lago iseo tour

Red White Adventures

4 beautiful lake iseo boat tours & trips [2024].

One of the most beautiful places we’ve been to in Italy is Lake Iseo in the Lombardy region.

The Lombardy region is located in Northern Italy and is known for its stunning lakes. Lago d’Iseo is a prime example of that.

In this post, we’ve collated 4 different Iseo Lake boat tours and water experiences that we hope you’re going to love!

All 4 of these Lake Iseo tours are quite unique and different – one of them is actually a kayaking experience. There really is something for everyone!

We recommend spending at least a day or two near Lake Iseo because, along with the boat tours, there are some incredible hikes, villages to explore, and delicious Italian food to try out!

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Table of Contents

4 of the Best Boat Tours in Lake Iseo, Italy

Quick breakdown of your trip:

• ⛵️ Book your Lake Iseo boat tours on Viator or GetYourGuide
• 👩🏼‍⚕️ Make sure your adventures are insured with SafetyWing
• ☀️ Wear waterproof & eco-friendly sunscreen
• 📸 Bring your camera and get Insta ready
• 💦 Stay hydrated with a LifeStraw water bottle

Pro tip: Most boat tours in Lake Iseo book out during the summer months so it’s best to book in advance if you know the exact dates.

#1 Monte Isola: The Pearl of Lake Iseo

⛵️ Book your Monte Isola boat tour here ⏰ Time: Roughly 2 hours 💸 Cost: €95

There’s truly only one way to visit Monte Isola and it’s by boat! So if you want to visit this little island in the middle of Lake Iseo then a boat tour is your best way to do it.

Some say Monte Isola is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy . With its narrow streets, cute shops, and authentic feel it almost gives you a sense of going back in time.

I remember looking down at Monte Isola from the top of the Corna da Trentapassi hike and it looked absolutely beautiful. This little island is right in the middle of the lake!

On this boat trip , you’ll first get to experience the beauty of being on Lake Iseo. Like with most lakes in northern Italy, the mountains that surround these lakes make for an incredible backdrop. 

You’ll spend a bit of time paddling with the guide to the island where you’ll have time to explore all the streets and even the Church of St Michael before heading back to the boat to continue the journey. 

A fun fact about Lake Iseo is that it’s actually the 4th largest lake in the Lombardy region of northern Italy! The three larger ones are Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore.

Check out prices and availability for the Monte Isola: The Pear of Lake Iseo boat tour here .

#2 Lake Iseo: Baia del Bogn Kayak Tour

⛵️ Book your Baia del Bogn kayak tour here ⏰ Time: Roughly 2 hours 💸 Cost : €60

We know this isn’t a boat tour but this kayak tour still gets you out in Lake Iseo and it’s too good to miss out on!

Instead of taking you to the iconic Monte Isola, you’ll paddle to one of Lake Iseo’s hidden gems on the northwestern side of the lake: Baia del Bogn (also known as Bogn Bay in English).

You’ll paddle out with the guide to explore this beautiful bay and hopefully get to see a waterfall up close (depending on the time of year)!

If you want to explore Lake Iseo while being physically active, then kayaking is a perfect way to do it.

It’s not too intense that you’ll get tired but it’s a nice steady paddle to Bai del Bogn.

Once you reach the bay, you’ll have some time to rest and take in the breathtaking views of the bay, the mountains, and (hopefully) the waterfall.

This kayaking tour on Lake Iseo is a pretty incredible experience! We recommend pairing it with a boat tour to Monte Isola because they’re both fun but such different experiences.

Check out prices and availability for the Baia del Bogn kayak tour here .

#3 Lake Iseo: Sailing Cruise of the Three Islands

⛵️ Book your Lake Iseo Sailing Cruise here ⏰ Time: Roughly 4 hours 💸 Cost: €100

This is another unique Iseo Lake boat tour since this one takes place on a sailboat!

On this adventure, you don’t actually get off the boat and explore Monte Isola. Instead, you’ll explore out on the lake.

During this sailing experience , you get up close to Monte Isola, San Paolo, and Loreto Islands! You’ll sail around them and take in the awesome views of these tiny islands in Lake Iseo.

Being out on a sailboat is so fun and we can’t imagine a better way to be out on the lake in such beautiful surroundings!

The ocean has always terrified me a bit so I feel way more comfortable being on a sailboat on a lake than out on open water.

Let the wind take you around the lake from corner to corner while exploring the beautiful lake, islands, and mountains!

Check out prices and availability for the Lake Iseo Sailing Cruise here .

#4 From Milan: Lake Iseo Cruise and Bergamo Walking Tour

⛵️ Book your Lake Iseo and Bergamo Walking tour here ⏰ Time: Roughly 10 hours 💸 Cost: €120

There are plenty of day trips from Milan but this tour which takes you out in nature to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lombardy region has to be at the top of the list.

Lake Iseo is less busy than Lake Como and Lake Garda but in our opinion, it’s equally as beautiful! 

One of the highlights of this day trip is that you get the chance to visit the historic town of Bergamo where the famous Stracciatella Ice Cream was invented! 🍦

But before you make your way to Bergamo you’ll go by bus to Lake Iseo where you’ll get a boat tour to the town of Peschiera Miraglio on the Monte Isola island.

On the island, you will have some free time to explore a bit and go for a yummy, Italian lunch.

After lunch, the tour will take you to the famous, historic city of Bergamo where you will explore the Colleoni Chapel, try out the funicular, and enjoy the views of the lower city.

It’s a true Italian experience that takes you to both beautiful nature by Lake Iseo and the historic city center of Bergamo.

Check out prices and availability for the Lake Iseo cruise and Bergamo walking tour here .

Other related questions about Lake Iseo

Is it safe to swim in lake iseo.

Swimming is not recommended in Lake Iseo. There are a few beaches along the shores of some of the towns but, sadly, swimming isn’t recommended in the lake because the water is polluted.

Is Lake Iseo nice?

Lake Iseo is the 4th largest lake in the Lombardy region and even though it’s not as recognized or well-known as Lake Como or Lake Garda it’s just as beautiful.

The landscape and towns surrounding the lake are stunning. 

What is Lake Iseo known for?

One of the most famous things about Lake Iseo is the three islands you can find in the heart of the lake. The three islands are Monte Isola, San Paolo Island, and Loreto Island with the most famous being Monte Isola.

Lake Iseo is also known for its beautiful coastal towns that are located at the shore of the lake and the amazing hiking nearby.

What is the nicest town on Lake Iseo?

The town of Lovere is the most famous town on Lake Iseo and it is actually known as one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy.

There are plenty of cafes in Lovere and the town square has a historic charm to it with the lakefront located within walking distance from the center.

You may also like…

• Hiking to The Tallest Waterfall in Italy – Cascate Del Serio
• The Best Way to Get From Bergamo to Lake Iseo
• Hiking to the Top of Monte Colombina Near Lake Iseo
• How to Hike The Breathtaking Corna Trentapassi Trail

Recap of 4 beautiful Lake Iseo boat tours & trips

This concludes the post about the different boat tours we recommend near the beautiful Lake Iseo located north of Bergamo.

Lake Iseo is a place you can go visit as a day trip from Milan or Bergamo but if you get the chance we definitely recommend staying there for a few days.

Stay in Lovere (a town on Lake Iseo) for the best experience and the most beautiful views.

There’s also plenty of hiking near Lovere and Lake Iseo such as the Corna Trentapassi hike and the Monte Colombina hike . 

If you have any questions about Lake Iseo, where to stay in Lovere, how to get from Bergamo, or anything else related to Lago d’Iseo, just message us on Instagram or leave a comment below .

We hope you have the best time in Italy! We love Lombardy and hope you do as well.

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Hello. I’d like to know where you’re getting your data from on the pollution of lake iseo? We’d like to swim there with kids. Is this safe?

It was locals who told us that it is polluted.

There isn’t a lot of information supporting this online and lots of sources say that you can swim. There is a very short article from 2018 you can read here with a bit of information: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-08/07/c_137371942.htm

We also didn’t see anyone swim in the lake when we went. Granted it was in October but it was still 25 degrees Celsius at the time.

You might be fine if you swim in the water, but maybe ask a few locals before you go in 🙂

Hope this helps!

Best, Josefine

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THE 5 BEST Lake Iseo Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in lake iseo.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Water Sports
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• San Giulio Island
• Isole Borromee
• Lago d'Iseo
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 7-Days Italian Lakes and Riviera Tour from Milan

2. Boat Rental Without License for a Whole Day

3. 4-Day Italian Lakes Tour from Milan

4. From Milan: Lake Iseo Cruise, Monte Isola & Bergamo Full Day Trip

5. LAKE ISEO, CRUISE, MONTISOLA and BERGAMO

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Lake Como, Bellagio with Private Boat Cruise Included

Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula

Bellagio & Varenna - Small Group Tour from Milan with Boat Cruise

Venice Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda

Lake Garda Cruise from Peschiera

Sunset Tour in Sirmione

Sailing Experience on Lake Como with Private Skipper

Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles

Lake Garda Sunset Cruise from Sirmione with Prosecco

Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour

Sunset sailing on lake Como with Private Skipper

Lake Garda Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise from Sirmione

From Peschiera: Cruise on the southern coast to Sirmione

2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights

Sunset Shared Boat Tour with Aperitif from Varenna - Bellagio

Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo

Venice Day Trip from Bergamo

Private Boat Tour - Lake Como Bellagio

Tour in barca da Sirmione all'Isola del Garda

Maggiore Lake and Borromean Islands

Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour

Private Boat Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise

2 hours Private Boat Tour of Lake Como for Groups of 1 to 7 People

From Milan: Bellagio, Varenna & Bellano gorge - small group tour

Boat Tour of Isola del Garda

Lago d'Iseo

Top ways to experience Lago d'Iseo and nearby attractions

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LAGO D'ISEO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Camminando sull'acqua con Christo

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Scirocco 180 CV

Elizabeth interno, scirocco interno, katrine interno.

Dal 18 Giugno al 3 Luglio 2016 , meteo permettendo, il Lago d'Iseo sarà re-immaginato : 70 mila metri quadrati di tessuto giallo scintillante , steso grazie a 200 mila banchi cubici galleggianti, composti da polietilene ad alta densità, ondeggeranno insieme alle onde del lago, formando un Pontile Galleggiante appena sopra la superficie dell'acqua. I visitatori potranno sperimentare questa opera d'arte camminando da Sulzano a Monte Isola e fino all'Isola di San Paolo , grazie ad una passerella lunga 3 chilometri, creata grazie ai Pontili Galleggianti che verranno disposti lungo le acque del Lago d'Iseo. I pontili saranno larghi 16 metri e alti circa 50 cm, progettati con una forma spiovente.

Nella primavera e nell'estate del 2014, Christo , Vladimir Yavachev – Operations Manager, Wolfgang Volz – Project Manager, e Josy Kraft – Registrar/Curator, eplorarono i laghi del Nord d'Italia. Grazie al Capo Progetto Germano Celant, trovarono nel Lago d'Iseo la loro fonte di ispirazione. Christo e Jeanne-Claude hanno una lunga storia di progetti realizzati in Italia e, 40 dopo la prima grande opera d'arte, con grande felicità ritornano in Italia per un nuovo incredibile progetto: i Pontili Galleggianti . 

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Siviano di Monteisola (BS)

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Località Carzano, 38 25050 Montisola (BS)

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Consorzio motoscafisti isole borromee.

Stresa - piazzale lido 28838 (VB)

+39 0323 31358

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Sale Marasino Via Dante Alighieri, 11

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This Lake in Italy Is a Gorgeous Alternative to Lake Como

Lake Iseo is the Lombardian oasis no one knows about — but shh! Don't tell anyone.

Lake Como has become a tourist hotspot, frequented by many trying to steal a glimpse of high-caliber residents like George Clooney. But a lesser-known gem sits just on the other side of Bergamo. Lake Iseo, surrounded by dense woodlands and soaring peaks, remains sheltered from the naked eye and is the least known of Italy's Lombard Lakes.

The underrated destination is an awe-striking sight to behold, with a mountain that shoots straight out of its waters and an array of activities to try, including everything from island hopping and sardine tasting to relaxing in Italian resorts and exploring historical attractions dating back to the 1400s.

Here's what to see, what to do, and how to explore this secret oasis before other tourists start to catch on.

A Hidden Oasis

Because of its tucked-away location — shrouded by the soaring peaks of the Alps and Prealps — Lake Iseo has remained closed off to unassuming eyes for years. It's located in Lombardy, the region of northern Italy that's also home to Milan, and sits near the cities of Brescia and Bergamo, both of which lay claim to parts of the lake.

Lake Iseo is only about an hour's drive from Milan, but tourist traffic tends to divert to the more-famous Lake Como (about 50 miles to Iseo's northwest) or Lake Garda (just east of Iseo).

The Scenic Lake Iseo Drive

To provide visitors with easy access and magnificent views, a road has been carved into the side of the mountains that surround the lake. On the western side, SP469 — aka Sebina Occidentale — is narrowly wedged between the water and soaring cliff faces, making for incredibly dramatic scenes along the journey. SP510 on the eastern side is connected by SS42 to the north and a network of village roads to the south. The whole thing takes about an hour and a half to drive.

A Nature Lover’s Paradise

The lake is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a variety of parks and nature reserves visitors can explore. These range from Fossil Forest Park ( Parco Foresta Fossile ), where you can observe fascinating rock formations created 800,000 years ago, to Tinazzo Gorge Park ( Parco Gola del Tinazzo ), where you’ll be greeted by terraced meadows lined with olive trees and roe deer, badgers, and various bird species.

Both those are located near the northwest corner of Lake Iseo, but on the south shore, you'll find the Natural Reserve Sebino ( Torbiere del Sebino ). This wetland reserve is the largest and most ecologically important in the Brescia province.

Fun on the Water

It wouldn't be an Italian lake vacation without water sports. Activities on Lake Iseo range from kayaking and canoeing from Sporting Lido on the south shore to sailing with Circolo Velico . In fact, Lake Iseo’s sailing centers were some of the first in Italy.

You can take a tour of the lake by motorboat or ferryboat, either during the day or in the evening. There's something for all levels, be it a relaxing day of fishing or an adrenaline-pumping windsurfing sesh. The wind that blows from the surrounding valleys creates the ideal environment for it.

Adventures on Land

Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

Adventurers who seek to stay dry will find the lake's surroundings brimming with hiking and biking trails, from tough mountain biking tracks to paved cycle paths that meander at or near lake level. The rugged landscape allows for canyoning through and climbing on the rock, but technical gear is needed for these types of advenuturers. Guided canyoning and climbing trips can be booked through Lake Iseo's official website.

For a real adrenaline rush, you could also try paragliding or hang gliding. The pilots at ASD Parapendio Sebino in Sale Marasino—on Iseo's east shore—give guests a bird's-eye view of the sprawling lake and surrounding hills.

Swimming in Lake Iseo

The calm waters of Lake Iseo are primed for taking a dip on one of those hot afternoons Italy is known for. Despite the sailboats and surfers (of various types) that frequent its waters, the whole lake is open for swimming.

Surrounding Iseo and within the islands that dot its terrain, you’ll find a selection of beaches and shores where visitors sunbathe on warm days. Some of the most popular (and free!) places to go for a dip on the lake include Perla Sebina Beach, Spiaggia Sulzano, La Spiaggetta, and Spiaggia Libera Carini, all located on the eastern shore.

If you're one who prefers the pool, there are plenty of those around, too, from Sassabanek (a campground with a large and popular water park) to the one at Il Lido Iseo Beach Resort . Resort pools are open seasonally and charge admission.

Europe's Biggest Island in a Lake

One of Lake Iseo's most notable locations is Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe , measuring about five square miles. The wooded mountain rises out of the lake, creating a lush islet lined with chestnut groves. Monte Isola's charming fishing village is fun to wander through as you make your way up cobblestone streets winding towards the mountains.

The municipality of Monte Isola also includes two other islets: San Paolo to the south and Loreto to the north. On San Paolo, buildings of what was once a Franciscan convent remain. Though the islets are not open to the public, you can reach Monte Isola by a ferry that runs around the clock, stopping at Peschiera, Sensole, Porto di Siviano, and Carzano.

Historical Attractions

The lake is also home to many towns, including ones that date back to the medieval era. As you walk through cobblestone streets and ancient fortresses, you'll find yourself transported back in time.

The lake is dotted with about a dozen museums and art galleries, more than 100 churches and religious institutions, more than 20 historic buildings and centers, 10 archeological sites, and a bounty of cultural trails that lead visitors into picturesque towns.

One of the most popular to visit is Lovere, a town-slash-commune that sits right between the lake and mountains and looks like a large amphitheater. Home to medieval forts and a 15th-century basilica, the town boasts a dreamy atmosphere that once led Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, an English writer, to describe it as “the most romantic place [she had] ever seen.”

The historical theme continues in Pisogne, home to 17th-century homes, medieval gates, and a town square that leads to churches filled with 19th-century paintings and instruments.

Local Delicacies and Libations

Around the lake, often right on the shore, you'll find a variety of fresh fish selections including the local specialty: dried shad. Sometimes called "sardina," the dish consists of shad (a freshwater fish native to the region) that has been slow dried on wooden racks for 30 to 40 days and marinated in olive oil for a few months. Dried shad is seasoned with parsley and garlic and served with polenta. You can find the local delicacy at most seafood restaurants and retailers around Lake Iseo.

The lake also sits in close proximity to the lush vineyards of Franciacorta , where you can sample wines that are made using a selection of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot blanc grapes. With more than 100 wineries to visit, the area is a dream come true for wine connoisseurs.

Markets Galore

Markets take place on any given day around the lake: Rovato on Mondays, Sulzano on Tuesdays, Riva di Solto on Wednesdays, and a slew of others, including several " markets of historical significance " occurring on the weekends. These pop-up emporiums give visitors the opportunity to stock up on local foods — dried shad, perhaps? — and souvenirs to take home.

In addition to food, you'll find antiques and handicraft at “Un Tuffo nel Passato” in Paratico on the first and third Sunday of each month.

Wellness and Relaxation Around Lake Iseo

Already a haven from the bustling crowds of tourists heading into the country’s more noted locations, Lake Iseo also has parks and green spaces for picnics plus luxe wellness spaces in the hotels lining its vicinity. One of the most adored among spa-goers is Chenot Espace Franciacorta — an outpost of the high-end Swiss spa chain — which offers an architecturally stunning space and full book of spa treatments.

Others include Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa , boasting an indoor pool, saunas, and a menu of spa treatments; and Cappuccini Resort , where guests have access to the Turkish bath and stay in former monks' cells inside a 16th-century monastery.

Thermal baths are big here, too, particularly those of Boario Terme and Trescore Balneario .

Related Articles

Lago d'Iseo

Top ways to experience Lago d'Iseo and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

LAGO D'ISEO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Melanie May - Travel Eat Write Repeat

A Food and Travel Blog for Those Hungry for Adventure

Lake Iseo Travel Guide – See, Do & Eat

Looking for the best things to see and do in Lake Iseo? How about the best restaurants and hotels too? Then keep reading my Lake Iseo travel guide. I cover all the cool things that I got up to on my press trip to Italy’s Lake District.

Disclaimer: this was a press trip organised by the Visit Lake Iseo tourist board and Visit Brescia and Visit Bergamo . I did not have to pay for my activities, accommodation or food. However, this is an honest account of my experience and all opinions expressed are my own.

Where is Lake Iseo?

Lake Iseo is one of the four great lakes in the Lombardia (Lombardy) region of northern Italy. The other great lakes are Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Lake Iseo is the smallest of these and is nestled between Lake Garda and Lake Como.

Located between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia , Lake Iseo isn’t as well-known outside of Italy as the star-studded lakes of Garda and Como. And it is all the better for it. Lake Iseo isn’t crowded or overly touristy. It feels authentic and untouched. The lake is pristine and its surroundings are lush. Without overdevelopment, nature flourishes. Visiting Lake Iseo makes for a peaceful and relaxing holiday away from the masses. 

Things to do in Lake Iseo

The region has all the glamour we’ve come to expect from the Lombardy Lakes but with all the outdoor activities of an alpine resort. In Lake Iseo you can hike, ski, cycle, kayak, canoe, sail, fish, swim and a whole lot more. You can use the ferry to travel to different villages.

Where to get your culture fix

When it comes to culture, there is all manner of incredible places where you can get your fix. The lake is peppered with churches, castles, sanctuaries and museums that are open to the public. Lake Iseo is also home to 38 different historic buildings and eight archaeological sites. There’s also 16 cultural trails that take you on a scenic journey through charming towns and villages.

In Pisogne there are fascinating ancient buildings to admire. Make sure you pop into the church of Santa Maria della Neve or del Romanino. B uilt in the 15th-century the interior has a series of frescoes depicting the Passion of Christ. These were done by artist Girolamo Romani, known as Romanino, between 1532 and 1534. Due to the beauty, brightness and intensity of the figures, it is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Poor”.

In Antica Srada Valeriana you can take in the panoramic scenery. In Monastero di San Pietro in Lamosa you can admire beautiful sixteenth-century frescoes. You can also visit Sala Marasino, an exquisite Renaissance mansion.

Lake Iseo Winery Tour

Also on the shore of Lake Iseo is the Franciacorta wine region where they make Franciacorta wine , the Italian Champage. I had a tour and tasting at the Guido Berlucchi Winery and it was one of the best things I did in Lake Iseo. Clcik the link to read all about Berlucchi Wine Franciacorta .

But the real star of the show here is the lake. In the spring, summer and early autumn the water is warm enough for long swims and plenty of wet and wild fun. La Spiaggetta ‘the little beach’, is a grassy area and an idyllic spot for a relaxing dip. 

Best time to visit Lake Iseo

I was in Lake Iseo in October, a quieter season for sure, but one of the most stunning in terms of scenery. Surrounded by dense woodlands and soaring peaks the autumn foliage was a tremulous arrangement of fiery reds and shimmering golds. The whole region basked in a golden-hued autumnal light and put on an outrageous display of nature. Prepare for an extravaganza of colour and leaf-peeping opportunities. As you can imagine, the setting is incredibly romantic. It is a wonderful place for a romantic break.

Lake Iseo road trip

One of the best ways to acquaint yourself with Lake Iseo is to make your way around the shoreline. Walking is always my preferred way to see a place. However, if you want to see more in less time then you can cycle or drive. There are dedicated cycle lanes around the lake. Watching the many lycra-clad peddlers zoom by, it’s clearly a very popular way to get around.

Tour of Lake Iseo by private minibus

I enjoyed a private minibus tour which was organised by the  Visit Lake Iseo  tourist board. I was in Lake Iseo on a press trip, so we were treated to a drive around the lake with a tour guide. If this is something you would like to do, Visit Lake Iseo will arrange this for you.

We stopped off along the way to take pictures and walk along the promenade to soak up the laid back atmosphere. Everywhere around us people were sipping espresso al fresco enjoying the splendid lake views. The weather in October was beautifully bright, crisp and dry. It is a terrific time to visit the Northern Italian Lakes.

Ferry ride to Monte Isola

In the middle of Lake Iseo rises Monte Isola, which is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is also the largest lake island in Europe.

About 1,800 people live here throughout eleven different villages. Cars are banned but there are public buses.

To reach the island you can take a ferry from Sulzano. Once you reach Monte Isola, you can hike through the chestnut groves, ramble around the quaint fishing village and wander the cobblestone streets that wind towards the mountains.

Climbing to the top of the island, you can visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola and enjoy the 360° views of the lake.

If all of that sounds a bit too strenuous, then just pull up a seat at an outdoor table and relax with a coffee and watch the world go by. 

Lunch at Ristorante La Foresta on Monte Isola

When you get hungry, I highly recommend having lunch in Ristorante La Foresta. With its stunning lakefront setting, gorgeous terrace and succulent seafood menu, it is a great spot for a long lingering lunch. With its floor to ceiling windows, the sun bouncing off the water and the lake shimming outside, it is an incredibly romantic setting. Are you sensing the theme here?

Seafood comes fresh from the lake and it would be remiss not to try the local speciality of dried sardine. Although, this is a bit misleading. It is not a sardine at all, it is just called that because of its sardine-like shape. It is actually a freshwater fish called twaite shad, and you’ll find it in a lot of dishes in the region.

You’ll find the local salami on the menu too. Both of these have unique, intense and distinctive flavours and are the two typical ingredients that I recommend you try whist in Lake Iseo. Oh, and don’t forget to quaff as much of the local wine as possible. Franciacorta sparkling wine is the Italian Champagne, and it is delizioso. Click here to learn more about Franciacorta .

Private boat trip around Lake Iseo

For the ultimate glamourous Italian lake experience, hire a private boat, preferably one of those gorgeous wooden Riva boats, for a tour of Lake Iseo.

You’ll get a chance to visit the two other islands in the lake – Loreto isle and San Paolo isle. The history of the lake and the people who live here is intriguing and peeping into the private island owned by the Beretta family and hearing the tales of their epic entertaining is a fascinating glimpse into how the other half lives.

Walk around Iseo town

Back to reality. Depart the boat at Iseo town and enjoy walking around the charming cobblestone streets and squares. Have a look around the many churches filled with incredible artworks and frescos that are hundreds of years old.

You have to remember, back in the day, most art was made for religious purposes. Paintings and sculptures were placed in churches to help teach religious stores to people who could not read. There is an incredibel amount of artwork in the chruches in Northern Italy. They are free museums and seeing the paitings in their original setting is quite remarkable and rather unique in this day and age.

A ramble to the The Basilica of Sant’Andrea through the warren of narrow streets throws up a fascinating glimple into life here in this charming town.

The church is also worth a visit as it is one of the major works of 15th-century Renaissance architecture in Northern Italy.

A walk along the promenade in Iseo is also a wonderful way to while away some time and enjoy the lake views. As there are a lot of Italian holidaymakers here, the cafes and restaurants have a great selection of regional dishes and wines at reasonable prices. Like I said earlier, this Lombardy Lake resort is great for those who want an authentic experience, to taste a real slice of Italian life and culture.

La Pagoda di Eolo Restaurant for dinner

No doubt all that fresh lake air and walking around will have worked up an appetite, so, if you are looking for a restaurant that puts local, seasonal ingredients at the heart of everything it does, book a table at La Pagoda di Eolo Restaurant for dinner. 

I had la cacio e pepe del Sebino with fatulì cheese from Valssaviore and dried sardine of Montisola. It was served in a gigantic cup and saucer and it was a unique dish full of the distinctive flavours of the region. The scallops for starters were sweet, plump and succulent, and the sorbet with gin spheres for dessert was sharp and packed a punch. If you are looking for the best restaurant in Lake Iseo, La Pagoda di Eolo is should be at the top of your list.

Located in Sarnico, just a few minutes from the Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa, La Pagoda di Eolo Restaurant is an elegant setting on the lakefront with outdoor and indoor dining. The menu features typical dishes of the region brimming with local ingredients. On the menu, you’ll see dishes labelled ‘slow food presidium’ which indicates that the dish has an important cultural heritage. These are the dishes I highly recommend trying to get a taste of the region. They really give a sense of place on a plate.

Getting to Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo is located between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia. The nearest airport to Lake Iseo is Milan Bergamo (BGY) Airport, which is 29 km away. You can also fly into Milan Linate (LIN) (67.6 km), Milan Malpensa (MXP) (105.7 km), Bologna (BLQ) (163.4 km) and Venice (VCE) (178.4 km). 

If you are taking public transport, you can catch a bus from the airport to Brescia and then a bus from Brescia to Iseo.

Where to stay in Lake Iseo

If you are looking for a Lake Iseo hotel beside the lake, Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa fits the bill. With an outdoor and indoor pool, thermal suite, spa and lake views, this hotel is hard to beat. This is where I stayed, and you can click this link to read my review of the Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa.

Is Lake Iseo worth visiting?

Absolutely! This is a nature-lovers paradise and an ideal destination for those who like to embrace the great outdoors whilst surrounded by colourful scenery. It is a destination where you can be a wild or mild as you like with lots of water activities, cultural and heritage hotspots, romantic restaurants and unique experiences. It is also located in the East Lombardy gastronomy region so is a great place for those who want an authentic taste of Italy and to experience local cuisine. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your getaway, romantic or otherwise, to the Italian lake for the discerning traveller. 

Thanks for reading my Lake Iseo travel guide

So, what did you think of my Lake Iseo travel guide? Have you been to the Italian Lake District? Is there anything I left out? I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

If you liked this Lake Iseo travel guide, you might also like my review of  the Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa in Lake Iseo. If you are visiting the Lombardy, have a read of my guide to the best things to do in Brescia and things to do in Bergamo .

You might also like my Franciacorta Wine Guide to learn more about the local sparkling wine. If you want to visity a winery in Lombardy, then have a read of my taste and tour experience at the Guido Berlucchi Winery in Franciacorta.

If you are looking for another great destination for food lovers, have a read of my guide on  how to eat and drink like a local in Madrid .

Looking for more dining indulgences? Here is my list of  Dublin hotels with posh afternoon tea .

Related Posts

• Franciacorta Wine Guide
• Guido Berlucchi Winery Franciacorta Tour and Tasting
• Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa review
• Things to do in Brescia
• Things to do in Bergamo

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1 thought on “lake iseo travel guide – see, do & eat”.

Do you have a WRITTEN guide to Lake Iseo in book form that is Up to datE information on the Lake… Many thanks.

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