Driving the SS38 from Basel, Switzerland to Bellagio, Italy

I don't see a SS38 from the border at Chiasso at all, and certainly nothing going to Bellagio with that number.

I, using the same logic as locals, think of Italian roads by their name or by their destination and intermediate stops.

I've driven around that area some over the years, and probably on your road, but don't recognise the number.

From Basel to Chiasso I would expect you to use the Gotthard Tunnel after driving Basel - Olten - Luzern - Gotthard Tunnel - Bellinzona - Chiasso. That would all be on the Swiss autobahn A2. You'll need a Swiss Vignette.

From Chiasso, follow Como, then as you enter Como (the town, not the lake), before the station, turn left following Bellagio. Just keep following Bellagio. You will be driving up the east coast of the west fork of the lake. Keep the lake on your left - but you won't see much of it. You will have 2 fairly long tunnels north of Como. Keep going until you get there.

Depending on when you go it may be crowded along the lake, and you will likely have a backup as you approach Chiasso. You may also have a backup as you approach the Gotthard Tunnel. Don't accidentally get into one of the truck only lanes before the tunnel.

If you are driving in from Germany expect a backup at the Swiss border. You can get your Vignette at the border (follow "Ohne Vignette) or at a filling station north of the border.

Please explain where the road goes from and to...

"SS" is an Italian designation. No "SS" roads anywhere near Basel, only in Italy. SS = Strade Statali = state road.
Nigel's route sounds good.

According to viamichelin (see route here: https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Routes?departure=Basel%2C%20Switzerland&arrival=Bellagio ), the road along the side of Lake Como from Como town to Bellagio is the SS583. And in Switzerland from Basel to the Italian border near Como town its the A2 all the way.

According to Italian Wikipedia (click here for article), the SS38 runs from the northern end of lake Como, east via the Stelvio pass to Bozen/Bolzano. Totally the wrong direction.

I will repeat the standard warnings:

• You car will need a Swiss autobahn vignette if it hasn't got one already (cost CHF 40)
• Every driver with a non-European licence needs an IDP in Italy.
• Renting a car in one country and returning it in a different one costs a lot.