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Which Italian Lake is Best to Visit?

Let’s be honest, the Italian Lakes are as scenic as they are idyllic. Crystal clear water flanked by mountains and vineyards, mild climates, pretty towns, great food and fantastic shopping… these lakes have got a lot to showcase. The most popular times to visit are spring, through to autumn. May, June and September are all good bets. It will be warm, but not stiflingly hot and travel will be less expensive than in peak summer holiday time. Always a bonus!

If you’re mad about flowers, head to the lakes in April and May, when the tulips, camellias and azaleas will be in full bloom. Sounds great, right? But which to choose! Here are our highlights to help you plan your perfect lakeside Italian villa holiday .

Best for: Glamour

What to do: Lake Como , locally known as Lario , shows its flair for drama in the scenery. Sheer cliffs form the banks of the lake in several spots, while the Alps tower over it at the northern end. A boat trip is a great way to admire the views from the water and you’ll probably see some of the stunning Bell Epoque villas on the water’s edge. Being water-bound also means you’ll be avoiding the roads around Como’s perimeter, which can get really crowded in the summertime.

Don’t miss the festival of San Giovanni in late June. The ruined church holds a mass in the atmospheric grounds, and thousands of boats are lit up by candlelight and fireworks.

Where to stay : Villa Geovana

Best for: Wine and outdoor pursuits

What to do: Both on and off the water, Lake Garda has plenty of sporting opportunities. The mountains and hillsides offer sublime hang-gliding, paragliding and mountain biking; while more gentle terrain has several beautiful golf courses. The lake itself offers every water sport you can think of, from windsurfing to pedalos. To ease any aches and pains, head to the town of Sirmione on the southern end of the lake for its natural thermal spas. The waters are sulphurous and contain bromine, chloride and iodine – well regarded for their healing properties.

Where to stay: Adige Estate

Best for: Romantic hideaways

What to do : In the centre of the lake is the island of San Giulio . Fall in love with its tiny medieval town with picture-perfect peach houses with wrought-iron balconies lining the narrow, cobbled and car-free streets. It only has one restaurant and can be walked around quickly, but it’s worth dawdling to soak it in. You can reach the island by a small ferry, which leaves from the square in Orta. Orta itself has a lovely market that has been there since 1228. The town square is a perfect place to relax and step back in time, and a meander through the pretty winding streets will reward you with unparalleled lake views.

Where to stay : Palazzo Novara

Lake Maggiore

Best for: Old world charm

What to do: If you’re a sucker for architectural beauty , you’ll fall in love with this lake time and time again. The small quaint towns and villages add warmth and charm, and they are all so stunning they’ll make you gasp. If you’re after a little buzz, choose Verbania . Often referred to as the garden on the lake, you won’t help but feel electrified by the atmosphere. And best of all, restaurants and nightlife flourish in abundance. For something a little quieter though, Cannobio is perfect. One’s things for sure, the quirky Swiss and Italian blend is a winner.

Where to stay : Villa Brisino

For further inspiration, why not get a local’s perspective , have a look at some activities to try or swat up on a few more loved-up ideas .  Once you’ve made up your mind, have a look at our gorgeous villa options , or give our lovely concierge team a call to get started.

Dive deeper into the Italian Lakes with our travel guide !

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Andrew Montgomery

The Italian Lakes

Formed at the end of the last ice age, and a popular holiday spot since Roman times, the Italian Lakes have an enduring, beguiling beauty.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

The Last Supper

Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio

Milan's most famous mural, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, is hidden away on a wall of the refectory adjoining the Basilica di Santa Maria delle…

Duomo & San Babila

A vision in pink Candoglia marble, Milan's extravagant Gothic cathedral, 600 years in the making, aptly reflects the city's creativity and ambition. Its…

Cimitero Monumentale

Porta Garibaldi & Isola

Behind striking Renaissance-revival black-and-white walls, Milan’s wealthy have kept their dynastic ambitions alive long after death with grand sculptural…

Pinacoteca di Brera

Located upstairs from one of Italy’s most prestigious art schools, this gallery houses Milan’s collection of Old Masters, much of it ‘lifted’ from Venice…

Quadrilatero d'Oro

A stroll around the Quadrilatero d'Oro, the world's most famous shopping district, is a must even for those not sartorially inclined. The quaintly cobbled…

Certosa di Pavia

One of the Italian Renaissance's most notable buildings is the splendid Certosa di Pavia. Giangaleazzo Visconti of Milan founded the monastery, 10km north…

Castello Sforzesco

Originally a Visconti fortress, this iconic red-brick castle was later home to the mighty Sforza dynasty, who ruled Renaissance Milan. The castle's…

Palazzo Ducale

For more than 300 years the enormous Palazzo Ducale was the seat of the Gonzaga – a family of wealthy horse breeders who rose to power in the 14th century…

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The Italian Lakes and beyond

The Best Lakes in Italy

By Katherine LaGrave

Halfway between Brescia and Verona, Venice and Milan , Garda—at 143 square miles—is Italy’s largest lake, and reputedly sees seven percent of all visitors to the country. What not to miss: Ride a cable car to the top of Mount Baldo for a view at the lake's expanse; seek spa treatments in Sirmione and Bardolino; order a plate of carne salada , or salted beef, in Riva del Garda; and take a tour to the island Isola del Garda, where, around 1220, St. Francis of Assisi founded a monastery.

Counting George Clooney among its acolytes (the Hollywood star owned a villa here), Lake Como is as equally known for its dramatic scenery as it is for its luxury resorts. To escape the crowds, ascend the mountain via funicular to Brunate, 1,600 feet above the lake, and continue the trek on foot to Faro Voltiano, a remote lighthouse from which you can see Switzerland. Down the mountain in Como, sit for an hour (or two) over cappuccino at Cremeria Bolla, which opened in 1893, and then walk it off with a stroll along the lake's picturesque waterfront.

Lake Bracciano

Twenty miles northwest of Rome , Lake Bracciano owes its origins to volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Today, it is one of the cleanest lakes in Italy due to strict monitoring from officials and its status as a drinking water reservoir for Rome. Tour one (or both) of the lake's main attractions: Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, considered one of the best-preserved castles in Italy, and the Italian Air Force Museum, which has an excellent collection of Italian aircraft and details national contributions to the industry.

Lake Maggiore

Flanked by the Pennine, Lepontine, and Lugano Alps, Maggiore—Italy's longest lake and its second largest—is known for its exotic gardens on Borromean and Brissago Islands, Santa Caterina del Sasso (one of the country's most spectacular monasteries), and the baroque Palazzo Borromeo, where Napoleon stayed with his wife in 1797. The Sacred Mountain of Ghiffa, one of the nine Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy UNESCO World Heritage Sites , draws a fair amount of pilgrims, and literature aficionados will remember the lake from its scene in Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell To Arms .

Matt Ortile

Kaitlin Menza

Kelsey Glennon

Lauren Burvill

Lake Trasimeno

A change in scenery from the lakes in northern Italy, Trasimeno sits in Umbria, on the Tuscan border. It is a veritable paradise for both nature enthusiasts and gourmands alike: woods, vineyards, and olive groves surround the shallow lake, which is rich in fish, and the uninhabited island of Polvese serves as a public park. Of architectural note? Castiglione del Lago, which sits on the southwest corner of the lake and primarily comprises The Fortress of the Lion, a 13th-century castle built on a limestone promontory. Tip: Craftsmanship is also strong in the area, and traditional Irish lace—introduced in the 1900s—makes for a memorable souvenir.

Lake Idro is a seven-mile glacial lake in the provinces of Brescia and Trento. No engines over 10 horsepower are allowed, which makes the lake a favorite for sailors, swimmers, surfers, and fishermen bent on hooking trout. Mountains and countryside with hiking trails surround the lake, with three main villages (Bagolino, Bondone, and the Village of Idro) serving as its main points of development. Take a boat out on the lake, or head up to Rocca d'Anfo, a fortified military complex built by the Venetian Republic in the 15th century.

Lake Bolsena

Camping, agrotourism, and bed-and-breakfasts abound on the shores of Lake Bolsena, Europe's largest volcanic basin. Here, there is everything from black sand beaches to bird watching (look for egrets, grey herons, swans, and more), but the nearby Church of Santa Cristina may be one of the lake's most celebrated sites: In 1263, a priest reportedly the subject of a miracle here, and his blood-stained relics remain in the Cathedral of Orvieto's golden shrine.

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13 Best Italian Lakes You Have To See

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Looking for a naturally beautiful location to visit on your next trip to Italy? Here you’ll find an ultimate guide to the best Italian lakes that will take your breath away!

Table of contents

I might be a little biased as a native Italian, but I’ll be the first to say that Italy is home to some serious dream destinations .

From the romantic canals of Venice to the exciting ancient ruins of Rome and Pompeii, we certainly know how to charm tourists!

But have you ever considered checking out the beautiful Italian lakes on your next vacation?

You’ve probably heard about the villas and incredible views in Lake Como and Lake Garda.

But there are several hidden gems that you need to know about (that’ll also save you jostling elbows with those summertime tourists!).

Whether you’re heading out for a quiet weekend getaway or fancy exploring the beauty of the Dolomites, this list has got you.

Now, let’s dive in (literally!).

Also check the 1 5 Italian Islands To Visit To Live La Dolce Vita .

The Best Italian Lakes You Cannot Miss

1. lake como.

Are you on the hunt for Italian lakes that are undeniably well-known and packed with Mediterranean charm?

Well, you can’t beat Lake Como!

It’s the most famous lake in the country and boasts historic structures, beautiful villages, and surrounding mountains.

And it’s not uncommon to see water sports enthusiasts zipping around on the calm cobalt-blue waters, too!

In short, the landscape around here is stunning . 

So, it’s no surprise this is a popular place among Hollywood celebrities!

Plus, as it’s a mere 50 miles from Milan, you can easily indulge in a spot of retail therapy and cathedral exploring before visiting.

Although the surroundings will give you a sophisticated feel, you need to bring reliable walking shoes.

The cobbled streets and pretty colorful buildings in Bellagio are beautiful, but there are plenty of steps in the Old Town.

And if you’re up for exploring, there’s no shortage of lakeside promenades, hillside hikes, and shoreline strolls that you can take during your visit!

While you’re here, make sure you explore Como’s beautiful marble Duomo (with its panoramic views!), Villa Carlotta , and any of the local museums.

And if you’ve already got Bellagio on your itinerary, check out the picturesque streets and sunsets in Varenna!

Bellagio (AKA The Pearl of the Lake) is beautiful. 

But I recommend heading over on boat trips from one of the cheaper areas like Lecco. 

Otherwise, you’ll be paying a premium for hotel rooms (without benefitting that much!). If you’re only here for a day or so, shell out for the convenience.

Check my 15 Best Things To Do In Lake Como (From A Local) for more tips!

2. Lake Garda

While outside of Italy, Lake Garda isn’t quite as popular as Lake Como, it’s the perfect place to settle in for a relaxing vacation.

It’s tucked between the regions of Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige, and Veneto and is the biggest lake in Italy (at 370km²!).

This area is a short train ride away from Verona (which is one of the most romantic places in Italy !).

And there’s so much to do around the lake. It’s no wonder that it’s so popular with Italians.

As you’ll have 100 miles of coastline to explore here, you can do everything from long cycling trips to windsurfing.

Trust me, you cannot beat the backdrop of the mountains, olive groves, and vineyards that surround the seaside towns here.

Thanks to the specific microclimate around Lake Garda, you get a balmy atmosphere that perfectly matches the beautiful olive groves and citrus trees. And with its crystal clear blue water, it almost feels like the sea!

If you’re not sure what to do on your trip, start with the towns of Limone, Sirmione, Malcesine, and Riva del Garda.

Limone is a dream with its beaches and historic center, while Sirmione’s thermal baths are ideal for soothing sore muscles.

Whether you want to enjoy an aperitif on the shoreline or sip pleasant wines in Bardolino, Lake Garda will steal your heart!

Lake Garda gets really busy in July and August. If possible, try to get here either in May or September.

3. Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy, and this region includes the beautiful Borromean Islands.

And as the shores of Lake Maggiore stretch into Switzerland, you’ll be able to spot the Alps peeking out at certain vantage points!

It’s an excellent vacation spot for families, as you can spend your time exploring the luscious landscape by canoe, bike, or on foot.

Seriously, the slow pace here is incredible if you’re looking to escape metropolitan life.

Plus, couples will be spoiled for choice with plenty of restaurants, museums, and elegant resorts!

I suggest heading to Stresa for its quaint old town charm, but the impressive Isola Bella is an architectural and artistic marvel.

Borromeo Palace (which is packed with Baroque art!) is a must, but don’t forget to check out the manicured gardens around Isola Madre!

I’d say that this was a general Italy travel tip , but I recommend visiting between April and October for the weather. 

Just be warned that the summer months will be considerably busier (especially July and August!).

4. Lake Orta

As we head up to northern Italy, we find Lake Orta (which is just to the west of Lake Maggiore).

The crystal clear water, Moorish palace , and picturesque towns are incredible, but you can also hop over to Isola San Giulio for a change of pace!

The island is just 275 meters long and boasts an immense Benedictine Abbey and a 13 th -century Romanesque basilica.

And if you’re heading to the Italian lakes during June, you can even catch the amazing Cusio Festival of Ancient Music !

If you appreciate old-school vibes, stroll down the winding lanes and alleyways in Orta San Giulio.

You can easily uncover a local restaurant or two as you’re walking, and the area is packed with Renaissance and Baroque buildings.

Oh, and the Sacro Monte di Orta is one of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

If you’re wondering why, it’s because it boasts an incredible selection of 16 th and 17 th -century chapels!

Before leaving, make sure you take a dip around Explora Beach and visit the cascading Cascata della Qualba waterfall .

5. Lake Braies

Lake Braies is a breathtaking spot that’s tucked away in the Dolomites.

This alpine lake is surrounded by lush forestry and is home to the impressive Croda del Becco peak (which makes for amazing photographs).

Plus, you can walk around the entire lake in just under an hour and a half while stopping off at the charming boat house.

You can paddle through the rich emerald waters on a rowboat, hike near the sheer cliffs, or head to the lakeside chapel.

Whatever you choose to do here, the visuals will blow you away!

If you’re planning to hire a rowboat, you should be aware that it’s on the pricey side. As a heads up, you’ll pay around €25 for 30 minutes and €35 for an hour.

I suggest visiting during the end or start of the summer period as you’ll have more daylight hours to work with.

Just be aware that you’ll be battling with photographers if you’re trying to capture the perfect shot. 

So, I suggest arriving very early in the day.

6. Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo is a great place to visit if you’re on the hunt for historic villas, delicious eats, and local wildlife!

The Torbiere del Sebino Reserve is home to a whole host of birdlife (including purple herons!).

And if you’re worried about missing out on any local flora?

Several designated bird-watching trail maps will help you navigate everything from Monte Faeto to the marshy wetlands.

If you’re not particularly interested in Mother Nature, don’t sweat it! The quaint village markets, small squares, and seaside cafes have got your back.

As there are several traffic restrictions in place around Lake Iseo, it’s never overly packed with cars or tourists either.

So, you can freely roam around the labyrinthine streets or hop on a private boat with a few scoops of gelato in hand!

Before leaving, be sure to indulge your cultural side with a trip to Pisogne, where you’ll find the church of Santa Maria della Neve.

The interior is covered with frescoes of the Passion of the Christ, and it’s even been called the “Sistine Chapel of the Poor.”

Yep, it’s that stunning.

Other Italian Lakes Worth Visiting

7. lake scanno.

If you’re looking for romantic places to visit in Italy , you cannot miss Lake Scanno in Abruzzo.

To start with, it’s literally shaped like a heart if you’re looking at it from a bird’s eye view.

But it’s the aquatic microorganisms and high levels of algae that make this one of the brightest and most beautiful Italian lakes.

You can coast around the shoreline on a pedal boat or head to the charming towns of Alleghe, Appeninia, or Frattura.

And if you want to appreciate the area’s natural beauty, several mountain trails will take you around Monti Marsicani.

Before heading off, hop over to the Church of the Madonna del Lago . If you have trouble spotting it, it’s perched on a rock wall by the shoreline!

8. Lake Trasimeno

Heading to Umbria this year?

Well, you should totally include Lake Trasimeno on your list of places to check out!

You’ll be awestruck by its picture-perfect villages, glistening waters, and tiny islets.

But it’s the incredible fortresses and towers that’ll transport you back in time – seriously, talk about romantic!

When it comes to the islands, prioritize Polvese. 

It’s home to large olive groves and medieval churches like the Church of San Giuliano (which is beautiful ).

But if you have time, the Chapel of San Francesco on Isola Maggiore is also worth visiting!

If you love medieval ruins, the small village of Castiglione del Lago is a must visit. Not only does it house the Palazzo Della Corgna , but the entire town is walled with three distinctive gates!

If you are in the area, don’t forget to stop at Faliero to try the “Torta al Testo de la Maria.”

Still made on the fire like the old times, this special flatbread, cooked in a cast iron pan, is soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Filled with local sausage, greens and local pecorino cheese, it’s a must-try if you are in the area.

9. Lake Bracciano

After you’ve taken in Rome’s ancient ruins, why not head 25km north to the glorious Lake Bracciano?

If you’re a local, visiting during the summer months is the perfect time as you’ll escape the sometimes-brutal heat of the cities.

Oh, and what makes this one of the more fascinating Italian lakes is that it’s volcanic and super clean. It is Rome’s water supply, after all!

Although you can’t hit the lake in a boat, lakeside walks, swimming, and wildlife spotting are encouraged.

After you’ve admired the area’s natural beauty, you need to visit the famous Orsini-Odescalchi Castle .

Built back in the 1400s, it’s considered one of the most iconic castles in Italy, with its enormous staterooms and wall frescoes.

And the 360-degree panoramas over the lakefront are simply breathtaking!

10. Lake Bolsena

Lake Bolsena is tucked away in central Italy, and it’s a huge favorite among divers, kayakers, and swimmers.

That’s partially down to the crystal-clear waters and smooth volcanic sand.

However, the incredible hilly landscape and shoreside forestry certainly add to the charm!

You can spend at least a day on the lake itself. 

But don’t forget to see the surrounding towns of Montefiascone, Marta, and Cività di Bagnoregio!

Because the lake is teeming with marine life, any of the small villages and towns are perfect for sampling eels or fish.

If you feel like zipping across the water, visit Bisentina Island, which is home to the Church of Saint James and Christopher.

The dome is fabulous and was designed back in the 1500s by Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola (one of the Italian greats, FYI!).

Whatever you choose to do here, I suggest trying to visit outside of the peak summer period to avoid crowds.

11. Lake Carezza

There’s not that much to do around Lake Carezza, but the water itself is seriously showstopping.

It’s famous for being uber-clean, clear, and perfectly turquoise (meaning you can practically see right to the bottom!).

There’s a hiking trail that passes directly around the lake which is approximately 2km long. 

So, it’s easy enough to cover in half an hour or so if you’re in a rush!

But trust me, you’ll want to hang around this gorgeous spot in the Dolomites for several hours.

While you’re walking, make sure you keep an eye out for the designated viewing platform.

It lets you get a wonderful snap of the entire lake that’ll make your entire Instagram feed shine.

If you’re just visiting the Dolomites for this lake, Stella Hotel Stern is just 10 minutes away from the lake (with amazing views!).

12. Lake Fedaia

Another Dolomites gem with sweeping valleys and glimmering blue waters? You can count me in!

Lake Fedaia is a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site perched at the foot of the Marmolada glacier.

Part of its charm is the fact that it’s surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

But what will truly take your breath away are the pink and orange sunsets that kiss the mountains.

You can walk around the lake trying out sport fishing or go mountain biking to satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie!

Anything goes when the setting is this beautiful.

13. Lake Resia

To round off this list of the best Italian lakes, we have Lake Resia!

What makes this lake special is the fact that it has a submerged bell tower sticking out of the water.

Yep, you read that right.

If you’re wondering why, it’s because this is actually an artificial lake that was created in 1950.

The water here is part of a dam that was built near the Passo di Resia, and the resulting water flooded the nearby villages.

Don’t worry – everyone was evacuated first and resettled first!

But the top of the 14 th -century bell tower remains a sign that this was once an inhabited area full of life.

There’s a beautiful 15km trail that takes you around the lake, but you can also go cycling or mountaineering if you’re brave!

If you’re visiting during the wintertime, there’s a popular ski slope (Belpiano) which is just 5km from the lake.

For a hit of culture, be sure to explore the Kastelbell Castle and the Marienberg Abbey!

Which Italian Lake are you going to visit first?

These incredible Italian lakes will take you on a journey filled with awe-inspiring beauty, captivating charm, and unforgettable moments. From the dazzling shores of Lake Como to the hidden gem of Lake Orta, each one has its own unique personality.

Which one are you going to visit first? And if you have any questions, let me know in the comments!

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9 Day Italian Lakes Tour to Milan, Lake Como and Lake Garda

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Discover the Italians’ favorite holiday haunts on this irresistible Italian Lakes trip. Linger over a sweet gelato on the shores of Lake Maggiore, sample authentic balsamic vinegar in Modena, then ease into the easy-going local way of life in enchanting lakeside villages.

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Explore Verona and Modena with a Local Specialist

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Visit Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda, Mantua and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena

View the Piazza del Duomo in Bergamo, Juliet's Balcony and the Roman Arena in Verona, the Cathedral in Modena and the Duomo and La Scala Opera House in Milan

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The Enchanting Italian Lakes: A Perfect Itinerary

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Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast

Days 1 & 2 – Milan

The perfect place to begin our tour in more ways than one. Milan's airport is well serviced by many domestic and international carriers, making it a important transport hub for the north of Italy, and easy to fly to from almost anywhere in the world. The city itself is also close to the Lakes, with Como and Garda both about a 2-hour drive away. Aside from logistics and convenience, there are many other reasons to visit Milan. The city enjoys a global reputation for fine shopping and fashion, and whilst you will find plenty of designer boutiques, those who are not fashion aficionados will also find plenty to see and do here. Stroll around the city, and visit the iconic Castello Sforzeso, a 15th-century castle that now houses many of Milan's art galleries and museums. Nearby is a fascinating Benedictine monastery, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, home to a stunning 16th-century fresco by Bernardino Luini called the Life of San Maurizio . Next door is the Monastero Maggiore, which, at one point, was the most important female Benedictine convent in Milan. Today it houses an archaeological museum and is open to the public. 

Despite Milan's celebrated history, it is also a modern economic powerhouse. Nowhere else is this more apparent than at the nearby Piazza Affari, which houses the financial city's beating heart, the Milan Stock Exchange. The Piazza Affari is also home to the controversial statue by celebrated local artist Maurizio Cattelan. Officially called L.O.V.E., the statue has – for obvious reasons – taken on the name 'The Middle Finger', and is located outside the Milan Stock Exchange. From here, it is just a short walk to Milan's iconic Gothic cathedral, which is a photographer's dream (especially at sunset), and the third-largest of its kind on earth. Milan is renowned for its nightlife and restaurants, so there'll be plenty to keep you occupied in the evenings. All in all, Milan is a fantastic place to spend a few days before heading out to the Lakes.    

Milan Duomo at sunset. Photo: Shutterstock

Days 2, 3 & 4 – Lake Garda 

The best way to get from Milan to Garda is to rent a car and drive. The route is stunning, and you have the added bonus of being able to stop off at places like Sirmione along the way. Sirmione is a picturesque community, complete with thermal springs, located on the southern shore of Lake Garda, between   Desenzano and Peschiera. Today, the picturesque village is made of windy streets that are dominated by a 13th-century castle, which make it well worth stopping off to explore.   

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian Lakes, and is long and slim: its southern shore is more built up (although hardly urban), while the north boasts dramatic fjord-like scenery, framed by rugged mountains. The lake boasts an abundance of charming towns, many of which, including Sirmione and Desenzano, were once the reserves of the Roman elite. Today, Desenzano is an traditional Italian town offering a genuine insight into everyday Italian life. Enjoy a coffee at one of the town's small cafes, and indulge in a spot of the most Italian of pastimes – people watching. The town of Malcesine is perhaps even more aesthetically pleasing, boasting a picturesque castle overlooking the lake, and a cable car to the top of the nearby Monte Baldo ridge, which is something of a walker's paradise. 

Whilst staying on Garda, you should consider taking a day trip to nearby Verona, the setting of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet . The town was originally designed to resemble the layout of a chessboard; today, the Gothic 14th-century Arche Scaligere remains a must-see. Here, five members of the Scaliger family, who once ruled Verona, were laid to rest. Be sure to head over the Piazza dei Signori and walk over the bridge crossing the Adige River for some stunning views. 

An idyllic beach on Lake Garda, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

Days 4, 5 & 6 – Lake Como 

The drive from Lake Garda to Lake Como is a pleasant one that will take about three hours. Lake Como is the most popular of the Italian Lakes, and has attracted the powerful and the artistic for well over 2,000 years now. Shaped like an upside down Y, the lake is framed by the foothills of the Alps, and is easily the most dramatic of all the Lakes. The city of Como sits at the southern tip of the western branch, and makes an ideal base and place to explore. Starting at the main square, Piazza Cavour, venture to the medieval old town, Cortesella, home to the iconic white-marble cathedral, which is Como's most iconic landmark. The cathedral was built over a long period of time, and fuses several architectural styles   together. From Como you can catch a boat to Bellagio, which takes an hour. Picturesque Bellagio is home to a superb collection of ancient villas, including Villa Serbelloni, which is nestled in a large, well-kept parkland. You will notice many houses and villas around Bellagio have clear neoclassical influences, and feature fountains and statues. The town also has a charming market, which isn't to be missed.

For an excursion from Como, we recommend Lake Lugano, which sits just between Como and Maggiore. Straddling the Swiss-Italian border, 67% of Lake Lugano actually falls within the Swiss canton of Ticino. The lake itself is long and snakes its way through through the Ticino like a river. You can take a day trip to the town of Lugano, located on the northern shores of the lake. The mountainous surroundings are ideal for trekking, mountain biking, horse-riding, sailing, golfing and various other outdoor pursuits, so keep your eyes peeled as you glide across the lake. Picturesque villages such as Gandria, Carona, Milde and Campione d'Italia cling to the mountainous lakeside, and boast medieval churches and castles. Lugano itself is sleek and vibrant, and offers an array of cultural attractions, shopping, restaurants and bars with which to entertain yourself with before the return journey. 

Lake Como in the summertime. Photo: Shutterstock

Days 6, 7 & 8 – Lake Maggiore 

Continue to Lake Maggiore, which is just a 90-minute drive from Lake Como. As with Lake Lugano, Maggiore straddles the Swiss-Italian border. The lake is framed by the dominant Matterhorn, and is the most picturesque of the Lakes. On the shores of Lake Maggiore sits the sleepy town of Stresa, the largest and most lively resort on the lake. Despite this, this town retains almost all of the original charm that first put it on map as part of the Grand Tour. 

Maggiore is well known for the Borromean Islands, of which there are three: Bella (beautiful), Madre (mother), and Pescatore (fisherman). The Borromean Islands were named after the Borromean Family, who once owned all the islands, and were summer favourites of writer Ernest Hemingway, amongst others. The islands are reachable via boat, which leaves from Stresa each day. Islola Pescatore (also known as Superiore) is the only Borromean Island that is continuously inhabited, and is home to a charming maze of side streets and alleyways. Isola Madre is home to a wild community of peacocks, pheasants and parrots, whilst Isola Bella is home to the the grand Palazzo Bromeo, with a fantastic 18th-century English Garden.      

Spend a few days soaking up the sights and delights of Maggiore, before returning to Milan to drop off your rental car and catch your onward flight, which is a 2-hour drive away. 

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Travel Guide To Italian Lakes

The Italian Lake District in the north of Italy has been a fashionable destination since Roman times. The lakes, from Lake Orta in the west to Lake Garda in the east, differ in size and character. Their shores, home to sleepy lakeside towns and busy water sport resorts alike, still retain a mystery and magic that attracts numerous visitors every year.

Where to stay in Italian Lakes

ALBERGO SAN ROCCO

Via Gippini 11, Orta San Giulio (00 39 0322 911 977; fax: 911 964). The four-star Albergo San Rocco is set in a 17th-century convent with a wonderful lake frontage overlooking the island which can be reached by the hotel's private launch. It also has Orta's best restaurant, the San Rocco, with fine pasta courses, grilled vegetables and lake fish, and a good wine list. £

GRAND HOTEL A VILLA FELTRINELLI

Via Rimembranza 38-40, Gargnano (00 39 0365 798000; www.villafeltrinelli.com ). DH Lawrence stayed in Gargnano for several months in 1912 and 1913 and described the area as 'one of the most beautiful places on earth'. Built in 1892 for the Feltrinelli family, and converted into a 21-room hotel in 2001, the Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli is an antiquarian's playhouse, with crenellated parapets, star-shaped windows, an octagonal tower and a main façade striped in luscious shades of nectarine and melon. Outside, massive flights of stone steps lead up to broad terraces; inside, there are panelled walls, coffered ceilings, glass-fronted ogival bookcases, parquet floors and, on the grand staircase, gilt-framed mirrors two storeys high reflecting the multicoloured light from stone-mullioned, stained-glass windows. The palatial villa has 13 sumptuous bedrooms in the main house including Il Poeta, which has great views of Lake Garda. Expect lavish antiques and wonderfully quirky furnishings; the bathrooms are particularly delightful, with enormous baths and walk-in showers. As featured in The Hot List 2002. £££££

GRAND HOTEL FASANO

Corso Zantelli 190, Gardone Riviera (00 39 0365 290220; www.grand-hotel-fasano.it). This is the best-located of the enormous belle époque hotels on the Gardone Riviera. Built on the site of a Habsburg hunting-lodge, it is a little bland but very comfortable, with a good pool, a lovely dining terrace and extensive lakeside gardens shaded by ancient palm trees. £

HOTEL CATULLO

Piazza Flaminia 7, Sirmione (00 39 030 990 5811). Just off the bustling main drag, the Hotel Catullo is a comfortable three-star with garden and solarium. £

HOTEL DUOMO

Via Lungolago Zanardelli 91, Salò (00 39 0365 21026). This clean and modern hotel is on the lakeside promenade. £

HOTEL EUROPA

Piazza Catena 9, Riva del Garda (00 39 0464 555 433). In Riva del Garda it is best to be in the centre of things, at the Hotel Europa, rather than in the rather anonymous eastern outskirts where most of the luxury hotels congregate. £

HOTEL LAURIN

Viale Landi 9, Salò (00 39 0365 22022). For that Grand Tour experience, don't miss breakfast in the dining-room of this Art Nouveau masterpiece. £

HOTEL SIRMIONE

With its Venetian fortress and Roman ruins. Sirmione is the most attractive town on the lake. The 19th-century, butter-yellow Hotel Sirmione is bounded by the lake, harbour and piazza with terraces on three sides. Ask for a balcony room. Piazza Castello 19, Sirmione (00 39 0309 990 4922; www.termedisirmione.com). £

LOCANDA AGLI ANGELI

Piazza Garibaldi 2, Gardone Riviera (00 39 0365 20832; www.agliangeli.com). In the medieval village of Gardone Sopra, a short distance uphill from the somewhat over-developed lakeside, Agli Angeli is an excellent restaurant with rooms divided between two houses. Most of the bedrooms are decorated in Balinese style. Doubles from 80 euros.

LOCANDA SAN VIGILIO

San Vigilio (00 39 045 725 6688). A romantic 16th-century inn whose seven rooms have a country-house intimacy. The estate also has seven self-contained apartments and suites elsewhere. The restaurant plays too much on its captive audience - but given the view across the lake, it seems churlish to complain about the antipasti. Closed November-March. ££

THE VILLA CORTINE PALACE HOTEL

Via Grotte 6, Sirmione (00 39 030 990 5890). Centred on a turn-of-the-century villa set in a huge park with fountains and a lakeside beach, this is the only luxury option worth considering in Sirmione. ££

VILLA FIORDALISO

Corso Zanardelli 132, Gardone Riviera (00 39 0365 20158; www.villafiordaliso.it). This Liberty-style villa with a splendid campanile has handsome, high-ceilinged rooms. The restaurant is popular with the local smart crowd. Lakefront gardens are screened from the road by tall cypress trees and there's a bar with spectacular views halfway up the tower. ££

VILLA PARADISO

Via Zanardelli 254, 25080 Fasano Del Garda, Italy (00 39 0365 21883; fax: 20269; www.villaparadiso.com ). Housed in a converted 17th-century convent, Villa Paradiso has an unremarkable facade, but that's partly the point. Italian celebrities, politicians and business people have been flocking here quietly for years. The vibe is traditional with a tasteful, contemporary twist in a style-conscious Italian way. A sweeping marble staircase leads from reception down to two elegant drawing rooms. On the same floor is the restaurant, which overlooks the terrace, the pool and Lake Garda. The 36 comfortable but small bedrooms take up the top two floors, all have balconies and lovely lake views. For information on the hotel's spa, see the Affordable Spas special feature. £££

LAKE MAGGIORE

GRAND HOTEL DES ILES BORROMEES

Corso Umberto I 67, Stresa (00 39 0323 938 938; fax: 32405). The grand hotels that line the busy promenade have thrown themselves so wholeheartedly into the conference market that individual travellers may feel a little hard done by. But if you want to try one, make it the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées. It is a glittering palace, but many will find the rooms over-decorated, the service over-confident, and the cappuccino appalling. ££

HOTEL VERBANO

Isola dei Pescatori (00 39 0323 32534; fax: 33129). Far and away the nicest place to stay on the central part of the lake. All the rooms (each named after a flower) are prettily decorated in pastel colours, with painted cast iron bedheads. The restaurant, whose clientele inevitably includes boatloads of non-guests, is a cut above the rest, with good home-made pasta; in summer, one can eat al fresco on the terrace above a small shingle beach. Call the hotel for a private boat service if you miss the last ferry. £

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IL SOLE DI RANCO

Piazza Venezia 5, Ranco (00 39 0331 976 507; fax: 976 620). Il Sole di Ranco has bought up the twin building which partially blocked its view of the lake; here six suites have been created, full of country house charm. The other rooms, above the restaurant, are comfortable, bright and spacious, but only four have lake views. ££

VILLA D'ESTE

Via Regina 40, Cernobbio (00 39 031 3481; fax: 39 031.348844; www.villadeste.it ). Set in vast grounds on the shore of Lake Como, this lavish hotel, one of the most romantic in the world, was once the summer palace of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio of Como in the late 16th century. Today it has 166 rooms and suites, a heated swimming pool built within the lake, an indoor pool and tennis courts. Guest rooms are fitted with huge marble bathrooms, balconies, and walk-in wardrobes. Activities available on the lake include sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and boat excursions. There is also a spa: the Villa d'Este Beauty Farm, located on the first floor of the Cardinal building, and a nearby golf course. Expensive, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. ££££

HOTEL DU LAC

Via del Prestino 4, Varenna (00 39 0341 830 238; fax: 831 081). Of the two contenders in Varenna, the 18th-century Hotel du Lac is the one to go for. Rooms are homely rather than elegant, but the lakeside position makes drawing back the curtains an unforgettable experience. £

GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI

Via Roma 1, Bellagio (00 39 031 950 216; fax: 951 529). If one takes account of inflation, prices at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni have changed very little since it opened in 1872; the only difference being that in those days one had to add the price of candles. Set in a shady park on the side of the lake, it is centred on a neoclassical villa with ornate columns and frescoed ceilings. Rooms are elegant and spacious, and service impeccable. ££

Piazza Mazzini 32, Bellagio (00 39 031 950 320; fax: 951 624). The lively Hotel du Lac is a good option among the three-stars on the lakeside promenade. £

HOTEL FLORENCE

Piazza Mazzini 46, Bellagio (00 39 31 950 342; fax: 951 722). The elegant three-star Hotel Florence is another good option on the lakeside promenade. £

Where to eat out in Italian Lakes

Albergo San Rocco, via Gippini 11, Orta San Giulio (00 39 0322 911 977; fax: 911 964). One of Orta's best restaurants, the San Rocco, in the Albergo San Rocco (See Where to Stay ), offers fine pasta courses, grilled vegetables and lake fish, and a good wine list.

Via Roma 18, Soriso (00 39 0322 983 228). Located in the tiny village of Soriso, eight kilometres south from Orta San Giulio on the road to Gozzano, Al Sorriso, spelt with double 'r' because sorriso means smile, is one of the few restaurants in Italy with three Michelin stars and offers a no-holds-barred gourmet experience. It is also one of Italy's most expensive restaurants. Feast on giant ravioli with goat's cheese filling, or crostini with polenta, onions, roses, foie gras and pomegranate seeds. There are also moderately priced rooms where you can sleep it off.

RISTORANTE SAN GIULIO

Orta San Giulio (00 39 0322 915 850). Set in an 18th-century building with ceiling frescoes and a pretty, vine-covered terrace; the cooking here is fairly average. Closed Monday.

TAVERNA ANTICO AGNELLO

Via Olina 18, Orta San Giulio (00 39 0322 90259). This rustic taverna serves 'horse with garlic and rosemary' - as close as you will want to get to minced donkey meat, a local speciality. Closed Tuesday.

ANTICO TRATTORIA DELLE ROSE

Via Gasparo da Salò 33, Salò (00 39 0365 43220). The best of the town's restaurants, with a menu in which mushrooms and meat prevail over fish. Closed Wednesday.

PICCOLO GRILL

Via Cesare Battisti 4, Salò (00 39 0365 62462). For fish, head five kilometres south to the pretty harbour of Porto Portese, where the Piccolo Grill prides itself on the freshness of its eels, bream and squid. Closed all day Wednesday and Thursday lunch.

Via Strentelle 7, Sirmione (00 39 030 916 326). A small place whose decor mixes 1970s nightclub with farmhouse rustic; but the cooking (scampi-filled ravioli, lake fish) is top-notch, and the desserts spectacular. Closed Thursday.

Via Fasano Sopra 75, Gardone Riviera (00 39 0365 20545). A rustic trattoria where meat and lake fish are grilled on an open fire and consumed with a carafe of honest local wine on a leafy terrace.

Via XXIV Maggio 5, Gargnano (00 39 0365 71251). A restaurant around which to plan one's itinerary, La Tortuga is a tiny place with dark wood and white walls. Try the home-made pappardelle with vegetables and a parmesan fondue, or the lavarello, a lake fish served with capers and baby tomatoes. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

VECCHIA RIVA

Via Bastione 3, Riva del Garda (00 39 0464 555 061). A classy restaurant with international cuisine and clientele. Open evening only, closed Tuesday.

LA TERRAZZA

Via Pasubio 15, Torbole (00 39 0464 506 083). Stop off to eat on the lakeside veranda at La Terrazza, a good-value restaurant which is probably the best place on the northern lake for Trentino regional cooking. Fish is still the star turn. Closed Tuesday.

LA PIEMONTESE

Via Mazzini 25, Stresa (00 39 0323 30235). Located in the centre of town, this is a haven of dark wood decor and serious cooking with good lake fish and game and an excellent cheese board. Closed on Mondays.

IL BOCCON DI VINO

Via Troubetzkoy 86, Verbania (Pallanza and Intra) (00 39 0323 504 039). A small, plain osteria serving assured cuisine. If maltagliati con i porri (pasta with leeks) is available, order it; the desserts are equally fine. For wine, just ask the gruff owner to pick a decent bottle of Barbera: he will.

Corso Zanitello 2, Verbania (Pallanza and Intra) (00 39 0323 556 816). For something a little more refined, try Milano, a neo-Gothic edifice in the centre of Pallanza with a terrace overlooking the lake. Sample the lake fish - pesce persico (perch) and salmerino (char) - with organic, home-grown vegetables. Closed Tuesday.

Piazza Venezia 5, Ranco (00 39 0331 976 507; fax: 976 620). In the able hands of owner and chef Carlo Brovelli, the Sole has become a temple of Italian haute cuisine; not always as perfect as the presentation and prices would suggest, but pretty close. It also has rooms to rent (see Where to Stay ).

VECCHIA VARENNA

By the old port in Varenna (00 39 0341 830 793). The faintly nouvelle food is good, though not always as faultless as it would like to be. Closed Monday.

BAR CAFFE ROSSI

Piazza Mazzini 22-24, Bellagio (00 39 031 950 196). This elegant bar with its Art Nouveau wood and mirrors, is the best place to loll over a dry martini.

Salita Mella 13, Bellagio (00 39 031 951 389). Of the restaurants in the steep streets of the old town, Barchetta has the edge, with its cosy terrace, friendly service and good local specialities.

Via Carcano 12, Bellagio (00 39 031 950 322). Lake fish is the speciality at this rustic restaurant on the little harbour inlet of Loppia just beyond the Villa Melzi; it also has a few simple and inexpensive rooms, most with fabulous lake views.

LOCANDA DELL'ISOLA COMACINA

Isola Comacina (00 39 034 455 083). Everybody has to eat just once at the remarkable Locanda dell'Isola Comacina. Freed from the burden of choosing the food - it's a set menu, featuring lake-trout and chicken - diners can watch a choreographed show, all dancing pepper-mills and splashes of olive oil, whose pièce de résistance is the host's 'fire ceremony', in which Benvenuto deploys brandy, sugar, coffee and matches while offering a potted history of the island in an exotic variety of English picked up when he was a waiter at the Penthouse Club in London - all to exorcise a curse put on the island by a 12th-century bishop of Como. The bill is way too high for the decidedly rustic cuisine - but it does include that show, and a marvellous view from the terrace. Closed Tuesday but open all week June-September. Get there by boat from Sala Comacina.

SANTO STEFANO

Piazza XI Febbraio 3, Lenno (00 39 034 455 434). Head to Lenno, where Santo Stefano serves the Como speciality, missoltini (dried twaite shad, if you must know). Closed Monday.

DA LUIGI, ACQUASERIA

Via Statale 59, Sant'Abbondio (00 39 034 450 057). In the hamlet of Sant'Abbondio, this restaurant has great fish antipasti and a rare treat on Como - pizzas cooked in a wood oven. Closed Wednesday.

What to see in Italian Lakes

OUR PICK OF THE BEST ITALIAN LAKES AND WHAT TO SEE AND DO THERE.

LAKE ORTA A pocket-sized lake - 13km long and three wide - where soft morning mists are a way of life. Orta has a single, must-stay base town of Orta San Giulio, with cream-coloured houses roofed with thick slate tiles, a lakeside central square, Piazza Motta, overlooked by the Palazotto, a frescoed 16th-century building borne up by the stilts of a cosy loggia, and unforgettable views of the island, Isola San Giulio. Tourist tat is almost absent; instead there are several delicatessens, an antiquarian bookshop, a shop specialising in period jewellery and an excellent wine bar - the cosy Enoteca Re di Coppe at piazza Motta 32. LAKE GARDA The largest of the Italian lakes, and possibly the most beautiful. Its balmy climate is Garda's big selling point. The lake acts as a gigantic solar panel and a ring of mountains stores the heat. The famous lake winds keep things bearable and windsufers happy. Around Lake Garda, places to visit include Sirmione, a green and peaceful headland covered in olive trees and cypresses, and the occasional garden hotel. Visit the huge, old-fashioned thermal establishment which takes hot, sulphurous water from a spring that gurgles from the bottom of the lake a few hundred metres offshore. Punta Portese marks the beginning of the Riviera Bresciana, Garda's small-scale version of the Côte d'Azur which takes in the towns of Salò and Gardone Riviera. Further up the western shore is Gargnano, a perfect little port town, with one of the lake's best restaurants, La Tortuga (see Where to Eat ), and one of the most romantic hotels in Italy , Villa Feltrinelli , with its own Michelin-starred restaurant. Riva del Garda, the main resort of the northern shore, has tall and solid buildings. Torbole, at the other end of the north shore, is a pretty town with an unimpeded view on clear days right down the lake to Desenzano, and a clear run for windsurfers, who have elected the town as their main Garda base. The eastern shore of the lake is dominated by the long ridge of Monte Bardo, a verdant mountain where rhododendrons, gentians and rare orchids bloom. The best way to explore it is by taking the cable car from Malcesine, which is the main town of the upper shore and one of the most picturesque of the whole lake. Garda is an attractive, faintly old-fashioned resort frequented by British and German tourists. Bardolino beyond has two pretty churches and between Bardolino and Peschiera is the Gardaland amusement park, the largest in Italy. LAKE MAGGIORE Despite its stately bearing, grand hotels and formal gardens, and its fringe of mountains, Maggiore is not highly rated by the cognoscenti of the Italian Lakes. To unlock the lake's charm, explore its picturesque and busy central parts and southern reaches by boat, using the extensive network of ferries for short visits before retiring to its calmer shores. At the centre of the lake float the Borromean Islands: the Isola Bella, almost entirely occupied by the Borromeo family palace and gardens (open April-September, 9am-noon and 1.30-5.30pm; October, until 5pm); the Isola dei Pescatori, with houses huddled together; and finally (apart from tiny San Giovanni, which is not open to tourists), distant and aloof, the Isola Madre, another Borromeo fiefdom. Lake Maggiore's smart, low-slung white ferries shuttle back and forth between the belle époque resort of Stresa and Isola dei Pescatori every half-hour in the summer, calling in at Isola Bella on the way. One of the lake's most popular attractions is the castle of Angera (open April-September, 9.30am-12.30pm; October until 5pm) on the south-eastern shore. Just north of Angera is the sleepy village of Ranto. There is little to see here but its fabulous Sole restaurant and hotel (see Where to Stay and Where to Eat ) make it one of the most luxurious and pampered retreats on the lake. Near Ranco, don't miss the tiny Eremo di Santa Caterina, a wonderful church which seems to grow out of the mountainside. LAKE COMO Como is the most beautiful of the Italian lakes - particularly in the centre of the lake, where the eastern Lecco branch meets the main lake. Nestling in this charmed space, offering almost infinite views, is Ballagio, which manages to be a town entirely given up to tourism, and yet entirely delightful. Partly this has to do with the town's unique setting. Partly though, it is also because the tourism is on such a small and human scale: there are only a handful of hotels, including a 'Grand' that lives up to its name (see Where to Stay ). Varenna, on the rugged eastern shore also merits a visit. It consists of a few boats pulled up on the beach, two bars and a restaurant hidden behind a medieval arcade. A good hotel and frequent car-and passenger-ferries make it an excellent base. Explore the lake by boat - travel is effortless and the views are ever-changing. The voyage from Varenna in the east to Menaggio in the west by way of Bellagio displays all three arms of the lake in a slowly shifting choreography of water and mountains. LAKE ISEO Cradled in a deep glacial valley north-west of Brescia, Lake Iseo doesn't feature in most tour operators' Italian Lakes brochures. That's one reason to go there, another is scenery. Lake Iseo has a certain unrestrained elegance evident in its handsome waterside promenade and its wide squares lined by low arcades. Iseo is a place where people live and work, tourists are welcome but they do not run the whole show as in some parts of the larger lakes. From Sulzano and Sale Marasino on the lake's eastern shore, boats ply back and forth to Monte Isola, which proclaims itself as 'Europe's largest lake island'. With its uneven, dromedary outline it is certainly one of the steepest - as anyone who climbs through the olive and walnut trees to the 13th-century church of Madonna della Ceriola will discover.

How to get to Italian Lakes

Milan is the most convenient city to fly into for the Italian Lakes. There are two main airports in Milan: Linate, which is 12km east of Milan, and Malpensa, 48km northwest of the capital. For rail connections from Milan visit www.fs-on-line.com .

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

British Airways (0845 773 3377; www.britishairways.com ) and Alitalia (0870 544 8259; www.alitalia.co.uk ) fly to Milan.

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A guide to Lake Como's highlights — villas, promenades and aperitivo spots not to miss

The western branch of this northern Italian lake is its highlight, home to romantic villas and revamped waterfront promenades in pretty Como city.

Lake Como conveys notions of easy elegance and the Italian art of slow living, and has come to stand for something bigger than it is. Officially called Lario, Italy ’s third-biggest lake has been drawing visitors since the 18th century, when it was a popular stop for European nobles on their grand tours. More recently, it stepped into the spotlight as the backdrop for films including Ocean’s Twelve and Casino Royale . But the lake’s prestige dates to Roman times, when Julius Ceasar drained a swamp at its southwestern end, strategically located near Alpine passes, and funded the creation of a city known as Novum Comum.

It laid the foundation for Como, the main hub to this day and the reason why the lake is commonly known as Como. This spring is the best time to visit the city in over a decade, as sections of its waterfront sidewalks, which had been cordoned off for expansion since 2008, are once again open to walkers. The centre is dominated by the azure dome of the Duomo di Como , one of the last gothic cathedrals built in the country. Behind it is Teatro Sociale , and to one side is the shopping street of Via Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s a good place to pick up a souvenir: mulberry trees were planted on Lake Como’s hills in the 15th century, and boutiques like A Picci sell handkerchiefs and scarves using their silk.

Next to the shop, Via Lambertenghi leads to Via Alessandro Volta , named after the physicist credited as the inventor of the electric battery. The townhouse where he was born in 1745 is marked with a plaque, and around it are some of the most coveted addresses of the time. This is not least thanks to their giardini pensili — gardens built on the Roman walls that once guarded the city centre.

Equally evocative is Passeggiata Lino Gelpi , between the lake and shorefront private gardens. The path’s name pays tribute to the 19th-century mayor who reclaimed a strip of land from villa owners to pave Como’s most scenic public footpaths. It’s a front-row spot from which to watch the lake’s seaplanes land, and it’s especially lovely in spring, when wisteria blooms along the banks.

Continue walking along the waterside road for half an hour to Cernobbio , one of the lake’s most popular resorts. Local Comaschi come to eat at Harry’s Bar , in a piazza by the shore; it serves whitefish from the lake, but the pick is the sole meuniere, floured and pan fried to crispy perfection. Alternatively, taxis wind up the hillside to Il Gatto Nero . It serves specialities from the surrounding region, such as ravioli with ossobuco and saffron, and has become popular among visiting celebrities thanks to its view of the lake.

For a different perspective, take to the water. Ferries link Como to the Alto Lago (‘High Lake’), its northernmost shore. But, if budget allows, the transport mode of choice are Riva runabouts . High-end hotels offer private rides on these mahogany speedboats as part of their activity programmes. Otherwise, companies like Como Classic Boats pick visitors up from almost any hamlet with a dock.

Among the most prettiest is Torno , on the western shore, with red-tiled roofs and a waterfront bell tower. It’s opposite Passalaqua ; built in the 18th century for a scion of local nobility, this villa was crowned the world’s top hotel by The World’s 50 Best in 2023, a year after opening. A glimpse is all you’ll get, as only guests are allowed in, but as an alternative visit Villa d’Este , the lake’s historic grand dame hotel. Further down the shores, highlights include Villa Carlotta and neoclassical Villa del Balbianello , which juts out on a promontory in Ossuccio.

A former fishing community, Ossuccio is also a gateway to Isola Comacina and UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di Ossuccio , 14 chapels leading to a hillside sanctuary. From its waterfront, the view is a snapshot of what makes Lake Como so alluring: the unassuming hamlets next to larger-than-life villas, and the green, wooded hills sloping down to the deep-blue water. In the distance, always in view, are the Alps. From the Roman Empire to modern-day Hollywood, it’s a scene that’s charmed through the ages.

3 highlights not to miss in Lake Como

1. Teatro Sociale Como’s 19th-century theatre has always had a special affinity with the opera. This summer, it’ll join other venues across the country in marking 100 years since the death of Giacomo Puccini with an open-air production of Turandot, the composer’s final masterpiece.

2. Villa Carlotta The 20-acre botanical garden of Villa Carlotta is a much-loved retreat on the lake. There are monumental trees, a citrus tunnel and a path among the ferns, but it’s most famous for its azaleas, which bloom into full cushions of red, white and pink for a few weeks each May.

3. Isola Comacina The lake’s only island is mostly uninhabited, but its trails lead past olives, lindens and laurels, as well as houses for short-term artists in residence. Every June, the popular San Giovanni Festival reenacts a fire that devastated the island in the 12th century with a red-tinted firework display.

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The greatest Italian Lakes – and where to stay

Gorgeous hotels to check into on the shores of Italy's most fabulous lakes

The Italian Lakes conjure heavenly images of ethereal beauty, with their deep blue waters set against striking mountainous backdrops and charming fishing villages squeezed onto slender shorelines. Plump lemons hang from trees, olive groves and vineyards carpet hillsides, while terraced gardens overflowing with bougainvillea, azaleas and camellias offer a flavour of the Mediterranean at the foot of the Alps. Sports enthusiasts will love the rugged north of Lake Garda while those looking for a quieter retreat may want to make for neighbouring Lake Iseo. Romantics will be drawn by the calm and intimate feel of little Lake Orta or the arresting vistas of Lake Como, while botanical enthusiasts won’t want to miss Lake Maggiore’s lush lakefront gardens.

No matter which lake you choose, there’s no shortage of wonderful hotels , from budget-friendly boutique boltholes nestled among quaint fishing villages to stylish, fashionable retreats offering striking lake panoramas. Many of the Lakes’ opulent villas have been converted into luxury hotels, some retaining a classic feel with sumptuous furnishings, elaborate frescoes, and beautifully preserved original features. Others have been redesigned to offer travellers a contemporary 21st-century look, with sleek fittings, hip designer décor and decadently fashionable infinity pools – with prices to match. All you need to do now is choose which lake best suits you. These are the best Italian Lake hotels. 

With its glamorous lakeside properties and mahogany Riva boats zipping across deep blue waters, Lake Como oozes la dolce vita. Dotting the shoreline are charming villages and historical villas flanked by impeccably manicured gardens that are a riot of colour come spring. Charming Bellagio is one of the major draws, as is romantic Varenna, with its steep cobbled staircases and narrow lanes, although you won’t be the only one wandering their streets in high summer. Whilst the southern basin of the lake offers the most sensational views and an abundance of accommodation options, if you’re looking to escape the crowds make for North Lake Como, which remains largely unaffected by tourism – it’ll be kinder to your wallet, too.

Where to stay

Passalacqua

9 Telegraph expert rating

Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda is spread out over three of Italy’s regions. Its southern shore is characterised by gentle hills carpeted in olive groves and vineyards, with charming lakefront villages that have attracted their share of poets, artists and writers over the centuries. As you travel north to Trentino, the scenery becomes decidedly more dramatic, with steep cliffs plunging into deep blue waters. Lake Garda is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with water sports aplenty, including kitesurfing and sailing, along with climbing, mountain biking and canyoning. It’s one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, with no shortage of accommodation options.

Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli

Hotel Villa Arcadio

Nestled to the west of Lake Garda, little Lake Iseo is often overlooked in favour of its giant neighbour, yet it’s a pleasant little spot away from the crowds. It’s home to Europe’s largest lake island, Monte Isola, an inhabited island that’s a calm and peaceful retreat, with a perimeter promenade that’s best travelled on two wheels. The Via Valeriana, once an ancient trading route, is a popular hiking route that snakes through olive groves and vineyards, while lying to the southeast is Franciacorta, a hilly region that produces some of the country’s finest sparkling wine. From vineyard stays to hotels exuding old-fashioned charm, the lake offers a handful of agreeable options to bed down.

Castello Oldofredi

8 Telegraph expert rating

L'Albereta

Lake maggiore.

Once a popular resort for European nobility on their Grand Tour, Lake Maggiore is a peaceful spot offering a smattering of impressive sights. With palm trees and classically styled hotels lining the front, Stresa is the jumping off point for the Isole Borromee, home to spectacular Baroque palazzi and terraced gardens (complete with white peacocks strutting around Isola Madre). The northern part of the lake is more sedate, with tranquil lakeside villages, and walking routes meandering through wooded landscapes. Pop over to charming little Lake Mergozzo, which offers some of the cleanest waters of Italy’s pre-alpine lakes; it was once part of Lake Maggiore, today connected to the lake via a marshy 2.7km canal.

Hotel La Palma

Grand Hotel Majestic

7 Telegraph expert rating

Lying entirely in Piedmont, beautiful little Lake Orta is one of the most captivating of the lakes, yet remains largely unexplored, with its neighbour Lake Maggiore attracting the bulk of tourists. The medieval village of Orta San Giulio is an utter delight, with narrow, cobbled streets lined with sugared-almond buildings and a picturesque piazza with boats bobbing up and down in the marina. Isola San Giulio is another highlight, a charming lake island home to a monastery housing a community of nuns. The last few years have seen a couple of great new additions to the lake’s hotel offering, making this a lovely choice for a romantic weekend away.  

Villa Crespi

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Italian Lakes Road Trip – Circumnavigating Northern Italy’s Romantic Lakes

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Italian Lakes road trip? But don’t people visit the lakes to stay at grand hotels, stroll luxuriant gardens and cruise around on glam speedboats? They do. But if you like to drive, one of the most fun things to do is circumnavigate Northern Italy’s  lakes by car. Like driving Mallorca , the majestic mountains and shimmering water make a road trip around the Italian Lakes a real delight.

The 18th- and 19th-century grand tourists travelled around the Italian Lakes by horse and carriage, risking attacks by bandits to take in the breathtaking beauty of this Northern Italian region and to settle into the sumptuous grand hotels that dotted the lakes.

These days the most fun way to see the area is from behind the wheel of a car – preferably, a small, fast car – on an Italian Lakes road trip. Here’s our guide to how to do it, based on our many years of experience criss-crossing Italy by car, researching and writing travel guidebooks on Italy, including half a dozen guidebooks to the Italian Lakes, Milan and Northern Italy.

Italian Lakes Road Trip – Circumnavigating Northern Italy’s Lakes

The Northern Italians love the Lakes and often head here from Milan or Turin for the weekend, but a week to ten days is a more realistic time for you to get a decent taste of the region if you’re doing an Italian Lakes road trip.

Twisty narrow roads run along the shores of the lakes and while distances don’t seem great on the map, driving can be slow going, especially in summer when traffic can be bumper-to-bumper and every cyclist in Italy is Lycra-clad and on two wheels.

Never doubt that the roads here are tricky – in 2008 a stunt driver delivering an Aston Martin DBS to a James Bond film set managed to take the rare vehicle for a dip! So if you’re not used to snaking your way around continuous turns, it’s better to take your time.

Our Italian Lakes Road Trip Route

The best approach is to book a rental car from Milan airport, and head for the westernmost lago , Lake Maggiore and its tiny neighbour, Lake Orta, spend time exploring both lakes, then drive eastward to Lake Como, spend some time there, finishing at Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, where you can finish your road trip.

How Long Do You Need for an Italian Lakes Road Trip?

So how long do you need for an Italian Lakes road trip? Or how little? Based on our many trips to the Italian Lakes, both for holidays and work (torture!), we’d recommend an absolute minimum of 2-3 days but note that you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car – or getting in and out of the car.

A week to 10 days on the Italian Lakes is wonderful if you have the time, spending 2-3 days exploring Lake Maggiore and its tiny neighbour, Lake Orta, before driving eastward to Lake Como for another 2-3 days, finishing with 2-3 days at Lake Garda and Lake Iseo.

A 1-week to 10-day road trip will give you a great taste of the Italian Lakes and allow you to see quite a lot of the lakes, stroll the beautiful private gardens that open to the public, explore villages, and do some activities, such as a speed boat tour or scenic flight.

My ideal Italian Lakes road trip is longer; more like 3 weeks to a month, but not everyone has the time or funds. That’s why we wrote all those Italy guidebooks!

Could you do an Italian Lakes Road trip in less than a week? Sure, you could. Could you could spend a weekend on the Italian Lakes? Absolutely, but you’d spend most of the time driving if you try to see them all. You’d be better off choosing one lake, and spending a weekend on Lake Como, Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda.

There are so many things to do on Lake Como , from doing a private speed boat tour to visiting the many splendid villas with luxuriant gardens open to the public that Lake Como would be our pick for a weekend on the Italian Lakes.

But you really want to see all the Italian Lakes in the shortest time possible as you have a limited time… yes, a 4-day or even 3-day Italian Lakes road trip is possible, but you’ll be spending a lot of time getting in and out of your car. While the lakes are stunning in summer, don’t do that trip during the Italian school holidays or you’ll be spending it in gridlock.

If you’re going to explore the rest of Northern Italy, see our Northern Italian itineraries for ideas and inspiration.

Best Time of Year for an Italian Lakes Road Trip?

We enjoyed a winter holiday on the Italian Lakes a couple of times, but summer, spring and autumn are the best times for an Italian Lakes road trip, particularly if you want to break up the driving with short hikes in the surrounding mountains, walks along the lake shores, or hit the water for some wind-surfing, sailing, kite-surfing, fishing, or a cruise.

No matter which lake you’re on, summer is the best time to do as the locals do and partake in the Italian rituals of a late afternoon passeggiata and aperitivo , a cocktail or two with few small dishes of chips, nuts and olives, at a waterfront café-bar.

Driving Around Lake Maggiore And Lake Orta

With the Alps providing a dramatic backdrop, grand old hotels dominating its shores, and four attractive islands called the Isole Borromee , Lake Maggiore is the most magnificent of the lakes.

Drive along the western shore, where Verbania boasts a lively waterfront with parks, Stresa has a maze of narrow streets made for exploring, and Cannobio has outdoor cafes and a lakeside beach with evenly-tanned locals strutting their stuff.

From Cannobio, take the sign-posted turn-off to Val Cannobio and take a loop around Parco Nazionale della Val Grande , Italy’s largest wilderness area, and the scenic route to Lake Orta. While it’s a popular hiking spot with Europeans, you can easily enjoy the craggy mountains from the comfort of the car. We did, anyway.

After a rapid ascent up narrow winding roads, the route takes you across ancient stone arched bridges, through dense forest to high mountainous wilderness. The slender road trims down to an anorexic stick of a lane.

Pull over whenever you can (finding a safe spot is tricky), stretch your legs, and breathe in the crisp fresh air – and, quite probably, a whiff of hard-worked brake pads.

After an hour or so hugging the hills and snaking beneath canopies of trees, you’ll meet the main road at Malesco, and, if you’re not careful, the freeway at Domodóssola. The smaller road adjacent to the freeway is much more pleasurable, with ruins of castles and towers dotting the drive.

Take the Omegna exit for Lake Orta and follow the signs to San Giulio. Surrounded by rolling hills and forests, placid Lake Orta is special.

San Giulio is a charming village worth spending the night in. Admittedly there’s little to do but wander the narrow streets, sit in the sunshine on the main square, and take a boat across to tiny Isola di San Giulio.

Where to Stay on Lake Maggiore

Built in 1861, the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées at Stresa is an exquisitely restored Belle Époque masterpiece on a massive lakeside property with sprawling gardens and sumptuous rooms with lake views. Be prepared to dress up for the main restaurant.

Where to Stay on Lake Orta

Book a room Villa Crespi as soon as you book your flight. The magical Moorish-style villa, built in 1879, has just fourteen ornate rooms. It’s also home to the Michelin two-star cuisine of chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo whose creativity outshines the whimsicality of the accommodation.

Driving Around Lake Como

The quintessential Northern Italian lake, Lake Como is a stunner. It’s also the most glamorous of the lakes, thanks to the luxury hotels, palatial villas and… George Clooney.

Since the silver-haired Hollywood heartthrob bought a villa on Lake Como in 2001, he’s charmed the locals whose only complaint is the paparazzi prowling the lakeside for shots of Clooney and Amal in a speedboat or riding his Harley.

The elegant city of Como makes a terrific base for exploring and car ferries criss-cross the lake making it easy to get around. You can also park the car and do a private speed boat tour in a fancy polished wooden boat.

Driving here, however, will have you wondering from time to time whether you’re actually on a one-way or two-way road. More than once we feared for our external rear view mirrors – especially when a Ferrari was coming in the opposite direction.

From the city of Como, drive north along the western shore, stopping to wander the cobblestone lanes of the laidback villages of Varenna and Menaggio , and to gape at the grand hotels and the gardens of Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo .

If you want to get wet continue onto Dervio for sailing or Domaso for windsurfing, both at the northern end of the lake. If you’re happy staying dry, from Tremezzo take the car-ferry to Bellagio , one of the most beautiful villages on the lake.

There are handsome waterfront hotels at Bellagio or you can catch another ferry across to Varenna on the eastern shore. Varenna’s tiny alleys are worth an amble, as are Villa Monastero’s gorgeous gardens which offer panoramic lake views.

On the drive back down to Como, stop at Lecco for a walk along the attractive waterfront where the local fishermen like to throw in a line.

Back in Como, if you need a break from driving, you could take a scenic seaplane flight – on a clear day, the views are spectacular, especially if there’s snow on the Alps – or (far more Clooneyesque) hire a speedboat.

You’ll have to BYO girls in bikinis and James Bond-like blokes though but once in the air you can see where you’ve driven and gasp in horror at those narrow roads.

Where to Stay on Lake Como

In sophisticated Como, the 19th-century Albergo Terminus is on the waterfront (book a lake view room) and has a sumptuous Art Nouveau bar-restaurant that’s worth a meal. Elsewhere on Lake Como, the splendid  Gra nd Hotel Tremezzo dates to 1910, has a floating lake pool and sandy lido overlooking Bellagio.

From Tremezzo, take the car ferry to Bellagio, an enchanting village of cobblestone lanes and charming shops, where a night at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni , dating to 1873, is a must. Dating to 1873, the hotel is decorated in frescoes, antique wallpapers and Murano chandeliers, and has an enormous lakeside swimming pool and a magnificent Michelin-starred restaurant.

Driving Around Lake Garda and Lake Iseo

The largest of the lakes, Lake Garda has a bit of everything for everyone. Faded charm, splendid old hotels, and sophisticated restaurants, plus good beaches and agreeable winds for water sports.

Canoes, catamarans, sailboats, and motorboats can all be hired on Lake Garda. If you’re travelling with kids there’s the added bonus of theme parks and water parks, but these get very busy in summer with Italian families.

Sirmione is touristy but it has a photogenic castle with moat and drawbridge, plenty of waterfront hotels and restaurants, and nice beaches, like the one pictured above. It was sweltering the day I took that photo, but Lara and I were researching a guidebook and sadly had no time for a swim.

From Sirmione, drive clockwise, stopping at Salò where Mussolini retreated to, and Gardone Riviera , where you can visit Il Vittoriale, an ostentatious villa once owned by a famously eccentric fascist poet. Both towns are incredibly picturesque and definitely worth a wander.

Continuing north, Riva del Garda and Torbole are popular haunts of sailors and windsurfers, as is Malcesine on the eastern side.

Close by, low-key Lake Iseo, has scenic waterside promenades, pleasant town squares and plenty of camping and fishing opportunities.

Wherever you are, come sunset, make sure you’re close to a waterside café or bar where you can reward yourself with a cold birra . Trust us, you’ll need it.

Where to Stay on Lake Garda

One of the most famous of the Italian Lakes grand hotels,  Grand Hotel Fasano at Gardone Riviera offers the quintessential Lake Garda lakeside experience. Built as a hunting lodge for the Austrian imperial family in 1888, it has lovely gardens, fine restaurants, a bar, and beach club.

Also in Gardone Riviera, Villa Fiordaliso is Lake Garda’s most romantic hotel. The pretty pink neoclassical villa has a small private beach and marina, a Michelin-starred waterfront restaurant that’s definitely worth a meal, and a piano bar atop the medieval San Marco Tower. But it has just five suites, so can be hard to get into. It’s worth trying! The sumptuous Claretta suite is our pick with original period furnishings and a terrace boasting beautiful lake vistas.

Our Italian Lakes Road Trip Tips

• Book a rental car from Milan airport (well in advance) so that you can hit the road straight away and avoid Milan’s traffic.
• Time your trip to coincide with the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at Monza, just north of Milan, which is home to one of motorsports’ most legendary events. The annual race on ‘La Pista Magica’, or ‘the magic track’ as the Italians call it, is for many Italians the highlight of the sporting calendar and is seen as the ‘home’ grand prix of Ferrari.
• In the winter months, the magic track, officially called the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, which has held the grand prix every year bar one since the start, is often open for ‘general driving’ where you can take street cars onto the circuit and do a lap. See the Monza website for details.
• If you’re a motor sports fan, note that one of Europe’s oldest motorcycle manufacturers, Moto Guzzi, has its address on Lake Como.
• If you’re an Italian car lover, do a detour to Modena, the home of sports car manufacturer Ferrari, and Bologna, the address of Ducati motorcycles.

First Published 18 August 2016; Last Updated and Republished 14 May 2023

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Travel Home > Italy > Itineraries > 7 Day Lakes

7 Day Tour of the Italian Lakes

• Officially Licensed Guides

Luxury Vehicles

Flexible rescheduling, tour lakes in italy for 7 days.

On this fully customizable Italy Lakes tour, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and iconic lakes in the country. 

From the stunning vistas and luxurious villas of Lake Como to the picturesque islands of Lake Maggiore and the peaceful setting of Lake Orta, each lake has its own unique charm and character. 

In addition to visiting the lakes, the tour also includes a stop at the charming mountain lake of Lake Braies, a visit to the city of Verona with its rich history and culture, and a chance to experience the delicious cuisine of Parma.

Trip Highlights

• Stresa & Lake Maggiore
• Lake Braies & Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• Verona Guided Tour
• Parma Foodie Tour

What's Included?

• Luxury Transport
• Private Drivers
• 24 Hour Online Support
• Fully Customizable Tour Itinerary
• Free Cancellation & Rescheduling

Day 1: A Boat Tour of Lake Como

Lake Como is a breathtakingly beautiful destination located in the Lombardy region of Italy, and what better way to experience its stunning natural beauty than by taking a boat tour? 

On our tour, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the main locations on the most famous branch of the lake. Get ready to relax and take in the sights as you glide across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Como.

Blevio & Torno – Villa Troubetzkoy, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Villa, Villa Pliniana

Blevio and Torno are two villages located just beyond Como town. These areas feature a wide variety of villas from different eras, including Villa Troubetzkoy, Villa Roccabruna (recently purchased by the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel chain), and the historic Villa Pliniana. These villas have played host to many notable figures throughout history.

Nesso – The Waterfall & The Village

Nesso is home to the Orrido, a stunning waterfall that creates a picturesque setting in one of the most romantic areas of the lake.

Isola Comacina – The only island of the lake

The island of Lake Como is rich in history and legend and is a peaceful and quiet spot on the lake.

Villa Balbianello – The villa of the movie Star Wars & Casino Royale

Villa Balbianello is a breathtakingly beautiful location on Lake Como and has gained recent fame as a filming location for Star Wars Episode II and James Bond Casino Royale.

Bellagio – The most famous village of Lake Como, in the center of the lake

Bellagio is the most well-known village on Lake Como, situated in the center of the lake and separating the east and west branches. It is known for its narrow, winding streets, local craft shops, and two famous villas open to the public: Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni.

Tremezzo – Opposite Bellagio, it is famous for the beautiful gardens of Villa Carlotta

Tremezzo is a small village located overlooking Bellagio, with a lakeshore walk and beautiful views of the central part of the lake. It is home to two notable villas: the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a luxurious 5-star hotel, and Villa Carlotta, a villa open to the public with a stunning garden considered one of the most beautiful in all of Italy.

Moltrasio, Carate Urio and Laglio – Villa Oleandra (George Clooney house), Villa Fontanelle

These three small villages are home to a large number of 18th and 19th-century villas that can only be seen from the lake by boat. The most well-known of these is Villa Oleandra, which is currently owned by actor George Clooney as a summer retreat. Villa Fontanelle is another well-known and beautiful estate, previously owned by Versace.

Cernobbio – Villa d’Este, Villa Erba

As you return from your journey, the final village before reaching Como is Cernobbio, which has long been a popular vacation spot. Cernobbio is home to the iconic Villa d’Este, a 16th-century villa that is now a renowned 5-star hotel in both Como and Italy. A short distance away is Villa Erba, a stunning building surrounded by a large park.

Como – Villa Olmo, Volta Monument, the Cathedral

Before disembarking, you will have the opportunity to take in the sights of Como’s downtown, including the magnificent Villa Olmo, the Volta monument, and the cathedral in the background.

Como Walking Tour

A walking tour of Como could include visiting some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions.

You could stop at Villa Olmo, a grand 18th-century mansion that now serves as a cultural center. The villa’s beautiful gardens are also worth a visit.

Afterward, you could take a stroll along the lakefront promenade and enjoy the views of Lake Como. You could also visit the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to the life and work of Alessandro Volta.

If you’re interested in shopping, you could head to the medieval center of Como, where you’ll find a variety of boutiques, souvenir shops, and local artisanal products.

As you continue your tour, you could visit the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, a beautiful Romanesque church that dates back to the 11th century.

As you make your way back to the starting point, you could stop at the Broletto, a historic medieval building that now houses the town hall.

Italy Lake Tour Day 2: Stresa/Lake Maggiore

You start the 2nd day of the tour with a private transfer of approx 1 hour to the town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore.

Boat Tour of Isole Borromee

On this tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful islands of the Borromean Gulf in just one day. You will visit Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre, leaving no stone unturned in your discovery of these breathtaking gems.

First, you will journey to Isola Bella, a stunning island that resembles a Baroque-style vessel in the center of the Borromeo Gulf. The Borromeo family invited some of the greatest architects, sculptors, painters, and artists from all over Europe to contribute to the enrichment and beautification of the magnificent palace and its stunning gardens on this island. The gardens are a true masterpiece, combining nature, water features, and human-made artworks to create a unique and breathtaking landscape.

Afterward, you will head to Isola dei Pescatori for a fish lunch (not included in the tour). Considered one of the most picturesque villages on Lake Maggiore, many people prefer this island to Isola Bella due to its simplicity and intimate beauty. 

The island has preserved its medieval charm, with narrow, gothic paths, small houses adorned with fishermen’s nets, and a population of peaceful, simple fishermen who have always called the island home. Today, the island’s population is small, with fewer than 30 inhabitants, and it relies on visitors for its survival. It is a romantic and unforgettable place, filled with the sweet smells and flavors of the delicious fish dishes served in its restaurants, including trout, salmon trout, perch, and more.

After visiting Isola dei Pescatori, the tour will continue with a visit to Isola Madre.

The main attraction of Isola Madre is its garden, which is one of the oldest in Italy and is known for its lush vegetation and year-round color. The garden has a rich history, starting as an orchard in the 16th century and later becoming an olive grove, citrus plantation, and eventually a typical English botanical park. 

In 2002, it was recognized as part of the prestigious British circuit “the Royal Horticultural Society.” The island’s microclimate allows for a wide variety of plants to thrive in this small garden, making it a truly unique destination.

You will find a diverse range of botanical species on Isola Madre, including subtropical plants, Mediterranean citrus and palms, camellias, rhododendrons from Southeast Asia, water lilies and papyrus from the Nile, magnolias, and taxodium from North America, feijoa and bougainvillea from Brazil, pittosporum from New Zealand, and more. 

In essence, this small island brings together plants from five different continents, all protected by beautiful golden and silver pheasants, colorful and white peacocks, Australian hens, and noisy parrots. French writer Gustave Flaubert, who visited the island in the 19th century, described it as “a terrestrial paradise.”

Guided Tour of Palazzo Borromeo

As you explore the over 20 rooms of Palazzo Borromeo, you will be treated to an interesting and historical tour. 

The Galleria Berthier, located at the heart of the palace, is a collection of over 130 paintings, including masterpieces and copies of works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Correggio, Titian, and Guido Reni.

Some of the most notable rooms in the palace include the Sala del Trono (Throne Room), Sala delle Regine (Queens’ Room), Salone degli Arazzi (Tapestry Hall), and the Grotte (Caves), which are designed to transport visitors to a magical underwater world.

The Teatro Massimo is a major highlight of the garden on Isola Bella. It is surrounded by a variety of rare flowers and plants, including a centuries-old camphor tree, the giant rhubarb-like Gunnera manicata, the sweet-smelling Osmanthus, the rare Halesia Diptera with its snowflake-like flowers, the star anise, and the Mexican pine. The theater is set among ten scenic terraces, adorned with statues, obelisks, and fountains, and at the top of the terraces stands the statue of the Unicorn, the heraldic symbol of the Borromeo family.

Day 3: Lake Orta

Lake Orta is a picturesque body of water located west of Lake Maggiore. It has been known by this name since the 16th century but was previously called Lago di San Giulio after Saint Julius, the patron saint of the region. 

A private tour of Lake Orta and the surrounding villages is a unique and personalized way to experience this beautiful region of Italy. You will have the opportunity to visit some of the charming towns located around the lake, including Orta San Giulio, Omegna, Pettenasco, and Pella.

As you explore these towns, you will have the chance to appreciate their unique character and local culture. Orta San Giulio, built on a peninsula projecting from the east shore of the lake, is home to narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares, and beautiful houses with colorful facades. Omegna, located at the north end of the lake, is known for its picturesque old town and its medieval castle, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Pettenasco, situated to the east of the lake, is a charming town with a picturesque harbor and a lively atmosphere. Pella, on the west side of the lake, is a small village with a rich history, charming houses, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

During your tour, you will also have the opportunity to visit the picturesque San Giulio island, which is home to some very charming buildings and takes its name from the local saint who lived in the 4th century. You can also take in the stunning scenery of the lake, with its crystal-clear waters, and enjoy some of the local flavors and traditions of the region. Overall, a private tour of Lake Orta and the surrounding villages is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this special part of Italy.

Day 4: Private transfer to Hotel Ocelle Thermae & Spa in Sirmione

Sirmione is a small town located on the southern shore of Lake Garda in Italy. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its picturesque setting on the lake and its charming historic center.

Sirmione is home to a number of notable landmarks, including the Grottoes of Catullus, a series of ancient Roman ruins that are open to the public. The town also boasts a number of charming streets, squares, and houses, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Sirmione is a popular tourist destination, with its mild climate, beautiful surroundings, and rich history and culture.

Sirmione Scaliger Castle Tour

The Scaliger Castle is a 13th-century fortification located on the shores of Lake Garda in Italy. It was constructed by Mastino della Scala in 1277 and is a rare example of a medieval port fortification. 

The castle features Ghibelline swallowtail merlons and curtain walls with three corner towers, made of a combination of pebbles and brick. The walls inside the castle are finished with plaster and graffiti, and the castle can only be accessed via two drawbridges over a moat. 

The castle was built to protect against both enemies and local residents. It houses a small museum with exhibits of Roman and medieval artifacts, as well as local finds from the Roman era. The castle is located at the entrance to the peninsula and has a strategic position.

Day 5: Lake Braies & Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Lago di Braies is a stunning mountain lake located in the Dolomites region of Italy. It is situated at an altitude of around 1,500 meters above sea level in the picturesque Alta Pusteria and is known for its turquoise-green color and the impressive Seekofel massif (2,810 meters) that surrounds it. Lago di Braies is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and is a must-see destination for any visitor to the region.

Lake Braies is a popular destination for those seeking recreation, nature lovers, and hikers, in both summer and winter. Although it is listed as one of the bathing lakes in South Tyrol, only a few brave souls dare to take a dip in its cool waters. 

The lake was formed when massive rock towers collapsed and created a dam, which caused water to collect behind it. As a result, Lake Braies is a so-called “dammed lake,” with no visible outflow. According to legend, the lake was formed when savages mined for gold in the area and the shepherds who lived nearby tried to steal the treasures. The savages opened underground springs and sunk all the wealth in the resulting lake.

Day 6: Verona Guided Tour

Your day begins with a 1 hour and half private transfer to Starhotels Du Parc Parma.

Verona is a city with a rich history that spans over two millennia and includes periods of ancient Roman, Middle Ages, and Renaissance influence. It is known for its well-preserved art and architecture and is also famously associated with Shakespeare, who set three of his plays in the city, including the iconic love story of Romeo and Juliet.

On this private tour, you will explore Verona with a guide who will share the city’s remarkable history with you. You will visit key sites such as the 14th-century house of Juliet, where the famous balcony is still visible, the Della Scala family’s “Arche,” Piazza Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, Piazza Bra’, and the courtyard of the Mercato Vecchio. You will also visit the ancient Roman Arena, one of the best-preserved in Italy, which hosts a variety of theater and operatic performances in the summer.

Day 7: Private Guided Foodie Tour of Parma

Parma is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy that is renowned for its delicious cuisine. On this foodie tour, you will have the opportunity to sample some of Parma’s most famous culinary delights, including Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, and Lambrusco wine.

Your tour will begin with a visit to a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese producer, where you will learn about the traditional methods used to make this world-famous cheese. You will have the opportunity to sample a variety of different aged Parmesan and learn about the characteristics that distinguish it from other types of cheese.

Next, you will visit a Prosciutto di Parma producer, where you will learn about the process of curing and aging the ham, and have the chance to taste different types of Prosciutto di Parma.

You will also visit a winery that produces Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine that is native to the Emilia-Romagna region. You will learn about the history and production of Lambrusco and have the opportunity to taste a selection of different wines.

Throughout the tour, you will enjoy guided tastings and have the opportunity to learn about the local cuisine and culture from a knowledgeable guide. This tour is a must for anyone who loves good food and wine and wants to experience the culinary delights of Parma.

Guided Parma City Tour

Your tour will begin with a visit to the Parma Cathedral, a stunning Romanesque cathedral that dates back to the 11th century. You will marvel at the beautiful frescoes and sculptures that adorn the interior of the cathedral, and learn about the history and significance of this important religious site.

Next, you will visit the Palazzo Della Pilotta, a 16th-century palace that is home to several important cultural institutions, including the National Gallery, the Archaeological Museum, and the Teatro Farnese, an ornately decorated Baroque theater.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the city’s charming historic center, where you will find narrow winding streets lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. You will visit the Piazza del Duomo, the Piazza Garibaldi, and the Piazza Sant’Anna, among other iconic landmarks.

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Italian Lakes District Tours & Trips

• Italian Lakes District from Milan
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67 Italian Lakes District tour packages with 261 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

4 Days NORTHERN LAKES TOUR - from Milan

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Our tour guide was very efficient, and thorough. She managed all inconsistencies in a professional and timely manner. Her professionalism and efficiency made our tour a sucess.

• Christmas & New Year

Lakes & Lagoon: Como, Lake Garda & Venice, 6 days private tour

This tour needs to experienced to be believed. Every day of the tour was simply great!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Switzerland and Italy

All arrangements were well managed. Zurich to Lucerne were booked on 2nd class train seats which a bit tough for us as we had to carry our heavy luggage to the upper deck of the train. Suggest in future not to book 2nd class train if there are luggages to bring along. The whatsapp group created for us was very helpful. They were fast to respond to our queries and guardian given during the trip. Overall we graded TourRadar 8 out of 10.

• Coach / Bus

Best of the Italian Lakes (9 Days)

Accommodations need to be walking distance to town like Stresa.lake Garda Villa Mariantoo far but comfortable clean. Be more clear on excursions...eg inside Milan duomo sounded like bus trip around city.

Milan & Lake Como - 3 Days/ 2 Nights

Our guide, Ned, was great. The hotel Meininger was clean and comfortable in a college dormitory way, but not very friendly. I asked to reduce the centrally controlled thermostat because I sleep better when it’s cooler, and they said no. The hallways are not air conditioned at all. The rooms get hot during the day and the air conditioning won’t stay on without the key in the slot. I’d rather pay a few dollars more and adjust the temperature to my own needs. The tour has lots of walking but it was enjoyable to see Milan’s highlights. Lake Como was gorgeous scenery, perfect weather, and we had enough time for a nice meal in Bellagio and a drink in Varenna. The train ride back to Milan was standing room only, and hot and stuffy, followed by a long wait in line at the taxi stand. I’d rate the tour guide higher than the accommodations. I suppose that the name of the tour agency (Italy on a Budget) should give a warning that all is not going to be first class.

• $100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

The Italian lakes scenery and towns where we stayed are magnificent Our guide Francesca was very thoughtful and gave of his time to solve all issues

• Train & Rail

Alps By Bernina Train & Northern Lakes - 6 Days

All fine otherwise. Guide and driver great. Major drawback was Starhotels Crystallo hotel in Bergamo - very basic - no tea or coffee facilities in room - big issue with us- nil available in lobby to make a cup of tea. No way would I describe this hotel as 4* The 2 dinners we ate there basically unedible.

Three Lakes and More-Luxury Cycling Tour

Mary and I signed up for the 3 Lakes and more tour and we loved our time with Luca and Michela. Even before we started the tour the communications with Luca were prompt and useful. Luca and Michela met us at Milano Centrale Station and from then till they dropped us off there a week later we had a superb week of cycling, dining, sight seeing, being exposed to the most wonderful sights, laughing, communicating and generally having a great time together. We finished our week feeling that we had become the best if friends and had been successfully challenged to ride in ways not previously thought possible. We highly recommend Luca and Michela's enterprise.

Rome, Florence, and Venice with a Serene Lakeside Getaway in Sirmione

The jewels of the North Italy 3 days private tour

• Hiking & Trekking
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Lake Como Walking

Love the location of the hotel and lake front view. The hikes, the views, and our guide were simply amazing!

Enchanting Waters: Discovering the Lakes of Italy, Self-Drive

Everything was well planned. Hotels were exquisite, and suggested activities were lovely. No problems with all vouchers. Gorgeous scenery, and fantastic locations. We could have used a few more specific instructions with directions/parking info, for the suggested locations. Overall, we completely loved our lake region Italian vacation! Highly recommend.

Country Roads of Northern Italy (Small Group, 10 Days)

Escorted Tour of Northern Italy Lakes Region: from Milan to the Alps

We enjoyed the tour itinerary, but thought that the hotels were sub-par, especially in Breschia: dumpy hotel in a sketchy part of town. It is a hectic itinerary and could be stretched out by a day. There was no time at end of the day to do other than: shower, eat a meal, and go to bed for an early start the next day.

Italy Escape - 10 Days

What people love about italian lakes district tours.

Overall the 4 days tour was comfortable and enjoyable. The tour leader DiDi was very professional and experienced. The hotels in the first two nights are very nice. The hotel at Verona is fair with very small room and very noisy at night . However the location of the hotel is very good and is close to most of the tourist attractions.

I really enjoyed my holiday and I would like to say thank you to Wendy and the rest of the team. Whenever I needed something they were always available. I highly recommend booking your solo trip or family holiday with these guys. Thank you for everything ❤️

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North Italy Road Trip: Best 7-Day Italian Lakes Itinerary

There’s no denying that Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world . It makes a perfect destination for a scenic road trip, especially in iconic areas like Tuscany and northern Italy, and my one-week north Italy road trip itinerary will surely tick all the boxes for you.

Visiting this region is one of the best things to do in Italy for travelers who love charming small towns, picturesque views, excellent Italian drinks and food (the best food in the world!), and scenic hiking trails .

To help you make the most of your holidays on Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore, here’s my full itinerary.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

North Italy Itinerary Summary and Map

Here’s a quick summary of my road trip in northern Italy (fly to and back from Milan, and pick up and return the car at the airport):

Half day 1 – Lake Garda: Tremosine sul Garda and Limone sul Garda (suggested hotel: 3 nights at Appartamenti Ca’ nei Vicoli or Casa L’Andrunèl in Limone sul Garda, Lake Garda).

Day 2 – Lake Garda : Bardolino, Borghetto, and Peschiera del Garda.

Day 3 – Lake Garda : Tenno, Riva del Garda, and Malcesine.

Day 4 – Lake Garda : Sirmione (suggested hotel: one night at Maison Blanche near Varenna, one of the most beautiful towns of Lake Como ).

Day 5 – Lake Como : Varenna and Bellagio (suggested hotel: 2 nights at Villa Lucciola in Stresa, Lake Maggiore).

Day 6 – Lake Maggiore : Stresa and the Borromean Islands.

Day 7 – Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta : Cannobio and Orta San Giulio + flight back from Milan (if you have one more day and want to spend the night in Orta San Giulio, you can stay at the highly-rated Villa Crespi , a 19th-century villa turned into a 5-star hotel and restaurant).

Click here to access the My Maps interactive map of this road trip.

Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).

If you want to change this itinerary a bit and visit some more places in northern Italy (while still basing yourself on the lakes and without driving), here are a few highly-rated day trips you might find interesting:

• To see the best of Venice in one day , take a full-day tour from Lake Garda to Venice
• A full-day tour from Lake Garda to the Dolomites , the perfect area for nature lovers
• A full-day tour from Lake Garda to Verona , the city of Romeo and Juliet
• Lake Garda full-day tour
• A half-day wine-tasting tour from Lake Garda

North Italy Road Trip Day 1 – Getting to Lake Garda

We picked up our car at Milan’s airport and hit the road at about 4:00 PM. We had landed three hours before, but the lines at the passport control and the car rental company were crazy, so our first day was only a half-day.

Our accommodation on Lake Garda was in the town of Tremosine Sul Garda , located on the western side of the lake (which is also home to one of the best motorcycling roads in Europe – Strada Della Forra).

Getting there from Milan took us about two hours, but the road got strikingly beautiful very quickly. After accommodating ourselves, our journey began.

Where to Stay in Tremosine Sul Garda

I stayed at an apartment hotel called Hotel Residence Campi . Our apartment was spacious and clean, and we had some amazing views from the balcony.

The entire complex offers many facilities like a gym, mini-golf court, and a pool, but we haven’t used them. There’s also an on-site restaurant that offers great Italian food.

The downside of this accommodation is that the road leading to it is very steep and parts of it don’t have street lights. Its location might also be the reason the wifi was quite slow.

Other highly-rated accommodations in the area you might want to check out :

Mid-range: Located in Limone sul Garda (a few miles away from Tremosine), both Residence La Madonnina and Appartamenti Ca’ nei Vicoli offer fully equipped apartments (some with lake views) and free parking nearby. Also located in Limone sul Garda, the 3-star Garni Gianmartin offers spacious rooms with lake views, breakfast, an on-site bar, and free parking.

Luxury: Housed in a historical building in Limone sul Garda, the b&b Casa L’Andrunèl offers spacious rooms and suites for 2-3 people, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.

Limone Sul Garda

I would have liked to see more of Limone Sul Garda in the daylight, but even when it got darker, it still looked like a postcard.

We took advantage of what was left of our day and spent some time eating dinner and strolling around town.

North Italy Road Trip Day 2 – Southern Lake Garda

Bardolino is one of the sweetest towns on Lake Garda, located on its southeastern shore.

Apart from its colorful streets, it is famous for its Thursday open-air market, a 1-km market stretching along the promenade. Amongst the different stalls, you can find local food and wines, souvenirs, and clothing.

For more info on other markets around Lake Garda, read here.

In Bardolino, you can also book a wine tour and tasting at a local cellar.

Since Borghetto sits on the River Mincio (only a few km away from Lake Garda but not on the lake itself), it remains a hidden village that many travelers skip out on, and that’s why I loved this place.

It is a small village, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. With ancient watermills, a medieval bridge, colorful houses, and the river passing through it, the charming Borghetto is well worth a visit.

If you’re looking for the best food in Italy, it’s also a fantastic place to devour local tortellini called Nodo d’Amore (translated to ‘Love Knot’ and connected to a legend about an impossible love story ).

Peschiera Del Garda

Peschiera del Garda might seem like just another Italian town, but it has great historical importance.

Its Venetian defense walls are impressive and well-preserved works of the Venetian Republic, and they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After spending some time exploring this town, we had the most amazing gelato at La Gelateria HomeMade (Via Rocca, 4). I recommend trying the Nutella-flavored gelato as it was heavenly!

North Italy Road Trip Day 3 – Northern Lake Garda

I am obsessed with lakes, lagoons, seas, and oceans with dreamy colors. Luckily, not too far from the north shore of Lake Garda, hides this magical turquoise little lake.

To thoroughly enjoy it, try to visit Tenno in the morning for the best weather and before the crowds arrive.

Borgo Medievale DI Canale DI Tenno and Castello DI Tenno

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Italy and you love medieval villages as much as I do, then Borgo Medievale di Canale di Tenno will steal your heart!

Only a few km away from Lake Tenno, you’ll find cobbled alleys, stone houses, and archways that will take you back in time.

Make another stop at Castello di Tenno (right next to the hotel and restaurant Antica Croce), a castle that hides a few more charming medieval alleys behind it.

I have to say that as tiny as these places are, they are seriously some of the most enchanting spots I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit.

Not too far from there, you can also visit the Varone Waterfall.

Riva Del Garda

Riva del Garda is famous for being a perfect spot to enjoy all sorts of water sports, but it is also great for a casual stroll, so visiting it is definitely one of the best things to do in Trentino (one of the two provinces of the Trentino-Alto Adige region).

It has a few historical points of interest like Torre Apponale and Porta di San Michele, incredible views, and a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere.

Of all the towns on Lake Garda, Malcesine has to be my favorite one. Of course, they are all colorful and beautiful, but Malcesine is off the charts!

You’ll inevitably fall in love with its port and maze of narrow cobbled streets filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Go souvenir shopping, grab a cup of coffee or eat some gelato, and wander around to enjoy a pleasant afternoon in this magnificent place.

North Italy Road Trip Day 4 – Lake Garda’s Pearl

A week in northern Italy would not be complete without visiting Sirmione, one of the main reasons why Garda is one of the best lakes to visit in Italy .

Besides being a famous resort town and home to some of Lake Garda’s best thermal baths and water sports facilities, it’s full of enchanting alleys and stunning views, and also has a rich history.

It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places to visit in northern Italy , especially in the region of Lombardy . You might have already seen the photos of the Scaligera Fortress and the views seen from it on Instagram .

The fortress dated back to the 13th century; the Grottoes of Catullus, the remains of an ancient Roman villa; the old churches; all these landmarks prove that Sirmione is more than just another pretty town and why it’s called ‘the pearl of Lake Garda.’

Bonus tip: Challenge yourself, and try to pick a few gelato flavors out of 120 at Gelateria Mirkoz (Via Vittorio Emanuele, 26).

In Sirmione, you can also take a short boat tour along the peninsula , book a half-day boat tour around the area (with wine tasting) , or take a sunset boat tour .

Optional: IL Leone Shopping Center

Before continuing to our next accommodation on Lake Como, we made a stop at Il Leone Shopping Center, where we had some shopping time and a quick meal. I dedicated one day to Lake Como, but you can spend 1-2 extra days there.

North Italy Road Trip Day 5 – Lake Como

Where to stay in lake como.

You’ll find plenty of amazing places to stay in Lake Como , but it’s important to choose the right town for you.

We stayed at a bed & breakfast in a village called Dorio (which was very close to the famous and popular town of Varenna ), but unfortunately, it is not available at the moment.

Here are other highly-rated places to stay in that area of Lake Como (not too far from Varenna):

Maison Blanche : Located about 15 minutes drive away from Varenna, this bed and breakfast offers cozy double rooms, some with a balcony and lake views. Read more about it and book it here.

B&B Valle dei Mulini : Located a 5-minute drive away from Varenna, this bed and breakfast offers double, triple, and quadruple rooms with lake or mountain views. You’ll also have access to a shared terrace and free private parking. See the latest prices here.

Being one of the most picturesque towns in Lake Como, Varenna is more than worth the visit.

I recommend getting here early in the morning before the crowds arrive. You’ll have Varenna all to yourself, and you’ll be able to explore it and photograph it quietly and without interruptions.

Some of the best things to do in Varenna include walking freely through its picture-perfect alleys, visiting Villa Monastero, and strolling along the promenade known as the Lovers’ Walk.

Extra tip: You can also hire a boat on Lake Como (in Varenna for example) if you want to see more of the lake without driving around it.

Being a popular tourist resort town and famous for its villas overlooking the lake, Bellagio has both a luxurious and cozy atmosphere. This bustling small town offers countless cafes, restaurants, and shops, flower-adorned alleyways, and perfect lake views.

We spent our afternoon and evening sitting on the waterfront and exploring its streets.

To finish off our visit to Bellagio, we had a great dinner at the rooftop restaurant Bilacus ( Salita Serbelloni, 32). Although we did not get to sit on the lovely terrace, we still enjoyed the inviting decor and some fresh pasta and seafood.

From there, we continued our journey to our accommodation near Stresa on Lake Maggiore, which is not only a part of Italy – it’s also one of the best lakes to visit in Switzerland .

Read more about Italy:

• Best road trips in Italy
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• Italy travel quotes
• Romantic novels set in Italy
• Famous piazzas in Italy
• Places to visit in Italy in winter

North Italy Road Trip Day 6 – Lake Maggiore

Where to stay on lake maggiore.

We stayed at an apartment in Stresa , but apart from the incredible lake views, our stay could have been much better.

Stresa itself is still a good place to find accommodation on Lake Maggiore, so here are a few highly-rated options to consider:

Villa Lucciola : This B&B offers fully equipped and spacious apartments for 2-6 people, free private parking, and garden & lake views. Read all the reviews and browse the latest prices here.

Hotel La F ontana : This family-run hotel offers rooms for 2-4 people (some with a balcony and lake views), continental breakfast, and free private parking. Browse availability and prices here.

THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS – ISOLA BELLA, ISOLA MADRE, AND ISOLA DEI PESCATORI

The  Borromean Islands  are a must-visit when you only have 1 week in northern Italy. They are a group of islands and islets near the town of Stresa. Their name comes from the Borromeo family, which started owning them in the 16th century.

The three islands that are open for visits are:

Isola Bella

Once a deserted piece of rock, Isola Bella has become home to a luxury Baroque summer palace and impressive wide gardens where you’ll also see some white peacocks wandering around.

Touring the palace and gardens along with the surrounding lake views provided some enchanting and memorable moments. The admission is €18, but if also visit the palace and gardens of Isola Madre, you can buy a combo ticket for €25.

Isola Madre

This is the largest of the islands and is also known for its palace and gardens which date back to the 16th-19th centuries.

After paying for the entrance to the palace and gardens on Isola Bella which were magnificent, we decided not to spend money to enter the gardens at Isola Madre, so our stop there was unnecessary.

The admission is €15, but if also visit the palace and gardens of Isola Bella, you can buy a combo ticket for €25.

Isola Dei Pescatori (Or Isola Superiore)

As tiny as this island is, it houses quite a few hotels, shops, and restaurants. It is charming and picturesque and makes a nice extra stop.

Getting there: The access to the islands is by ferry/boat. You can either  book a hop-on hop-off boat tour (that doesn’t include tickets to the palaces), book a package of a boat transfer + entrance to the palaces , or purchase ferry tickets directly at Stresa’s ferry terminal (like I did) and get your palace tickets at the ticket offices on the islands.

Alternatively, you can book a Borromean Islands day trip from the town of Cannobio.

Visiting season: The islands are open to the public from March to October. You don’t have to visit all three islands, and you can buy tickets according to your preferences.

After a long day of island hopping, we spent a couple of hours walking the beautiful streets of Stresa’s city center.

Like all towns in the Italian lake district, Stresa also flaunts its cobbled streets, cute shops, and little cafes and restaurants. However, each town has its unique flavor and rhythm.

Not too far from Stresa, you can also visit the gorgeous Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto, which are open to the public from mid-March to October.

Read more about northern Italy:

• Is Turin worth visiting?
• Best things to do in Turin
• A weekend in Turin
• Turin chocolate guide
• Cafes in Turin
• Tips for traveling to Turin
• Where to stay in Turin
• Turin in winter
• Hidden gems in Turin
• Things to do in Vicenza
• 4 days in Milan
• Things to do in Milan in the rain
• Non touristy things to do in Milan
• Day trips from Milan in winter
• Milan or Turin
• Places to visit in Aosta Valley
• Best places to stay in Aosta Valley
• Is Aosta worth visiting
• Northwest Italy road trip itinerary

North Italy Road Trip Day 7 – Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta

We had some spare time on our northern Italy itinerary, so we decided to visit two unique places before heading back to Milan to return the car.

Cannobio sits on Lake Maggiore in the Piedmont region , quite close to Italy’s border with Switzerland. After wandering a bit through its streets, we walked along the colorful promenade, enjoying both the breeze and the views around us.

Bonus tip: Stop at Pasticceria Castello (Via Francesco Magistris, 30) for the perfect little tiramisu (and other delicious Italian desserts)!

You can also take a guided tour in Cannobio and even a cooking class .

Orta San Giulio

Sitting on Lake Orta , Orta San Giulio is a small medieval town you do not want to miss in the region of Piedmont and a northern Italian hidden gem . Besides its undeniable beauty, it has a relaxed and authentic vibe that will make you want to stay forever.

It also overlooks the  Island of San Giulio,  a cute little island whose main attraction is the Basilica di San Giulio. We have not visited the island, but it is accessible by boat.

Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary – General Tips and Notes

We found a great one-week deal on Avis , but I always start by comparing multiple car rental companies’ prices on Rentalcars . You can browse the latest car rental deals here to find the best one for you.

I’ve planned a circular northern Italy road trip from Milan , so the starting point was the city’s airport. As for picking up the car, you need patience. The Italian guys working in those car rental companies (not only in Avis) can drive you nuts sometimes.

They work slowly and try to find problems instead of making this process easy for you, and it can be frustrating, so patience is key. On the other hand, returning the car went smoothly. Also, be sure to bring your driving license as well as an international driving permit.

Tip #1: Many car rental companies offer deals on one-week bookings, so sometimes it’s cheaper to have a car for 7 days instead of 6 (and even one hour beyond the six days counts as the seventh day).

Tip #2: If possible, go for a small car because you’ll be driving through the lakes’ narrow roads.

Driving in Northern Italy

I know that driving in Italy can seem intimidating (thanks to the stereotype of crazy Italian drivers, which is sometimes true), but driving in northern Italy was actually okay for me.

On highways, they just go faster than you, and on the winding roads of the lakes, they usually honk to let you know that they’re about to pass you.

As long as you’re in the right lane, it really is fine (though you should always be extra cautious when driving in a foreign country).

When to Visit Northern Italy

To enjoy the lakes without the crowds and have the most amazing weather, plan your trip in late spring or early fall. If it’s not raining, this area is definitely one of the best places to visit in October in northern Italy .

Other Things to Know

Parking (that doesn’t belong to your accommodation) is never free, so one of my biggest Italy travel tips would be to make sure you have spare change for the parking meters. You should also have some change for toll roads.

This north Italy travel itinerary also takes into consideration driving times; since the lakes are big and the roads are winding, moving between towns takes some time.

Did you like this Italian road trip itinerary? You might also want to read:

• Best road trips in Spain
• Andalusia road trip
• Northern Spain road trip
• Best road trips in Portugal
• Lisbon to Porto road trip
• Northern Portugal road trip
• Places to visit in spring in Europe

If you prefer to avoid driving, here’s how to plan an Italy itinerary using only public transportation!

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About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

14 thoughts on “North Italy Road Trip: Best 7-Day Italian Lakes Itinerary”

Can you elaborate on exactly WHY you chose this itinerary? You have a very curious weighting of spending most of your time on Lake Garda, (the “middle” lake), then heading East to Lake Como but only for 1 day, then backtracking past Lake Garda to Maggiore.. I found this very confusing – why would you not just start on either Como or Maggiore and just head in one direction?? Also, why most of the time around Garda, and little at Como? You didn’t explain any of this above.

Hey David, I’m not sure why you’re calling Garda the “middle” lake because you can see in the map that the lakes from east to west are Garda, Como, and Maggiore (and Orta), so Como is the “middle” lake and I was headed in just one direction. Garda is also the largest lake and there were a lot of towns I wanted to visit, so I needed 3-4 days. That said, I didn’t want to spend the entire week in Garda, so I chose to spend a bit of time in Como and Maggiore and see their highlights. I hope I answered your questions.

Planning a trip for my husbands 50th this year. Your blog has been incredibly helpful.

Thank you, Heidi! I’m so happy I could help 🙂

Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info specifically the last part. I care for such info much.

Thank you, Ezekiel!

Fantastic suggestions – thank YOU! We’ll be going in September after a trip in the Mont Blanc area. So, great tips:))

Thank you, Jeannette! I hope you have a fun & safe trip 🙂

HI, we are planning a trip next year and are looking at our options. We were thinking of doing a week in northern italy so your article is helpful thank you. We are also looking for a similar style itinerary for florence, venice and rome – do you have any any recommendations?

Hi Merrilyn 🙂 I’m happy this post is helpful 🙂 I’ve taken a 5-day road trip through Tuscany with 4 more days in Rome, but it was a while ago so I don’t know how relevant my tips are. Besides Florence, I loved Greve, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, Pitigliano, and the hot springs of Saturnia (which are free to visit!). Personally, Rome was just OK for me so 3 days might be enough.

Hi, One question. There are public beaches were you can swim after you walk around?

Hi Trinidad! Yes, many towns on all three lakes have public beaches (including some of the towns I’ve mentioned like Sirmione and Riva del Garda). As you drive around, you’ll also see a lot of places along the way where you can just stop the car and get in the water. Let me know if you have more questions 🙂

Italy is such a beautiful country. I went there a couple times and there’s so much to see and do! Love the Lake Garda area. Your pictures are beautiful!

Thank you! I could never get enough of Italy 🙂

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

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Northern Italy and Its Lakes

About this tour.

Wander along winding canals and cruise on mountain-lined lakes as you take in the essence of Northern Italy. Relax during a leisurely 4-night stay on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Cruise the waters frequented by the rich and famous on Lake Como. Witness the sinking castle of Sirmione and settle in for a 3-night stay in Treviso, an ancient city nestled in the Venetian mainland. Embark on a guided tour of Venice and enjoy a free afternoon to do as you please. From the painted houses of Treviso to the deep blue waters of Lake Maggiore, allow the beauty of Italy to move you.

Your Tour Includes

• 2 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Lake Maggiore
• Lake Lugano

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

2 - Moderate

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Optional Excursions

Starting at $80.00

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Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Make your way through the iconic St. Mark's Square in Venice.

See the famous sinking castle in the Sirmione peninsula.

Cultural Experiences:

Witness a glassblowing demonstration on Murano Island.

Cruise Lake Como, a beloved retreat of the rich and famous.

Culinary Inclusions:

Journey by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a farewell dinner featuring local cuisine.

In Stresa, taste margheritine, a favorite treat created in 1857 for the future Queen of Italy.

• Glassblowing Demonstration
• St. Mark’s Square

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During your stay at the Zacchera Hotels, you may choose to enjoy views of Lago Maggiore by upgrading your accommodations to a lake view room. Please inquire about this upgrade at time of booking.

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• Tour Extensions

Kick-off your Italian sojourn with a 2-night stay in Milan, a chic and sophisticated metropolis known for being Italy's vibrant business and high fashion hub. In company of a Local Guide explore Milan's historic city center, viewing the La Scala Opera House, and the gothic Duomo cathedral. In the evening join a local for an informal Apericena meal mixing pre-dinner drinks and tapas-style food. On your third day, explore Milan's contemporary side during a tour of the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s high-fashion district, including visits to some of the city’s best ateliers and fashion stores.

• Overnight Flight
• You are on your way to discover Milan, the fashion-forward financial capital of Italy.
• Milan, Italy - Extension Begins
• Arrive in Milan, a chic and sophisticated metropolis known for being the hub of Italian high fashion and a mecca for international opera buffs. This evening, join your local guide for an authentic Milan ritual, an informal Apericena meal mixing pre-dinner drinks and tapas-style food.
• This morning, take in some of the city’s iconic sights on a locally guided walking tour: view the La Scala Opera House and Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, and visit the Duomo,* Milan’s magnificent Gothic cathedral. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this bustling city at your own pace. You may choose to visit the Sforza Castle, Sant’Ambrogio Cathedral, Leonardo’s Last Supper** or the Brera Academy of Fine Arts.
• Milan - Lake Maggiore
• This morning, join your local guide for a tour of the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s high-fashion district, including visits to some of the city’s best ateliers and fashion stores. In the early afternoon, transfer to Lake Maggiore where you begin your tour of Northern Italy & its Lakes.

Surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lago Maggiore passing the Borromean Islands sprinkled throughout this stunning lake. These petite but incredible islands are brimming with grand villas and exquisite, world-renowned gardens. Glide past Isola del Pescatore viewing the gulf of Baveno before making a stop at Isola Bella. Then we make our way along the cobblestone streets of the quaint town to the impressive, Baroque Borromean Palace and gardens. This famed palace is steeped in immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour, surroundings will bring you back to the 17th century. Get a glimpse inside life as a royal as you stroll through the opulent halls superbly decorated with rare artwork and tapestries. Then, you’ll head outside to the perfectly manicured, tiered gardens that abut the lakeshore. Behold stunning views and the splendor of the gardens as we make our way through with an expert. Return to the boat for a cruise back to Stresa.

Journey to picture-perfect Orta, a scenic subalpine lake surrounded by ancient villages. During a guided tour, visit one of Italy’s Sacri Monti (UNESCO)—chapels built in a scenic location above the lake as pilgrimage sites for those who could not afford the journey to Jerusalem. Then enjoy a boat ride to San Giulio Island, a rocky island in the middle of the lake that provides impressive views of the surrounding shore. Take a walk around the island before returning to the mainland for time at leisure in the old town of Orta, replete of quaint cobblestoned lanes and local cafes.

Make your way through the iconic St. Mark's Square in Venice.

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How to Explore the Italian Lakes Region from Milan

Milan may not be on everyone’s must-see list when first planning an Italy trip, but it’s an ideal base for exploring the popular Italian lakes region in the northern part of the country. Whether you’re interested in a simple day trip to nearby Lake Como, a combination trip including a lake visit and another town, or a multi-day excursion to several lakes there’s something to appeal to you.

The picturesque town of Bellagio on Lake Como is a little more than 43 miles from Milan. One of the most visited towns on Lake Maggiore is Stresa, which is about 55 miles from Milan. Both of these towns can be reached by coach in about an hour on an organized day trip. On the other side of the spectrum, Milan can be the starting point for an excursion that includes Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Orta, Lake Iseo, and Lake Garda in the span of a week. The only thing you need to decide is how long you want to spend in the area.

There are affiliate links below, which means I get a little something if you book one of these tours – but it won’t cost you anything extra.

• Day Trips from Milan with Viator
• Viator Tours of Lake Como
• Viator Tours of Lake Garda
• Viator Tours of Lake Maggiore
• Select Italy Tours of Lake Como
• Select Italy Tours of Lake Garda

Self-Guided Visits to the Italian Lakes from Milan

Isola dei Pescatori on Lake Maggiore || creative commons photo by kkmarais

Some of the lakes are fairly easy to visit on your own without an organized tour, especially if you only want to visit one or two places during a day trip from Milan and those places reachable by Italy’s robust train network . Trenitalia connects Milan’s Centrale station with the town of Como at one of the southern tips of Lake Como, and from there you can take boat excursions to see other towns if you like.

The train from Milan to Como takes a little over a half-hour, which is about how long it takes to drive there. Lecco is on the other branch of Lake Como’s upside-down Y, and that’s about 40 minutes from Milan by train. Getting to Bellagio from Milan requires a train trip to Varenna, which takes a bit more than an hour, followed by a 15-minute ferry ride.

The pretty town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore is roughly an hour from Milan by train. Reaching Lake Garda by public transportation is a bit more involved, as it usually means taking a one-hour train from Milan to Desenzano del Garda and then taking buses to get to the smaller lakeside communities.

Travelers who rent a car have much more freedom to explore the lakes region at their own pace, not to mention reaching towns that are otherwise only reachable by bus or boat.

Tours of the Italian Lakes from Milan

To take all the guesswork out of travel, you can choose from a variety of guided tours to the Italian lakes. I’m generally in favor of planning trips myself, but that doesn’t mean I don’t take advantage of the convenience of guided tours. That’s especially true if it means getting to places I wouldn’t otherwise see without renting a car.

Here are a few organized tour options for your perusal, so you have an idea of what’s available. Some of them include additional destinations before or after the lake stops – like Verona, or wine tasting – which may make them even more appealing.

Lake Day Trips from Milan

Lake Garda || creative commons photo by Renato Bonomini

Visiting Lake Como from Milan is probably the most common day trip into the lakes region from the fashion capital. As mentioned, it’s an easy day-trip distance from Milan at about an hour’s drive to pretty Bellagio (and even less to the bigger city of Como, also on the lake).

Lake Maggiore is another easy day trip destination from Milan. The town of Stresa is a great place to start and, like Bellagio, can be reached in about an hour’s drive. From there, you can explore the beautiful Borromean Islands including Isola Bella with its stunning villa.

For a lake trip that’s a bit further away, consider venturing all the way into the Veneto region with a day trip to Lake Garda and Verona from Milan. Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and typically more popular with tourists from elsewhere in Europe. It’s also close to the historic city of Verona, which makes for an interesting combination of destinations on a day trip – see the natural beauty of a northern lake and a wonderfully-preserved Roman amphitheater in the city that served as the setting for “Romeo and Juliet.”

Explore a less-visited lake in combination with visits to an historic town and wine tasting with a day trip to Bergamo, Franciacorta, and Lake Iseo from Milan .

You can also visit two countries – and two lakes – in one day with a trip that includes Lake Como and Lake Lugano from Milan . Lake Lugano straddles the border between Italy and Switzerland, giving you a chance to add one more nation to your trip checklist.

Multi-Day Lake Excursions from Milan

Bellagio on Lake Como || creative commons photo by Gian Luca Ponti

Go big with a 7-day tour of the Italian lakes and the Dolomites from Milan to make the most of your time in northern Italy. Visit popular Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore, as well as less-visited Lake Orta and Lake Iseo. Then head into the imposing Dolomites to explore some of Italy’s most majestic mountains.

With a bit less time, you still have plenty of great options. Choose a 4-day tour of the Italian lakes that includes Verona to see Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda, and Lake Orta. Or stick strictly to the lakes with a 4-day Italian lakes tour from Milan to see Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Orta, and Lake Iseo. To include the romance of the canal city, add a day with a 5-day tour of Lake Como and Venice from Milan. There’s even a 2-night trip to Lake Garda and Verona from Milan if you want something more than a day trip but not much more.

2 responses to “How to Explore the Italian Lakes Region from Milan”

Something is still wrong here!! :o). I did read the letter about visiting the lakes from Milan in your last email. What was not there was the article about The Godfather sites in Sicily which was the subject of the post. I was interested in reading that because my wife, son and I did visit the church and the Bar Vitelli in Savoca this past March. We did not go to the other sites which were nearby. We spent 5 weeks in Italy, 3 of them in Aci Trezza.

You might mention to your readers if you already haven’t that a cheap was of visiting Italy is booking a tour deal for the cheap airfare and then extending your stay. For example a our deal was for $520 we had roundtrip airfare from NY to Milan, 5 nights at a hotel in Tuscany, and a rental car. We asked if we could extend our stay until the end of March, keep the car, and return for the same rate. The answer was yes and we were on our way. We will probably do the same thing next year when the deal comes up.

The article about Godfather filming locations in Sicily was last week’s article – it was correctly linked in the previous newsletter, and you’ll find it if you click on “Blog” at the top of any page and scroll down a bit. It’s also still highlighted on the website’s front page. I hope you enjoy the article! 🙂

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The best Italian lakes (and how to visit by train)

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Italy’s got a list of lakes so long that even longtime locals haven’t visited them all. 

But the ones that locals and tourists alike visit without fail? The leisurely laghi in the Italian Lakes region.  

The Italian Lakes region is the go-to vacation destination for those who want to trade the Renaissance museums and Roman ruins for some quality R&R on a lakeside.  

Familiar with Lake Como, the Northern Italian playground for the rich and famous? Then you already know what splendor to expect when planning a weekend in the Italian Lakes.  

Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Lake Garda, Italy. 

Your guide to the Italian Lakes Region 

A quick bit of info about the famous lakes in Northern Italy. 

What is the Italian Lakes region? 

The Italian Lakes region is a collection of lakes in Northern Italy near the border with Switzerland. Celebs and backpackers alike come for the seclusion and scenery, the medieval sites and stunning mountain backdrops. 

How close is the Italian Lakes region to Milan?  

The Italian Lakes District is very close to Milan, so much so that you can easily take a day-trip from Milan to Lake Como by train and hardly feel like you’ve made an effort.  

Can I get to the Italian Lakes by train from Venice? 

You can totally get to the best lakes in Italy from Venice. Visiting the Italian Lakes by train from Venice is convenient, especially if you’ve got your eyes set on Lake Garda. The trip from Venezia Santa Lucia to Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione has a 90-minute direct train. 

How many days do I need in the Italian Lakes region? 

You need as much time as you can spare in the Italian Lakes. An Italian Lakes itinerary by train could be anywhere from a day or two traveling from Bologna to Lake Iseo or a week-long-plus adventure trekking from Turin across half-a-dozen lakes to Verona.  

Image Credit: Getty Images, Maleo Photography. Image Location: Lake Maggiore, Italy. 

The best Italian lakes (and how to visit by train)   

A train ride to the lakeside.  

Lake Maggiore 

Convenient train station: Arona F.S. 

Lake Maggiore is a fantastic starting point for a trip to the Italian Lakes region. No fewer than six train stations run north-and-south along the western shore of the lake, letting you easily explore the Piedmonte side’s small towns. A popular activity is taking a boat out to the Borromeo Islands where small museums await.  

Image Credit: Getty Images, Emya Photography. Image Location: Lake Garda, Italy. 

Lake Garda 

Convenient train station: Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione 

Over on the east side of the Italian Lakes, you’ll find Lake Garda. It’s the largest lake in Italy, featuring everything from the dazzling Scaliger Caster to the thrilling Gardaland Resort amusement park. You’ll need a bus to get around after arriving at the main train station in the south. And if your Italian Lakes itinerary by train has a little wiggle room, we suggest pairing your Italian Lakes journey with a quick trip to the nearby Dolomites .  

Convenient train station: Orta-Miasino 

The westernmost lake in the area, Orta doesn’t have the size of its neighbor Lake Maggiore, but its own charming island, Isola San Giulio. See the lakes in a new way with the zip-line adventure in the north or stay south and splash at the popular beach, Spiaggia Miami. A few train stations line the eastern shoreline for easy access. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, LianeM. Image Location: Lake Lugano, Italy. 

Lake Lugano 

Convenient train station: Porto Ceresio 

No, you’re not misremembering. Lake Lugano is absolutely in Switzerland—except for the little bit of shoreline that flows into Italy. You can certainly have a fine time on the Italian side of Lugano with lakeside dining and selfie stopping. Don’t be afraid to cross the border; Swiss trains will take you around the majority of the lake. 

Convenient train station: Iseo 

Sitting between Lake Como and Lake Garda, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you should skip the quieter Lake Iseo. That is, until you see photos of the sleepy little town of Lovere. Lake Iseo has all of the views with less of the crowds, perfect for anyone who wants a chill getaway. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Daniele Mezzadri. Image Location: Varenna, Lake Como, Italy. 

Convenient train station: Como San Giovanni  

What can we say about Lake Como that a photograph can’t convey? It’s one of the best lakes in Italy—one of the best in Europe, really—and the star of the Italian Lakes map. Golfing and gourmet eating. Hiking and historic squares. Hotels with spas, skiing, and stunning scenery right outside your suite’s window. 

Ready to explore the Italian Lakes by train? We’re ready to help. Download the Trainline app and we’ll help you find the cheapest train tickets to these six dreamy lakes in Northern Italy.  

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, David C Tomlinson. Image Location: Lake Garda, Italy. 

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Lake Maggiore holidays: How to explore Italy’s second largest lake

What to see and do on and around Lake Maggiore, and why you should choose it over the other Italian Lakes

The Italian Lakes are also a paradise for plant-lovers, with lots of famously lovely gardens thanks to that mild climate, especially around Lake Maggiore, which is divided between the Lombardy and Piedmont regions and extends to the Swiss border, and Lake Como .

Is Lake Maggiore worth seeing and should you visit its islands?

This is the second largest lake in Italy, after nearby Garda , and like its big sister it has great water-sports facilities as well as lots of scope for mountain-biking and hiking. What it most stands out for, however, are the little islands dotting it, the Borromeans, some of which are linked by a little ferry that does the rounds. The ferry stops at both Isola Bella and Isola Madre, allowing you to experience – and contrast – their very different gardens.

Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands, and its Giardini Botanici dell'Isola Madre is a real wonder – a botanical treasure chest of plants brought here over the years at the behest of naturalist Vitaliano IX, including peonies, azaleas and verbenas, apricot, cherry and other fruit trees, and walnut trees near the Palazzo. The Palazzo itself has original interiors to ogle, and, charmingly, an antique puppet theatre that used to hold shows outdoors, including the original stage sets.

Meanwhile, Isola Bella – which was named for Isabella, Countess Borromeo – has just one minuscule village and an uncompleted summer palace, where you can see Lombardy artworks and Flemish tapestries. Best of all, the palace sits within a breathtaking Italianate garden with 10 terraces and flamboyant decoration including a vast unicorn, obelisks, grottoes and water-wheel towers. As if that wasn’t fairytale-like enough, white peacocks struck through its lush vegetation of camphor, citrus trees, roses, rhododendrons and camellias.

Back on the lakeshore, at Verbania, the dreamy gardens of Villa Taranto have one of the world’s most important botanical collections. Created by an expat Scot in 1931, it mixes the English style with Italian features including statues, fountains, terraces and waterfalls. Eucalyptus, azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias, giant water lilies and rare Tasmanian tree ferns are among the plantlife here, and the Herbarium contains unique artworks made from plants.

Is Lake Como or Lake Maggiore better?

It’s often said that Como, with its soaring peaks, is the loveliest of the north Italian Lakes, with its old-fashioned steamboat rides and picturesque resorts Menaggio, Varenna and Bellagio. It also has superb beaches in the northern towns of Gravedona and Domaso, with great swimming and water-skiing, plus excellent hiking, mountain-biking, horse-riding and even golf.

But it’s impossible to choose between them, and as the best Lake Maggiore holidays can include a trip to Como, or vice versa, why choose when you don't have to? One very easy way to combine them is on Good Housekeeping's tour of the gardens of the Italian Lakes, which includes the Borromean Islands and Lake Como.

Villa Balbianello is so spellbinding that key scenes from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale were filmed at this villa in the hamlet of Lenno on the tip of the wooded Lavedo promontory. Built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery, it stands out for its terraced gardens, spellbinding loggia and superb lake views.

Other fabulous gardens around Como include the lakeshore Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta and Villa d’Este, and you might also enjoy a day-long jaunt into Switzerland from Lake Como, aboard the iconic Bernina Railway .

What are the best towns around Lake Maggiore?

The Borromean islands are the real glory of Maggiore, but the lake is also dotted with enticing waterfront towns with pretty promenades and Belle Epoque palaces that it would be a shame to miss out on, so do try to spend at least four days here to really make the most of all that it has to offer.

Among the best town are tiny Cannobio on the northwestern shore, with pastel-painted houses, cobbled lanes, a lovely promenade for the evening passeggiata , a sandy beach and superb hiking to the Orrido di Sant’Anna gorge.

Or many people coming on Lake Maggiore holidays base themselves in Verbania, its biggest town. As well as being home to Villa Taranto and to the ferry docks for the Borromeans, it has the impressive Villa Giulia with its gardens and lots of lovely restaurants with lake-view terraces.

Stresa is another charmer, with cobbled streets and architecture dating from the region’s golden age in the early 20th century, including water’s-edge Belle Epoque villas and mansions built tor rich Milan families who holidayed here. Many of the town’s beautiful buildings are now hotels, and there is again an array of fantastic restaurants serving fresh lake fish.

Then there’s Luino near the Swiss border on the eastern side of Maggiore, best visited on a Wednesday for its street market dating back as far as 1535, with more than 350 stalls selling regional food as well as retro and vintage paraphernalia and even antiques for something truly special to take home with you.

How to experience a Lake Maggiore holiday in 2024

There are many ways to explore Lake Maggiore this year, including a no-fly tour of the Italian Lakes and Switzerland, with Eurostar travel and the chance to explore Maggiore, Como and Orta in one trip.

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Lake Garda Holidays

Stunning scenery, ancient ruins and delicious Italian food – there’s plenty to love about holidays to Lake Garda. The shores of Italy’s largest lakes are lined with luxury hotels, making summer breaks here a great alternative to the seaside. To the north of the water, the scenery is all dramatic mountains, whilst to the south, it’s rolling countryside and rich vineyards. The resorts around the lake’s edge offer a mix of enchanting cobbled streets, inviting eateries and smart shops. There’s a host of interesting things to see and do on Lake Garda holidays, from shopping to wine tasting. As for the lake itself, it’s the perfect place to try out watersports, or cool off in the crystal clear waters. Stylish, scenic and sophisticated - it’s easy to see why so many choose to holiday in this beautiful part of the world.

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The stunning secret Italian lakes that most tourists don’t know about

By Silvia Marchetti, CNN

Published May 17, 2024 7:05 AM PDT | Updated May 17, 2024 7:05 AM PDT

Aerial view of the hilltop village of Castel di Tora on the lake of Turano in July 2021. (Photo credit: Davide Seddio/Moment Unreleased RF/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)  

CNN) —  Tourists regularly flock to Italy to enjoy its beaches and islands, they admire its historical cities – and of course they enjoy the food.

Recently, they’ve been coming in far greater numbers, leaving some destinations overwhelmed. However, there are still places to visit that offer an escape from the crowds as well as stunning scenery.

We’re talking lakes. But not Lake Garda, the huge body of water that nestles up against the Alps, busy with resort towns. And not celebrity-favorite Lake Como.

Italy has dozens of secret smaller lakes that boast superb scenery, unknown to mass tourism, where locals get together on day trips and enjoy picnics.

These are some of the best:

Lake Turano

One of the best-kept secrets of Lazio, the region around Rome, is Lake Turano. Visitors to Rome, many who wilt during the heat of the Eternal City’s fiery summers, have no idea that nearby lies an enchanted place that has the views, the history, the food and a welcome breath of fresh air.

It wasn’t meant to be a vacation spot at first. When Benito Mussolini, Italy’s former dictator, ordered the construction of this artificial lake in the 1930s to supply water to nearby power plants, the last thing he expected was for it to turn into a weekend detox retreat for people longing for open spaces.

Lago del Turano  has an ideal location, close to the capital but far from the noise and chaos.

Set in the wild countryside north of Rome and surrounded by hills, the location was once home to the Fallisci, an ancient tribe, before they were wiped out by ancient Romans.

Free-roaming cows and sheep greet visitors along a road cut through a deep forest that leads to the lake. Once out of the woods, the mesmerizing scenery of the lake forces drivers to stop at a belvedere with benches to take in the view.

The lake brims with giant carp that draw anglers from across Italy for fishing contests.

Two picturesque towns of stone dwellings with panoramic balconies overlook lake Turano - the clifftop medieval Castel di Tora and the even more ancient Colle di Tora, sit right on the shoreline. There’s also a tall peninsula jutting out into the lake topped with an old monastery.

The water is crystal-clear and the  pebble shores are dotted with beach facilities  where one can rent dinghies, canoes, boats, or simply suntan and sunbathe in tropical-like waters.

Just one metal bridge runs over the water connecting Castel di Tora to the main road. In winter, most holiday homes are shut and the narrow alleys are largely deserted apart from cats. In spring, locals spruce up their outdoor patios and socialize in the little piazza.

Fresh fish is served at restaurant  L’Angoletto , a stone cottage with an open panoramic veranda over the lake. Hotel Turano has cozy, no-frills lakefront rooms and a restaurant serving local specialties.

Lake Scanno

Lake Scanno is known for its unusual phenomena. (Photo credit: Davide Pischettola/NurPhoto/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

The most intriguing of all lakes however is Lake Scanno, the “pearl” of eastern Italy’s Abruzzo region, which is as beautiful as it is mysterious.

Over the years, tales and myths have been spun about this deep green, heart-shaped lake that persist today, attracting scientists and paranormal investigators who try to find explanations to weird happenings that have long baffled locals.

Surrounded by the Apennines mountain range, it is said this natural lake, named after the overhanging village above, has magical powers.

Locals believe the lake is alive and some have previously reported unusual phenomena such as shattering light bulbs, exploding TV screens and ceiling lamps dancing as if a small earthquake had just struck.

They also tell stories of other unexplained events: sudden water level drops, divers compasses going berserk and dead fish and even long-lost World War II weapons floating on the surface. There’s said to be a mysterious unidentified object buried in the lake bed.

Lake Scanno’s unusual atmosphere is almost palpable. In the heady days of summer, the sense of mystery hangs in the warm air.

Despite its green color, caused by harmless algae in the water, bathing is permitted here as is windsurfing. The lake is also ripe for exploration, with a “Path of the Heart” trail that circles its banks and takes in a church, said to be a site of miracles, and an old hermitage.

Along the shores there is a  beach  kitted out for summer bathing. There are mountain bike trails and it’s possible to rent rickshaws, rowing boats and canoes.Other facilities include a children’s playground, and a parking area for campers.

Lakefront Agriturismo Miralago  is a farm and B&B, where horses roam free. It serves traditional dishes like  tagliatelle  with wild boar. The village of Scanno, a puzzle of lavish bourgeois mansions and humble shepherd dwellings decorated with bright flower pots, is a must-see.

Located just a few miles from Milan, this picturesque spot formed from pure Alpine glacial meltwater is also a source of great sparkling wines, made from grapes grown on its banks.

The lake  has three islands. The two smallest are private while the largest, Montisola, a huge mountain sticking out of the deep blue water, is heaven for nature-lovers.

Here, visitors can rent canoes or fishing boats for a private tour of the lake. Another shoreside attraction is the brightly colored dwellings built for fishermen that stand on stilts over the edge of the water, among them restaurant  Locanda al Lago , known for its fish dishes and the sardines hung on the dock to dry.  Hotel Sensole  is a lakefront Baroque palazzo that contains a gourmet bistrot.

Lake Nemi, near Rome, sits in an extinct volcanic crater. (Photo credit: e55evu/iStockphoto/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

This small lake just beyond the southwestern suburbs of Rome is where locals flock for Sunday lunches with traditional  porchetta  pork sandwiches and heady red wines.

They’re treading in the footsteps of their ancient predecessors. Back in the days of Roman empire, senators and wealthy families came here to relax in lavish retreats around Nemi’s shores, where succulent strawberries grow amid archeological ruins and dense forests.

Sited among the Colli Albani hills on the edge of Rome, the lake is of volcanic origin and sits in an extinct crater. It’s accessible by foot along an old route that winds down from a village on the slopes above it that shares the lake’s name.

Lakefront  B&B Lago di Nemi  is an old restyled farmhouse that rents out bicycles, while restaurant  La Fiocina  on the shore, serves fish specialties like fried whitebait with green peppers.

Orta is one of the secret gems of Italy’s Piedmont region, usually overlooked by visitors who flock to the more touristy Lago Maggiore nearby.

Created by a melting Alpine glacier, it’s a quiet idyll with picturesque villages, chapels and medieval towers along its banks. In the middle of Orta, the  monastery-island of San Giulio  rises from the water.

Alongside myriad biking and horseback riding trails, it’s possible to waterski and even scuba dive in the translucent waters that lie off its pebble beaches.  L’Approdo  is a four-star lakefront hotel restaurant with a panoramic terrace and pool.

Lake Trasimeno

Lake Trasimeno is located in a less-touristed part of Umbria region. (Photo credit: Christiana Stawski/Moment RF/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

This  shallow lake  formed millennia ago by tectonic movements of the Earth’s crust is located in a less touristy part of Umbria, where just locals have holiday homes and shops in the overhanging village of Castiglione don’t sell the usual souvenirs.

Trasimeno’s banks are dotted with medieval hamlets and wooden bridges that cross over the water that are great for birdwatching and sunset drinks.

Beaches here rent out windsurf and kite equipment.

B&B Dolce Dormire  has cozy rooms in the ancient district of Castiglione, while  La Casa di Campagna  is a rural farm and tavern serving local specialties.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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