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THE ITALIAN LAKES

The Italian Lakes region pairs dramatic mountain landscapes with idyllic lakeside retreats, making it a must-see for travelers who appreciate scenic beauty but don't want to sacrifice luxury and fine dining. Not only can you relax beside mineral-blue glacial lakes, but you can discover historic villas and wander through charming villages.

Each area around the lakes has its own personality. On Lake Garda, head north to Riva del Garda for biking, hiking and easy access to the Dolomites. On the south shore, Sirmione is ideal for families who prefer a resort stay. Lake Como is known for romantic vistas and classic wooden boats, as well as high-end hotels to match its clientele.

Both lakes are busiest from late spring through early fall, when visitors can enjoy outdoor cafes and comfortable temperatures for water sports. The region's proximity to Milan makes it easy to combine a lake holiday with city exploration — ask me about how to customize an Italian Lakes trip for you.

Need to know

The Italian Lakes region is the type of destination you can return to year after year, but if you’re heading there for the first time, here are some of the basics you’ll need to know.

Currency: The official currency is the Euro, and credit cards are widely accepted (although some may not take American Express). Consider bringing Euros for tipping and smaller shops.
Languages: Italian, German (particularly in Lake Garda) and English
Airports: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Transportation: The Italian train system is excellent and connects all the major cities with the lakes region. From the train stations, you can arrange a private transfer through hotel concierges or hire a rideshare or taxi. Keep in mind summer months mean lots of traffic around the lakes, so plan extra time.
Best time to visit: The lakes are a seasonal destination best visited in late May, September and early October, as well as summer months, when the temperatures are comfortably in the 80s and the lake waters have warmed up. Most lakeside properties close for the season on November 1.
Ideal length of stay: Seven days offers a balanced trip from Milan to Lake Como and Lake Garda, allowing you to experience the highlights without rushing. If time allows, consider extending your stay in locations such as Switzerland, Venice or Verona.
Signature dishes: Risotto al Pesce Persico (creamy risotto topped with lightly fried lake perch), Missoltini (sun-dried lake fish served with polenta), Tortellini di Valeggio (meat-filled tortellini with butter and sage), Vitello Tonnato (thinly sliced veal served cold with a creamy, tangy tuna sauce).
Key phrases: Buongiorno (good morning), Buonasera (good evening), Ciao (hello/goodbye, informal), Arrivederci (goodbye), Per favore (please), Grazie (thank you), Prego (you're welcome), Scusa/Scusi (excuse me, informal/formal), Mi scusi (I'm sorry)
What to wear: Opt for stylish yet comfortable attire, including good walking shoes for city exploration and visits to lakeside towns. Dress modestly in churches and cultural sites, covering shoulders and knees, especially in Milan’s Duomo. A smart-casual approach or fashionable flair, including a light jacket or scarf is useful for cooler lake evenings.

DAY 1

Begin your journey with a leisurely day in Milan, taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Relax and unwind before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at Giardino Ristorante at Portrait Milano, where you’ll get a taste of Milanese dining in a beautiful setting.

DAY 2

After breakfast, visit Milan’s Duomo and the Castello Sforzesco. Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and stop at Peck for gourmet Italian treats. Explore the San Bernardino alle Ossa ossuary and the “miracle” at Santa Maria presso San Satiro. End with a pre-booked viewing of The Last Supper, then dine at Caruso Nuovo.

DAY 3

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Lake Garda. After arriving, enjoy lunch at Magnolia at Grand Hotel Fasano. In the afternoon, take a stroll to the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a sprawling estate known for its quirky artifacts—including unusual shoe displays! Relax by the lake afterward, then end your day with dinner at Il Pescatore.

DAY 4

Start your day with a peaceful breakfast by Lake Garda, then take a classic 1960's-style Italian cruiser for a scenic boat ride to La Darsena Ristorante for lunch. Spend the afternoon soaking in the lake’s tranquil ambiance. In the evening, savor a Michelin-starred dinner at Il Fagiano.

DAY 5

Depart for Lake Como. Stop off in Como Town to explore shopping, visit the Duomo and relax at lakeside cafés. Continue to Villa d’Este, where you’ll have lunch at Ceccato Garden Bar. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby Lake Como towns, then wrap up the day with cocktails at Canova Bar and dinner at the Grill Restaurant.

DAY 6

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast by Lake Como. Spend the afternoon exploring the lake by boat, taking in scenic views or unwinding in the charming town of Menaggio. In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at La Veranda at Villa d’Este, an iconic lakeside restaurant.

DAY 7

Begin with breakfast at leisure, then enjoy a light lunch at the Michelin-starred Sereno Al Lago. Spend your final afternoon relaxing with a spa treatment or taking in the lake views. End your Northern Italian journey with a tasting menu dinner at Sereno Al Lago, a fitting finale to your Italian escape.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Northern Italy's history is intertwined with art, commerce and of course its incredible landscapes. Milan rose to prominence during the Roman Empire but truly flourished in the Medieval and Renaissance periods as a center of trade, art and fashion — a reputation it maintains today. The city's crowning jewel, the Gothic Milan Cathedral (Duomo), took nearly six centuries to complete and remains the spiritual heart of the city, where locals gather on the square to celebrate major events and holidays.

The region is also home to Lake Como and Lake Garda, which have attracted nobility, artists and travelers for millennia. Lake Como, shaped like an inverted Y, was a favorite retreat of Roman aristocrats, and later served as inspiration for Leonardo da Vinci, who featured its landscapes in his paintings. The lake's historic villas (particularly Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello) are reminders of noble families.

Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, was a strategic point between different regions and empires. On the southern shore, Sirmione is well known for its 13th-century castle rising from the water. The town was once a Roman resort destination where wealthy families built elaborate villas with heated pools and intricate mosaics. Today, locals maintain the tradition of the "Festa del Nodo d'Amore" (Festival of the Love Knot) on the lake, celebrating an ancient legend with a mile-long dining table serving traditional tortellini — a perfect example of how history, food and community are deeply rooted in Northern Italian culture.

WHERE TO STAY

MILAN

Portrait Milano: A 16th-century former seminary turned luxury hotel (owned by the Ferragamo Family) in the center of Milan's fashion district, featuring a beautiful colonnaded courtyard and refined Italian design.

Fora Reserve perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano: A palatial retreat blending French and Italian style with a spectacular 17,000-square-foot spa and a private garden oasis in the trendy Brera district.

Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Mandarin Oriental, Milan: Sophisticated hotel set in four elegant 18th-century buildings near La Scala opera house and featuring a two-star Michelin restaurant and an Asian-inspired spa.

Mandarin Oriental’s Fan Club perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast and an upgrade whenever possible.

Grand Hotel et de Milan: A historic 19th-century hotel steps from the Duomo and decorated with period furnishings and modern amenities.

Leading Hotels of the World perks include daily breakfast and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Casa Baglioni - Milan: An art-centric boutique hotel in the Brera district that celebrates 1960s Italian design, featuring a restaurant by a Michelin-starred chef and museum-worthy contemporary art collection.

Leading Hotels of the World perks include daily breakfast and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

LAKE COMO

Villa d'Este: A 16th-century former royal residence in Cernobbio, featuring 25 acres of magnificent gardens, a floating pool on Lake Como and rooms decorated with antique furnishings and silk fabrics.

Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo: An iconic Art Nouveau palace with three pools including a floating one on the lake, historic details like period furnishings and frescoed walls, and gorgeous views of Bellagio and the Grigne mountains.

Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

il Sereno: A contemporary architectural masterpiece designed by Patricia Urquiola, featuring sleek minimalist suites, a 60-foot lakefront infinity pool and vertical gardens.

Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Passalacqua: An 18th-century villa transformed into a luxury retreat with terraced gardens, a private dock and just 24 unique suites.

Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

LAKE GARDA

Grand Hotel Fasano: An elegant lakefront hotel that was a 19th-century hunting lodge of the Austrian imperial family and now features a world-class spa, private beach and a stunning botanical garden on Lake Garda's western shore.

Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago Di Garda: Set above Gargnano with panoramic lake views, an eco-conscious wellness resort with a huge spa and infinity pools.

Fora Perks include a $100 spa credit, complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people/room once during stay, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Lido Palace: A Belle Époque hotel in Riva del Garda, combining original Art Nouveau architecture with contemporary design and offering a two-story spa, lakefront dining and spectacular views.