Varese area of Italy

5 miles west of Varese is Sacro Monte. 6 miles northwest is Campo dei Fiori. 6 miles south is Castiglione Olona. Rick doesn't describe Varese or these in his books but you should be able to google to get more info. Many travelers overlook Varese because it's so close (and in between) Lakes Como and Maggiore. It sounds like you've seen those on previous trips?

I have not seen them on previous trips. Honestly, it just looked like an area that might have some interesting things to see. Plus, we're trying to experience things besides the standard big tourist draws. Thanks for the suggestions on other cities. I will google those as well. And if anyone has a particular suggestion for something to see in any of these cities, please let me know.

Thanks again!

In 2 hours you won't be able to see all 3 of the things I mentioned in my 1st post, so maybe the town of Varese makes more sense than the 3 things I mentioned previously. I'm realizing, as you go into more detail about what you're trying to do, that your 2 hours does constrain you to only doing something quick so it sounds like Lake Como is not a good choice for you this time.

I'm aware of Lake Como, but since we have such a short amount of time, I didn't know if it would be feasible. I'm open to any suggestions, so if people suggest Lake Como would be better to check out in a 2-3 hour stop, we could do that as well. I was just trying to come up with something that can be a quick stop to break up the drive, stretch our legs and hopefully see something interesting.

Okay, now I understand what you're trying to do, and I'd recommend Stresa on the west side of Lake Maggiore, instead of Varese, for these reasons: The normal driving route from Milan to Kandersteg takes you around the west side of Lake Maggiore and you pass right by Stresa; whereas Varese is quite a deviation from your route, will eat up too much time just getting there and back to your route. And Stresa is much closer to half way in your 3.5 to 4 hr drive from Milan to Kandersteg, which relates to your objective of breaking up the drive; Varese comes too early to be a good half way point. And most travelers would probably agree that there's way more to see in Stresa.Given what you're trying to do, Lake Como doesn't make sense.