Italy's second largest lake (after Garda), Lago Maggiore is a great reason to fly to Malpensa airport.
Immediately after landing and having finished with.... the procedures at the rent a car desk (it can take an easy 45 minutes, depending on the mood of the employees and the availability), you finally find yourself in the car, trying not to miss directions "Autostrada dei Laghi" (E62) and exit the tiny town of Stresa.Visit the fascinating hotel, villa Aminta on the lake shore. Weather helping, sit at the terrace and enjoy great cappuccinos and..even greater salmon or prosciutto sandwiches, and of course relax from flying and driving with the ...impossible vistas of the lake and the tiny islands, directly opposite to you!
Whether you check in villa Aminta or not, don't leave without a visit to isola Bella and a climb (via funicular) to mount Mottarone, at 1500 meters.
Once up there, and depending on a clear day but also if you have the eyes of a....hawk, you can admire a panorama with seven lakes!
In case you find the prices in villa Aminta heavy for your pocket, head norther and spend the night at Grand hotel Majestic, in Verbania-Pallanza. Prices look fair and good value, and even greater views...
Next morning, heading north, and after a short espresso break in Canobbio, you are entering the Swiss territory of the Maggiore lake, towards Arona, and my advice is to check in hotel Giardino. Great from every sense. From there you can explore Bellinzona and its magnificant castles and on the way back neighbouring Locarno.
Next morning, say goodbye to...Maggiore and start your descent to Lugano. Reaching the capital of the Ticino, and the homonymous lake, choose one of the equally fine hotels:
Splendid Royale, Villa Principe Leopoldo, Grand hotel Villa Castagnola au lac.
Recommended restaurants in the town, are : Oasis (Grand hotel Eden), Orologio da "Savino", La Veranda (Splendid Royale), Arte al lago (Villa Castagnola).
In other options for lunch or dinner, further south I suggest : Conca Bella (Gastronomic) in Vacallo-Chiasso, Lago and Panorama (Swiss Diamond hotel Olivella) in Morcote, Ristorante Vicania in Morcote.
NOT TO FORGET: While in Lugano, if you feel lucky, pay a visit to a small stretch of Italian territory, Campione d' Italia and its famous casino.....
Also passing from Mendrisio, I find worthy a visit to Fox Town (Brand outlet mall), especially for the cigar shop.
Finally, as a journey to two great lakes is coming to an end, I think you are now .....free to visit the capital of Lombardy and financial capital of Italy, Milan !
Check without a second thought, at hotel Principe di Savoia, the most "complete" from all Milanesi hotels.......
