I’ve ridden around Lago Maggiore, Como and Iseo a bit. Where are you thinking of heading?
General experience is that the valley roads can get very busy so it’s nicer to ride over the passes. But the roads can be small and rough as they are not well maintained as no one really uses them.
Anybody been riding south from Bellinzona? I'm clueless but for Lombardia race and San Pellegrino therme.