Idyllic  Italian Lake holidays

The largest of the Italian lakes, Garda sits midway between fashion-focused Milan and the dreamy canals of Venice. One of the most popular areas to explore for Italian lakes holidays, there’s plenty to discover along its 90-mile length. Pretty Sirmione is packed with Roman history, including the country’s largest Roman villa, while there’s medieval charm to be found in Lazise and Malcesine, with its 13th century castle. Or discover lovely Limone, famous for its lemon groves, which has been called the most picturesque village on the lake, or Riva, with its Austrian influences and tempting beaches.

Split between Italy and Switzerland’s Italian-influenced canton of Ticino, an Italian lakes tour to Lake Maggiore is a whirl of colours, from the boats in the harbour of picturesque fishing village Isola dei Pescatori to the botanic gardens on Isola Madre, two of the beautiful Borromean islands dotted across the lake. The third, Isola Bella, has its own attractions with a Baroque palace, while there’s more to tempt you back on the lakeshore, including Stresa, with its Belle Epoque architecture and colourful palazzos, and Verbania, with its own aristocratic villas and lush gardens.

Only an hour’s drive from stylish Milan, Lake Orta is a world away from the designer-lined streets, Smaller and less well-known than the other lakes, this captivating spot somehow stays under the radar. Gaze out across the shimmering waters to fairytale Isola San Guilio on its tiny island in the heart of the lake, home to a 4th century basilica. And sitting in the foothills of the Swiss Alps, the ancient town of Orta San Giulio dates back to the Roman era, although wandering the flower-lined cobbled streets has an entirely timeless feel that’s a big part of its charm.

The floating city needs little introduction, one of the world’s most beautiful places that’s as rich in art and culture as romance. An easy day trip from Lake Garda on our escorted tours of the Italian lakes, this endlessly fascinating city has something for everyone too, whether you’re looking to see Venice’s iconic architecture and artworks, relax in a gondola as you soak in the atmosphere, sip prosecco and nibble cicchetti in a waterside bar, or lose yourself in the maze of backstreets, climbing tiny bridges and stumbling upon historic squares and grand palazzos along the way.

The city of Romeo and Juliet, there’s a whisper of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers around every corner. But there’s more to Verona than the world’s most famous story of love and tragedy. At the heart is the astonishing 1st century Roman amphitheatre, where the annual Opera festival still takes place, while the city’s historic centre is home to Roman and medieval remains galore, including the wonderfully preserved Mercato Vecchio. Another easy day trip from Lake Garda, you can also see the Gothic tombs of the Scala family, who ruled in the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as Juliet’s balcony.

One of the best places to base yourself on Lake Garda, vibrant Sirmione is as good for history-lovers who want to step back through the centuries as for those who prefer to stroll around the lakeside or relax on one of the beaches. Discover one of the lake’s oldest settlements, whose stilt houses date back to the Stone Age, or visit the Roman thermal baths and Grotto of Catullus, the remains of northern Italy’s largest Roman villa. For more recent history, climb the castle ramparts at the 13th century Scaliger Castle for incomparable views of the lake.