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
Switzerland and Italy
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great communications throughout and reminders of trains and tour times. Very good overall experience.”
Adam, traveled in June
A 4-star hotel near Lake Como serves as your base for two nights. The lakeside promenades and charming villages await your personal exploration. Train connections to Venice add convenience to this Italian Lakes District getaway.
Duration 10 days Destinations Zurich, Lucerne, Como, Venice Age Range 4 to 80 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $4,293
10% Off- NZ$3,863You save $429
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 up to 99 year olds Operator TUI Italia From $3,132
20% Off- NZ$2,506You save $626
Duration 10 days Destinations Zurich, Zermatt, Milan, Venice Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $5,449
10% Off- NZ$4,904You save $545
Milan & Lake Como - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He has great knowledge of history and background of places we covered, and most importantly he ensured everyone was having a great time.”
Sonam, traveled in September
Lake Como's ferry crossings connect historic Como city, elegant Bellagio, and charming Varenna. Milan's center provides the perfect base, with train access to lakeside towns and stunning Alpine views.
Duration 3 days Destinations Milan, Como, Bellagio, Varenna Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English, Italian Operator Italy on a Budget Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,146
Lake Como Walking
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The location was excellent, quiet and beautiful. The hotel staff were helpful and pleasant and breakfast was very good.”
Nicholas, traveled in May
Hotel Regina in Gravedona offers a lakefront pool and easy access to Lake Como's gems from Bellagio to Menaggio. Villa Carlotta's gardens, mountain village trails, and authentic Italian cuisine featuring local fish risotto create memorable experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Milan, Gravedona, Livo, Sorico, Domaso, Menaggio, Bellagio, Civenna, Tremezzo, CadenabbiaSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $3,960
8% Off- NZ$3,630You save $330
What people love about Italian Lakes District Tours
- Switzerland and Italy
All arrangements were well managed. Zurich to Lucerne were booked on 2nd class train seats which a bit tough for us as we had to carry our heavy luggage to the upper deck of the train. Suggest in future not to book 2nd class train if there are luggages to bring along. The whatsapp group created for us was very helpful. They were fast to respond to our queries and guardian given during the trip. Overall we graded TourRadar 8 out of 10.
- Alps By Bernina Train & Northern Lakes - 6 Days
All fine otherwise. Guide and driver great. Major drawback was Starhotels Crystallo hotel in Bergamo - very basic - no tea or coffee facilities in room - big issue with us- nil available in lobby to make a cup of tea. No way would I describe this hotel as 4* The 2 dinners we ate there basically unedible.
- Milan & Lake Como - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
Our guide, Ned, was great. The hotel Meininger was clean and comfortable in a college dormitory way, but not very friendly. I asked to reduce the centrally controlled thermostat because I sleep better when it’s cooler, and they said no. The hallways are not air conditioned at all. The rooms get hot during the day and the air conditioning won’t stay on without the key in the slot. I’d rather pay a few dollars more and adjust the temperature to my own needs. The tour has lots of walking but it was enjoyable to see Milan’s highlights. Lake Como was gorgeous scenery, perfect weather, and we had enough time for a nice meal in Bellagio and a drink in Varenna. The train ride back to Milan was standing room only, and hot and stuffy, followed by a long wait in line at the taxi stand. I’d rate the tour guide higher than the accommodations. I suppose that the name of the tour agency (Italy on a Budget) should give a warning that all is not going to be first class.
Travel Italian Lakes District your way
Explore 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 August, 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.
Select from our extensive range of 31 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Italian Lakes District with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Italian Lakes District. We have 30 adventures that vary from 3 days to 12 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Italian Lakes District tours
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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
65 tours in Italian Lakes DistrictExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Italian Lakes District. We have 65 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
36 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
28 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.
See all toursDemographics
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
- Couples30 tours
- Seniors (50+)44 tours
Best time to visit Italian Lakes District
- Summer 2025
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.
- 74 tours
- popular 76 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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 80 tours
- 79 tours
- 33 tours
- 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 26 tours
- 25 tours
- 20 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.
- 24 tours
- popular 28 tours
- 28 tours
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.