Italian Lakes holidays

Located in the foothills of the Southern Alps, our Italian Lakes holidays usually focus on the three largest: Garda, Como and Maggiore (with its delightful Borromean Islands). Garda, known for its thermal springs and pleasantly mild climate, is easily reached from nearby Verona by rail. Our holidays here take in communities like Sirmione, long an inspiration for a host of writers and artists, and the inland village of Borghetto with its historic water mill. And then there is Como, where you can lose many a happy hour strolling the streets of Bellagio, Como and Varenna. In the summer months you can swim in the lakes’ inviting blue waters, while more active types can enjoy walking and cycling around them. On the shore of Maggiore, you can while away a few hours wandering Stresa before taking the ferry over to islands like Isola Bella or Isola Madre to explore their lovely gardens.

Walking is a lovely, relaxed way to explore the landscapes and communities around the Italian Lakes, particularly Lake Como. Its waters reflect the Southern Alps, which often still bear a dusting of snow until May, while mountain paths link small villages like Livo that are far quieter than the lakeside towns. Our walking tours are typically tailor made and self-guided, and you can expect to cover up to around 12km each day. You will want to be in decent fitness, as ascents and descents can range up to 700m.. A typical day might take you through meadows and chestnut forests, over high passes, and perhaps via the occasional farm or vineyard. Soaring panoramas of the lakes with their its picturesque harbours and stately villas abound.

Some of our most popular Italian Lakes holidays are self guided cycling trips, and we think one of them captures the experience perfectly: so quiet and environmentally friendly is cycling that it’s as if “you enter the landscape on tiptoe.” But while you may slip in and out of lakeside communities noiselessly, with our holidays you still make a meaningful impact. You’ll stay in small, family-run hotels wherever possible, and your route notes are stuffed with great recommendations for local restaurants, cafes and shops to try. A typical week-long trip will see you riding between 20km and 60km per day. As these are tailor made holidays, you’ll often have the choice of shorter or longer route depending on your preferences. Follow low-traffic roads and bike paths that take you away from the most touristy areas, with carefully planned lakeside and inland journeys.

Exploring the idyllic landscapes, whether on foot, by bike, or by boat, can give you an appetite. Luckily, the cuisine in this region is just as delectable as the views. Enjoy fish risotto in Como, the fish pulled straight from the lake, or the famed margheritine di Stresa, found in delicatessens along the shore of Lake Maggiore. These crumbly, buttery pastries sprinkled with sugar are a treat with a mid-morning coffee. The Bardolino vineyards around Lake Garda offer tastings aplenty, and whichever lake you’re visiting, an artisan gelato after dinner is a must.