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Italian Lakes

The Italian Lakes sit peacefully in the foothills of the Alps. Easily reached from Milan, they're known for their serene waters, charming towns and lush landscapes – a memorable escape for hikers and cyclists who love picturesque scenery.

Hike around elegant Lake Como, with its villas and gardens, on Hiking Lake Como, or on Lake Como Trails, which adds the panoramic paths of the Intelvi Valley. Walk from the limestone peaks of the Brenta Dolomites to the shores of Lake Garda, explore Lake Maggiore's Borromean Islands and Lake Lugano on a relaxed walking trip, or cycle from Verona via the vineyards of Soave and Mantua to Lake Garda.

Choose your dates and pace, with hand-picked accommodation, navigation in our app, 24/7 support and luggage transfers on most trips.

3 routes

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Routes in Italian Lakes

  • Italy

    Lake Como Trails

    • Walking
    • 6–8 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$2,360CAD pp
    View Route
  • Croatia · Italy · Slovenia

    Venice to Poreč

    • Cycling
    • 8 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$2,530CAD pp
    View Route
  • Italy · Switzerland

    Relaxed Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lugano

    • Walking
    • 8 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$2,565CAD pp
    View Route

Here's why the Italian Lakes are a favorite with self-guided travelers:

  • Bellagio's chic promenade, the Pearl of Lake Como
  • The gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello
  • A ferry across Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake
  • The Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore
  • A chilled spritz at a lakeside café after a day on the trails

Italian Lakes like a local

  • Which lake should I choose?

    Lake Como for hiking among villas and gardens, Lake Garda for biking from Verona or walking from the Dolomites, and Lake Maggiore for a relaxed walking trip that crosses into Switzerland at Lake Lugano.

  • When's the best time to visit the Italian Lakes?

    Our trips run from April to October. Spring is mild and blooming, summer is warm – July and August can get hot for hiking, so start early – and fall brings harvest season and fewer crowds.

  • How do I get to the Italian Lakes?

    Fly into Milan (MXP) or Venice (VCE). Como is just an hour from Milan by train, and Italy's efficient trains make it easy to travel between the lakes and nearby cities.

  • Can I swim in the lakes?

    Yes – there are places and beaches to swim, and Lake Garda's water is generally warmer than Lake Como's.

  • Where will I stay?

    In hand-picked hotels in lakeside towns and villages.

  • What should I pack?

    Good walking or biking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a daypack and a hat. You'll find a full equipment list in our app or your online account.

More regions to explore

  • Puglia

    Trulli villages, white towns and the Salento coast in Italy's heel.

    View all 2 routes

  • Sicily

    Wild western coastline, the Egadi Islands and the Baroque towns of the south.

    View all 2 routes

  • Tuscany

    Chianti vineyards, hill towns and Renaissance Florence and Siena.

    View all 10 routes

  • Umbria

    Hill towns, Sagrantino vineyards and the footsteps of St Francis.

    View all 3 routes

Know before you go