Few places in Europe change as quickly as the country between Milan and Lucerne. In a single morning you can go from palm trees on Lake Como to glaciers above the Engadine. A week is enough to see the best of it without rushing: three Italian lakes and three Swiss icons in a loop that starts and ends near Milan. This guide follows our sample seven-day itinerary and explains what makes each stage worth the drive.
Lake Como: start slowly
The first drive from Milan to Bellagio takes about an hour and forty minutes on Google Maps. Bellagio sits at the point where the lake divides, and it is a natural base: ferries link it to Varenna, Menaggio and Tremezzo, where Villa Carlotta and its gardens open to visitors in season. We suggest a full day on the lake before moving on, with the car parked and the boats doing the work.
Lugano: Italian-speaking Switzerland
From Bellagio to Lugano is about an hour and a half. Lugano is the main town of Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, with a lakefront promenade, a pedestrian old town and two funiculars to viewpoints over the lake. It makes a gentle introduction to Switzerland before the mountains.
St. Moritz: the high Engadine
Lugano to St. Moritz is the most scenic drive of the week, close to three hours as the road climbs into the Engadine. St. Moritz sits beside its lake at about 1,800 metres. In winter it is a ski resort; in summer, the lifts to Corviglia and Muottas Muragl open walks with wide views across the valley.
Lucerne: lakes and old bridges
From St. Moritz to Lucerne is about three hours. Lucerne's covered Chapel Bridge, its old town squares and the steamers on the lake make it one of the most attractive cities in Switzerland. Mount Pilatus and the Rigi are both within easy reach for half a day.
Lake Maggiore: islands and gardens
The drive back south from Lucerne to Stresa on Lake Maggiore takes about three and a half hours. From the waterfront, boats leave for the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, with its palace and terraced gardens, and the fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori. It is a fitting last stop, under an hour from Malpensa.
When to go
From late spring to early autumn, all the roads on this loop are normally open, the lake ferries run their full timetables and the gardens on Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are at their best. July and August are the busiest months, especially on the lakes, so book hotels early. In winter the mountain stages change character: St. Moritz becomes a ski resort and the high roads require winter equipment, which our cars carry in the cold months. Some lake ferries and villas reduce their opening times, and the route may be adjusted, but a winter version of this tour is entirely possible.
Why a chauffeur works so well here
This loop crosses the border several times and climbs mountain roads on most driving days. With a dedicated chauffeur, you look at the scenery instead of the road, your luggage stays in one car all week, and the driver adapts the timing to the weather and the passes. At the end, the car drops you at Malpensa for your flight or back at your hotel in Milan.
Choosing the vehicle
Couples are comfortable in the Mercedes S-Class or V-Class. Families and groups of friends choose the Sprinter Luxury VIP, which carries up to eight passengers with their luggage.
Making it yours
The loop works in either direction and can start in Zurich instead of Milan. Days can be added in St. Moritz or on Lake Como, or the route can continue to Zermatt. Send us your dates and wishes, and we reply with a route, real driving times and a written quote. Price on request.