrena...We did it in reverse, but you would want to take a couple of days.

Thanks everyone.
Your comments have helped. Especially the concept that one lake is better than none!!!