Our latest Italian Lakes Itinerary is here so you can get the most out of seven days in the Italian Lakes.
Enchanting vistas, picturesque villages and a majestic mountain backdrop – we can guarantee you will love the Italian Lakes! As the region in Italy where it all began for Bookings For You, it will always have a very well-deserved place in our hearts. The truth is, we know this region so well that we could write an itinerary for Italian Lakes that would take months to complete! However, we realise that most people will only have the privilege of a week to enjoy the lakes. So we have come up with an itinerary that we hope combines some holiday favourites with other less well-known activities that we’ve discovered and enjoyed over the years.
This Italian Lakes itinerary is based across Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, and Lake Como. If you plan to follow the itinerary day by day, our advice is to stay in one of our Lake Maggiore villas or apartments for the first few days and then move over to Lake Como for the second part of your week.
We have also included a bonus day on Lake Garda. While this is a bit of a way from Maggiore, Orta and Como, it’s a great add-on to this Italian Lakes itinerary. Our guests often enjoy a longer stay on Lake Garda at one of our stunning Villas. It’s a great base for a holiday which can also include a day trip to Verona or even a few days of hiking or cycling with our friends and partners at 10 Adventures.
Italian Lakes Itinerary Day 1: Tour The Borromean Islands
Visiting the Borromean Islands is something that we recommend to all of our guests staying at an apartment or villa on Lake Maggiore. There are four islands in total and three of them are open to the public to explore. The islands have a rich history and are stunningly beautiful. While you can see the islands from the western shore of the lake, there is no substitute for jumping aboard a boat and actually visiting them for yourself.
Isola Madre and Isola Bella have wonderfully manicured gardens that can be enjoyed by the whole family. One of our favourite things about Italy is how welcome children are – everywhere. The Borromean Islands are no exception! Kids will love the freedom in nature and very excitedly get to meet the white peacocks and budgies who call these islands their home.
Finally Isola dei Pescatori. While this is the smallest island, its bustling village centre creates a lively atmosphere. And most importantly for a day trip, this is where we would recommend stopping for lunch. Narrow streets criss-cross the island giving it a wonderfully charming feel and there are some great fish restaurants to choose from here.
The best way to enjoy the Borromean Islands is to book a ‘hop on hop off’ tour to give you the freedom to visit the islands at your leisure. Click here to get your tickets.
Italian Lakes Itinerary Day 2: Lake Maggiore Express
This is a very special addition to our Italian Lakes itinerary. It’s a whole day activity and if you’re staying in one of our Lake Maggiore villas or apartments, it’s right on your doorstep. Also known as the Centovalli Railway, which translates to Railway of the Hundred Valleys, this is not an average train journey. We recommend beginning this trip in Stresa. Here you can board a regional train for the short journey to the starting point of the Centovalli Railway in Domodossola (Italy).
The Centovalli Experience
Once on board, in no time at all you will be staring in awe out of your carriage at the stunning landscape. Not only does this journey take you through two different countries, but you will also cross 83 bridges on the 52 km route. However, the highlight of this trip is the spectacular tour through a natural gallery of lush valleys, turquoise rivers and picturesque villages. It really is magnificent.
Alighting in Locarno (Switzerland),  you’ll find yourself in another beautiful lakeside town but this time in Switzerland. We would recommend spending a couple of hours here. There are plenty lovely cafes and restaurants on the lake to enjoy some lunch, a coffee, or a gelato (you’re still close enough to Italy to get gorgeous gelato!). However, what we really love to do in Locarno is to visit the lido. There is something for everyone: indoor and outdoor swimming pools, diving boards, water slides and even a floating obstacle course on the lake. This is the perfect place to relax after exploring Locarno. And if you have space for any more beautiful views, the lake looks stunning from almost everywhere!
From Locarno, the next part of your adventure begins. This time by boat. The journey back to Stresa takes around 3 hours and once again is a wonderful way to see the breathtaking landscape that makes Lake Maggiore so special. Admire the Borromean islands, castles of Cannero and the picturesque shoreline dotted with beautiful towns and villages.
At just 51 euros for this whole trip, we think it’s excellent value for money. Book your tickets and view both train and ferry timetables here.
Italian Lakes Itinerary Day 3: Lago d’Orta
Just west of Lake Maggiore and within easy reach of most of our Lake Maggiore villas and apartments, Lake Orta is still a little bit of a secret destination in the Italian Lakes. Here, you’ll find plenty of Italians enjoying long lazy days on the lake’s numerous beaches or wandering the well-preserved ancient alleys of Orta San Giulio. Yet you won’t find Lake Orta on an average Italian Lakes itinerary.
What to see and do on Lake Orta
For many years we’ve been recommending a day trip to Lake Orta to guests staying in our Lake Maggiore villas and apartments. And we can confirm that they’ve never been disappointed! The best way to begin is to have a wander around the well-preserved ancient alleys of Orta San Giulio. From here, it’s a must to board a boat and head over to Isola san Giulio. At just 400 metres from the shore, the journey isn’t long but it certainly is beautiful! The island itself measures just 275 metres long and 140 metres wide and is dominated by the stunning Romanesque basilica. Along with the adjacent 19th century bishop’s palace and Benedictine Abbey, these are the island’s main attractions.
Lake Orta also boasts some lovely beaches and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a dip on a hot summer’s day. In fact, we think you’ll find it hard to resist the lure of the crystalline water which acts as a mirror for the surrounding mountains. There are many beaches to choose from and the water is accessible from almost anywhere but a couple of our favourites are Explora Beach and the beautiful Lido di Bagnella.
However, if you want the ultimate Lake Orta experience, our advice is to head to Pettenasco, just north of Orta San Giulio. From here you can meet a local guide to begin a kayak tour. Not only will you have 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding mountains, but you will also get to experience Isola san Giulio from a completely different perspective. While you’re in the lakes, you will no doubt feel connected to the stunning nature around you and this is a wonderfully peaceful way to enjoy it. What’s more, this experience is also available at sunset – truly magical. Make reservations in advance here.
Want to know more? Click here to read our guide to Lake Orta.
Italian Lakes Itinerary Day 4: Enjoy a Cooking Class with a Local
Do you love Italian food? We certainly do! You’ll soon learn that food is at the heart of every Italian family. Therefore, a cooking class is a perfect activity to have a truly authentic Italian experience on your Italian Lakes itinerary. There are plenty to choose from, with some offering specific classes for Italian classics such as pasta or tiramisu. We have always found a day of cooking with an Italian family gives us more than just a culinary experience. It’s more like becoming an honorary member of an Italian family for a day!
Great value classes can be booked with our partners Viator and Get Your Guide. We’ve tried lots of these experiences, all over Italy and have never been disappointed. However, if you’re looking for something extra special, then we have something for you too.
Angelica and Jharvavi from Flore Dinner Nights, offer a wonderfully contemporary take on local Italian cuisine. Their food is incredible and their professional training in Michelin-star restaurants such as Galvin la Chapelle, One Aldwich, and the Savoy Hotel is clearly evident. A class with this couple is the perfect way to treat someone who has a real passion for food.
Alternatively, Marco Perocco from Marco’s Kitchen gives his guests a more traditional experience. What’s more, he can come and run a cookery class for you in the comfort of your Italian Lakes villa rental. However, you can also enjoy this experience at his home in Sesto Calende. Once again this is far more than your average cooking class and you will be completely inspired by his love and passion for Italian food.
A cooking class will also leave time in your day to explore a couple of the other lakeside towns and villages that dot Lake Maggiore’s shoreline. Dependent on where you are based, choose from one of these favourites – Arona, Ascona, Cannobio or Cannero.
Italian Lakes Itinerary Day 5: Explore Lake Como’s Waterfalls
Without a doubt, Lake Como is a world-famous Italian icon. And it would be impossible not to include it on any Italian Lakes itinerary. However, we don’t think many people know that it’s not just the lake that’s worth a visit. We have spent many hours exploring Lake Como’s waterfalls and they are not only wonderfully beautiful but also a great way to cool off in the hot summer months. This is of course if you’re feeling brave – the water is pretty chilly even in August!
Orrido di Bellano
If you love nature but are not keen on an adventure, Orrido di Bellano will be right up your street. From the central piazza in Bellano, steps will take you directly to the entrance of the site. Once inside the park, you’ll see a stunning collection of ravines, falls and caves, all accessible by a system of boardwalks and carefully suspended walkways. These have been cleverly designed to take you on a journey through the 100-metre deep gorge, carved by the Pioverna River over many centuries. The water is crystal clear and while you can’t swim here you will definitely enjoy the spray from the falls and cool shade of the caves on a hot day.
There is an entry fee that can be paid when you arrive. Alternatively, you can book in advance with Get Your Guide. This ticket also includes a full audio guide to the lake with fascinating stories to accompany your trips. Click here to get yours.
Cascata Del Cenghen
Now this option is for the more adventurous! That said, we have done this walk with small children in tow very successfully. As long as you have plenty of water and good walking shoes, it’s a pleasant 1hr 30 min walk up to the waterfall from Abbadia Lariana and slightly less from Linzanico. The well-signposted path winds through the trees and is mostly in the shade. You’ll be rewarded with some stunning views of the lake and as you near the main waterfall, there are a series of smaller falls and little pools to explore.
The main waterfall stands at 50 metres and will take your breath away. Although the water is ice-cold, it’s wonderfully inviting after the hike, especially in the summer months.
Cascate Acquafraggia
North of the lake, Cascate Acquafraggia is another great option if you’re keen on a waterfall but not a long hike to get there! There is plenty of parking and a kiosk serving the usual Italian snacks and drinks. We have also used their umbrellas to shelter from a fleeting thunderstorm and can vouch for the host’s hospitality! An easy walk takes you to the main waterfall which is a magnificent sight: a ‘double drop’ of about 150 metres. Even in the summer months, these falls cascade with great ferocity and impressive velocity.
As you make your way back, there are some smaller falls and a wider section of river which is perfect for a swim. Children love it here because the water is fairly shallow and not too fast-moving.
Italian Lakes Itinerary Day 6: Visit Bellagio & Varenna
You’ll be hard-pressed to find an Italian Lakes itinerary that doesn’t include at least one of these beautiful towns. For so many years visitors have flocked to Bellagio for a chic Lake Como experience and that is exactly what you will get. There is no denying that Bellagio is busy – you will be rubbing shoulders with other visitors. However, in our opinion, if you’ve never been before, then you should tick it off your bucket list. Varenna has a more authentic charm, something we tend to prefer. While it still gets busy, especially in the summer, it remains a little less well-known than Bellagio.
We have included these towns together because you can easily see them both in one day. Linked by a regular ferry service, we recommend spending the morning in Bellagio and then hopping on a ferry to enjoy lunch and the afternoon in Varenna. Why not finish your day with a sunset cruise on the lake? Watch the sun go down in paradise with aperitivo in hand like a local. Book your experience here.
Bellagio
Sitting on the tip of the promontory that splits the lake into two branches, Bellagio is incredibly pretty. Our advice is to arrive by ferry so you can marvel at its beauty as you come to shore. Once on dry land, spend some time wondering the narrow streets lined with designer shops and boutiques. Steps lead up from the port with picturesque buildings and facades around every corner. Part of enjoying Bellagio is simply to enjoy your surroundings.
Possibly the highlight of a trip to Bellagio is to explore the stunning historic villas that have drawn aristocrats and the super-rich to the town for many years. While it’s now not possible to enter these villas, both Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni have exquisitely manicured gardens and a hugely interesting history to match. These are open to the public. Wander through giant rhododendrons and azaleas or around the Japanese pond filled with water lilies. There are also some magnificent Egyptian sculptures, Roman statues and a neo-classical chapel and museum to explore.
Varenna
Just across the lake, Varenna has always been slightly in the shadow of Bellagio. However, when you see Varenna for yourself we can almost guarantee that you begin to wonder why. Varenna is perhaps our favourite Lake Como town. Blessed with an authentic charm and framed by the most stunning mountain backdrop, it really is postcard-perfect.
Arrive by ferry to see Varenna at its best. Riva Grande, the promenade, is flanked by picturesque multi-coloured houses with cafes and restaurants dotted amongst them. This is one of our favourite spots for a coffee or on a hot day to enjoy a gelato. Varenna also boasts some lovely independent shops. Be sure to take some time to explore the lanes and alleyways away from the tourists too.
In Piazza San Giorgio, the main square, you’ll find a 14th-century church of the same name. We recommend a visit to admire both the exterior and interior frescoes. In the same square, don’t miss smaller and older Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. Head back to Riva Grande for the sunset – it’s one of the best we’ve seen.
Italian Lakes Itinerary Day 7: Take a Day Trip to Milan
Of course, we do realise that Milan is not in the Italian Lakes! However, while you’re in the area, if you’ve got the time to spare, we highly recommend a trip to Italy’s northern powerhouse. Milan is a hive of art, culture and history. What’s more, it makes for a nice contrast to the other tours and activities on this Italian Lakes itinerary.
From Lake Maggiore, Como or Garda you can travel by train into the centre of Milan in less than an hour. We love to travel by train in Italy. It’s cheap, efficient and markedly more pleasant than train travel in the U.K. Read our guide to train travel in Italy here. We don’t recommend driving into the city. It’s busy and even if you’re lucky enough to find somewhere to park it will be very expensive. View train times and book tickets for trains to Milan here.
Once you’ve arrived, these are our top ten things to see and do in Milan:
- Visit the Duomo – enjoy both a tour inside as well as admiring the Duomo from its rooftop.
- See Leonardo’s Last Supper – book skip-the-line tickets here.
- Enjoy a street food walking tour.
- Get hands-on at Milan’s Science Museum, home of the largest permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci
- Take a tour of Milan’s La Scala Theatre and Museum.
- Learn to cook with an Italian chef.
- Enjoy a walking tour of hidden Milan with a local guide.
- Admire the 20th-century artwork in the Museo del Novecento
- Enjoy a cruise of the I Navigli canal district of Milan.
- Discover Milan on two wheels – take an e-bike tour of the city.
A Bonus Day in Lake Garda: Cycle Lake Garda’s Suspended Cycle Path
You won’t see this on many Italian Lakes itineraries. This is because the Lake Garda Cycle Path project is still a work in progress! When it’s finished, there will be a continuous 140 km cycle track around the lake. However, even though the full circuit isn’t yet complete, there are some sections that are finished and are well worth a visit.
Our favourite is the 2.5 km stretch from Limone Sul Garda to the border with Trentino. Incredibly, the path itself is suspended above the azure waters of the lake. It’s an magnificent feat of engineering. While we do suggest cycling this route, you will find it impossible not to keep hopping off your bike to admire the panorama. And of course, take some photos too!
The path has been designed to be family-friendly. Not only is it flat but there is also a 10 km speed limit so you know your little ones can safely enjoy their ride. For this reason, many people also opt to take a walk on the path. It is wide enough to share safely with the cyclists, as long as we’re all considerate!
While you’re in the area, we would also highly recommend visiting Limone Sul Garda itself. It’s a charming lakeside village, steeped in history with stunning mountain views. What’s more, as the name suggests, there are also some spectacular lemon groves! Quite a unique feature for this region of Italy. If you fancy learning more about the history and how the lemons came to be, book a tour with a local guide here.
Looking for something more for your Italian Lakes itinerary?
Perhaps you’re lucky enough to have more than 1 week in the Italian Lakes. Or, you could be looking for something more than you’ve seen in this Italian Lakes itinerary. If so, check out our hand-picked selection of tours and experiences in the Italian Lakes here.
Where to stay in the Italian Lakes?
Do you need some help finding the perfect place to stay in the Italian Lakes? Discover our Italian Lakes villas and apartments here. Or contact us at Bookings For You. We’re always happy to share our many years of wisdom on holidays in any region in Italy to help you have a wonderful holiday.
