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The Lake Como and Lugano regions of Italy and France are some of the finest scenery views you’ll see in Europe. The mixture of water, mountain, and picturesque towns is in perfect combination. There are many towns on these lakes (since the lakes are quite long) and several spots to go swimming and boating.

Lake Como has much to offer - there are boat and hydroplane tours of the lake. If you stay in this general area, hotels are cheaper in Italy than in Switzerland for the most part. La Locanda Del Notaio is a fine hotel situated on a mountain plateau between Lake Lugano and Lake Como, just over into the Italian boarder. This hotel is an excellent choice for those wishing to relax in elegant rooms set in a lovely surrounding.

Coming from Milan, car navigators will tell you to go through Switzerland to get to the hotel. If you do not plan to stay in Switzerland don’t take this route or you will have to play the 40 Swiss Francs car pass which is a required purchase prior to entry. The road to the hotel is quite a steep, beautiful mountain road. If you follow on the same road (the hotel is on) down the mountain you will come to beautiful Lake Como. There is a quaint little town called Argegno you can stop and eat at - pizza on the lake at the Lido Bar-Pizzeria!! Great prices on the pizza which is delicious while the scenery itself is pricless!

Heading north through Switzerland from Lake Lugano to Lake Lucerne is one of the most spectacular drives. But be warned, during the busy tourist summer months, the backup behind the San Gottard tunnel can be quite long and frustrating. A suggestion would be not to go on a weekend. The tunnel is long (17km). The tunnel is metered so only a few cars get through at a time. There are many safety features to make you feel quite comfortable.

The mountain scenery north of the Saint Gottard tunnel is outstanding. If you can, take an exit off the highway, pull over and drink in the magnificent landscape. Once you get to the Lucerne area, the mountains aren’t quite as impressive. You can go up the Pilatus Mountain in the Lucerne area by cog rail or cable car. However, the price is quite steep (64 SF per person) to go to the top - better to save your money and make the trip to the Interlaken region for a more spectacular trip up to Jungfrau or Schilthorn.