Italian Lakes Itineraries

Fly into Milan and enjoy some shopping before heading to Lake Como for 3-5 nights. Stay in the historic town of Como, or base yourself lakeside for the best early-morning views. Alternatively, head to Lake Maggiore and stay near Stresa, for a couple of nights overlooking Isole Borromeo. Leave the hordes behind and drive to Lake Orta for the day then go north by boat to Ascona or Locarno in Switzerland.

Head to Lake Garda and base yourself in spa-town Sirmione for three nights, taking in a day trip to historic Verona. Head north and spend a night at Gardone Riviera, visit poet D’Annunzio’s eccentric house and museum, then soak up the sun on one of the best of the lake’s beaches at Toscolano-Maderno. Take a boat east to the pretty resort of Malcesine below Monte Baldo for the final two nights.

Spend 5 days exploring Lake Garda, with day trips to Verona and Brescia and a day or two in the heart of wine-growing Franciacorta. Then on to Lake Como for another week via Bergamo for a half day. Stay on Como, in Bellagio or Varenna, and take day trips to Milan and Lugano in Switzerland (both best done by rail).