Lake Lugano or Lake Maggiore

Maggiore in Italy, preferably in Stresa. Prices will be double in Lugano, its mostly in Switzerland.

Another vote for lake Maggiore for the same reasons given above. The northernmost tip of lake Maggiore is also in Switzerland. Locarno and Ascona are the main towns on the Helvetic side of lake Maggiore. Same pricing policy as lake Lugano applies there. The moment you cross into Switzerland prices double. Stay in Stresa but visit also Cannobio (next to the border but still on the cheaper Italian side).

Can anyone tell me if there is a ferry that tours Lake Maggiore?
Thanks,
Jean

Lake Maggiore! This site will answer all your questions. Yes there's a ferry...

http://www.visitstresa.com/Lake_Maggiore_Express.htm

Definitely Maggiore. I have stayed in Stresa and Cannobio and done the ferry around the lake. Let me know if you need any hotel/restaurant recommendations.

We arrived in Stresa by train after our trip in Switzerland and loved our two days there before heading south in Italy. Isola Bella is gorgeous - spent all morning there and caught the ferry on to Isola Pescatori for a late lunch. Isola Pescatori is smaller than I expected, so I was glad that we didn't stay at the hotel on that island.

jean,

Another vote for Lago Maggiore and Stresa. It's a beautiful city and yes, there are Ferries operating on the lake. One very nice day trip is to travel to Locarno (CH) via the scenic Cento Valli Railway, and then return to Stresa in the evening via boat (which may be the fast Aliscafo).