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Varenna, Lake Como, Italy

Italian Lakes

Timeless luxury in Italy's mountainous north

Italian Lakes holidays

Introduction

The enchanting Italian Lakes region of northern Italy is located on the border with Switzerland in the beautiful pre-alpine foothills of Lombardy. Set between the Alps and the Dolomites, the Lakes are just half an hour from bustling Milan. 

Together, the lakes' blue glacial waters, ornamental gardens, ancient villas and backdrop of snow-capped mountains have entranced and inspired visitors for centuries, attracting artists, poets and musicians, from Verdi to Byron, as well as numerous celebrities, including George Clooney and Madonna. The best Lake hotels can be found along the scenic shoreline, or inland in one of the many elegant towns. From gorgeous Lake Garda to historic Lake Como and mountain-framed Lake Maggiore, discover the best of our Italian Lakes holidays below.

 

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Italian Lakes holiday ideas

Varenna, Lake Como

Northern Italy and the Lakes fly-drive

13-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,065 pp

Calm blue lakes, snow-crested mountains, grand villas and some of Italy's finest Belle Époque hotels provide the backdrop to this tailor-made driving holiday through beautiful northern Italy. Its bookended by stays among Milan's ultra-fashionable repose and Verona's fabled past.

Lake Garda View, Villa Sostaga

Lake Garda in Style

8-day tailor-made holiday from £1,510 pp incl. flights

Showcase the splendour of one of Italy's most beautiful lakes taking in the renaissance romance of Verona, before a week of lazing lake-side on the shores of the glittering Lake Garda.

Italian Lakes - Lake Iseo Italy

Hidden Lakes of Northern Italy

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,745 pp

Explore northern Italy without the crowds, stepping a little off the beaten track to discover some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with stays at four of the region's lesser-known lakes.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands

8-day tailor-made holiday from £2,500 pp incl. flights

Showcase the splendour of one of Italy's most beautiful regions with a week of relaxation and exploration on the shores of the glittering Lake Maggiore.

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Places to stay in the Italian Lakes

Grand Hotel Majestic

Grand Hotel Majestic, Lake Maggiore

Guide price from £760 pp

As one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top 50 hotels in Italy, you can expect true lakeside luxury, evidenced across fine dining restaurants, the slice of private beach and delightful rooms.

Villa d'Este, Lake Como

Villa d’Este, Lake Como

3-night luxury holiday from £1,705 pp incl. flights & transfers

This is your chance to enjoy palatial luxury in a property hailed as one of the best hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Forbes Travel

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

Contemporary hotel

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Como, Italy. The hotel faces directly onto Bellagio, where the two branches of the lake meet, against the backdrop of the Grigne Mountains.

Villa Cortine Palace Hotel

Villa Cortine Palace, Lake Garda

Small & intimate hotel

This late 19th century villa was converted into a hotel in 1953, adding clay tennis court and poolside luxury to its original antique furnishings.

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Where to go in Italian Lakes

Maggiore Lake

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore, named ‘Verbana' after the flowers that bloom in the region by the locals, is regarded as the most scenic of the Italian Lakes; the Lake's translucent quality is attributed to the tears of unrequited lovers and romantic poets.

Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian Lakes and stretches sinuously from the Italian Plains towards the Dolomites.

Como lake, Italy

Lake Como

Lake Como, enclosed by rugged peaks, the sloping foothills of the Alps and cosmopolitan lakeside towns of Varenna, Como, Belaggio and Menaggio, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy.

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When to go to Italian Lakes

Lake Maggiore
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The pull to Italy’s enchanting northern lakes is indisputably stronger during the hot summer months. From May right through to September, endless sunshine paired with cooling dips in crystal clear waters make for an idyllic summer getaway. Alternatively, a trip during spring or autumn brings low season prices, moderate temperatures – perfect for intense sports in the beautiful natural surrounds – and all-round peace and quiet.

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Italian Lakes articles

  • Tuscan countryside

    Italy’s best self-drive holidays

    Italy specialist Charlie Pritchard has collated this list of Italy’s ultimate driving holidays. And, along with the highlights of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, there are plenty of secrets to discover, too.

  • Gardesana Occidentale road near Tremosine, Lake Garda

    Four of the best European road trips

    Between the headline acts and lesser-known gems, these are the finest self-drives on the continent.

  • Lake Como, Italy

    Top 10 places to visit this autumn

    Whether it’s island relaxation in the sun or a Big-Five safari, this is a collection of our finest autumn escapes. There are also plenty of insiders’ tips, including America’s secret ‘fall foliage’.

  • Lake Garda

    Italian Lakes in Focus

    From the vineyard lined shores of Garda to the glamorous towns of Como, discover why so many are fawning after an Italian Lake getaway this year.

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Meet our Italian Lakes experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0796

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0796 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected