Beloved of the romantic poets as well as later writers, statesmen and royalty, the northern Italian lakes are beautiful and atmospheric, where mountains descend to meet the lakeshore, and stately grand hotels dominate the old-world charm pretty lakeside towns!
Como is the most beautiful of the Italian lakes and its history goes back deep into the past, indeed to the Romans, who founded the first township. Throughout the whole year Lake Como unveils itself as a rich treasure trove and one of the best ways to admire the natural beauty of Lake Como is to enjoy panoramic boat tours. Guests will admire unique views of the charming lakeside villages and the marvelous villas with their spectacular gardens descending to the waterfront, decidedly unique in the world both for their architectural value and the numerous treasures that they contain. DG takes you to visit Bellagio, 'the pearl of Lake Como', a charismatic town with a unique setting, offering infinite views to the Lake and the beautiful Isola Comancina and Varenna, a picturesque village of winding streets lined with flowering balconies.
Lake Maggiore, nestled in between Italy and Switzerland, with its lavish grand hotels and noble villas, is one of the most scenic lakes in Italy. To unlock the lake's charm, explore its picturesque and busy central parts and southern reaches by boat. Enjoy a cruise to the Borromean Islands and marvel at the sprawling Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella, packed with Murano chandeliers, 16th-century Flemish tapestries and Renaissance-era family tombs or at the spectacular botanical gardens at Villa Borromeo on Isola Madre. DG Exclusive Tours include an inspiring voyage above the Centovalli by helicopter or a panoramic train ride to admire unrivaled views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake with a balmy climate. One of the lake’s most exclusive destinations is the charming town of Sirmione, known as “the pearl of the islands and peninsulas”, where the old town, a romantic castle and the ruins of an ancient Roman Villa of the first imperial era, known as the Catullo Grottoes, are squeezed onto a narrow lake peninsula. Garda's small-scale version of the Côte d'Azur takes in the charming towns of Salò, a medieval cathedral city and Gardone Riviera, well-known for its Vittoriale! The northern part of the lake has a more dramatic mountainous setting and the principal resort here is Riva del Garda with its attractive old-town to explore.
If you are traveling with your children head for Lake Garda - the nearby amusement park Gardaland and the safari park Natura Viva as well as the fairytale house of Juliet in Verona will keep them super busy!
