Italy may be famous for its postcard-worthy cities, filled to the brim with ancient architecture and world-famous art, but those in the know will never overlook the Italian countryside, particularly the Italian Lakes.
From the tranquil beauty of Lake Como to the grandeur of Lake Garda, these destinations blend timeless elegance, natural splendour, and cultural richness in one unforgettable experience.
Whether you dream of a romantic escape, a scenic group tour, or a peaceful retreat after exploring Venice, Milan, or even St Moritz, a holiday to the Italian Lakes promises something truly special.
Discover the Best of the Italian Lakes
Lake Como
A favourite of celebrities and poets alike, Lake Como is famed for its deep blue waters and elegant villas. Discover highlights like Villa del Balbianello, featured in Star Wars and James Bond, and stroll through historic towns like Bellagio and Cadenabbia.
Lake Garda
Italy’s largest lake offers dramatic alpine views, charming villages, and world-class wines. Enjoy boat tours, visit the picturesque town of Riva del Garda, or explore the Valpolicella wine region nearby.
Lake Maggiore
Crossing into Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is ideal for island-hopping. Visit the Borromean Islands and wander the grand gardens of Isola Bella – a hidden gem packed with Italian charm.
Lake Orta
Often called the most beautiful lake in Italy, Lake Orta is peaceful, unspoilt and utterly captivating. Explore San Giulio island by boat and discover the region’s serene beauty.
Lake Iseo
Tucked between Brescia and Bergamo, Lake Iseo is a favourite among locals. Sample Franciacorta sparkling wines, cycle scenic trails, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Italian Lakes Holiday Inspiration
From Hollywood filming locations to UNESCO-listed villages, the Italian Lakes region is full of unforgettable moments. Explore our most popular tours:
Holidays to the Italian lakes
Our Italian Lakes Tour Reviews say it all…
"This holiday was so much more than we expected or anticipated. The hotel and it's location were stunning - so much so I wish to return again someday. The trips were all worth while, especially the Matterhorn. Our guide was fabulous and enhanced the whole experience. We have never done a holiday like this before but are already checking out Riviera's other tours as it's unlikely it won't be our last."
-Photo and review by a guest on our Lake Maggiore, Orta and the Matterhorn tour, August 2024
"Very well organised holiday which ran smoothly and was really enjoyable.
The trips out went to very interesting places and allowed us plenty of free time at the destination. We were also back in plenty of time to relax before dinner. We met some great people to spend evenings with too."
-Photo and review by guest Marjorie on our Lake Maggiore, Orta and the Matterhorn tour, August 2024
Popular FAQs
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are widely considered the best times to visit. The weather is pleasantly warm, the lakeside gardens are in full bloom, and the crowds are fewer than in peak summer.
Each lake offers something unique:
- Lake Como is perfect for luxurious villas and romantic charm.
- Lake Garda offers dramatic landscapes and lively resort towns.
- Lake Maggiore blends Italian and Swiss culture with lush island gardens.
- Lake Orta is peaceful, ideal for a quieter escape.
- Lake Iseo is a great choice for wine lovers and off-the-beaten-track explorers.
Yes! Several of our Italian Lakes tours include multiple lakes in one itinerary, such as Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, or Lake Garda with Lake Iseo. Travel between the lakes is easy and scenic.
Many Riviera Travel Italian Lakes tours include scenic boat cruises as part of the itinerary, whether it’s gliding across Lake Como to Bellagio, or exploring the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore.
Yes. All our Italian Lakes holidays are carefully balanced to include expert-led excursions and ample free time for personal discovery, shopping, or simply relaxing by the water.
All Riviera Travel holidays include return flights from a selection of UK airports. Rail options are also available on selected tours.
Absolutely. Riviera Travel offers a range of solo traveller holidays, including select Italian Lakes tours with no single supplement – ideal for those exploring independently but wanting the comfort of a group.
While we do our best to accommodate everyone, many of the lakeside towns have cobbled streets and uneven paths. Please contact our team before booking so we can help assess suitability and discuss your needs.
More about the Italian Lakes
There’s the largest of the bunch, Lake Garda, with its dramatic mountainous backdrop reflected in serene blue waters. It has numerous lake-side restaurants, gelaterias, cafes and boutiques set inside colourful buildings and is the perfect place to grab an ice cream and sit in the Italian sun to watch the world pass by, as locals meet friends for caffè and families take kayaks and paddleboards out onto the water.
There’s also Lake Como, Garda’s chic and sophisticated younger sister, which is popular with the likes of modern celebrities such as Madonna and George Clooney (who loves it so much he bought a villa there!) as well as 19th century poets Byron, Shelley and Wordsworth, with the latter describing it as ‘a treasure whom the earth keeps to herself’.
These might be the two best-known Italian Lakes, but there are many others in the region. Lake Maggiore cuts through the Alps into Switzerland and is bordered by beautiful national parks - here you'll find the Borromean Islands where we take a boat ride to visit their beautiful old buildings. Also worth a mention is Lake Orta, which is often hailed as the region’s prettiest lake, but it’s also relatively unknown, so that you can enjoy serenity and scenery - on our itinerary we take a boat trip on Orta to San Giulio island so that you can enjoy its natural beauty from the water.
