DURATION: 5, 7 or 9 nights
BEST FOR: Cultural immersion
PACE: Moderate

Explore the Italian Lakes

Let yourself be carried away on a journey through the Italian Lakes, where elegant villas, shimmering waters and alpine landscapes create a setting of timeless beauty. From the refined shores of Lake Maggiore to the cinematic charm of Lake Como and the vibrant atmosphere of Lake Garda, each stop reveals a different side of northern Italy.

Along the way, stroll through Belle Époque towns, sail between iconic islands and enjoy moments shaped by slow travel, from lakeside aperitivo to scenic drives through rolling hills. This self-drive itinerary invites you to experience Italy at your own rhythm, blending culture, nature and understated luxury.

Choose the length of your stay:

5-night road trip:

Day 1: Arrival on Lake Maggiore

Day 2: Lake Maggiore ⇄ Borromean Islands

Day 3: Lake Maggiore ⇄ Villa Taranto / Mottarone

Day 4: Lake Maggiore → Lake Como

Day 5: Lake Como 

Day 6: Departure from Lake Como

7-night road trip:

Day 1: Arrival on Lake Maggiore

Day 2: Lake Maggiore ⇄ Borromean Islands

Day 3: Lake Maggiore ⇄ Villa Taranto / Mottarone

Day 4: Lake Maggiore → Lake Como

Day 5: Lake Como

Day 6: Lake Como → Lake Garda

Day 7: Lake Garda ⇄ Sirmione & Verona

Day 8: Departure from Lake Garda

9-night road trip:

DAY 1: ARRIVAL ON LAKE MAGGIORE

Arrive on the elegant shores of Lake Maggiore, where the refined town of Stresa welcomes you with Belle Époque charm. After settling in, take a gentle stroll along the lakeside promenade, lined with grand hotels and flowering gardens, before enjoying a peaceful evening overlooking the water.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Lake Maggiore

Suggestions:

• Walk along Lungolago Umberto I at sunset
• Enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the Borromean Islands
• Try a traditional risotto with local wine

DAY 2: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ BORROMEAN ISLANDS

After breakfast, set out on a scenic cruise across Lake Maggiore (included) to discover the Borromean Islands. Wander through the lush gardens of Isola Madre, explore the charming fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori, and admire the baroque elegance of Isola Bella.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Cruise on Lake Maggiore
• Night at Lake Maggiore

Suggestions:

• Explore botanical gardens on Isola Madre
• Stroll through Isola dei Pescatori
• Enjoy lunch by the lake

DAY 3: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ VILLA TARANTO / MOTTARONE

Start your day with breakfast before choosing your experience. Visit the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, home to thousands of plant species, or take the route up to Monte Mottarone for panoramic views across lakes and mountains.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Lake Maggiore

Suggestions:

• Discover rare plants at Villa Taranto
• Take the cable car to Mottarone
• Enjoy a relaxed lakeside lunch

DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO

DAY 1: ARRIVAL ON LAKE MAGGIORE

Arrive on the elegant shores of Lake Maggiore, where the refined town of Stresa welcomes you with Belle Époque charm. After settling in, take a gentle stroll along the lakeside promenade, lined with grand hotels and flowering gardens, before enjoying a peaceful evening overlooking the water.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Lake Maggiore

Suggestions:

• Walk along Lungolago Umberto I at sunset
• Enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the Borromean Islands
• Try a traditional risotto with local wine

DAY 2: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ BORROMEAN ISLANDS

After breakfast, set out on a scenic cruise across Lake Maggiore (included) to discover the Borromean Islands. Wander through the lush gardens of Isola Madre, explore the charming fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori, and admire the baroque elegance of Isola Bella.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Cruise on Lake Maggiore
• Night at Lake Maggiore

Suggestions:

• Explore botanical gardens on Isola Madre
• Stroll through Isola dei Pescatori
• Enjoy lunch by the lake

DAY 3: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ VILLA TARANTO / MOTTARONE

Start your day with breakfast before choosing your experience. Visit the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, home to thousands of plant species, or take the route up to Monte Mottarone for panoramic views across lakes and mountains.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Lake Maggiore

Suggestions:

• Discover rare plants at Villa Taranto
• Take the cable car to Mottarone
• Enjoy a relaxed lakeside lunch

DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO

DAY 1: ARRIVAL ON LAKE MAGGIORE

Arrive on the elegant shores of Lake Maggiore, where the refined town of Stresa welcomes you with Belle Époque charm. After settling in, take a gentle stroll along the lakeside promenade, lined with grand hotels and flowering gardens, before enjoying a peaceful evening overlooking the water.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Lake Maggiore

Suggestions:

• Walk along Lungolago Umberto I at sunset
• Enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the Borromean Islands
• Try a traditional risotto with local wine

DAY 2: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ BORROMEAN ISLANDS

After breakfast, set out on a scenic cruise across Lake Maggiore (included) to discover the Borromean Islands. Wander through the lush gardens of Isola Madre, explore the charming fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori, and admire the baroque elegance of Isola Bella.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Cruise on Lake Maggiore
• Night at Lake Maggiore

Suggestions:

• Explore botanical gardens on Isola Madre
• Stroll through Isola dei Pescatori
• Enjoy lunch by the lake

DAY 3: LAKE MAGGIORE ⇄ VILLA TARANTO / MOTTARONE

Start your day with breakfast before choosing your experience. Visit the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, home to thousands of plant species, or take the route up to Monte Mottarone for panoramic views across lakes and mountains.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Lake Maggiore

Suggestions:

• Discover rare plants at Villa Taranto
• Take the cable car to Mottarone
• Enjoy a relaxed lakeside lunch

DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO

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.

You will stay in a Standard Room in carefully selected 4* hotels, chosen for their comfort and location throughout your journey.

Your hotels (or similar):

Lake Maggiore: Grand Hotel Majestic 4*

Lake Como: Asnigo Hotel 4*

Lake Garda (only for 7- & 9-night stay): Garda Hotel San Vigilio Golf 4*

If any of the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.

Discover the beauty of the famous Borromean Islands during a scenic boat excursion on Lake Maggiore. Departing from Stresa, you will cruise to Isola Madre, the largest and greenest island of the archipelago, renowned for its magnificent botanical garden and peaceful atmosphere.

Set off on a private mini cruise around the enchanting Sirmione Peninsula and admire the beauty of Lake Garda from the water. Glide peacefully along the shoreline, passing the ancient ruins of the Grotte di Catullo before reaching the famous Bojola thermal spring.

Nestled among the rolling hills and vineyards on the eastern shores of Lake Garda, enjoy an authentic wine experience on a charming country estate near Bardolino. Set within a beautiful stone farmhouse, this relaxing afternoon invites you to discover the region’s renowned wines in an idyllic setting.

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.

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.

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, 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.