The Italian Lakes

Lake Como

The third largest and most beautiful and dramatic of the Italian Lakes, Como has inspired poets and composers for centuries. Rugged beauty, soaring mountain peaks, gentle foothills and lakeside towns.

Como

The charming meeting place for the whole lake community with regular ferry and hydrofoil departures to the towns of Tremezzo, Menaggio and Bellagio, just one hour by train from Milan. Cernobbio, a village 5 kilometres away, is where you will find one of Europe’s greatest hotels, Villa D’Este Cernobbio. The hotel consists of two magnificent villas, the Cardinal’s Building and the Queen’s Pavilion, set 150 yards apart in spectacular gardens with fountains and terraces at the water’s edge. All the luxurious bedrooms have marble bathrooms and a blend of classical and antique furnishings. Sports facilities include eight tennis courts, a squash court, jogging track, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing, a golf simulator, a beautiful new spa plus both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a small perfect town which has just the most wonderful views across the lake to the beautiful gardens of the Villa Carlotta and spectacular mountains that sweep down to the water’s edge. The town sits on a fork in the lake and has an air of quiet dignity. The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a privately-owned, traditional luxury hotel situated in the town of Bellagio and is surrounded by woods and splendid gardens. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner on the terrace and admire the panoramic views of Lake Como. The hotel boasts a tiny private beach close to the pool and a new spa,a health and fitness centre, two tennis courts and a squash court. Hotel du Lac, Bellagio has, for 50 years, been owned by the same charming English lady, Signoria Leoni who now runs it with her son. Sun worshippers can admire the spectacular mountain and lake views from the roof garden.

Lake Como 8 days from £719

Visit one of the most beautiful and unspoilt of the Italian Lakes; stroll along the shoreline of Lake Como, dotted with grand villas and exquisite gardens; sip a refreshing drink as you dip your toes into crystal-clear waters; shop for famous names in fashionable Milan and absorb the romantic atmosphere of this beautiful region.

The Italian Lakes by Rail 10 days from £1299

See the magnificence of the Italian Lakes in comfort and style … take a spectacular journey on the Cisalpino tilting train from Siwtzerland’s stunning Lake Geneva into Italy, hop aboard the Centovalli scenic railway to Locarno and relax by the shores of the beautiful Lake Maggiore in an excellent 4 star hotel.

Lake Garda

The largest of the Italian Lakes, Lake Garda stretches between the Alps and the Dolomites, and is popular with visitors from all over Europe who come to swim in the clear waters and enjoy the atmosphere.

Sirmione

This mediaeval town is situated at the end of a long peninsula at the southern end of Lake Garda. It is made up of a maze of narrow streets that are limited to traffic and has good restaurants and cafes, elegant boutiques and villas and a wealth of historical interests. Villa Cortine stands in an extensive park at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula, reached through the tiny narrow streets. The Villa Cortine is a luxurious haven where you will find spacious lounges with stunning frescoes, mosaics and decorated ceilings, a bar and elegant dining room. There is summer swimming pool, a tennis court bordered by tall cypress trees and exotic gardens and a private bathing platform on the lake with an al fresco restaurant.

Valpolicella Countryside

This region runs north from Verona to the shores of Lake Garda and has an excellent climate and rolling countryside dotted with cypress and mulberry trees. The Palazzo Arzaga Hotel Spa & Golf Resort is a fine 15th century mansion which looks across beautiful plains towards the Alps, 25 minutes by car from Vreona airport. The hotel’s grounds include two championship golf courses and the accent is on fine food and comfort. The Saturina Spa is one of the hotels principal attractions.

Lake Garda & the Verona Opera Festival 8 days from £759

Relax amidst the beautiful surroundings of Lake Garda before you head to glorious Mantua, the setting for Verdi’s Opera Rigoletto. Sample delicious Italian gelato and, as evening falls, take you seat in Verona’s impressive Roman amphitheatre and enjoy the drama that unfolds in two operas on the stage on the ancient Arena.

Lake Garda & Venice 8 days from £679

Pretty towns and hilltop castles, rugged mountains and lakeside beaches, olive groves and tall pine forests – savour the contrasts of picturesque northern Italy on this unique tour.

Lake Maggiore

Framed by soaring Alpine peaks, Lake Maggiore winds majestically from northern Italy into southern Switzerland. From the towns of Stresa and Pallanza you can take a steamer to visit the famous formal gardens on the Borromeo islands.

Stresa is on of the most beautiful towns on the lake, with lush gardens and fine old villas. The Grand Hotel Des Isles Borromees is a grand imposing hotel set in its own extensive park and overlooking the lake. It has welcomed distinguished guests from around the world since 1861, including George Bernard Shaw, Clark Gable and Ernest Hemingway. Now travellers come to appreciate the Belle Epoque atmosphere and style, the magic of a past rich in tradition and history, whilst at the same time enjoying modern facilities.

Lake Maggiore 8 days from £799

Discover stunning lakeside villas and gardens, witness spectacular scenery at every turn, explore the grand city of Milan or hop on the thrilling Centovalli train.

The Jewel of the Italian Lakes – Orta 8 days from £719

Experience the calm tranquillity of the little-known treasure of Lake Orta. Relax in your stunning surroundings and then visit Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the mountain village of Macugnaga, the Roman city of Turin, savour the taste of local wines and an old family wine cellar and enjoy the hustle, bustle and aromas of Omegna market.

Weather

Average temperatures and rainfall for Lakes (Milan)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp (°C)	6	9	13	17	21	26	29	28	24	18	11	7
Rainfall (inches)	3	3	4	4	5	4	3	4	3	4	4	2

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