travel italian lakes

• Family holidays

• Dreaming of Sunset with Oliver’s Travels
• Best Cities in Europe for Remote Working 
• 10 Wow-Factor Homes For Your 2024 Reunion Holiday
• Our Top Tour De France Luxury Villas 2023
• The Most Popular Travel-Inspired Interior Trends
• The Best Places to Take a Workation – UK and Abroad
• Oliver’s Vampire Weekender – Only the Undead Should Apply!
• www.oliverstravels.com
• Smart Travel
• Places To Stay
• Travel Guides

The Italian Lakes Travel Guide

Aside from being incredibly easy on the eye, the lake-dotted landscape also lends itself to some pretty special outdoor adventures including hikes, cruises and water sports – making this a destination for all. Combine the thrills with good weather all year round and you’re onto a winner. All that’s left is to pick from our jaw-dropping villas in the Italian Lakes .

• HIDDEN GEMS

Connecting the lakes themselves are some of Italy’s finest cities, including stylish Milan and romantic Verona. Saffron-infused risottos, fresh-from-the-net lake fish and cheese-topped polenta are the stars of menus everywhere from Michelin-starred eateries to humble trattorias. And the wine regions produce a wealth of crisp whites, hearty reds and a world-famous fizz. So, why visit the Italian Lakes? The real question is, why wouldn’t you?

When to Visit

Tourist season on the lakes runs from Easter to October, but these beauty spots make for lovely viewing all year long. If you can pick any month to go, make it June or September; when the weather is hot, the water is warming up and the crowds are small. September is also harvest time, making it a great month to hit the wineries.

Crowds peak in July and August when the cities and lake resorts are all seriously toasty. Italians living in the cities tend to take the majority of August as holiday, which can mean a number of restaurants and shops shut up shop for a few weeks. Visitor numbers drop off rapidly from November, and from then until March, the shores of the lakes become crowd-free, misty and snow-flecked.

Getting Around

• Airports: Most flights to the Italian Lakes touch down in Milan, where there is a pair of airports: Malpensa, which is 50 kilometres from the centre of town, or handy Linate, which is just seven kilometres away. Bergamo and Verona also receive flights from the UK.
• By train: You can reach the Italian Lakes via a scenic 11-hour train ride from the UK. Once you get there, all the key cities in the region can be easily reached on the rail network.
• By boat: Ferries cover the main lakes of the region: Maggiore, Como and Garda. Tickets for one-day unlimited travel are a popular option.
• By bus: Buses allow those without their own transport to access some (though not all) of the smaller towns beyond the shores of the lakes.
• By bike: The Italians in these parts are big on motorbikes and bicycles, so if you want to explore on two wheels, you’ll be in good company. Cycling is also a great way to explore remote, off-the-beaten-track corners.
• By car: Hiring a car is the best way to reach all the nooks and crannies of the Italian Lakes. The roads can get busy but are generally in good condition, and motorways stretch the full length of the region.
• Lake Como – Sail the calm waters of Italy’s prettiest lake.
• Lake Lugano – Split your time between the Swiss and Italian sides.
• Verona –See an opera at the iconic Roman arena in Romeo and Juliet’s city.
• Lake Garda – Try your hand at kitesurfing on the northern lake shores.
• Franciacorta – Quaff some of the finest bubbly in Italy on a tour of this prestigious wine region.
• Bergamo – Wander cobblestone streets and admire masterpieces of medieval architecture.
• Milan – Gaze up at the Duomo and marvel at da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
• Lake Maggiore – Hop between picturesque islands on one of Italy’s largest lakes.

Hidden Gems  

• Everyone knows about La Scala, Milan’s jaw-dropping 18th-century opera house, but not everyone knows that you can take a peek behind the scenes. Sign up for an Ansaldo Workshop tour and you’ll see where the creative team puts together handcrafted stage sets and 1,000 new costumes every season. Tours take place twice a week and are led by the heads of each creative department.
• Off Lake Maggiore’s beaten track, you’ll find a number of incredibly well-preserved, centuries-old frescoes – but only if you know where to look. The Lombard church of Chiesa di Santa Maria Foris Portas isn’t much to look at from the outside, but step through the door and you’ll find frescoes that date back as far as the 7th century. The grey and white façade of the church of Basilica di San Giulio also conceals an exciting interior jam-packed with colourful frescoes.
• Maggiana’s Sali e Tabacchi restaurant in Lake Como has been namechecked by a number of must-eat guides and serves up lunch feasts of lake fish risotto. Finding it, however, can prove challenging. For this isn’t a restaurant as such, but rather a tucked-away dining room hidden within the same building as a post office and tobacco shop where you can also find the best vape pen .
• Wine buffs looking to seek out the best little-known wines of the lakes should day-trip to the tiny wine producers around Bergamo and Brescia, such as Cellatica , Valcalepio and Botticino .
• Visit Lake Garda in early October and you’ll be bang on time for the area’s biggest annual celebration: the Bardolino Grape and Wine Festival . The five-day party celebrates the grape harvest with various wine stalls peddling their own vinos along the shoreline, alongside tasty titbits of the local cuisine like polenta and risotto. You can arm yourself with one of the special tasting glasses and make your way along the wine stalls, all against a backdrop of live music and fireworks.

Best Family Activities in the Italian Lakes

• For live action stunts, thrill-seeking rides and re-enactments of scenes from top action films, head to Movieland , an action-packed theme park that pays homage to the likes of Terminator and Rambo.
• Conservation hub Parco Natura Viva is one of the best zoos in Europe, with a big drive-through safari and a total of more than 1,500 animals roaming its grounds.
• There is a full-on schedule of activities for kids at Jungle Raider Park, Civenna , with the main event being their huge network of rope courses that youngsters can scale and scramble on. Mums and dads don’t have to miss out here: the whole family can sign up for some of the bigger adventures, including canyoning and spelunking.
• The Shaka Surf Center runs kids’ camps to teach youngsters how to windsurf on the calm lake water.

 For more kid-friendly holiday inspiration, read our blog post on the best family activities in the Italian Lakes .

Best Ways to See the Lakes

Sparkling waters in shades of blue and green, idyllic waters-edge houses and charming lakeside villages – the Italian Lakes look good from any angle. There are, however, certain ways to elevate your experience from a simple day of sightseeing to a full-on bucket list adventure.

• Guided walks with Hiking Como Lake don’t just showcase the waters of Lake Como, but the surrounding countryside too. And with knowledgeable guides who were born and bred in the area, you’ll get an insider’s insight into the region along the way.  
• Book a private rental with Centro Nautico Lario and you’ll take to the waters of Lake Como as captain of your own boat. The easy-to-operate boats are perfect for sightseeing along the shoreline and stopping off for swims and lakeside lunches.
• Nowhere else in the world will you find a cable car quite like Funivia Malcesine Monte Baldo . It’s got lots of  cabins for rent so you can check out panoramic views of Lake Garda as you climb Mount Baldo to 1,800 metres above sea level.

The Italian Lakes is a destination that specialises in water-themed days out. From taking a leisurely lake cruise to sailing your own boat, learning to kitesurf or canyoning on river rapids, the natural landscape is perfect for watery outdoor pursuits. But you don’t have to get wet if you don’t want to: hikes and bike rides through mountain valleys or countryside meadows are also yours for the taking. If you’d rather soak up the alpine scenery without breaking a sweat, you can tour the region by hire car or on the back of a motorbike, stopping off to picnic as you go. And if it’s the foodie appeal of the region that has you salivating for a holiday in the lakes, sign up for a tour of the olive oil farms or wineries scattered across the area, or simply schedule in plenty of long, leisurely lunches.

Adrenalin-Fuelled Activities

• SUPgarda ’s friendly and experienced team of instructors offer stand-up paddleboarding classes for every level of ability, from masters of the sport to complete beginners.
• Sign up for a tour with Lake Como Motorbike and you can choose to ride your own bike, rent one of the company’s bikes or ride pillion with a guide.
• Cycling tours with IGarda go off the beaten track to hidden pockets of Lake Garda, where you’ll discover ancient villages, alpine scenery and panoramic mountain views.

More Laid Back Things to Do

• If fizz is your tipple of choice, make tracks for the region of Franciacorta, which produces Italy’s answer to Champagne.
• Get up to speed on the influence motorbikes have had on Italy’s history at the Museum Moto Guzzi , a museum run by Europe’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer.
• Some of the olive oil in the region is produced at the Paolo Bonomelli Boutique Olive Farm , where you can sign up for tastings of the oils made from the farm’s 4,000 olive trees.

Get the full lowdown on the best group activities and attractions in the Italian Lakes . 

From restaurants, that sparkle with Michelin stars to old-fashioned trattorias dishing up big hearty plates of pork or risotto, foodie offerings in the Italian Lakes covers all tastes. While there are variations to the region’s staple dishes in different areas, you’ll find some elements of lake cuisine – including polenta, lake fish and lashings of risotto – just about everywhere. Local cheeses, such as gorgonzola and mascarpone, are also worth seeking out, wherever you stay.

If a day of gelato eating leaves you too full for a leisurely multi-course Italian feast, you can dine out on a late-afternoon aperitif: a modern bar custom of serving a cold buffet with punters’ early evening glasses of wine or fizz. Speaking of the vino, the hills surrounding the lakes produce good local wines and some excellent internationally recognised labels, including Franciacorta.

Best Restaurants in the Italian Lakes

• Double Michelin-starred chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo heads up the kitchen at Villa Crespi in Novara, an elegant and intimate restaurant where you can expect superb, immaculately presented Italian cooking.
• Looking out over the stunning blue-green waters of Lake Como, Crotto dei Pescatori is a charming spot that serves up dreamy lakeside views alongside classic Italian dishes. 
• The Salice Blu in Bellagio has been going since the 1970s, but there’s nothing dated about its modern-day menu. A team of young, ambitious chefs pride themselves on serving familiar food but in ways you’ve never seen before.
• It’s not enough for the chefs at Il Cucchiaio di Legno to source their ingredients locally; they prefer to produce most of it themselves. The bread, jam, fruit liquors, honey and salami are all made fresh on-site.

Dishes to Try

• Some big and bold red wines are produced in this region, so don’t leave without trying a local Barolo or Amarone.
• Great local cheeses are easily found in the lakes. Look out for gorgonzola, mascarpone and stracchino.
• This part of Italy produces dozens of risotto rice varieties, so don’t fill up on pasta before you’ve tried a porcini or meat and saffron risotto.

Best Food and Wine Experiences

• Wine is what the Italian Lakes do best and some of the finest can be found at Cantina Avanzi , a family business with 90 years, 130 acres of land and 11 excellent wine varieties to their name. Take a tour of the winery and underground tunnels before trying out the estate’s award-winning vinos.
• Master the art of Italian cooking with Gusto Italiano Bellagio , where a local cook will take you ingredient shopping and then open up their kitchen to teach the basics of making pasta, pasta sauces and Italian desserts.
• You can tour the winery, cellar and vineyards at the Zeni wine estate, but the real draw for wine buffs is its petite wine museum, which offers an insight into both historical and modern-day winemaking processes.

For more mouth-watering inspiration, read our blog post on the  best foodie experiences in the Italian Lakes .

Featured Villas:   Villa Cigno ,  Villa Storia ,  Villa Sancia ,  Villa Geovana , Palazzo Novara

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

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.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real The Italian Lakes. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

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…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Italy

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from The Italian Lakes

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Oct 16, 2020 • 13 min read

Beyond the glitz of the Italian lake district, we meet the locals who are preserving centuries-old traditions.

Jan 31, 2020 • 7 min read

Jul 4, 2018 • 1 min read

Jul 3, 2012 • 6 min read

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of The Italian Lakes with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

The Italian Lakes and beyond

Best Italian Lakes to Visit on Your Vacation

Where to Go for a Lake Vacation in Italy

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Italy has beautiful, romantic lakes that make good vacation destinations. Use this guide to Italian lakes to choose your favorite lake, or lago , in Italy.

Lake Como is Italy's most popular lake and a top romantic destination. With fairly temperate weather, Lake Como can be visited any time of year. The lake is surrounded by beautiful villas and resort villages as well as hiking paths and it's popular for boat trips, water activities, and photography. Lake Como is in the northern Italian Lakes District between Milan and Switzerland.

Where to Stay | Lake Como Map

Lake Garda is Italy's largest and most visited lake and is popular with families. Picturesque villages, medieval castles, and lakeside promenades dot the shoreline. The lake has a diverse landscape with beaches along the southern shores and rocky cliffs above the northern shoreline. Its clear water makes it a good place for swimming, sailing, and wind-surfing. Near the lake, you can visit Gardaland and other amusement and recreational parks making it a good place to take kids. Lake Garda is in northeastern Italy between Venice and Milan.

Pictures | Lake Garda Map

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is another large and popular lake in northern Italy, north of Milan and west of Lake Como. The northern part of Lake Maggiore extends into Switzerland. The lake was formed by a glacier and is surrounded by hills in the south and mountains to ​the north, giving it a fairly mild climate all year. Three picturesque islands in the center of the lake are popular with visitors.

Lake Maggiore Pictures  

Lake Bolsena

Lake Bolsena, Italy's fifth largest lake, is in the Northern Lazio region between Rome and Tuscany. The lake lies in the crater of an extinct volcano. Bolsena, the main town on the lake, has a medieval center with a fortress at the top. You'll see photos of the town of Bolsena and the lake by clicking the link above.

Bolsena Location Map

Torre del Lago Puccini on Lake Massaciuccoli

Lake Massaciuccoli is one of Italy's small, peaceful lakes. On one side of the lake there's a wildlife preserve and on the other, close to the sea, is the small town of Torre del Lago Puccini and the villa on the lake where Puccini lived and wrote many of his operas. Puccini's villa is now a museum and there's a summer opera festival in the outdoor theater overlooking the lake. Lake Massaciuccoli, near the Tuscany coast, is a good place for a relaxing vacation.

Lake Trasimeno

Lake Trasimeno is in central Italy in the Umbria region near Tuscany, just about at the center point of mainland Italy. Trasimeno is Italy's largest non-Alpine lake and is fairly shallow. The lake was the site of a famous battle between Hannibal and Rome. There are several interesting, historical towns around the lake and the large island, Isola Maggiore, famous for its lace-making is a good place to visit. One of the prettiest towns is Castiglione del Lago with a medieval center and castle by the lake. There are beaches around the lake.

Umbria Map  

The small lake of Orta is west of Lake Maggiore in the northern Italian lakes district. In the past, Lake Orta was a popular retreat for poets and artists. From the charming village of Orta San Giulio you can visit the one island in the lake or climb Sacro Monte, or the sacred mountain, where there's a sanctuary built in 1591 and small chapels dedicated to Saint Francis.

Best of Italy

Find more top places to go on your Italian vacation.

The Lakes of Northern Italy

Lake Como Guide: Planning Your Trip

Lombardy Cities Map and Travel Guide

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

Best Lakes to Visit in Europe

Get to Know Italy's Lake Maggiore

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Get to Know Lake Garda in Italy

Best Day Trips From Milan, Italy

May Festivals in Italy

Top Places to Go in Umbria

The Most Beautiful Castles in Italy

Two Weeks in Italy: The Perfect Itinerary

Best Places to Go in Northern Italy's Veneto Region

10 Best Things to Do in Lake Como

The Most Romantic Places in Italy

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 .

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

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.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Our local experts can design your trip based on your preferences

Warning - You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to properly view this website.

• Destinations
• The enchanting italian lakes perfect itinerary

The Enchanting Italian Lakes: A Perfect Itinerary

Related trips

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Italian Cities of the Renaissance

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. 

Ready to take a trip to the Italian Lakes?

Our local experts can help organise fantastic trips to the Italian Lakes and other regions around Italy for you. Simply  get in touch   with us to share ideas for the trip and to let us know when you would like to travel. We will then create a personalised itinerary based on your preferences, which you can amend until you're completely happy with every detail before booking. Our   Enchanting Italian Lakes trip  and other  itineraries in Italy can offer inspiration, and keep in mind that they can all be tailored to suit your own specific requirements.

Average customers rating

11 Most Beautiful Italian Lakes

Lakesides give us peace, a moment of reflection, and a sense of perfection. It doesn’t matter if they are Italian lakes, or anywhere else around the world. These places are always the places we want to go if we want to take a breath and enjoy ourselves. Lakes in Italy might have an extra bit of spice though since they are also surrounded by breathtaking, charming towns reflecting this beautiful Italian architecture that also gives us a sense of beauty and peace. When we put the two things together, we can understand why so many people choose to spend their holidays in the lakesides in Italy! By the time we finish this article, if you’ve never seen in person a lake in Italy, you will definitely want to do it!

What should you know about Italian lakes?

There are over 1,500 Italian lakes one can discover through the beautiful landscapes of Italy. From the Alpine pools and glaciers to the three major lakes in Italy and those peaceful lakes in Italy that are hidden between the hills of Tuscany , Lazio, and Umbria. Though, while there are plenty of beautiful lakes around the country, the northern lakes will always be the diamonds between all kinds of gemstones.

Not only that they are the most picturesque, and the most beautiful, but they are also the largest lakes in Italy, and the deepest ones too. Lake Como for instance hits the deepest point at 410 meters. The largest lake in Italy is Lake Garda, covering 370 square kilometers. Then, the second largest one is Lake Maggiore, of which the northern shores belong to Switzerland.

Almost all these lakes, and the other 8 we haven’t yet shown you are great for water sports, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, swimming, canoeing, water skiing, kayaking, and so on. The northern lakes are also very popular among tourists, while some of them are mostly visited only by locals. Up north, around Lake Garda , Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore especially, you’ll find plenty of hotels, retreats, and resorts too, that we cover in separate articles.

Beyond the beauty of the lakes, the resorts, the picturesque views over the Alps, and the many vacation activities you can choose from, you should also consider the cultural benefits of visiting these places! There are plenty of historic castles, grand palaces, villas, Roman sites, medieval churches, fortresses, and lush gardens that are really worth seeing!

Some of these lakes on the list are volcanic lakes, such as Lake Bolsena, which is actually the largest volcanic lake in all of Europe. For those who love outdoor activities, cycling, and rock climbing, the most amazing Via Ferratas are recommended, especially around Lake Garda! Hikers will also find plenty of trails to explore, while at the top of the mountains, they will gain the most beautiful panoramic view of the area. Let’s see now what exactly Italy can offer when it comes to its lakes!

Recommended: car rentals through Discovercars.com , and accommodation bookings through Booking.com .

11 Most Beautiful Lakes in Italy – Italian lakes

Here you will find a list of the 10+1 most beautiful lakes in Italy. Most of these lakes can be found in northern Italy . You will learn which is the largest lake in Italy and the most romantic one. From sightseeing to sailing and sunbathing, all through history and nature, Italy has beautiful lakes that will take your breath away over and over again. Let’s jump in!

1. Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest of all the Italian lakes. It’s also one of the most beautiful lakes in northern Italy! Originating from glacial action, Lake Garda is surrounded by the mountains of the Italian Alps. Here you can admire the famous lemon groves in Limone Sul Garda or contemplate arts and architecture. Overlooking Lake Garda Italy, Sirmione castle with its monumental profile is one of the best-preserved in Italy.

There are also various islands that can be reached by ferry. Island hopping and town visits are a must-do. All these attractions, together with natural beauties, made this Italian northern lake a famous tourist destination. On and around Lake Garda, you will see bikers, windsurfers, boat lovers, and people enjoying the calm atmosphere of the lake. All surrounded by fruit trees, palm trees, and even olive groves.

You can also plan a day trip to Lake Garda Italy from nearby cities such as Verona, Venice , or Milan . The closest international airport to the largest lake in Italy is the Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona, but you can easily reach it from Milan or Venice airports. Moreover, Lake Garda is surrounded by charming little towns , such as Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, Riva del Garda, Sirmione, and Limone sul Garda. These towns offer some spectacular accommodations and restaurants for the best-ever holiday!

For those who love outdoor activities, there are some fantastic trails of various difficulties for hikers, Via Ferrata for the bold ones with spectacular views, such as the one at Cima Capi. Here actually you’ve got two Via Ferrata to try. One goes up on the side of the steep cliff, which is somewhat more difficult, while the other one has smaller Ferrata pieces and easier hiking trails in between them. Oh, and let’s not forget one of the most famous amusement parks in Italy either, the Gardaland!

2. Lake Como Italy

Are you looking for the perfect glamorous vacation at a lake in Italy? Lake Como Italy is a popular choice among travelers . Northern Italy’s Lake Como, is one of the deepest in Europe at 410 meters (1,300 feet). Its heavenly landscapes attracted the Romans, who built the first villa on the lake. You can visit beautiful villas like Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello.

We recommend staying at least one night at the lake, in order to truly have the possibility to discover and enjoy it. We also have an article ready for you on where to stay in Lake Como Italy ! It is no surprise that this famous Italian lake is particularly loved by celebrities. On the shores, you can spot plenty of luxurious villas owned by some of the biggest names in the film and fashion industry.

For instance, George Clooney fell in love with this place and he also bought a villa there. But Gianni Versace also owned a villa here, the Villa Fontanelle. A lake tour is definitely a must-do if you visit! There is a ferry service and lake taxi too that connect the towns and villas along the lake.

Beyond getting lost around the lake, you should also check what to do in Lake Como Italy , in the town of Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and other beautiful lakeside towns and villages. You can easily reach Lake Carda from Milan by train or by car . This is actually one of the best day trips from Milan you should consider!

3. Lake Maggiore Italy

Lake Maggiore is the second-largest of the Italian lakes. Due to its geographical position, this northern Italian lake is claimed by both Italy and Switzerland. Some northern towns like Locarno and Ascona are in the Swiss Ticino region. Beyond beautiful exotic plants, thriving thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the distinctive feature of this lake is the beautiful flora and fauna surrounding it.

Lake Maggiore is about 54 km long and the coastline itself is over 150 km. But why is Lake Maggiore worthy of a day trip? One of the things to do is to visit the Luino Market which is on Wednesdays. You can even visit Lake Como as they are about 1 hour away. It would make it the perfect trip to combine visiting these two lakes actually. Lake Maggiore can also be reached by train easily from Milan.

Most of the highlights for things to see and do at Lake Maggiore are to be found on the western shore, where you can spot subtropical gardens and parks that are just fabulous. Two highlights of these are definitely Villa Taranto and Villa Pallavicino. Stresa is a stylish town that also proves to be a popular base from where boats are taking off to the three Borromean Islands.

The major attraction when it comes to island hopping is definitely Rocca Borromeo, on Isola Bella. This offers grand salons and galleries, sumptuous decorative flourishes encrusted with gold, and gardens covered in the most unique types of plants and flowers. Then, there are great restaurants to explore at Lake Maggiore, such as Cardini or Il Vicoletto. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy the beautiful view this lake has to offer by taking the Mattarone cable car or a cruise on the lake.

4. Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo is another of the largest lakes in Italy, specifically in northern Italy. If you prefer quiet atmospheres instead of those packed with tourists, this northern Italian lake could be your best choice! In fact, it is considered one of the most magical places in Italy . Lake Iseo is famous for medieval towns , vineyards, and forests. This lake is located a bit closer to Milan, basically between that and Verona.

Lake Iseo is between the Lake Garda and Lake Como. You’d reach it by going north from Brescia. Also, you can easily travel here by train, taking one of those between Milan – Verona, or Milan – Venice, and changing in Brescia to the one that’s going up north. The train ride is magical on its own, as it goes all the way up north along the eastern shore of the lake. From Sulzano you can take the ferry boat that would take you to Monte Isola.

A tiny island in the middle of the lake that rises steeply with its forest slopes over the water, and at the summit, which is at 600 meters, there’s a pilgrimage church of the Madonna della Ceriola. There are also amazing trails around the lake, which are perfect for those looking for outdoor activities. Also, watersports, boating, and swimming are possible on the lake. I personally loved the tiny beaches on the northeast shore, as the water here was crystal clear and there were spots to jump too. Locals are frequenting mostly these hidden beaches .

5. Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies is by far the most beautiful of all Italian lakes! It’s surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of the Dolomites in the region of South Tyrol (or officially in Italian: Trentino – Alto Adige region). This region is magical on its own, and the Dolomites are also UNESCO Heritage Sites, so for everyone looking for one of the most astonishing areas in the Alps, this region is well beyond astonishing!

Especially if you choose to stay at one of the best hotels in the Dolomites with views over the mountains! It can be a romantic getaway or a trip with friends, or family, in each case you’ll find plenty to do in this area, such as visiting Lago di Braies too! The lake was formed when a landslide from the neighboring Herrstein created a dam. It has a really intense blue and emerald color, which makes it even more eye-catching.

Lago di Braies is surrounded by forests and offers an incredible picturesque view over the peaks of the mountains. The lake is also starting point for hikers, and you can reach from here the 2800-meter-high Croda del Becco as well as the trails of the Fanes-Senes-Braies National Park . While, if you visit only to see the lake, you can rent a boat, and enjoy the magnificent views from the water. I must highlight, that this area is reachable only by car !

6. Lake Ledro

This famous lake in Italy is not popular for its size, but for its enchanting landscapes. Lake Ledro is also located in the Trentino region, actually quite close to Riva del Garda which is on the northern shore of Lake Garda. Water is crystal clear and forests border the lake, with mountain peaks surrounding it. If you like water sports and you want to enjoy some of them on one of the lakes in Italy, then Lake Ledro will be a nice choice, as you can go swimming, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and canoeing here!

While if you are more of a hiking person, around the lake there’s a 200-kilometer network of walking and hiking trails that lead to Alpine heights. Some also call Lake Ledro “an oasis for sports and relaxation”. So, if you are visiting the region of Trentino Alto-Adige, Lake Ledro is definitely one to consider! Lake Ledro is also famous for its archeological finds from 1929. Bronze Age dwellings and artifacts, emerged from water when the hydroelectric dam was built.

Remains of a Bronze Age village to be specific. Now, the village has been reconstructed, and the houses were furnished using the artifacts from that age. You can visit here the Museo delle Palafitte di Ledro, which means Ledro Pile Dwellings Museum. This is located in Molina di Ledro, which is considered one of the most important pile-dwelling sites in Europe, and therefore it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum’s workshops and activities are very popular among visitors who come with their families, with kids.

7. Lake Bolsena

Lake Bolsena is Europe’s largest volcanic lake formed about 370,000 years ago. It’s located north of Rome, in the center of Italy on a volcanic crater. Some even call Lake Bolsena the belly button of Italy due to its location. Thanks to underwater eruptions, two islands were formed on the lake, Martana, and Bisentina. Bisentina is also known for churches and Etruscan ruins.

You can access it by ferry boat from Capodimonte and is worth a visit to see the gardens, oak groves, and 5th-century frescoes in the Cappella del Crocifisso. There are also many towns around the lake to visit, or in case you’re staying in Tuscany , like Siena or Pienza, you can easily make it a day’s trip to travel around one of the most charming lakes in Italy. Due to the volcanic origin, the beaches around the lake have black volcanic sand, which makes the place even more interesting!

The main activities that you can do at Lake Bolsena are birdwatching, fishing, windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. It is also suitable for families with small children. There are plenty of agritourism lodges and B&Bs around the lake, and since it’s not touristy, and it’s mostly visited by Italians, you can also get here a real Italian experience if you pick the right accommodation.

8. Lake Orta

Among Italian lakes , Lake Orta is the one that charmed the most poets and writers, as it is definitely the most romantic lake in Italy! For example, we can mention Balzac, Browning, and Umberto Eco, but they are not the only ones! Lake Orta is a little bit over an hour away from Lake Maggiore. Travelers explore cobblestone streets, visit the colorful market, and admire beautiful landscapes with forests and mountains.

Lake Orta has only one island, Isla San Giulio that you can reach by boat from the town of Orta San Giulio. This town, Orta San Giulio spreads along the lakeshore and goes all the way up the hillside on charming medieval lanes. The lakeside village offers a sense of peace and spirituality. This island is especially recommended for romantic trips.

It’s absolutely forbidden to skip the 12th-century basilica at Basicila di San Giulio if you are in town, but beyond that, you’ll find something even better! There is a UNESCO World Heritage site above the town of Orta San Giulio and it’s called Sacro Monte di Orta. It has about 20 chapels that have been built in the 16th and 17th centuries. These chapels drew inspiration from the life of Saint Francis and have been made into sculptures and paintings.

9. Lake Lugano

When it comes to dream places to live, Lake Lugano is my favorite lake in Italy! Lake Lugano belongs partially to Italy, but mostly it is in Switzerland. Despite the size of the lake, there are only a few towns on its shores. The most important one is Lugano in Switzerland and Porlezza in Italy. Most of the lake is surrounded by rugged, vertical forests, which isolate the lake well and give a wild feeling which is enhanced by the mountains in the area.

In Switzerland, Lake Lugano belongs to the Ticino region, which is an Italian-speaking region by the way. To reach Lake Lugano from the Italian side, you can drive from Milan, through Menaggio to Porlezza, to stay in Italy. You can also do a more adventurous drive through the mountains from Argegno on Lake Como, to Osteno on Lake Lugano.

Porlezza is a great place for a holiday, as it offers a beach, and campgrounds, you can also rent boats, or you can go on a tour of the lake with the famous steamers from Lugano. Now, if you’d rather visit Lugano and the swiss size, Lugano is a very expensive place, as many of the wealthiest of Europe live/have houses in this area.

That also explains why a small lakeshore town has Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the Restaurant Gallery Arte al Lago. This is literally a place where you’re eating in an art gallery. And, of course, on the shopping street, you’ll find all high-end, luxury fashion brands too! On another note, Lake Lugano is worth visiting for those loving food and wine. In this area, they make one of the best Merlot , which can be enjoyed alongside some great Italian cheese !

10. Lake Bracciano

Lake Bracciano emerged from volcanic actions as well, and it’s the last one of the most popular Italian lakes. For those who are looking for a place away from the crowds in central Italy, Lake Bracciano is only 32 km away from Rome. If you enjoy watersports, on Lake Bracciano you can do anything from scuba diving, windsurfing, and fishing, to swimming and sailing.

If you are staying in Rome , you could plan a day trip to Lake Bracciano to enjoy the beautiful Bracciano village and visit its castle. It’s also very common to swim in the lake. You can rent out beach loungers, umbrellas, and even boats to pedal around the lake. It is a very family-friendly spot. Popular beaches are Spiaggia Vigna di Valle in Anguillara, Lido dei Gabbiani, and Lungolago Argenti in Bracciano.

In case you’re visiting the town, you’ll be fascinated by Castello Orsini-Odescalchi. It’s quite a famous location for weddings and other important events. The small village of Bracciano is filled with charming alleys and once you get to Belvedere della Santinella you’ll be mesmerized by the views. Lake Bracciano is definitely on the list of famous lakes in Italy!

11. Lake Trasimeno

Lake Trasimeno is also located in Central Italy. The main peculiarity of this place is that the muddy lake lets the water in, but not out. Same as the Great Salt Lake in Utah! The lake is also in a strategic position as the Romans were defeated by Hannibal in 217 BC. Beautiful sceneries are made of vineyards and olive groves that circle the lake.

If you do want to check out the vineyards and drink wine, visit Berlioli’s farm. They have been producing grapes, olives, and wheat since 1900. You can also visit the fishing museum and learn about the art of fishing. Speaking of that, in September it gets particularly crowded, because of the fish festival. During this celebration, fish is cooked in huge frying pans.

The best thing to do while you’re going to Lake Trasimeno is to visit Mugnano. It’s a beautiful little town with ancient houses that have paintings on their walls. But not just any paintings, these are from artists coming here from all over the world. Lake Trasimeno might not be among the best lakes in Italy in terms of popularity, but it’s definitely a place to explore for those, who are looking to experience a more authentic Italian lifestyle.

Lakes in Italy FAQ

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. How big is Lake Garda in Italy? It’s expanding over 369.98 km 2 . It’s over 50 km long, and over 17 km wide.

There are three major lakes in Italy. Lake Garda is the largest, followed by Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. All three lakes are located at the feet of the Italian Alps.

Yes! You can swim in most Italian lakes, those especially that are frequented by travelers and locals. On our list, you can swim in any of these 11 lakes! Though, even if it’s allowed to swim in Lago di Braies, the water is too cold to do so!

Yes, you can swim in Lake Garda! As mentioned in the previous question, you can swim in all lakes on our list. At Lake Garda, each town around the lake has plenty of beaches. The best, and most popular beaches are definitely on the south shore. In Sirmione, you can find very long beaches along the shore, outside the town center! If you’re asking if can you swim in lake Como Italy, the answer is once again, yes!

Wrapping up the 11 most beautiful Italian lakes

As you can see, if we only mention 11 Italian lakes out of over 1500, you’ve got plenty on your hands to choose from, and plenty to do whatever you choose. Be spoke about the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, as well as some other famous ones like Lake Como, Lake Lugano, or Lake Bracciano.

We went through some camping and glamping places, and different lakes that offer activities and facilities for different budgets. Usually, the lakes of central Italy are the cheapest, while Lake Como and Lake Lugano would be two of the most expensive ones. We linked in for you guides and other useful articles under each lake, so if you know what you’d want to visit, make sure you check these articles too!

Italian version: Laghi piu belli d’Italia

Pin it: Most Beautiful Lakes in Italy

This article contains affiliate links. This means, that if you click through to our affiliate partners’ websites, and make a purchase, we will earn a commission from their commissions. This doesn’t affect you, or the price of the product/service at all!

3 thoughts on “ 11 Most Beautiful Italian Lakes ”

I don’t understand how Italy can be so full of surprises, I really feel like there is all kinds of landscapes it is absolutely amazing!

You are right, Lake Orta looks like the perfect place to find inspiration to write 😍

Maggiore reminds me some fantastic or fairytale it’s Astonishing

Comments are closed.

Copyright Italy Best© 2022. All rights reserved​

Cooking Classes in Rome

You cannot copy content of this page

The Italian lakes: a guide to one of Europe’s most gorgeous holiday regions

The glacial lakes of northern Italy have timeless appeal, but which should you visit first?

Italian lakes holidays truly have something to please everyone. The hiking is fabulous, as are the water sports, and there are 120 beaches that make the lakes a great freshwater alternative to the seaside. Lots of lovely gardens to visit also make this a paradise for plant-lovers, for whom our tour of the Italian lakes , including the Borromean Islands, Villa Taranto and Villa Balbianello, is ideal.

What are the eight Italian lakes to visit?

The major Italian lakes in their rough geographical order from west to east are Orta , Maggiore , Varese, Lugano , Como , Iseo, Idro and Garda . They’re spread across the Italian regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, with Maggiore and Lugano also extending into Switzerland.

Some of the Italian lakes are within day-trip distance of fantastic cities, including fashion capital Milan and Verona with its outdoor opera hosted in the old Roman amphitheatre. But to really immerse yourselves in these stunning landscapes, a longer stay is never a bad idea, and hiring a car is the best way to make the most of Italian lakes holidays.

Which is the biggest of the Italian lakes to visit?

Garda is the largest lake in all Italy, while next down in size are Maggiore and Como – all three cover more than 100 square kilometres. The smallest of the northern lakes, Orta, extends over just 18 square kilometres.

Which is the best of the Italian lakes to visit?

Between them, the Italian lakes offer hiking, swimming, water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, cycling, mountain-biking, horse-riding and aerial adventures in the treetops (zip-wiring and the like). Which one you choose might depend upon what you want to do and see, with the larger lakes tending to attract more families for their water sports and other facilities. But, of course, you can always visit two or more lakes in one holiday and mix it up a bit.

Garda is the most developed and sportiest lake but it’s no less charming for it, with sparkling waters perfect for windsurfing, sailing and canoeing. There’s also horse riding, mountain biking, hiking on the eastern and western shores, and medieval castles to explore.

Other sights around Garda are Il Vittoriale, a fantastical villa, and the town of Sirmione with its Roman ruins, while the 19th-century resort of Riva del Garda is a paradise of pastel-painted hotels and authentic trattorie , bars and gelaterie . And then there are two great theme parks: Gardaland (Italy’s largest) and CanevaWorld (movie-themed).

Lake Garda can also be combined with the epic cities of Verona and Venice on our Northern Italian Adventure .

Many people think Como, where peaks soar up virtually from the shoreline, is the loveliest of the Italian lakes. And indeed it oozes charm, with its old-fashioned steamboat rides and the beguiling low-key resorts of Menaggio, Varenna and Bellagio – all great bases for hiking, swimming, water skiing, mountain biking and horse riding. There’s also an 18-hole golf course nearby, and superb beaches in Como’s northern towns of Gravedona and Domaso. And you might enjoy a trip into Switzerland from Lake Como, aboard the iconic Bernina Railway .

As the second largest lake, Maggiore is another great spot for water sports, mountain biking and hiking, as well as being home to the Borromean Islands. Don’t miss Isola Madre with its gorgeous gardens and bewitching puppet theatre.

Dubbed 'Cinderella Lake' by locals, Orta is perhaps the best of the smaller lakes – an often-overlooked gem where you’ll find the magical 19th-century island-village of Isola San Giulio, which sits atop placid waters. You can visit this – along with Como and charming alpine resorts of Locarno and Zermatt – from a base on the scenic banks of Maggiore with our tour of the Italian lakes and majestic peaks of Switzerland .

What are the best gardens in the Italian lakes?

The mild, sunny climate of northern Italy makes for some superb, even romantic, gardens, especially around Como and Lake Maggiore, which draw horticultural enthusiasts from around the world. At Maggiore, Isola Bella and Isola Madre have wonderful, very different gardens – you can compare them by taking the ferry that plies the lake, stopping at both.

Around Como, meanwhile, standout gardens include the lakeshore Villa Melzi, the Villa del Balbianello, the Villa Carlotta and the Villa d’Este. And as well as the gardens you can visit in the Italian lakes, you will glimpse many more during boat trips on the different bodies of water.

Explore the Italian lakes on a no-fly adventure , or get to know Garda alongside Verona and Venice with Good Housekeeping this year.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Italy holidays

Lake Orta is the hidden gem of the Italian Lakes

The best Italian family holidays

Italy holiday destinations: 16 places you must see

6 of Venice’s lesser-known sights to explore

10 fabulous weekend breaks in Italy

The best hotels in Florence

The best hotels in Venice for 2024

The best Sardinia hotels

The best hotels in Tuscany

The best Milan hotels for a stylish city break

The best Lake Como hotels

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Best of the Italian Lakes

268 reviews

Seasonal Sale

Save up to $500

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

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

9 days, 1 country and 8 cities

Accommodation

8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

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.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

9 days itinerary trip from Milan to Milan visiting 1 country and 8 cities

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Verona and Modena with a Local Specialist

Discover Bergamo and Milan

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

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELER REVIEWS

Best of the Italian Lakes trip reviews

#ttitalianlakes.

Real moments from real travelers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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. £

CNT Editors

Adam Turner

Connor Sturges

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

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.

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

This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

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

Book Italian Lakes Tours and Activities

Share on social media.

• Pinterest 5

Related Posts You Might Like

Find your italy accommodation.

Leave a comment

Notify me of new posts by email.

Featured Posts

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
• Gifts for Italy lovers
• 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!

Did you like this north Italy trip itinerary? Pin for later using the share icon on the right bottom corner!

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 🙂

*Your emil address will not be published. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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.

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.

Let us know your questions!

Call our team

+1 (424) 766-5955

WhatsApp us

We're here to help!

Fill out the form below with the destinations, wish-list, an idea of budget, & preferences for your perfect trip.

Your personal tour planner will be in touch within 24 hours of receiving your request to begin planning your custom itinerary.

Your private guide and/or driver will meet you at the pre-arranged starting point of your tour and everything necessary for a seamless tour experience.

Contact Us About Our Week-Long Italian Lakes Itinerary

If you would like to book this tour or customize it to your interests, please don’t hesitate to contact our company to enquire. We would be happy to assist you in planning your dream trip to the Italy Lakes.

Rated 5-Star on Google & TripAdvisor

Qualified Guides. Certified Excellence.

Other example italy tour itineraries.

Take a look at some of the example tour itineraries below for inspiration before  getting in touch with our experts to start planning your own trip!

4-Day Romagna Wellness Experience Tour

1 Week Aeolian Islands Tour

8-Day Itinerary In The Green Heart of Italy: Umbria

10 Day Guided Tour of Northern Italy

Best of Northern Italy in 12 Days

How to Spend 1 Week In Puglia

10 Day Guided Tour of Central Italy

8 Day Italian Food & Wine Tour Itinerary

3 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: From The Mountain To The Sea

Ischia 5 Day Private Tour Itinerary

7 Day Guided Tour of Rome & Campania

Italy, France & Spain 16-Day Tour Itinerary

2 Week Itinerary Exploring Southern Italy & Sicily

6 Days in Venice Private Tour Itinerary

9 Day Riviera Itinerary of Both France & Italy

Highlights of Italy – 18 Day Itinerary

Best of Sicily in 1 Week Itinerary

28 Day Private Tour of Italy Itinerary

Switzerland & Italy in 2 Weeks Itinerary

Most popular tour destinations

Local Italian Tour Planners

At Italy by Luxe, our team of specialist tour planners use their intimate knowledge of local specialties, festivals, and hidden gems to customize your itinerary with exclusive events or off-the-beaten-track experiences that other providers just cannot match, alongside ensuring you enjoy Italy’s most famous and iconic monuments and attractions of course!

We love sharing our passion for Italy with our guests and can’t wait to customize any of our Italian day tours for you to ensure you enjoy an absolutely perfect vacation in Italy. Contact us using the form below and we can get started designing your complimentary itinerary today.

Search Luxe Tours, Experiences, and Destinations

Or start planning your perfect tour itinerary today.

Or contact our team directly today at +1 (424) 766-5955

Contact The Luxe Team

Destinations, popular itineraries, italy tours, luxe destinations, contact our team.

Let our Italy  travel experts plan your trip

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies
• Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

More information about our Cookie Policy

More From Forbes

Travel to italy like an insider with the best local experts.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

Microsoft Warns Windows Users Of Ongoing Russian Hack Attack

New apple id password reset issue hitting iphone ipad and macbook users, new ios 18 ai security move changes the game for all iphone users.

Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

All of Tourissimo's cycling and hiking trips in Italy emphasize food and wine, which is how it ... [+] should be.

Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Lake Como’s little sister is ‘most underrated’ spot to visit in Italy with £27 flights

Share this with

Crystal clear blue water, charming cobbled streets, picturesque buildings, and brightly coloured blooms everywhere.

This could be a description of Lake Como or Lake Garda , which are two of the most popular lake destinations in Italy . But it’s not. 

Lago d’Orta, or Lake Orta as it’s also known, is the little sister of Lake Como and is often overlooked for the more famous destinations, but as a smaller spot, it’s much more budget friendly and easier to explore in a short amount of time. 

Lake Orta is roughly an hour’s drive from Milan airport, located in Piedmont in northern Italy, a region of the country which borders France and Switzerland. The area is known for having a sophisticated cuisine and wines, meaning you’ll eat and drink very well during a visit here.

You’ll also be treated to a real feast for the eyes, with stunning views and architecture. On Tripavisor, those who’ve visited have hailed the lake ‘beautiful’, a ‘hidden gem’, and like something out of a fairytale such as Cinderella.

If this hasn’t already tempted you to visit, then perhaps a closer look at what the area offers will…

Things to do at Lake Orta

The main town is known as Orta San Giulio and is a quaint spot filled with cobbled streets, old stone walls, and little squares. Shops and businesses are crammed into the narrow lanes, with a number of boutiques, antique shops, cafes, and restaurants for you to peruse at your leisure.

Walking around the town, taking in the views from different spots will be a highlight, leaving you feeling like you’re in a movie. 

As well as the main town, there’s an island in the middle of the lake known as Isola di San Giulio, which is known as the island of silence. There is a silent walk around the island, and visitors are urged to respect this, muting phones, not speaking, and enjoying some peace and tranquillity.

During the walk, you’ll come across the stunning Basilica di San Giulio, a Benedictine monastery. The interior of the Romanesque style church is adorned with many frescos painted between the 14th and 16th century, plus various carvings, all depicting saints.

@theposhbackpacker There’s more than just Lake Como! #italy #lakes #northernitaly #piedmont #traveltok #como #orta #italianlife #summerholiday ♬ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer

@sagelining Risposta a @shaunak_980 💸 Budget-friendly alternative to Lake Como: Lake Orta, Piemonte, Italy. ‼️More info: with this, I don’t want to discredit Lake Como: i’ve been there, it’s beautiful and I definitely want to go back. But, as the lake is really big and needs at least 2 days to be fully explored (so you will be spending on the accommodation) i think #lakeorta is a valid day-trip alternative. Way less famous, you only need half a day to fully visit this little gem, it’s really small and there are many free or low budget activities to do. I will make a detailed video later. :) #summerinitaly #italiansummer #italyaesthetic #travelitaly #italytravel #ortasangiulio #lagodorta #summer2023 ♬ Glisten by the Wind – nick leng

@travelwithmansoureh you probably never heard of this Italian #lake it is one of the most beautiful lakes in #Italy #lakeorta #hiddengems #traveltiktok #bucketlist #traveltoitaly ♬ original sound – Mansoureh

There’s only one restaurant on the island (Ristorante San Giulio) and a small souvenir shop for those wanting to remember their time there. 

Visitors to Lake Orta can take a boat from the town to the island from Piazza Motta, the main square in Orta San Giulio, where you’ll also be able to stop and get some ice cream, as well as pasta spots, Italian charcuterie, or enjoy a glass of the Barolo wine the region is famous for.

Wine lovers staying in the area may also want to consider taking a drive to Langhe to visit some of the Barolo vineyards. The trip will take a little over an hour, but you’ll be spoilt for choice once you arrive with wine tastings galore.

For the most part Lake Orta will be a great place to visit for a little R&R, and those wanting to relax can do so at Spiaggia Miami, a sandy beach in the corner of the lake, flanked by lush green trees. The views are dreamy, as is the space which has its own bar and restaurant, offering everything from sandwiches to cocktails. 

You can kick back on a sun lounger, spritz in hand and feel as if you’re at the seaside. Or if you’re feeling a bit more active, guests are also able to hire pedal boats, canoes and boats. 

It’s worth noting that the beach isn’t free to visit, and guests are charged €32 euros for a full day with two people, two sunbeds or deckchairs, and an umbrella, or €22 for a half day. Children’s admittance (aged 2 to 10) costs €4 euros each, and any additional adult guests are €10 each. Half day tickets are valid from either 9am to 2pm, or 2.30pm to 7.30pm.

Food and drink in Orta San Giulio

It’s no secret that there’s an abundance of incredible food and drink in Italy, and this is no exception in the town or Orta San Giulio. Although the region’s specialities might not be for everyone.

Liver will be found on many menus, as well as Piedmontese Beef (Fassona), hazelnuts, truffles, and plenty of cheese.

There’s three Minchelin star dining to be enjoyed at Villa Crespi, a luxury five-star hotel which houses chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s signature restaurant.

The menu features dishes such as burnt sea bass with lettuce salad, squid linguine, pigeon with pineapple, liver and Verjus sauce, and a unique Raspberry and horseradish dessert. Prices here start from €190 for two courses fom the à la carte menu.

Other fine dining options include Locanda di ORta, Ristorante Teatro Magico, and AM Bistrot. Those looking for more affordable options might head to Ristorante San Giulio, Birreria il Cantuccio, or La Motta.

Of course, there’s also plenty of gelato to be enjoyed, and various other Italian sweet treats including buns filled with pistachio, ricotta, or dark chocolate, sweet focaccia breads, and a selection of pastries.

How to get to Lake Orta

Lake Orta doesn’t have an airport, so in order to visit travellers will need to fly in to Milan and then either drive an hour to the town, or utilise public transport.

You can take a train from the airport to Milano Centrale Railway Station where you can then get a train to Pettenaso. From there it’s a 20 minute walk to the town, and this journey takes just under four hours in total.

Flights from London to Milan can currently be purchased very cheaply, with Skyscanner showing one-way flights in May for as little as £12-£15 each way. One deal with Ryanair costs £27 for a return trip between 15 and 21 May. In June Wizz Air is also offering flights from £48.

The flight from London is non-stop and takes two hours.

Direct flights to Milan usually depart from London Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport and Manchester Airport.

What’s the weather like at Lake Orta?

Lake Orta is best to visit between April and October, when the weather will be warmer. Like most spots in Italy, the town will be warmest in the summer months of July and August when temperatures hit highs of 29C.

These sunny summer months will also be the busiest time of the year to visit Orta, so if you’re looking to go at a quieter time then Spring or autumn might be better, as the weather will still be relatively warm. In April and October temperatures still reach around 17C.

Five fab hotels to stay at in Lake Orta on Booking.com:

• Casa Fantini – Lake Time – £423 per night
• Relais & Chateau Villa Crespi – £430 per night
• Hotel Bocciolo – £142 per night
• Hotel Madonna di Luciago (in nearby Armeno, a 20 minute drive) – £34 per night
• Hotel La Bussola – £123 per night

Where to stay in Lake Orta

There are numerous hotels listed on booking.com in Orta San Giulio meaning you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. But if you hate the thought of making that decision, we’ll make it a little easier for you.

These are some of the top hotel picks on the website, which range from more luxurious stays to affordable rooms in neighbouring locations.

Booking.com’s top choice is Casa Fantini — Lake Time, a five star rated boutique hotel with gorgeous lake views. The establishment combines modern design with natural materials in all its rooms, with each one containing a balcony or terrace overlooking the iconic island on the water. A stay here doesn’t come cheap though with prices starting from £430 a night. 

Their mid-range price suggestion is Hotel Bocciolo which is located near the shore of the lake, close to the main town square. Rooms here will start from £142 a night. 

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: April 29, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

But if you’re looking for a budget stay, then Hotel Madonna di Luciago should be top of your list. Room prices start from £34 a night, but this one isn’t actually in Lake Orta, it’s a 20 minute drive away in Armeno, so if you want to stay here, you’ll need a car or be willing to fork out for a taxi. 

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

MORE : Premier Inn launches major sale with stays from £11.25 per person

MORE : World’s most expensive ski resort will ‘ruin you’ for other holiday destinations

MORE : Flight attendant slams ‘disturbing’ plane habit that leaves you covered in pee

Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.

Sign up here....

Privacy Policy

The beautiful redhead with her friend, Paulie, who got off the eastbound…

To the tall man I used to see every evening on the Metro commute from…

Enter your birthday for your free daily horoscope sent straight to your inbox!

Get us in your feed

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Destination guides

Download free Russia travel guides

• St Petersburg
• Golden Ring
• Lake Baikal
• Murmansk (Kola Peninsula)
• Moscow & St Petersburg
• Russia River Cruises
• Expedition Cruises
• Trans-Siberian Tours
• Northern Lights Tours
• Siberia Tours
• Winter Tours
• Students Trips
• Luxury Tours
• Plan My Tour

Start planning my tour

Your Russia, your dates, your mates

• Destination Guides
• Russia Travel Tips
• Russian Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Why 56th Parallel
• Traveller Reviews

Moscow Tours

The glorious capital of mother Russia

Home / Russia travel Destinations / Moscow Tours

Moscow Tours overview

Our private Moscow city tours allow travellers the benefit of an expert tour guide with you in every step. All you have to do is take it all in and enjoy. Explore a city born from an imperial past, yet an enduring symbol of Soviet Russia. This is a city between two worlds. When you visit Moscow , you will see how its art and architecture reflects a crossroad between Europe and Asia. Moscow revels in the centuries of comings and goings of great minds that have called this world-renowned metropolis home.

Moscow Travel Highlights:

• Rich in history and culture, reveals some amazing stories. Our captivating Moscow tours have a way of bringing the past to life as you follow a Soviet trail through the city
• Explore numerous world-class historical and contemporary art galleries and museums in Moscow , including the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum, the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, and many more

Moscow holds the World's Best of Jaw-dropping Art

• Be enthralled by the monumental architecture of famous churches and iconic buildings, such as the Kremlin, the Red Square, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral
• Experience the magnificent Moscow Metro, whose grandiose architecture, intricate mosaics, and dramatic sculptures have made it a must-see attraction when travelling Russia
• Indulge yourself in one of their many famous theatre art performances, whether it be an opera or ballet performance in the glamorous Bolshoi Theatre or a post-drama or comedy production in the Gogol Centre

Captivating Adventures to Experience in Moscow

• Take a Moscow river cruise along the mighty Volga River for a unique perspective into exploring Russia’s hidden gems and treasures
• Feast on exotic Russian cuisines while strolling through the street markets or at a fine dining restaurant, and enjoy countless specialty stores sampling vodka, caviar, and chocolate
• Shop to your heart’s desire in Moscow’s two most lavished shopping centres, GUM and TSUM, where items range from the most glamorous high-end fashion brands, art, and jewellery to antiques and traditional handicrafts

Must-Visit Moscow Landmarks

The Red Square, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and The Kremlin top every visitor’s list. These iconic buildings have defined Russia for centuries, but Moscow’s culture doesn’t stop there. Visit Izmailovsky Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world (six times larger than New York’s Central Park) or marvel at the Ostankino Tower, once the tallest structure on earth. Chase down real adventure and ride the Moscow Metro for a true taste of Russia in what visitors call part bomb shelter, part art gallery.

Moscow is an elite paradise with the highest concentration of billionaires on the planet, so nothing is off-limits. Moscow is full of history and possibility – both a political hub and billionaire playground. Visit Moscow and decide for yourself what this dynamic city means to you. Explore the expertly designed Moscow tour packages below for some more inspiration.

Explore Moscow Tours

Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

This handcrafted Moscow tour is perfectly planned weekend exploration of Russia capital's most famous tourist attractions. You will enjoy a panoramic tour of this magnificent city, will explore mighty Kremlin and Red Square and indulge in world-famed Moscow metro and Arbat street.

Classic Moscow - Art, History and Culture

Breathe in the history of Moscow, explore its Imperial and soviet past, dynamic contemporary culture and lifestyle. On this 5-day tour of Moscow, you'll visit the must-see sights with your private guide and explore the city at your own pace.

Highlights of Moscow & St Petersburg

Immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of Russia and explore the contrasting styles of Moscow and St Petersburg in just one week. Experience the iconic landmarks of Moscow, then, take a fast train to Saint Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Moscow and St Petersburg in Style

This carefully crafted 9-day itinerary tells the tale of two cities – Moscow, the source of Eastern political, economic and spiritual influence, and St Petersburg – Russia’s cultural epicentre and window to Western Europe.

Moscow, St Petersburg and Golden Ring Rendezvous

This tour of Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Golden Ring explores the places that shaped Russia’s history – past, present and future. Uncover Moscow’s ongoing revolutionary spirit, before journeying back in time to rural, medieval Russia. End in St Petersburg, a city of royal splendour and undeniable romance.

Moscow & St Petersburg Winter Escapade

Experience the romantic, winter wonderland atmosphere and festive city lights of Russia’s two biggest cities and celebrate the New Year! You’ll discover some of the cities' most iconic attractions and lesser-known gems.

Northern Lights in Russia: Arctic Winter Magic

Explore main sights of mighty Moscow and cultural capital of Russia - Saint Petersburg. Head to Karelia, where we’ll stop to admire the Ruskeala Mountain Park and historic Kizhi Island. Discover the customs of the indigenous Saami in Kola Peninsula and observe Aurora Borealis dancing in the sky.

A custom tour made to order

We understand sometimes our set departure dates do not align with your ability to travel at that time, or you just want to travel bespoke. We got you covered.

Go custom — gives you the choice & flexibility of creating your own bespoke itinerary, using our tours for inspiration.

Related Posts

15 reasons you must visit Moscow

Home to almost over 12 million souls, Moscow is many things to many people, and everyone finds their own reasons to visit Moscow. There is an ...

11 must-visit museums of Moscow and St Petersburg

The Museums of Moscow and St Petersburg bring to light the rich and deep cultural history of Russia. Visitors will indulge in a journey through ...

12 Reasons Everyone Must Visit Russia

For the unfamiliar, the thought of Russia might conjure up images of vodka-swilling men in fur hats, or KGB spies from a Hollywood movie. But look ...

Have a question or need specific information?

Send us a note below or call us

Country * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegowina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia (Hrvatska) Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France France Metropolitan French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and Mc Donald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran (Islamic Republic of) Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao, People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka St. Helena St. Pierre and Miquelon Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (U.S.) Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Yugoslavia Zambia Zimbabwe

If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785