Best of Lake Garda

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda, offers four distinct shores, each with its own appeal, and consequently attracts a diverse crowd. On the northern side, outdoor sports enthusiasts adventure under the shadow of the Alps, while on the southern shore you’ll find a livelier scene full of travelers and camping areas. The western side of the lake resembles Lake Como, with quiet, smaller villages, across from the eastern side’s bustling beaches and popular wineries. Stay in the pretty peninsula tip spa town of Sirmione if you want to be part of the southern scene, or go for the relaxed east coast resort of Bardolino, known for its food and beaches. Regardless of where you decide to base yourself, the ferry network makes it easy to visit all sides of the lake.

Lake Garda is also one of the best spots for family or active travelers, with activities and theme parks aplenty. Previous kimkim travelers have chosen to take a boat trip to Sirmione or Punta San Vigilio, paddle over the lake via sea kayak, and bike through Borghetto's centuries-old Sigurta Park, once named the Most Beautiful Garden in Italy.
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Lake Garda Essentials

The Beautiful Beaches of the Amalfi Coast in Italy
Top Beach Excursions in Italy

From north to south to the islands, Italy has a prime coastline with some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches. You can find stretches of pebbles and sand in lakes surrounded by mountain peaks, lagoons with wetlands and colorful villages, hidden bays enveloped by cliffs, and scenic gulfs and coves. Combine a little adventure with relaxing on the beach, or spend your entire day zipping around the seaside searching for the dolce vita.

Beautiful Lake Como
Top Experiences in the Northern Lakes Region: Lake Como & Lake Garda

Italy has its fair share of beautiful lakes, but the most popular area to relax along freshwater is the Northern Lakes District. Here, you'll find the big three: Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore (amongst others). Of all the scenic pools, Como and Garda steal the show with their dramatic mountainous surroundings, posh grand villas, and elaborate garden terraces. You can explore impressive waterfront castles, charming cobbled streets in historic villages, and even the famed Amarone wine region.

Swimming and Snorkeling in Italy
Top Active Experiences in Italy

Being active in Italy is easy, and it's a great way to dive a bit deeper into the cultural essence of the country. You can hike and explore lakes in the north, walk the cliffs of Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera, and the Amalfi Coast, and take full advantage of the warm, crystalline waters with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking excursions. With so much diversity, you can quickly build an adventurous dream trip for any interest or ability!

Explore Italy's Beautiful Countryside, Cities, and Food
Top Family Experiences in Italy

Italy may be the most family-friendly destination, with so much diversity in history, environment, and activity. Plus, kids love Italian food like pizza, pasta, and gelato! From kid-friendly hikes and boat trips to interactive city tours with scavenger hunts to hands-on workshops, you can easily keep your little ones entertained and engaged. Follow the steps of Marco Polo, become archeologists in Pompeii, zip through Rome on a golf cart, and learn how to sculpt like Michaelangelo. The sky's the limit for kids in Italy!

Lake Garda Itineraries

Sirmione Promenade
Map of Explore Scenic Lake Garda - 7 Days
Explore Scenic Lake Garda - 7 Days

Slow down as you explore charming Lake Garda and its picturesque towns from north to south with this 7-day trip. Compare and contrast Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda with a guided tour, discovering medieval fortress walls, castles, and old town centers. Head north by boat and climb to the top of the Torre Apponale tower in Riva del Garda. Look out across the lake, then take the trail to the beautiful Cascate del Varone waterfall. The beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains will surely leave you with amazing memories for years to come.

Lake Garda views
Map of Explore Scenic Lake Garda - 5 Days
Explore Scenic Lake Garda - 5 Days

Explore the best of Lake Garda with this quick 5-day itinerary. Experience the relaxed pace of life at the southern end of the lake and visit Roman villas and medieval castles on a guided tour of Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda. To the north is Riva del Garda, a town influenced by Austrian and Italian culture. Enjoy outdoor activities and take a self-guided day trip to the picturesque village of Malcesine.

Sirmione, Lake Garda
Map of Explore Scenic Lake Garda - 8 Days
Explore Scenic Lake Garda - 8 Days

Experience the best of Italy's Lake Garda and the surrounding region with this 8-day trip. Spend time in the lively and historic towns of Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda. There are two majestic Scaligero Castles protecting the lake, one in Sirmione and the second further north in Malcesine. Visit both and admire the romantic views of Lake Garda. Ride a cable car up to Monte Baldo and explore the wild botanical garden at the top. From Desenzano del Garda, go on a cycling and wine tasting tour, and take a guided day trip to Verona.

Harbor, Lake Garda
Map of Explore Scenic Lake Garda - 6 Days
Explore Scenic Lake Garda - 6 Days

Take a deep breath and soak in the ambiance of Lake Garda with this 6-day trip to three unique lakeside towns. Your journey begins in the popular town of Sirmione, where you will visit an ancient Roman villa and the beautiful Scaliger Castle. Travel by boat to the north of the lake and experience the dramatic mountainous landscape surrounding Riva del Garda. End your trip by hopping south again to explore and relax in Desenzano del Garda.

Scaliger Castle in Sirmione
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 5 Days

Take a five-day frolic through Italy and Switzerland with this itinerary. You'll split your time between lakes and mountains, often enjoying views of both simultaneously, as you take in waterfront historic sites, luxurious villas, and more.

Enjoy views of Lake Garda
Map of Northern Italy Road Trip: Milan, Lake Como & Lake Garda  - 7 Days
Northern Italy Road Trip: Milan, Lake Como & Lake Garda - 7 Days

Load the family into the car and hit the road for this trip through lovely Northern Italy, ideal for school-age children and families who want to manage their own budget and schedule. You'll start in fashionable Milan for a culture and history lesson before cruising around the glittering shores and garden villas of Lake Como. Then head to the park-filled shores of Lake Garda, Italy's most family-friendly lake, before heading back to Milan for your departure.

Take in the gorgeous scenery surrounding Varenna from a private vintage speedboat
Map of Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 7 Days
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 7 Days

Wander through a week of luxury with this seven-day itinerary that hits the highlights of northern Italy's lakes with stays on Lake Garda and Lake Como. Add in two panoramic train routes, scenic cable car excursions, and a boat ride to the idyllic lakeside villages of Bellagio and Varenna, and you'll still have time to hop over the border for a jaunt to glamorous St. Moritz and a finale in Switzerland's charming Lucerne.

Hop between the borders of Italy and Switzerland on this 10-day luxury tour
Map of Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 10 Days
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 10 Days

Combine scenic train journeys, luxury hotels, and the best of northern Italy's idyllic Lake District on this perfectly curated 10-day trip. Start on the shores of tranquil Lake Garda, then take in the highlights of Lake Como via an overnight stop in chic St. Moritz. You'll finish with four nights in Switzerland, touring the cities of Lucerne and Zürich, with scenic hikes in the Jungfrau region and a day at picture-perfect Lake Thun.

Romantic town of Verona
Map of Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 10 Days
Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 10 Days

From sophisticated Milan to leisurely Bellagio, this 10-day itinerary of Northern Italy is the perfect getaway. See da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and take in the buzzing Milan nightlife, then visit Lakes Como and Garda for a spectacular week on the water. Rent a kayak, go for an afternoon stroll through a sprawling lakeside estate and garden, and take a day trip to the Dolomite Mountains with a visit to the charming Tyrolian village of Ortisei.

You'll find plenty of compelling spots to soak up the views in Lake Garda
Map of Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 14 Days
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 14 Days

La dolce vita beckons on this two-week luxury tour that hits the highlights of Italy's northern lakes region and includes sojourns to the best of Switzerland's mountain resorts and lakeside towns. You'll begin on the shores of Lake Garda for sightseeing in Sirmione, then cross the Alps to glamorous St. Moritz. The elegant villas of Lake Como come next with trips to Bellagio and Varenna, followed by a scenic train journey back to Switzerland for enchanting mountain hikes and elegant stays in Zürich and Lucerne.

Dramatic Skies over Lake Maggiore
Map of Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 11 Days
Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 11 Days

Spend eleven days visiting the fashion and culture capital of Milan and relaxing on Italy's northern lakes. See world-famous art by da Vinci and shop for luxury items in the city, then head to the countryside for 8 days of sunshine. Explore sprawling summer villas and take a pasta-making class on Lake Como, then tour medieval castles and see Juliet's balcony in Verona near Lake Garda.

Riva del Garda
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 6 Days

Spend six days savoring the luxury of northern Italy and Switzerland on this trip. Whether you're wandering lakeside streets, hiking up the mountain trails, or taking in the views from outside your train window, you're sure to find something to delight you.

Riva del Garda, Lake Garda
Map of Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 14 Days
Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 14 Days

On your two-week trip to Italy, experience the beauty of alpine living in the Dolomites and on Lake Garda. Visit unique museums and quaint towns, including Ortisei and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Go hiking and ride funicular cable cars, marveling at the panoramic views. Stay in the historic towns of Riva del Garda and Desenzano del Garda, and take a guided tour of the Roman villas and castles protecting the lake.

Inside the dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the historic heart of Milan
Map of Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 9 Days
Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 9 Days

This packed nine-day itinerary is the perfect blend of metropolitan culture and a relaxed lake vibe. Start in Milan, the fashion capital, to see world-famous art and medieval churches. Head to the countryside for a week of exploring lakeside villages and villas, swimming, and market shopping for picnic lunches. From wine tasting to paragliding, Italy's Lakes are waiting to be explored.

Town of Bellagio
Map of Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 12 Days
Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 12 Days

This twelve-day itinerary in Northern Italy is perfect for adventurous travelers with some time to spare. Start in Milan, the fashion and cultural capital, to see world-famous art and shop for luxury and designer items. Explore botanical gardens and family restaurants in Bellagio, then tour the Borromean Islands and browse the lakeside market in Lake Maggiore. End at Lake Garda for a Dolomite day excursion and wine tasting.

Town of Varenna on Lake Como
Map of Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 15 Days
Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 15 Days

Get away from the hustle and bustle on this 15-day Lakes District itinerary. See da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and catch a football game in Milan, then enjoy the city's buzzing nightlife. Tour resplendent summer villas on Lake Como, shop flea markets on Lake Maggiore, then end your trip on Lake Garda, where sunny beaches, charming Tyrolean villages, and the Valpolicella wine region await.

 Lake Carezza in the Dolomites
Map of Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 7 Days
Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 7 Days

Explore Northern Italy's Lakes district on this weeklong getaway trip. Tour the Royal Palace, see art in the Castello Sforzesco, and enjoy the nightlife on Milan's Navigli canals. See da Vinci's The Last Supper, then head to Lake Como and Lake Garda to enjoy small lakeside villages, sprawling summer villas, and a day trip to the Dolomite Mountains.

Alpine Town, Dolomites
Map of Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 10 Days
Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 10 Days

Spend 10 days amidst the mighty Dolomites as you visit the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks and Odle Mountains. Stay in charming towns full of colorful architecture. Explore regional history at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and the Bronze and Stone Age Museum at Lake Garda. Soak in the lake's tranquility and amazing views as you take a boat ride to Malcesine and ride a cable car to the top of Monte Baldo.

Beautiful aerial view of Torbole, Lake Garda
Map of Lake Como, Milan & Lake Garda: Best Itinerary Ideas
Lake Como, Milan & Lake Garda: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 10 days is a great length for an Italy trip with stops in Lake Como, Milan, and Lake Garda. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Verona or Rome. Keep reading for more inspiring Lake Como, Milan, and Lake Garda itineraries.

Lake Garda
Map of Venice to Milan via the Lakes Region - 7 Days
Venice to Milan via the Lakes Region - 7 Days

This 7-day itinerary will bring you from the canals of Venice to bustling Milan via Lake Garda. Be charmed and amazed by the highlights of the lagoon city of Venice. Escape the crowds and find tranquility on Lake Garda, and enjoy a day trip to nearby Lake Como, visiting grand villas such as Villa Olmo and Villa Monastero. Explore Milan's rich history on a walking tour of the city through the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the other iconic sites around Piazza Duomo.

Dolomites
Map of Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 13 Days
Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 13 Days

With this 13-day itinerary, visit the most spectacular mountain ranges and lakes in Northern Italy. Spend a day hiking through a national park in the Dolomites region, and take a day trip to the magical Lake Misurina. Breathe in the clear alpine air as you walk around the towns of Bolzano and Bressanone in the Funes Valley. On Lake Garda, enjoy views from the top of Monte Baldo and the Scaliger Castles in Malcesine and Sirmione. Round off your trip in Verona, going wine tasting in the Valpolicella region.

A canal in Venice
Map of Veneto and Tuscany for Active Families: Venice, Lake Garda & Siena - 10 Days
Veneto and Tuscany for Active Families: Venice, Lake Garda & Siena - 10 Days

Your whole family can fully engage with Italy on this adventurous itinerary, ideally suited for teens with energy to spare. You'll begin in Venice, where you'll craft Carnival masks and explore the secret passages of the city's famous landmarks. After a stop to wander the streets of Verona, you'll head to the park-lined shores of Lake Garda, filled with attractions for all ages. Finish the tour in the Tuscan city of Siena, your base for hot air balloon rides, hikes, and more.

Lake Maggiore
Map of Discover Milan and the Italian Lakes - 13 Days
Discover Milan and the Italian Lakes - 13 Days

Thirteen is considered a lucky number in Italy, so take time off and explore Northern Italy for thirteen days. Take in the history and amazing street food in Milan, then head to beautiful Lake Como for a week of sunshine, sprawling lakeside gardens, and wine tasting. Continue to Lakes Maggiore and Garda for Sunday mornings at the market, Napoleon-era villas, and the stunning Dolomite Mountains.

River Adige, Verona
Map of Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 10 Days
Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 10 Days

Begin your 10-day trip in Venice as you explore the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Take a tour of St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, and visit the lagoon islands of Murano and Burano at your own pace on a self-guided day trip. Walk in the footsteps of Romans at Verona's Arena and learn the language of love at Casa di Giulietta. Learn how to make fresh pasta from a local chef and how to produce Valpolicella wine with a wine tasting in the countryside.  Discover the beauty of Lake Garda and visit the villages of Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, and Malcesine by boat.

Lake Garda
Map of Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 14 Days
Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 14 Days

Spend two relaxing weeks enjoying art, culture, and food. Shop for treasures at the Quadrilatero della Moda district and join the locals at the Navigli canals for high-energy nightlife in Milan. Spend four days on peaceful Lake Como, touring sleepy fishing harbors and learning to make the perfect pasta dish. Visit serene lakeside estates on Lake Maggiore, then end on Lake Garda for award-winning wine tasting and Tyrolean charm.

A lake in the Dolomites
Map of Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 15 Days
Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 15 Days

Spend 15 days traveling through the dramatic Dolomites in Northern Italy to Lake Garda. Enjoy self-guided hikes in Belluno and Ortisei, visit a castle and monastery near Bolzano, and experience scenic Lake Garda by boat. Explore the Old Towns, and the fortresses guarding them, in Malcesine and Sirmione. Finish your trip in Verona by delving into Roman history on a guided city tour and visiting a local winery.

Bellagio lakeshore
Map of Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 8 Days
Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 8 Days

If spending eight days soaking in the sunshine and views of Italy's lakes district sounds like a dream come true, this relaxed trip is for you. Explore Milan's fashion and cultural capital, with time to go shopping and enjoy the buzzing nightlife. Spend five days on the lake, enjoying leisurely afternoons by the water, trips to the spectacular Dolomite mountains, and touring Napoleon-era villas of Italy's rich and famous.

Gotthard train
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 8 Days

Enjoy eight days of indulgence through Italy and Switzerland on this itinerary. You'll go from the lakes into the mountains, then back down to lakes and back up to more mountains, taking in countless viewpoints and historic landmarks before you end with a day in the city of Zurich.

Milan Duomo
Map of Venice to Milan via the Lakes Region - 8 Days
Venice to Milan via the Lakes Region - 8 Days

Travel across Italy from Venice to Milan with this 8-day itinerary. Discover why so many people fall in love with Venice as you take a tour of the canal network and St Mark's Square and explore the Cannaregio district. Experience the Italian lakes district as you stay on Lake Garda and enjoy day trips to the village of Malcesine and a guided tour of two of Lake Como's most spectacular villages. In Milan, learn about the history of the Gothic Duomo and Renaissance art on a city tour led by a local expert.

Piazza delle Erbe, Verona
Map of Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 8 Days
Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 8 Days

Starting in Venice, your 8-day trip will bring you the best of Italy's Veneto region. Take a guided walking tour of Venice, visiting its most famous palaces and piazzas, and head out of the city to the Murano and Burano islands known for glassmaking and lacemaking. Experience Roman history in Verona, taste Valpolicella wine, and visit the inspiration for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. On Lake Garda, explore the picturesque villages of Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, and Malcesine.

Visit towns at the heart of the Dolomites
Map of Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 12 Days
Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 12 Days

Discover the Dolomites and Lake Garda on this 12-day journey. Experience unspoiled nature and the Northern Italian culture, heavily influenced by Austria and Germany. Visit popular ski towns and wander the medieval Old Towns of Belluno, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Bolzano. Take a day trip to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (the Three Peaks of Lavardo) mountain range and do a short trek between refugios. On a guided tour of Lake Garda, explore historic villas and museums, and travel to the charming fishing village of Malcesine by boat. In Verona, expect Shakespearean romance, Roman history, and delicious wine before you head home.

Monte Baldo Cablecar, Lake Garda
Map of Venice to Turin via the Lakes Region - 12 Days
Venice to Turin via the Lakes Region - 12 Days

Take a 12-day trip across Northern Italy and the Lakes region with this itinerary. Start your trip in Venice with a guided walking tour of Piazza San Marco and the canals of the 'Floating City'. Visit two Italian lakes rich in natural beauty, Lake Garda and Lake Como, and enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Monte Baldo for panoramic views and walking trails. Take a day trip to the romantic city of Verona, and tour elegant villas in the villages of Varenna and Bellagio. Explore history and art at Milan's Cathedral and eat your way through Turin's street food scene.

The terrace of Villa Balbianello on Lake Como in Italy
Map of Self-Drive Northern Italy: Milan, Lake Como, Lake Garda & Venice - 12 Days
Self-Drive Northern Italy: Milan, Lake Como, Lake Garda & Venice - 12 Days

Dramatic mountain scenery, quaint stone villages, and lakeside vistas await on this 12-day self-drive adventure through northern Italy. Starting in Milan, you'll explore the city and zip over to Switzerland via the scenic Bernina Express before grabbing the keys to a rental car. Start the ignition and journey north to admire the serene beauty of Lake Como and Lake Garda with boat trips and lakefront dining, then tour the picturesque Prosecco Valley and end in Venice with a classic gondola ride.

Lake Garda Harbor
Map of Venice to Milan via the Lakes Region - 9 Days
Venice to Milan via the Lakes Region - 9 Days

On this 9-day trip, head from Venice to Milan with time to relax along two of Italy's top lakes. Venice's canal network, gondolas, and grand piazzas are iconic. Take a tour with a local guide and learn about the significance of St Mark's Square and Basilica. Explore Lake Garda and Lake Como by boat as you visit Bellagio's villas and Lake Garda's castles, and admire the views from Monte Baldo mountain. Immerse yourself in Milan's history and art as you spend a day walking through the city from Piazza del Duomo to the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where "The Last Supper" painting awaits you.

The Three Peaks of Lavarone, Dolomites
Map of Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 9 Days
Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 9 Days

See the best of the Dolomites and Lake Garda in 9 days. Explore medieval and baroque churches, interesting museums, and stunning nature throughout. Hike beautiful trails around Belluno and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Meet with local guides in Bolzano and Bressanone and learn the fascinating histories of these winding and narrow medieval town centers. Be charmed by Lake Garda's natural beauty and the colorful houses lining the lakeside promenades.

Fishing Boats, Lake Garda
Map of Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 9 Days
Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 9 Days

Beginning in Venice, this 9-day trip will take you through the highlights of the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Visit the main sights of the 'Floating City' on a guided tour of St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, and take time to discover the islands of Murano, Torcello, and Burano. The city of Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with beautiful, historic attractions. See Casa di Giulietta, the house which inspired Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, and learn how to cook homemade pasta. Experience tranquility on Lake Garda as you hop by boat between the villages of Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, and Malcesine.

Grazing atop Monte Baldo
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 9 Days

Go from lakes to mountains and back again with this nine-day itinerary. Wander the shores of Lake Garda, take a cable car up to the top of Monte Baldo, ride some of the most famous Swiss train routes, and more as you enjoy the views, history, and more along the way.

Balloon over Chianti
Map of Veneto and Tuscany for Active Families: Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Siena  & Florence - 14 Days
Veneto and Tuscany for Active Families: Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Siena & Florence - 14 Days

Families with teens who want to get out and explore (and find the perfect backdrop for their photos) should give this two-week itinerary through the Veneto and Tuscany a try. You'll start in Venice, where you can explore secret passages, craft your own masks, and paddle a gondola. Then head to Verona and Lake Garda, biking through both urban and natural attractions. Wrap up in the Tuscan cities of Siena and Florence with a hot air balloon ride, gelato-making, and more.

Florence from San Miniato al Monte Church
Map of Northern Italy Family Road Trip: Florence, Chianti, Italian Riviera, Lake Como & Lake Garda - 10 Days
Northern Italy Family Road Trip: Florence, Chianti, Italian Riviera, Lake Como & Lake Garda - 10 Days

Wheel your way through northern Italy on this road trip with stops that school-aged children and parents can enjoy, with timing adjustable to your own preferences. You'll start amid the Renaissance influences of Florence, then set out into the Tuscan countryside and Chianti Valley on winding olive- and vineyard-lined roads. From there, head to the coast to wander the beaches of the Italian Riviera and then up to Lake Como to explore its luxurious shores. Wrap up your Italian sojourn on the playful shores of Lake Garda before you return to Florence.

Bellagio, Lake Como
Map of Venice to Turin via the Lakes Region - 10 Days
Venice to Turin via the Lakes Region - 10 Days

With this 10 day trip, you'll travel across Northern Italy, connecting its top cities and the Lakes region. Beginning in Venice, explore the grand Doge's Palace with a local guide on a walking tour and experience the city's charming canals. Relax on Lake Garda and visit the charming village of Malcesine. Explore the beautiful villas and botanical gardens around Lake Como and admire the views from the water as you travel by boat. Finally, discover the cities of Milan and Turin, steeped in history, with tours of palaces, castles, and cathedrals.

Browse the Rialto Food Market for seafood
Map of Food & Wine in Verona, Lake Garda, Padua & Treviso - 10 Days
Food & Wine in Verona, Lake Garda, Padua & Treviso - 10 Days

Embark on a 10-day northern Italy adventure, starting in Verona with a culinary immersion and pasta-making masterclass. Discover ancient fortresses, ruins, and local formaggi in elegant Lake Garda, then sharpen your taste buds with wine and olive oil tasting in Padua's verdant Euganean Hills. Leave the bubbles until last and finish in Treviso, Prosecco's heartland, but not before a water taxi into Venice for cicchetti, aperitivo, and a sunset over the Rialto Bridge.

All aboard
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 15 Days

Enjoy the famously punctual trains of Italy and Switzerland on this 15-day itinerary that will take you through the beautiful Alpine lakes via a relaxed scenic route. In addition to the many lakes themselves, you'll experience historic castles, Alpine peaks and passes, and culinary creations on your journey.

View of the Grecian coast
Off-the-Beaten-Path Greece & Italy Road Trip: Lake Garda, Bologna, Tuscany, Olympia, Nafplio, & More - 21 Days

Explore the back roads and small villages that characterize the countrysides of both Italy and Greece on this three-week road trip. You'll visit well-known highlights, like Florence, charming Tuscan hill towns, and the first Olympic site in Olympia, as well as some places a bit off the beaten path: Romeo and Juliet's Verona, the medieval villages of the Peloponnese, the wineries of Nemea, and more. With full control of the daily driving schedule, you'll have time to plan for spontaneous stops for coffee, for shopping at roadside markets, and for late-afternoon beach breaks.

Hiking Trails, Dolomites
Map of Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 11 Days
Mountains and Lakes in Northern Italy: The Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona & More - 11 Days

Make the most of your trip with this 11-day itinerary to the Dolomites and Lake Garda. Balance free time exploring nature with guided tours of the beautiful and fascinating towns of Northern Italy. Hike trails and visit stunning spots at Belluno National Park and Misurina Lake. Take a day trip to Bressanone and the peaceful Novacella Abbey, a monastery with landscaped gardens and a winery. Stay in Sirmione on Lake Garda, climbing up to the iconic 13th-century castle and touring the ruins of a Roman villa. Linger in the past, learning about the Arena in Verona's Piazza Bra from a local guide.

Interlaken rooftops
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 11 Days

Enjoy 11 days' worth of picture-perfect scenery on this itinerary. Whether you're posing in front of a lakeside villa, Roman castle, or mountain panorama, you'll be surrounded by sights that you want to save for repeat viewings.

Local market by Lake Garda
Map of Venice to Turin via the Lakes Region - 11 Days
Venice to Turin via the Lakes Region - 11 Days

This 11-day trip will take you through some of the highlights of Northern Italy, from Veneto in the east to Piedmont in the west. Start your trip in Venice, with a guided walking tour of the major highlights beginning at St. Mark's Square. Then, head to Lake Garda and Lake Como, two of the most beautiful areas in Italy surrounded by picturesque villages and magnificent villas. Explore the lakes by boat and take a cable car ride to enjoy the sunset over Lake Garda. Explore Milan's Cathedral and see Da Vinci's "The Last Supper", then make your way to Turin to indulge in chocolate and street food at Porta Palazzo market.

Interlaken at night
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 12 Days

Take the time to traverse northern Italy and Switzerland at a slower pace over the course of 12 days. Traveling by train means that you can truly take in the views and lifestyle of the lakes, mountains, and towns that you'll encounter on your route.

Roman Arena, Verona
Map of Food & Wine in Verona, Lake Garda, Padua, Treviso & Bologna - 12 Days
Food & Wine in Verona, Lake Garda, Padua, Treviso & Bologna - 12 Days

Take a 12-day trip and taste the best food and wine Northern Italy has to offer! Learn how to make fresh pasta and regional dishes in Verona and relax on Lake Garda, enjoying a guided tour and boat ride. From Padua, visit local wineries and spend a day in Venice at your own pace. Wander the Old Town of Treviso, exploring the medieval walled city and its cathedrals. Last but not least, Bologna's bustling markets and traditional tortellini await you at the end of your trip.

Enchanting Lake Como
Map of Crossing Northern Italy - 21 Days
Crossing Northern Italy - 21 Days

From a Gondola ride through the Venetian canals to a skip-the-line admission to Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" fresco, this 21-day itinerary takes in all the high points of northern Italy. In-between, you'll hike the alpine foothills around Merano, drive the thrilling Stelvio Pass, and spend nine days exploring Lakes Giardia, Como, Maggiore, and Orta. End with four days of coastal hiking plus culinary experiences in Cinque Terre before a final day taking in the best of Milan.

On the approach to Lauterbrunnen
Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 13 Days

Go from lakes to mountains and back again over the course of this 13-day journey. You'll start off in the Italian lake region before riding the classic Bernina Express train through the Alps across the border, where you can sample a range of Swiss favorites from hiking to chocolate. Return to Italy to lounge by Lake Como, then back to Switzerland once more for the valleys of Bernese Oberland before you depart.

Trieste
Map of Northeast Italy: Trieste, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, & More - 13 Days
Northeast Italy: Trieste, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, & More - 13 Days

Discover the Northeast of Italy on this 13-day trip. Immerse yourself in Italian-Hungarian history in Trieste, visiting grand palaces and piazzas. Cross the border to spectacular Lake Bled in Slovenia. Navigate the waters of Venice in a romantic gondola and tour St. Marks Square and the Doge's Palace. Learn the traditional secrets of wine production and taste Valpolicella wines in Verona. Pay a visit to the balcony that inspired Shakespeare to write Romeo & Juliet. End your trip on the south side of Lake Garda, where you'll spend 2 days visiting enchanting villas and castles.

Exploring Cinque Terre
Map of Family Road Trip: Northern Lakes, Tuscany & Italian Riviera - 14 Days
Family Road Trip: Northern Lakes, Tuscany & Italian Riviera - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring northern Italy at your own speed with this self-drive itinerary that allows you to choose the stops. You'll start off in the northern lakes, with Lake Como and Lake Garda offering boat tours past villas and amusement parks alike. Then make your way into Tuscany, where you'll ride a horse-drawn wagon through the countryside and explore the medieval walled city of Siena and famous art of Florence. Finish your trip in the Italian Riviera and colorful five villages of Cinque Terre.

Grado Harbor
Map of Northeast Italy: Trieste, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, & More - 14 Days
Northeast Italy: Trieste, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, & More - 14 Days

Discover the Northeast of Italy on this 14-day adventure. Explore history and archeology in Trieste and Grado. Visit the Miramare Castle and walk in the footsteps of Rome's Caesar on a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Aquileia. Enjoy a romantic gondola ride in Venice and tour the city with a local guide. Learn the language of love in Shakespeare's Verona and taste regional Valpolicella wines. Relax on Lake Garda and visit charming villages by boat, then end your trip in Italy's unofficial capital, Milan, where Gothic architecture and designer shops await you.

Cinque Terre, Italy
Map of Taste of Italy: Florence, Pisa, Venice, Cinque Terre - 12 days
Taste of Italy: Florence, Pisa, Venice, Cinque Terre - 12 days

From Tuscany to Veneto to the Italian Riviera, this 12-day itinerary is perfect for indulgent travelers who want to see and taste the best of Italy. You'll start in Northern Italy, with a  tour of Verona and then see romantic Venice. You'll visit the birthplace of the Renaissance in Florence, then tourTuscan vineyards, and visit Pisa's 'leaning tower.' Your adventure will end with the former fishing villages of the Cinque Terre where you'll sample the foods of Liguria — the Italian Riviera — including seafood, pesto, and focaccia.

Ferry across the palm-lined shores of Garda Lake
Map of Cycling Northern Italy: Dolomites to Venice, Slovenia to Croatia - 14 Days
Cycling Northern Italy: Dolomites to Venice, Slovenia to Croatia - 14 Days

Featuring two weeks of cycling through beautiful and diverse landscapes in northern Italy, you'll also pedal along the Slovenian and Croatian coastline. Begin your journey in Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites, and work your way south to Peschiera before turning east to Venice and following the Adriatic Sea around the Gulf of Trieste, where you'll end along the Istrian coast in Croatia's Poreč. Discover romantic Verona, marvel at architectural masterpieces in Vicenza, and soak weary muscles in thermal waters in Padua.

Sunset, Verona
Map of Highlights of Venice, Verona, & Lake Garda - 6 Days
Highlights of Venice, Verona, & Lake Garda - 6 Days

This 6-day trip will take you from Venice to other top destinations in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Experience the splendor of the Grand Canal and the Palazzo Ducale in Venice. Feel the romance in Verona as you stand beneath Juliet's balcony at Casa di Giulietta and head out to the Valpolicella region for wine tasting. Relax and admire the beauty of Lake Garda on a day trip to the towns of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda.

St. Mark's Square, Venice
Map of Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 5 Days
Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 5 Days

With this quick 5-day trip, you'll explore Venice and the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Experience the heart of the 'Floating City' as you wander along its beautiful canals and visit St. Mark's Square and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace). Experience Shakespearean love in Verona at Casa di Giulietta and relive Roman entertainment at the Arena. Take a day trip to Lake Garda and find tranquility in the picturesque lakeside villages of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda.

Venice
Map of Discover Treviso, Venice and Verona - 6 Days
Discover Treviso, Venice and Verona - 6 Days

Spend 6-days in the Veneto region, beginning in Treviso. Enjoy the architecture and waterways of Treviso's Old Town center. Fall in love with Verona and see Juliet's balcony, plus bustling squares like Piazza Bra. Take a day trip to Venice on a guided tour of the main highlights, including the spectacular Basilica of St Mark, and the Grand Canal. 

Parma, Emilia-Romagna
Map of Food & Wine in Bologna, Venice, Verona, Milan & Turin - 13 Days
Food & Wine in Bologna, Venice, Verona, Milan & Turin - 13 Days

This 13-day itinerary will leave you feeling like a local, as you discover and become expert in great food and wine in Northern Italy. Begin with a guided tour through the markets in Bologna and taste handmade tortellini pasta and sweet treats. In Venice, spend a self-guided day on the lagoon islands of Murano and Burano, then go wine tasting in Verona and the Piedmont countryside. Take a cooking class and mix aperitivo cocktails in Milan before rounding off your culinary adventure in Turin with a street food walking tour.

Gondola Ride, Venice
Map of Discover Treviso, Venice and Verona - 5 Days
Discover Treviso, Venice and Verona - 5 Days

Enjoy a fast 5-day trip to Treviso and Verona, two cities with rich and interesting histories. Discovering ornate churches, interesting museums, and vintage clothing boutiques in Treviso. Travel back in time in Verona on a guided tour of ancient castles and grand piazzas. Spend a day in Venice, walking through the former Jewish Ghetto, the Rialto market towards Piazza San Marco at the center.

Verona
Map of Discover Treviso, Venice and Verona - 7 Days
Discover Treviso, Venice and Verona - 7 Days

With this 7-day itinerary, you will visit three powerful cities in Northern Italy. Treviso's narrow streets are perfectly charming, and there is a lot to see and do in a small area, including a Prosecco tasting. Learn about Roman history in Verona whilst visiting the ancient amphitheater, and allow a local guide to navigate the canals in Venice as you enjoy a walking tour through the city.

Venice Canal
Map of Northeast Italy: Trieste, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, & More - 12 Days
Northeast Italy: Trieste, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, & More - 12 Days

Visit the highlights of Northeast Italy on this 12-day trip. Tour grand palaces and piazzas in Trieste. Take a day trip to Ljubljana in Slovenia. Be serenaded on an enchanting gondola ride in Venice before visiting the iconic St. Marks Square and dining in the former Jewish Ghetto. In Verona, Roman history, Shakespearean inspiration and wine tastings await you. For a sweet ending, spend a day on Lake Garda and take a tour of the charming villages with a local guide.

Lake Garda
Map of Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 7 Days
Highlights of Venice, Verona & Lake Garda - 7 Days

Venice is just the tip of the iceberg as you explore the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Take a guided tour of the Doge's Palace, and St. Mark's Square, then head out into Venice's lagoon to Murano and Burano islands. Visit the Roman Arena and Casa di Giulietta in Verona, and sip the best varietals in the Valpolicella wine region. Wrap it all up with a day trip to scenic Lake Garda and its charming towns.

Rural Vineyard near Padua
Map of Food & Wine in Verona, Padua & Treviso - 8 Days
Food & Wine in Verona, Padua & Treviso - 8 Days

Everywhere, food is a labor of love, and even more so in Italy. Discover Veneto, in the northeastern region of Italy, an area that positively bursts with romance and good food (usually all at once). On this 8-day trip, see the romantic city of Verona and vineyards world-renowned for prosecco.  Learn how to make fresh pasta and visit Juliet's Balcony at Casa di Giulietta. Tour grand villas and castles that will remind you of romantic fairy tales on the south side of Lake Garda. Visit the Old Towns of Padua and Treviso and their churches to see magnificent artwork from centuries ago. Go on a food and wine tour in the Euganean Hills around Padua to taste olive oil and regional reds. By trip's end, you'll be declaring your love for Italy as you savor every last moment, sip, and bite.

Valpolicella wine region
Map of Food & Wine in Verona, Padua & Treviso - 9 Days
Food & Wine in Verona, Padua & Treviso - 9 Days

Prepare for a full food and wine experience in 9 days on this trip to the Veneto region. Verona is steeped in Roman history, including the well preserved Arena, and is also a great place to try out a fun pasta making class. Enjoy a serene day at Lake Garda, then continue to the Regional Park of Colli Euganei for olive oil and wine tastings at world-renowned sources. Admire the art, architecture, and canals in Treviso before rounding off your trip with an Italian prosecco experience.

Wine Barrels
Map of Food & Wine in Verona, Padua, Treviso & Bologna - 11 Days
Food & Wine in Verona, Padua, Treviso & Bologna - 11 Days

Italians are extremely proud of their food and wine and, with this 11-day itinerary, you'll find out why! Cook fresh pasta with a local chef in Verona, and escape the city for a day to the tranquil Lake Garda. Visit the iconic frescoes at the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua and enjoy a delectable tasting of local Italian extra virgin olive oil. Discover the waterways and canals in Treviso and Venice. Sample prosecco on a day trip to bubbly wineries near Valdobbiadene, and eat Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in the city of Parma.

Other popular travel destinations in Italy
Tuscany · Rome · Florence · Venice · Amalfi Coast · Sicily · Milan · Naples · Palermo · Lakes District · Lake Como · Taormina · Verona · Syracuse · Siena · Cinque Terre · Italian Riviera · Sorrento · Emilia Romagna · Capri · Bologna · Agrigento · Chianti · Piedmont · San Gimignano · Turin · Catania · Umbria · Puglia · Alberobello · Lecce · Bari · Dolomites · Aeolian Islands · Ragusa · Montepulciano · Sardinia · The Langhe