We love —
- Experiencing the unique charm of Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda, each offering its own atmosphere, from romantic elegance to vibrant lakeside living.
- Enjoying the freedom to discover hidden villages, scenic viewpoints and lakeside roads, with complete flexibility throughout your stay.
- Sailing across Lake Maggiore to explore these enchanting islands, with their botanical gardens, historic palaces and authentic fishing villages.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Your itinerary in brief —
DURATION: 5, 7 or 9 nights
BEST FOR: Cultural immersion
PACE: Relaxed
Explore Northern Italy’s lakes
Discover the timeless elegance of Northern Italy’s lakes, where refined landscapes, charming villages and cultural treasures unfold at your own pace. From the romantic shores of Lake Maggiore to the glamour of Lake Como and the vibrant atmosphere of Lake Garda, this self-drive journey offers a perfect blend of nature, heritage and la dolce vita.
Choose the length of your stay:
5-night road trip:
Day 1: Arrival in Lake Maggiore
Day 2: Lake Maggiore
Day 3: Lake Maggiore
Day 4: Lake Maggiore → Lake Como
Day 5: Lake Como
Day 6: Departure
7-night road trip:
Day 1: Arrival in Lake Maggiore
Day 2: Lake Maggiore
Day 3: Lake Maggiore
Day 4: Lake Maggiore → Lake Como
Day 5: Lake Como
Day 6: Lake Como → Lake Garda
Day 7: Lake Garda
Day 8: Departure
9-night road trip:
Day 1: Arrival in Lake Maggiore
Day 2: Lake Maggiore
Day 3: Lake Maggiore
Day 4: Lake Maggiore → Lake Como
Day 5: Lake Como
Day 6: Lake Como → Lake Garda
Day 7: Lake Garda
Day 8: Lake Garda
Day 9: Lake Garda
Day 10: Departure
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
The freedom to explore:
Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.
Your itinerary in detail —
5-NIGHT ROAD TRIP
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LAKE MAGGIORE
Arrive in northern Italy and make your way to Lake Maggiore, where elegant Belle Époque villas and peaceful lakefront promenades set the tone for your journey. After check-in, enjoy a gentle introduction with a stroll along the lakeside in Stresa, lined with grand hotels and views over the Borromean Islands. As the sun sets behind the mountains, settle into the Italian rhythm with an aperitivo overlooking the water.
Included:
- Car hire (included with for offers with flights only)
- Night at a hotel in Lake Maggiore
DAY 2: LAKE MAGGIORE
Today is dedicated to the enchanting Borromean Islands, easily reached by boat. Discover Isola Madre, known for its lush botanical gardens, before heading to Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing island where you can enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, explore Isola Bella, home to a spectacular baroque palace and terraced gardens overlooking the lake.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Boat excursion
- Night at a hotel in Lake Maggiore
DAY 3: LAKE MAGGIORE
After breakfast, choose between botanical beauty or breathtaking views. Visit the impressive Villa Taranto Gardens, home to thousands of plant species, or take the cable car up Monte Mottarone, where panoramic views stretch across multiple lakes and the Alps.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Maggiore
DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO
Drive to Lake Como, crossing scenic landscapes before reaching one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Bellagio, wandering its cobbled streets, elegant stairways and lakefront promenades.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Como
DAY 5: LAKE COMO
Discover the refined beauty of Lake Como. Visit iconic villas such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, renowned for their gardens and lakeside settings. Continue your exploration with a relaxing walk along the lake or a ferry ride between picturesque villages.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Como
DAY 6: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, enjoy a final moment by the lake before your departure.
Included:
- Breakfast
7-NIGHT ROAD TRIP
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LAKE MAGGIORE
Arrive in northern Italy and make your way to Lake Maggiore, where elegant Belle Époque villas and peaceful lakefront promenades set the tone for your journey. After check-in, enjoy a gentle introduction with a stroll along the lakeside in Stresa, lined with grand hotels and views over the Borromean Islands. As the sun sets behind the mountains, settle into the Italian rhythm with an aperitivo overlooking the water.
Included:
- Car hire (included with for offers with flights only)
- Night at a hotel in Lake Maggiore
DAY 2: LAKE MAGGIORE
Today is dedicated to the enchanting Borromean Islands, easily reached by boat. Discover Isola Madre, known for its lush botanical gardens, before heading to Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing island where you can enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, explore Isola Bella, home to a spectacular baroque palace and terraced gardens overlooking the lake.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Boat excursion
- Night at a hotel in Lake Maggiore
DAY 3: LAKE MAGGIORE
After breakfast, choose between botanical beauty or breathtaking views. Visit the impressive Villa Taranto Gardens, home to thousands of plant species, or take the cable car up Monte Mottarone, where panoramic views stretch across multiple lakes and the Alps.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Maggiore
DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO
Drive to Lake Como, crossing scenic landscapes before reaching one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Bellagio, wandering its cobbled streets, elegant stairways and lakefront promenades.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Como
DAY 5: LAKE COMO
Discover the refined beauty of Lake Como. Visit iconic villas such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, renowned for their gardens and lakeside settings. Continue your exploration with a relaxing walk along the lake or a ferry ride between picturesque villages.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Como
DAY 6: LAKE COMO → LAKE GARDA
Continue your journey towards Lake Garda, passing through the Lombardy countryside. Arrive in Sirmione, a picturesque peninsula dominated by the medieval Rocca Scaligera. Explore the historic centre and continue to the Grotte di Catullo, impressive Roman ruins overlooking the lake.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Garda
DAY 7: LAKE GARDA
Start your day with a boat cruise around the Sirmione peninsula, offering unique views of the lake and its thermal waters. In the afternoon, head to Verona, where you will discover its Roman arena, lively squares and historic centre.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Boat cruise
- Night at a hotel in Lake Garda
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, enjoy a final moment by the lake before your departure.
Included:
- Breakfast
9-NIGHT ROAD TRIP
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LAKE MAGGIORE
Arrive in northern Italy and make your way to Lake Maggiore, where elegant Belle Époque villas and peaceful lakefront promenades set the tone for your journey. After check-in, enjoy a gentle introduction with a stroll along the lakeside in Stresa, lined with grand hotels and views over the Borromean Islands. As the sun sets behind the mountains, settle into the Italian rhythm with an aperitivo overlooking the water.
Included:
- Car hire (included with for offers with flights only)
- Night at a hotel in Lake Maggiore
DAY 2: LAKE MAGGIORE
Today is dedicated to the enchanting Borromean Islands, easily reached by boat. Discover Isola Madre, known for its lush botanical gardens, before heading to Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing island where you can enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, explore Isola Bella, home to a spectacular baroque palace and terraced gardens overlooking the lake.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Boat excursion
- Night at a hotel in Lake Maggiore
DAY 3: LAKE MAGGIORE
After breakfast, choose between botanical beauty or breathtaking views. Visit the impressive Villa Taranto Gardens, home to thousands of plant species, or take the cable car up Monte Mottarone, where panoramic views stretch across multiple lakes and the Alps.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Maggiore
DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO
Drive to Lake Como, crossing scenic landscapes before reaching one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Bellagio, wandering its cobbled streets, elegant stairways and lakefront promenades.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Como
DAY 5: LAKE COMO
Discover the refined beauty of Lake Como. Visit iconic villas such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, renowned for their gardens and lakeside settings. Continue your exploration with a relaxing walk along the lake or a ferry ride between picturesque villages.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Como
DAY 6: LAKE COMO → LAKE GARDA
Continue your journey towards Lake Garda, passing through the Lombardy countryside. Arrive in Sirmione, a picturesque peninsula dominated by the medieval Rocca Scaligera. Explore the historic centre and continue to the Grotte di Catullo, impressive Roman ruins overlooking the lake.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Garda
DAY 7: LAKE GARDA
Discover the western shores of Lake Garda with a visit to Gardone Riviera. Explore Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, a unique and theatrical estate combining villa, gardens and museum, offering insight into Italian history and culture.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a hotel in Lake Garda
DAY 8: LAKE GARDA
Spend the morning exploring Verona, with its Roman arena and charming historic centre. In the afternoon, head to the Bardolino region for a wine tasting experience, discovering local wines and enjoying regional specialities in a vineyard setting
Included:
- Breakfast
- Wine tasting experience
- Night at a hotel in Lake Garda
DAY 9: LAKE GARDA
Enjoy a relaxing day starting with a boat cruise around the Sirmione peninsula, discovering hidden views of the lake and its natural thermal waters. Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Garda.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Boat cruise
- Night at a hotel in Lake Garda
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, enjoy a final moment by the lake before your departure.
Included:
- Breakfast
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotel —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each stage of your journey, you will be staying in Standard Rooms in carefully selected 4* or 4* Superior hotels, depending on the option chosen, ensuring comfort, charm and an authentic Italian atmosphere throughout your stay.
Your 4* hotels (or similar):
Lake Maggiore: Hotel Pallanza 4*
Lake Como: BW Leonardo Hotel 4* (approximately 20 minutes from Lake Como)
Lake Garda: Acquaviva Hotel 4* (only for 7- and 9-night road trip)
Your 4* Superior hotels (or similar):
Lake Maggiore: Grand Hotel Majestic 4* Sup
Lake Como: Asnigo Hotel 4* Sup
Lake Garda: Olivi Thermae Hotel 4 Sup (only for 7- and 9-night road trip)
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
The maximum capacity of the rooms is 3 adults. Single rooms are available at an extra cost.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Your optional excursions —
Excursion to Lake Garda
Discover the most beautiful villages on Lake Garda and cross it by ferry after an unforgettable scenic drive along the Gardesana road.
Excursion to Verona
Explore Verona on a guided tour combining a panoramic bus tour, a walking tour of the historic centre, and free time to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Panoramic excursion in the Dolomites and local specialities
Discover the Dolomites by bus, enjoy lunch at high altitude at the Pordoi Pass and treat yourself to a gourmet break in a traditional village with apple strudel tasting.
A day in Venice
Discover Venice at your own pace, exploring picturesque alleyways and iconic canals, with the option of a gondola ride or an excursion on the lagoon.
Lake Como Cruise with optional aperitif
Admire the beauty of Lake Como from the water on a scenic cruise past elegant villas, picturesque villages and stunning mountain landscapes. For an extra touch of indulgence, enhance your experience with an optional aperitif while soaking up the breathtaking views.
Your included services —
Assistance at destination
Enjoy an included destination assistance service provided by our local partners trained to Voyage Privé standards. A dedicated contact person, available 24 hours a day (by phone or WhatsApp), will assist you throughout your stay with advice, reservations, or help in case of unforeseen circumstances. Travel with peace of mind.
Your journey to Italy —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Lake Maggiore
Discover the enchanting allure of northern Italy’s lake region, a haven of natural beauty and cultural richness. This destination has inspired literary greats such as Dickens, Stendhal, and Hemingway, drawn by the serene landscapes and timeless elegance of Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Garda. Ideal for a tranquil retreat, the area blends poetic scenery with a wealth of hidden treasures waiting to be explored.
Must-sees:
- Explore the Borromean Islands, where Baroque architecture meets terraced gardens on Isola Bella, and the quaint Isola dei Pescatori offers a step back in time.
- Visit Villa Melzi d’Eril in Bellagio, a botanical paradise with panoramic views of Lake Como’s three branches.
- Take a boat ride to the Sirmione Peninsula, home to the medieval Castello Scaligero and ancient Roman ruins at the Grotte di Catullo.
Culinary culture:
The lake region is a gourmet’s delight, celebrated for its fresh water fish dishes, including lavarello and perch risotto. Pair these with a crisp glass of Lugana wine, produced along the shores of Lake Garda. Don’t miss trying formaggi di montagna, mountain cheeses, particularly during a visit to a local dairy such as 'Da Carozzi'. The rich culinary heritage is as much about the tradition as the flavour, offering a true taste of the region.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the iconic landmarks, wander into the lesser-known villages like Cannobio on Lake Maggiore or Varenna on Lake Como, where narrow cobbled streets reveal artisans’ workshops and historic chapels. Nature enthusiasts will relish a hike on Monte Baldo, offering dramatic views and diverse flora.
Good to know:
The ideal time to visit is between April and October, with mild weather and fewer crowds in spring and autumn. The local currency is the euro, and travelling by car or ferry is the most convenient way to explore the lakes and their surroundings. Always carry comfortable walking shoes to navigate the cobblestone streets and hillside paths.
Lake Como
Lombardy, a district of world-famous lakes, is a diverse region blending cosmopolitan sophistication with serene natural beauty. Nestled in northern Italy along the Swiss border, this area captivates with its stylish cities, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes. While Milan, the region's bustling capital, entices with its glamour and culture, the treasures of Lombardy extend far beyond its city limits to the tranquil landscapes of its northern reaches.
Must-sees:
- Lake Como: Admire the sumptuous lakeside villas and their verdant cascading gardens set against the backdrop of the Rhaetian Alps, which extend along the Italian-Swiss border.
- Lake Maggiore: Visit the tranquil Borromean Islands, offering postcard-perfect scenery and rich history.
- Lake Garda: Explore the laid-back charm of Gardone Riviera, with its scenic promenade and leisurely pleasure cruises across the lake.
Culinary culture:
Lombardy's culinary heritage is a reflection of its varied landscape. Relish local classics such as risotto alla milanese, flavoured with saffron, or hearty pizzoccheri, buckwheat pasta typical of the mountain regions. Around the lakes, fresh fish like lavarello is a highlight, while the region’s famed Taleggio and Gorgonzola cheeses add a decadent touch to any meal. Pair these dishes with Franciacorta, a sparkling wine from the region.
Dive deeper:
Step beyond the main attractions to uncover hidden gems like Varenna, a picturesque village on Lake Como, with its botanical gardens at Villa Monastero. For art lovers, the shores of Lake Garda host Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, the eccentric home of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Nature enthusiasts will find adventure in the Orobie Alps, which reach northwards towards Bergamo, offering hiking trails with breathtaking views.
Good to know:
Lombardy’s idea; travel seasons are spring and autumn, offering mild weather and fewer crowds. Milan is a central hub with excellent transport links, but exploring the lakes is easiest by car or ferry. The local currency is the euro, and English is widely understood in tourist areas. Comfortable shoes are essential for cobblestone streets and hillside villages.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is a stunning natural gem surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear waters. Known for its serene landscapes, charming villages, and outdoor adventures, the lake offers an ideal mix of relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or thrilling activities, Lake Garda promises a memorable experience.
Must-sees:
- Boat tours: Explore the lake by hydrofoil or a leisurely boat, visiting islands such as Isola del Garda, renowned for its gardens and historic villa.
- Monte Baldo: Take the cable car for panoramic views and access to hiking trails in the lush alpine terrain.
- Brenzone sul Garda: A tranquil lakeside retreat offering relaxation, hiking, and breathtaking lake views.
Culinary culture:
Lake Garda’s cuisine reflects its unique setting, with dishes like bigoli con le sarde, rustic pasta with lake sardines, and freshly caught lavarello. The region is also famous for its delicate olive oil and Lugana wine, a crisp white perfect for pairing with fish. For dessert, enjoy the fragrant torta di rose, inspired by the area's floral landscapes.
Dive deeper:
Explore the rich history and culture with visits to medieval treasures like Sirmione, featuring the Scaliger Castle and the ancient Grotte di Catullo ruins. Discover the charm of Lazise, a picturesque town with cobbled streets and a lively lakeside atmosphere.
Good to know:
The ideal times to visit are spring and early autumn when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer. Lake Garda is easily accessible by ferries, buses, and nearby airports like Verona, though renting a car offers greater flexibility for exploring hidden gems. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and sunscreen for hiking and lakeside walks.
