Italian Lakes District Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Italian Lakes District tour packages
- What people love about Italian Lakes District Tours
- Travel Italian Lakes District your way
- Best tour companies for Italian Lakes District tours
- Best places to start your Italian Lakes District tour
- Discover Italian Lakes District tours for every budget
- Italian Lakes District tours for every type of group
- Top Italian Lakes District travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Italian Lakes District
- Contact our Italian Lakes District travel experts
- What our customers ask about Italian Lakes District Tours & Trips
The best Italian Lakes District tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaItalian Lakes District travel expert at TourRadar
4 Days Northern Lakes Tour - from Milan
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The history shared was complete. The recommendations for dining was super.”
Kimberly, traveled in September
The Italian Lakes District unfolds from Lake Orta's San Giulio monastery to Lake Maggiore's Borromean Islands. Lakefront 4-star hotels in Como serve as base for cruises to Bellagio's villas and visits to Sirmione's medieval castle on Lake Garda. Private boat tours and prosecco tasting included.
Duration 4 days Destinations Milan, Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Como, Bellagio, Bergamo, Sirmione, Garda, Verona, Iseo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Europeando Europa From
- NZ$4,225
Enchanting Waters: Discovering the Lakes of Italy, Self-Drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were exquisite, and suggested activities were lovely. Gorgeous scenery, and fantastic locations.”
Laurie, traveled in April
Lake Maggiore's Borromean Islands showcase private visits to Isola Bella's baroque gardens and Isola Madre's botanical wonders. The 4-star Hotel Regina Palace in Stresa provides luxury comfort for cruises to Bellagio's Villa Melzi and tours of Sirmione's Scaliger Castle on Lake Garda.
Duration 8 days Destinations Milan, Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Como, Bergamo, Garda, Verona Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $3,460
10% Off- NZ$3,114You save $346
6 Day Milan including visit to Verona, Lake Garda, Florence, Pisa, Lake Como, Bellagio, & Lugano.
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Perfect tour for a single traveler.”
Jan, traveled in August
The Italian Lakes District shines with Lake Como's 2-hour cruise and Lake Garda's historic Sirmione. NYX Milan Hotel provides your base for exploring Bellagio's charming waterfront and Swiss-Italian Lake Lugano. Small groups benefit from expert guidance.
Duration 6 days Destinations Milan, Verona, Lake Garda, Florence, Pisa, Lake Como, Bellagio, Lugano Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,878
15% Off- NZ$2,447You save $432
Lake Como's cruise highlights Villa d'Este and elegant lakeside villas. Como's boutique-lined streets lead to Switzerland's Lake Lugano, featuring the sophisticated Via Nassa shopping district.
Duration 4 days Destinations Milan, Lake Como, Lugano Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $2,082
10% Off- NZ$1,874You save $208
Best of Northern Italy: Florence to Venice
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We have nothing but good things to say about her. Wonderful memories.”
David, traveled in April
Lake Como's grandeur unfolds through funicular rides to Brunate's 'Balcony of the Alps' and ferry trips to elegant Menaggio and Bellagio. Como Town serves as home base, offering spectacular mountain views and easy access to designer boutiques and lakeside restaurants.
Duration 8 days Destinations Florence, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Venice Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $3,839
15% Off- NZ$3,263You save $576
What people love about Italian Lakes District Tours
- 6 Day Milan including visit to Verona, Lake Garda, Florence, Pisa, Lake Como, Bellagio, & Lugano.
Great guides and beautiful part of Italy.
My wife and I really enjoyed our tour to the four northern lakes. Elvio (guide) and Claudio (driver) were absolutely fantastic. The tour group had a total of 11 which made for a very comfortable drive in the 20 person transit van. We paid extra for the upgraded rooms which were worth the extra cost in Como and Verona. The" upgraded room" in Bergamo at the Best Western was disappointing at best (no view and a horrible mattress), particularly after we had to move late in the evening when the A/C in the room stopped working. Weather was ok for the most part, lots of clouds which keep the temperatures in check, and some rain (mostly overnight). Some suggestions for improvement: 1. Need more time to tour the old part of Bergamo, 2. Use "express" ferry from Como to Bellagio, too long and too many stops on the "local" ferry.
4 Days Northern Lakes Tour - from Milan
- Lake Como Walking
Had a wonderful experience. Our guide was always helpful, reassuring and cheerful. The scenery was spectacular, walks at times challenging with some long uphill climbs. Worth it for the views! There was no pressure to rush. Can’t fault anything!
Travel Italian Lakes District your way
The Lake Como hiking routes really deliver with daily walks ranging from 7-12 kilometers, taking you up to fantastic viewpoints above the water. Our travelers tell us they love how the routes balance challenging climbs with enough downtime to properly explore villages like Bellagio. There's a particularly good trail starting from Gravedona that weaves through old villages and chestnut forests. Over at Lake Garda, you can follow the historic Ponale Road Path, partly carved into cliffs during WWI. The northern end of Lake Garda offers some of the most impressive routes - you'll find yourself on paths between sheer cliffs and deep blue water, plus gentler trails through olive groves at lower levels.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursFor cyclists, the Italian Lakes offer some really interesting routes. There's this great luxury bike tour through Val Cannobina and around Lake Maggiore where our guests keep mentioning how good the guides are and how comfortable the hotels feel. Another favorite circles Lake Garda, taking you through olive groves, vineyards and also past the impressive Peschiera fortress. You'll tackle some proper climbs like Madonna del Ghisallo but also enjoy easy riding along the lakes. Having support vehicles nearby means you can adjust the route to match your energy level. Our cyclists often tell us how these rides show them the real Italy away from the busy spots, with nice stops at local cafes and wineries. Some cool extras include crossing the Adda river on a Leonardesque ferry and pedaling through Franciacorta's wine country.
See all Bicycle toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Italian Lakes District. We have 7 adventures that vary from 5 days to 10 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, this is also the most popular time of the year.
The Italian Lakes explorer tours blend train travel with lakeside walks and wine in ways that really work. There's this excellent 6-day trip from Milan that takes you on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express - our guests often tell us how the Alpine views from those big panoramic windows stay with them long after. If you've got more time, the 10-day Lake Como and Lake Garda option lets you dig deeper into places like Florence's Leather Market and Milan's lively Navigli area. What makes these tours special is how they mix guided walks through old town centers with plenty of free time to wander. Some routes include unique experiences like walking 'The Floating Piers' across Lake Iseo and trying local wines in Franciacorta. Our travelers consistently mention how smoothly the train connections work and how much they learn from the local guides.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Italian Lakes District tours
Best places to start your Italian Lakes District tour
Milan makes the most sense as your starting point - 37 of our guests begin their lake trips from there since it's close by and has great transport links. Venice and Rome work too, especially for travelers who want to see more of Italy during their trip. Looking at how quickly our popular tours fill up, booking about 80 days ahead makes sense, particularly if you've got your heart set on those Como-view hotel rooms. While the hotels generally get good reviews, quite a few guests mention that upgraded rooms can really improve the stay. For a more local feel away from the busy spots, we've found that staying in Varenna or Stresa gives you great ferry access and also lets you experience genuine Italian life. Our clients really enjoy exploring the local markets, trying traditional lake-caught fish dishes and using the practical ferry system to visit different lakes easily.
Discover Italian Lakes District tours for every budget
Budget travelers have solid options to explore the Italian Lakes region without breaking the bank. A quick 3-day Milan and Lake Como trip lets you dive into Milan's aperitivo scene before hopping local trains to Como, Bellagio and Varenna. Our customers love having free time to wander Como's narrow lanes and finding perfect gelato spots in Varenna's old fishermen's area. There's also a 6-day tour from Milan that combines the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express train with boat rides to Bellagio and Lake Garda explorations. While some budget hotels might be simple - one guest mentioned this about their Bergamo stay - the guides make up for it with their deep local knowledge and careful attention to detail.
The Italian Lakes offer some really refined experiences for luxury travelers. A standout cycling tour matches premium hotels with well-planned routes through Val Cannobina and along Lake Maggiore. You'll ride with professional cyclists and an alpine rescue expert, plus there's a support van following along. Another high-end option covers Lake Como and Lake Garda with top-tier hotels and private transfers. These tours include special touches like Franciacorta wine tastings and crossing Lake Iseo, where Christo's 'Floating Piers' art installation once stood. Our luxury guests often mention how much they appreciate the hotel quality, guide expertise and just-right mix of activity and downtime.
Italian Lakes District budget tours
Italian Lakes District tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
57 tours in Italian Lakes DistrictExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Italian Lakes District. We have 57 adventures that vary from 3 days to 23 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
19 tours in Italian Lakes DistrictSmall group tours around the Italian Lakes weave together guided exploration with plenty of independence. Groups of 10-12 people walk Lake Como's scenic paths, where knowledgeable local guides pack picnic lunches and lead daily walks between 7 and 12 kilometers. Our guests tell us they appreciate having someone manage the details while still getting time to wander through quiet corners of Gravedona or discover Menaggio's hidden villa gardens at their own pace. The Milan and Lakes combination tour, limited to 11 travelers in comfortable vans, gives easy access to smaller lakeside villages that larger groups miss. Guided activities like walking tours of medieval Verona and boat trips to Bellagio blend naturally with free evenings, when guests can find their own waterfront restaurants along Lake Como's paths. While upgraded rooms in Como and Verona add comfort, our travelers say the highlight comes from sharing moments like aperitivo tastings and village discoveries with their small circle of fellow explorers.
Private / Personalized
50 tours in Italian Lakes DistrictFor complete flexibility around the Italian Lakes, private tours are the way to go. A well-crafted 6-day trip lets you explore Como's historic center and Lake Como's grand villas at your own rhythm, with a private guide sharing local insights throughout. Another option blends Rome, Florence and Venice with a peaceful stay in Sirmione, including private guided visits to the medieval Scaliger Castle. You'll get private water taxis in Venice, art historians showing you through galleries and skip-the-line access to spots like The Last Supper in Milan. Our travelers tell us they love how these private experiences let them really get to know both famous landmarks and hidden spots while moving at their own pace.
Top Italian Lakes District travel itineraries to fit your plans
Week-long tours of the Italian Lakes blend Swiss efficiency with Italian flair in interesting ways. Starting in Zurich, travelers take a Lake Zurich cruise before heading south through the Alps to Switzerland's Italian region, where medieval castles await in Bellinzona. The journey continues into Italy, winding through Como's historic center and on to Milan's magnificent Duomo. For cycling enthusiasts, a luxury route through Val Cannobina and around Lake Maggiore spans seven days - our customers mention how the guides and support vehicles help tackle challenging sections, including Madonna del Ghisallo. Another refined itinerary moves from Venice through Milan's fashion quarters and onto the lakes, with art historians providing private tours and exclusive access to sites like The Last Supper. What makes these trips special is how they balance guided activities with time to wander Bellagio's narrow lanes or join locals for aperitivo in Milan's Navigli canals. With small groups and a mix of city discoveries and peaceful lakeside moments, these seven-day journeys appeal to travelers seeking both cultural depth and natural beauty.
The 10-day option really lets you dig into both the lakes and Italy's major cities. Starting in Rome, you'll move through Florence's art world and Venice's canals before reaching the lakes. Our customers tell us they love how we mix guided tours with free time - you get expert-led walks through Rome's ancient parts but then have afternoons to discover Trastevere's restaurants on your own. In Florence, you'll explore the Leather Market and Ponte Vecchio, finishing days like locals do with aperitivo. The lakes portion includes Como's ferry rides between Bellagio and Varenna, plus time in Milan's fashion streets and also Turin's historic center. The train connections work smoothly between cities, and having local guides helps you get your bearings in each new place.
Demographics
Solo travelers really connect with our Italian Lakes options that mix group activities and quiet personal time. The Lake Como walking tours work especially well, keeping things relaxed with just 10-12 people and featuring local guide-prepared picnic lunches. Daily walks stretch between 7-12 kilometers, and the paths above Lake Como give you clear views toward Bellagio with the Swiss Alps in the distance. We've also got tours combining Milan's fashion quarters with peaceful lake towns - our travelers tell us they like having someone handle the transport logistics, particularly from Milan Malpensa airport. You still get plenty of time to explore on your own though, whether that's finding a nice local spot for dinner in Gravedona or wandering through Menaggio's villa gardens at your own pace.
Couples tend to book our northern Italian Lakes tours that combine train journeys with nice lakeside hotels. There's a popular route starting in Zurich before heading down to Lake Como - it's interesting how it mixes Swiss efficiency with Italy's laid-back style. Many couples pick tours featuring the UNESCO-protected Bernina Express train ride; our customers often mention sharing those Alpine views through the big panoramic windows together. Another top pick combines Milan's excellent restaurants with boat trips to Bellagio and quiet evenings in Varenna. The daily pace works well for couples according to our reviews - you get active guided walks through historic towns during the day but keep your evenings free for intimate dinners and walks along Lake Como's waterfront paths.
Young travelers connect well with our 10-day Italian trips, which mix guided experiences with independent discovery time. The journey opens in Rome, where evening strolls and authentic carbonara dinners set the stage for meeting fellow travelers, before heading to Florence, where you'll mingle with locals over aperitivo in bustling neighborhoods after exploring the Leather Market. Late-day transfers take you to Milan's vibrant Navigli district, letting you soak in the canal-side atmosphere, while daytime excursions feature Lake Como ferry rides between charming Bellagio and Varenna. Our compact 8-day northern lakes tours combine Milan's high-fashion streets with scenic Bernina Express train rides through the Alps. Social travelers appreciate how these itineraries blend culture with outdoor activities - you'll go from sipping Franciacorta wines to cruising past medieval castles, and have plenty of free afternoons to explore lakeside villages at your own pace. TourRadar customers often tell us these trips hit just the right note between structured activities and independent exploration.
These 6-day train and lake tours across the Italian Lakes work beautifully for senior travelers, combining scenic Bernina Express rides with easy lakeside strolls and wine discoveries. The UNESCO-listed train routes deliver spectacular Alpine panoramas without physical demands, and our guests often mention how well the itineraries mix guided activities with free time. The 4-day northern lakes option has proven quite practical, with well-chosen stays in Lake Como and strategic locations like Bergamo. Our travelers consistently praise the considerate pacing, particularly enjoying boat rides to Bellagio paired with gentle walking tours through historic districts. The Lake Como walking programs adapt nicely to different fitness levels - the paths linking Gravedona and Sorico stretch 7 kilometers through vineyards and villages, offering optional extensions for those wanting more. These tours stand out for their adaptability - guests can join guided walks when they feel energetic or opt for leisurely ferry rides between lakeside towns instead. The carefully selected hotels sit near town centers, and many of our visitors appreciate having time to wander through places like Varenna's old quarter at their preferred pace.
- Solo Travelers81 tours
- Couples72 tours
- Seniors (50+)26 tours
Best time to visit Italian Lakes District
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings a special magic to the Italian Lakes, where snow-topped Alps create dramatic backdrops for lakeside discoveries. Our most popular winter tours blend Switzerland with Italy, beginning in Zurich and winding south through mountain passes. The rotating cable car up Mount Titlis gets consistent praise from our travelers, with its sweeping views of snow-blanketed peaks, before they settle into warm evenings by the lakes. A great alternative combines Rome's rich cultural scene with quiet stays in Sirmione on Lake Garda, where the medieval Scaliger Castle watches over the misty waters below. For quick getaways, we offer a 3-day private tour connecting Milan's covered galleries and cozy cafes with Brescia's historic piazzas and the peaceful winter atmosphere of Lake Garda. Our travelers tell us they especially appreciate having knowledgeable guides in winter, since many seasonal spots close down, helping them find authentic local establishments and engaging indoor cultural activities. The winter-ready hotels we choose get top marks for their prime locations and warmth - ideal for watching snowfall over the lakes from well-positioned, comfortable rooms.
- December 2025 popular 32 tours
- 32 tours
- 29 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring makes perfect sense for exploring the Italian Lakes, with snow still coating the Southern Alps until May - it creates quite a backdrop. The 4-day northern lakes tour really hits its stride in spring when early flowers start popping up in Lake Garda's Mediterranean gardens. Our travelers tell us they love mixing boat rides to Isola del Pescatori with walks through Verona's old streets. Another solid spring pick pairs Lake Como walks with local wine tastings where paths meander through vineyards and chestnut woods above Gravedona. Many guests opt for the Switzerland and Italy combo too - you'll ride the rotating cable car up Mount Titlis before heading down to the warmer lake towns.
- 37 tours
- 62 tours
- popular 73 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer at the lakes means long days and warm weather to play with. On the 6-day Alps and Lakes tour, our guests really appreciate cooling off in Lake Como after seeing Milan's main sights. Lake Garda really comes alive in summer - people love taking boats past Sirmione's castle and walking through fragrant lemon and olive gardens. Another summer favorite kicks off in Milan and includes the Bernina Express train ride, where you'll stay cool in panoramic cars even during July and August heat. Lake Como walking tours are popular in summer too, though our travelers mention those uphill sections can be a bit more work when it's hot out.
- popular 72 tours
- 71 tours
- 67 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Fall brings rich colors to the lakes with fewer tourists around. Multi-day tours from Milan let you catch early mists floating above Lake Orta and see mountain reflections in quiet waters. Our guests particularly like autumn walks through Bergamo's medieval upper city and along Lake Como's western edge, where fall colors make those views even better. Several tours connect Lakes Maggiore, Como, Garda and historic towns - you get nice mild weather for exploring outside and taking photos. The Bernina Express gives you especially clear mountain views in fall, and evening drinks in Milan's Navigli district feel just right as the days get shorter. TourRadar has built quite a reputation for making Italian trips run smoothly - their customers regularly mention how quick and helpful the team is with questions and changes. Three names come up often in the good feedback: Wendy, Rose and Lily consistently get praise for going above and beyond to sort out details. The picture isn't as clear with Explore though. While some travelers have good things to say, others have run into problems - especially with how the walking routes are described. What's listed as an "easy walk" in the brochure sometimes turns out to be more challenging on the ground, and some customers felt the logistics could have been handled better. The difference really shows in how these companies handle the small details. TourRadar's team seems to stay on top of things, responding quickly when travelers need help or have questions. With Explore, it's more hit-or-miss - the walking route difficulty being a good example of where better communication could make a big difference for their customers. What stands out most is how personal service affects the whole experience. When you've got people like Wendy, Rose and Lily looking after the details, it just makes everything run more smoothly. That kind of attention can turn a good trip into a great one, while unclear information or logistical hiccups can really impact how much people enjoy their time in Italy.
- popular 73 tours
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Contact our Italian Lakes District travel experts
Kristina
Expert in Italian Lakes District at TourRadar
Kristina is one of our seasoned Italian Lakes District Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Italian Lakes District tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Italian Lakes District Tours & Trips
What Makes the Italian Lakes So Special?
You know what's amazing about the Italian Lakes? They've got this incredible mix of dramatic Alpine peaks and Mediterranean weather that you just don't find anywhere else. Picture this: you're looking up at snow-capped mountains while standing next to lemon trees and colorful bougainvillea. Take Lake Garda for example it's Italy's biggest lake and you can spend your morning exploring UNESCO-listed Brenta Dolomites then relax in the afternoon among olive groves thanks to that unique microclimate.
Which Lake Should I Choose for the Best of Everything?
Lake Como really takes the crown here it's got everything you're looking for. The landscapes are just stunning and you've got these elegant villas and charming towns like Bellagio dotted along the shore. Make sure you check out Villa Carlotta's gardens they're packed with rare plants you won't see anywhere else. Take the ferry over to Varenna for those picture-perfect streets and cafes and don't miss riding one of the world's oldest funiculars up to Brunate the views are incredible.
Where Can I Go to Avoid the Tourist Crowds?
If you're looking to escape the crowds Lake Orta's your best bet. It's smaller and quieter than the famous lakes but trust me the scenery is just as beautiful. The village of Orta San Giulio is absolutely charming and you can take a quick boat ride out to San Giulio island to see the Monastery Mater Ecclesiae it's really peaceful and romantic.