Italian Lakes Tours: Como, Garda, Maggiore

Dive into the beauty of the Italian Lakes district located in Northern Italy.

Lake Como
Lake Garda
Lake Maggiore
Lake Orta
Lake Iseo

Nestled amidst the Alps, these lakes offer majestic mountain views, historic villas, and freshwater fish dishes. Adventure types enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and hiking trails.

Their proximity to Venice, Verona, and Milan make them perfect for day trips from Northern Italy’s cities or a few nights’ stay. Let’s explore these serene destinations!

Lake Como: Elegance and Alps

History: The elegance of Lake Como, a retreat since Roman times, became a haven for aristocrats in the 19th century, with opulent villas dotting its shores.

Boat Tours: Take the local ferry to explore the lake and tour around nearby villages like Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna.

Best Places to Visit

Bellagio: The “Pearl of Lake Como” offers charming streets, upscale hotels like Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, and lakeside dining, perfect for a 2–3 night stay or day trip. Wander cobblestone streets and enjoy panoramic vistas. Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni: Stroll through lush gardens with lake views.

Como: The lake’s main city, with a historic cathedral, funicular to Brunate for views, and boutique hotels like Hotel Barchetta, ideal for a day visit or overnight.

Menaggio: A vibrant town with a scenic promenade, Villa Mylius Vigoni, and hotels like Grand Hotel Menaggio, ideal for a day trip or 1–2 nights, with easy ferry access to Bellagio (15 minutes).

Varenna: Located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, a romantic village with colorful houses, Villa Monastero’s gardens, and cozy B&Bs like Hotel Olivedo, great for a peaceful stroll or short stay.

Culinary Highlights

Savor missoltini (sun-dried lake fish), polenta uncia (cheesy polenta), and pair with a crisp Lugana white wine.

Lake Garda: Italy’s Largest Lake

lake garda sightseeing small town on waterside cafe

History: Lake Garda’s scenic shores shaped by glaciers, was a Roman and medieval stronghold, with castles reflecting its strategic past.

Best Towns to Visit

Desenzano del Garda: A lively town with a bustling port, historic castle, and hotels like Park Hotel, perfect for nightlife and day visits from Milan (1.5 hours).

Limone sul Garda: A charming town with lemon groves, hotels like Hotel Splendid Palace, and lakeside paths, this lemon-scented town 1 hour from Verona or 2 hours from Milan, perfect for a day trip or short 1-2 night stay. Its microclimate make it an interesting winter destination and allow its lemons to thrive in an unusual northern Italy location.

Riva del Garda: At the northern end of the lake, it offers Alpine views, hiking, and family-friendly hotels like Hotel Luise, great for a 2-night stay or day trip.

Sirmione: This charming peninsula town, 2 hours from Verona or Venice, is perfect for a day trip or overnight stay.

Scaliger Castle: Explore this 13th-century fortress with lake views.
Grotte di Catullo: Visit Roman villa ruins on the peninsula’s tip.
Thermal Baths: Relax in famous spa waters.
Limonaia del Castèl: Explore a historic lemon house museum showcasing citrus heritage.
Lungolago Marconi: Stroll the scenic lakefront promenade with cafes and views.
Ciclopista del Garda: Cycle or walk this stunning suspended path along the lake.

Culinary Highlights

Try tortellini di Valeggio, lake fish like lavarello, and Garda DOC wines.

Lake Maggiore: Romantic Retreat

History: Lake Maggiore, straddling Italy and Switzerland, flourished under the Borromeo family, whose 17th-century villas define its allure.

Best Towns to Visit

Stresa: A 1-hour train ride from Milan, ideal for a day trip or a few nights. A glamorous base with elegant hotels like Regina Palace, lakefront dining, and easy island access.

Stroll along thePromenade. Enjoy lakefront walks with Alpine backdrops.

Borromean Islands: Visit Isola Bella’s palace and beautiful gardens, a quick boat ride away from Stresa and Baveno.

Verbania: Home to Villa Taranto’s botanical gardens, it offers quaint streets and hotels like Hotel Pallanza, ideal for a serene day visit or stay.

Arona: Features a historic center, lakeside promenade, and budget-friendly hotels like Hotel Atlantic, great for a day trip or overnight from Milan.

Culinary Highlights

Enjoy risotto con pesce persico (perch risotto), amaretti biscuits, and Colli Novaresi wines.

Lake Orta: Hidden Gem

History: Lake Orta, a smaller lake west of Maggiore, was a medieval religious center, with its island monastery dating to the 4th century.

Best Towns to Visit

Isola San Giulio: Explore the Basilica and silent monastery by boat.

Omegna: A lively town at the lake’s northern end, with markets, cafes, and budget hotels like Hotel Croce Bianca, great for a day trip or short stay.

Orta San Giulio: This tranquil village is perfect for an off-the-beaten-path day trip or stay. A romantic village with cobblestone alleys, hotels like Hotel San Rocco, and lake views.

Pella: A quiet village across from Isola San Giulio, with small guesthouses like Locanda Monte San Giulio and scenic walks, perfect for a peaceful visit.

Piazza Motta: Wander charming streets with artisan shops.

Sacra Monte di Orta (Lake Orta): Above Orta San Giulio, this UNESCO world heritage site features 20 chapels with frescoes, blending spirituality and lake views (1.5 hours from Milan).

Culinary Highlights

Taste tapulone (minced meat stew), lake fish, and local Nebbiolo wines.

Lake Iseo: Quiet Charm

History: Lake Iseo, nestled between Como and Garda, was a trade hub in Roman times and a retreat for 19th-century elites.

Best Towns to Visit

Franciacorta Vineyards: Renowned wine region in Lombardy, famous for producing high-quality sparkling wines. The vineyards are intimately connected to the lake, located just south of the lake in a hilly landscape that offers stunning views of the water and surrounding Alps. This area, spanning about 3,000 hectares across 19 municipalities between Brescia and Bergamo, is a hidden gem for wine lovers, blending rolling hills, historic estates, and the serene beauty of Lake Iseo.

Iseo: A 1-hour drive from Milan or Verona, the lake’s main town Iseo is ideal for a peaceful day trip or short stay. Enjoy its charming waterfront cafes and lake views, and hotels like Iseo Lago Hotel. Tour nearby wineries for sparkling wines.

Lovere: A picturesque village with a medieval center, Accademia Tadini museum, and hotels like Hotel Belvedere, ideal for a scenic stroll or stay.

Monte Isola: Explore this car-free island, Europe’s largest lake island, by bike.

Sarnico: A vibrant town with Art Nouveau villas, lakeside paths, and guesthouses like La Contrada, great for a day visit or overnight from Milan.

Culinary Highlights

Savor sardine di lago (lake sardines), casoncelli (stuffed pasta), and Franciacorta sparkling wine.

Top Festivals in the Italian Lakes

Immerse yourself in the lakes’ culture with these vibrant festivals:

Festa del Lago (Lake Como, June): Como’s festival features boat parades, fireworks, and local food stalls.

Sirmione in Love (Lake Garda, February): A romantic Valentine’s festival with concerts and illuminated streets.

Settimana Musicale Stresiana (Lake Maggiore, August–September): Stresa hosts classical music concerts on Isola Bella.

Festa di San Giulio (Lake Orta, January): Orta San Giulio celebrates its patron saint with processions and lakefront events.

Franciacorta Festival (Lake Iseo, September): Taste sparkling wines and local cuisine in Iseo’s nearby vineyards.

Why Visit the Italian Lakes?

The Italian Lakes offer serene beauty, historic villas, and culinary delights. You can catch a train from Milan or Venice for a perfect day trip. Or plan a relaxing multi-night stay. Ideal for:

Nature Lovers: Alpine vistas and serene waters.
History Buffs: Roman ruins, medieval castles, and Renaissance villas.
Foodies: Freshwater fish dishes and world-class wines.

Best Time to Visit

Each season offers a unique experience in the Italian Lakes, with Alpine scenery and charming towns accessible year-round:

Winter (December–February)

Enjoy a quieter visit with fewer crowds, ideal for cozy stays in towns like Stresa or Bellagio. Expect cool temperatures (35–50°F/2–10°C) and occasional snow in higher areas, perfect for Christmas markets (e.g., Como’s Mercatino di Natale) or spa days in Sirmione.

Some hotels and restaurants close in smaller towns. Last Christmas we spent some time in Sirmione. The Spa terrace was alive, the weather was mild, and a few restaurants remained open during the off season.

Spring (March–May)

Mild weather (50–70°F/10–21°C) and blooming gardens (e.g., Villa Taranto on Maggiore) make spring ideal for hiking, boating, and visiting villas.

Festivals like Franciacorta’s wine events begin, and towns like Varenna and Riva del Garda are less crowded than summer.

Summer (June–August)

Warm temperatures (70–85°F/21–29°C) are perfect for swimming, sailing, and festivals like Como’s Festa del Lago.

The various lakeside towns buzz with energy, but book hotels early as this is peak season with higher prices and crowds.

Fall (September–November)

Cooler weather (55–75°F/13–24°C) and vibrant foliage create a romantic atmosphere for wine tours (e.g., Franciacorta Festival) and leisurely strolls in Orta San Giulio or Verbania.

Fewer tourists and lower rates make fall a great time for a relaxed visit.

Guided Italian Lakes Tours

Below are a few guided tours that include the Italian Lakes, and the regions of Lombardy and Veneto.

Plan Your Journey to Northern Italy

From Bellagio’s elegance to Iseo’s quiet charm, the Italian Lakes await. Our travel experts can craft a personalized itinerary, blending lake day trips with city adventures or multi-lake tours.