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Part of the Royal Geographical Society collection, travel from top to toe and explore Italy’s famous landmarks. Visit iconic cities Venice, Florence and Rome and discover the hidden gems of Pompeii, Sicily and more.
Explore the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains and the vibrant cities of Victoria and Vancouver on a holiday that’s packed full of magnificent sights and scenery.
From Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka and beyond, discover the unforgettable highlights of Japan including an incredible high-speed ride on the Bullet Train.
Snow-tipped mountains, clear blue water and pretty towns make the Italian Lakes one of the most beautiful parts of Northern Italy – and there’s no better way than visiting on Travelsphere’s Italian Lakes tours.
Around Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, you’ll find elegant villas, palm-lined promenades and beautiful gardens, with small ferries linking pastel-hued harbours. It’s a place to slow down. Sip an espresso by the water, wander market squares, ride a funicular for big Alpine views and then end the day with risotto and local wine.
Smaller, quieter lakes such as Orta, Ledro and Iseo offer peaceful escapes. Lake Orta feels wonderfully unspoilt, with narrow lanes and the serene island of San Giulio, or St Julius in English. Lake Iseo is ideal for lakeside walks, Franciacorta vineyards and boat trips to Monte Isola.
Shaped by Ice Age glaciers, these deep lakes sit between the Alps and the plains of Lombardy and Piedmont. Lake Como is probably the most famous, known for its glamorous villas and celebrity homes. It has often been used for location shoots in films like Star Wars and Casino Royale.
Are you thinking of a trip to the Italian Lakes? With Travelsphere escorted tours, you can relax and unwind as we take care of the details. Stay in comfortable well-located hotels and enjoy a mix of thoughtfully-planned excursions with our Holiday Directors and local guides. There are lots of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere, too – our Italian lakes tours give you plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the spectacular views. If you’d like to explore more of the local area, you can pick from a range of optional trips by road, rail or boat.
Discover the scenic beauty of northern Italy’s secret lakes, where tranquil waters, unspoiled nature and delicious cuisine await.
Discover the allure and mesmerising natural beauty of Lake Maggiore and be wowed by the captivating charm of Lake Como.
Lake Como blends dramatic Alpine scenery with timeless elegance. Its deep, Y-shaped waters are ringed by pastel-coloured towns like Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, which are linked by frequent ferries. Expect grand villas with splendid gardens, from Villa Carlotta to Villa del Balbianello, plus lakeside promenades perfect for evening passeggiata. Funiculars and scenic hikes deliver big mountain views, while slow lunches feature lake fish, risotto and Lombardy wines. Boutique shops, historic churches and tiny harbours add charm, and regular boat services make it easy to explore without a car. With stylish hotels and glamorous yet relaxed energy, Lake Como is Northern Italy at its most cinematic.
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, where Mediterranean warmth meets Alpine peaks. The north offers dramatic cliffs, while the south delivers rolling vineyards, olive groves and beachy promenades. Around its shoreline, you’ll find lively towns like Riva del Garda, Malcesine, Limone sul Garda, Bardolino or Sirmione, famed for its castle and Roman ruins. Ferries criss-cross the water, and a cable car from Malcesine soars to Monte Baldo for sweeping views. The area is popular for sports and has a variety of landscapes, so it’s perfect for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. Food lovers can sample Bardolino and Lugana wines, lake fish and Garda DOP olive oil. With sunshine, scenery and easy transport, Lake Garda is a superb all-rounder for every traveller. You could explore the lake in your own time while enjoying our Secret Lakes of Italy tour.
Stretching between the Italian and Swiss borders, Lake Maggiore mixes palm-fringed shores with snow-capped backdrops. It is a haven for nature-lovers and those who enjoy tranquil exploration. Its star attractions are the Borromean Islands, which can be easily visited by boat. Isola Bella is home to an elegant Baroque palace with terraced gardens, while Isola dei Pescatori has a more rustic charm with its delightful cobbled streets. Take the Mottarone cable car or nearby mountain trains for wide-angle views, and stroll through landscaped gardens at the Villa Taranto. Quieter than Como yet wonderfully refined, Maggiore delivers classic Italian lake beauty with a calm, sophisticated feel.
Lake Orta is a peaceful, unspoilt gem, tucked away west of Lake Maggiore. Its highlight is Isola San Giulio, a serene island with a Romanesque basilica. Orta San Giulio charms with cobbled lanes, a lakeside piazza and artisan shops. Expect gentle walks, pretty views, boat trips and a slow, romantic atmosphere.
Lake Iseo blends quiet charm with dramatic scenery. Explore the medieval lanes of Iseo and Lovere, then cruise to Monte Isola, Europe’s largest lake island, for hilltop walks and fishing villages. Nearby Franciacorta wineries offer sparkling tastings. Gentle promenades, swimming spots and relaxed trattorias make it a serene, authentic escape.
A peaceful retreat in the Italian Alps, Lake Idro offers clear waters and a slower pace of life. With chestnut and fir forests, fewer crowds and a wonderful alpine feel, it is ideal for nature lovers. You could even spot local deer as you enjoy a lakeside picnic.
Turquoise waters and forested slopes provide the perfect backdrop for evening strolls or gentle bike rides on the lakeside path. Those searching for culture often visit Lake Ledro to enjoy its unique prehistoric museum, which features reconstructed Bronze Age stilt houses under the lake’s waterline.
Calm, fjord-like Levico offers lidos and pine-framed walks. It is known for its wellness resorts and tranquil setting, making it popular for quiet spa breaks. Unwind in saunas and whirlpools surrounded by mountains.
Surrounded by the Dolomites peaks, Molveno is particularly popular for its hiking trails that go into the mountains and around the lake. Swim in the famously cobalt waters or try your hand at some watersports.
Meadows and fir trees ring this tranquil Piné Plateau lake. A flat path around the lake allows for easy walking and cycling. Visitors can also swim from the grassy shores, rent a pedalo, or enjoy snowy strolls in winter.
Discover the scenic beauty of northern Italy’s hidden lakes, where tranquil waters, unspoiled nature and delicious cuisine await on our Secret Lakes of Italy tour.
Your choice of lake to visit depends on your priorities. Lake Como is a wonderful choice for elegant villas and stunning Alpine scenery. It also offers elegant lakeside towns and cinematic views of the dramatic landscape.
Go to Lake Maggiore for refined calm and the Borromean Islands. Prefer quieter escapes? Try Lake Orta’s romantic charm, Lake Iseo plus Franciacorta wine, or Alpine-fresh Ledro and Molveno. Travelsphere tours help you mix icons with hidden gems, hassle-free.
Between April and June, you can expect pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making this a good time to explore towns and enjoy outdoor activities. September to October brings mild weather and a change in the scenery as autumn colours change the landscape. Summer brings heat, perfect for swimming and sailing, but lakeside towns can be busier.
Many of Travelsphere’s Italian lake holidays include ferry rides or boat excursions to give you the best views of the water and its surrounding landscapes. These can bring the charming lakeside views to life, offering a new way to appreciate Italy’s natural beauty.
Of course. We carefully create our itineraries to combine guided sightseeing and free time. This way, you can wander through the villages or relax by the water at your leisure.
Yes, swimming is popular at many Italian lakes, and many have designated, peaceful swimming areas. The waters are clean and clear, perfect for a refreshing dip. Lake Molveno, in particular, is known for its clean water, which is sourced from glacier runoff.
There’s an activity for everyone around the Italian lakes. On the water, you might try paddleboarding or sailing. Thanks to the many walking, hiking and cycling trails, exploring the surrounding areas is easy, whether on foot or on wheels. History-lovers can explore historic villas, castles and even Roman ruins. There are also plenty of local markets, boutiques and cafes to enjoy in the pretty lakeside towns and villages.
