📍 Italy

ITALIAN LAKES: ALPINE BEAUTY AND MOUNTAIN WATER SPLENDOR

Alpine peaks crowning crystal waters, villas framing mountain panoramas. Italian lakes, elegance and serene romance.

≈ 4
Days
90
Km
3
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Glide along Lake Como between mountains and villas, then explore the luminous expanse of Lake Garda. Stop at Lake Orta and the island of San Giulio, a monastic haven set upon the water. Stresa connects these alpine landscapes in gentle timeless harmony.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Como

elegant shore mirrors palace grandeur

Como - Photo 1Como - Photo 2Como - Photo 3Como - Photo 4Como - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Milan's historic center: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
2
Visit to the Leonardo 3 Museum and climb to the gallery rooftop for a panoramic view of Milan
3
Exploration of the Duomo di Milano, one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals
4
Cruise on Lake Como to Bellagio, the 'Pearl of the lake'
+3 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Journey Milan → Como (80 km) through the landscapes of Lombardy
→
Stroll along the shores of Lake Como and visit of Como Cathedral
→
Sunset observation over Lake Como
+2 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 56 km
Travel time: 1h08
2
Day

Stresa

lakeside resort crowns borromean beauty

Stresa - Photo 1Stresa - Photo 2Stresa - Photo 3Stresa - Photo 4Stresa - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore
2
Discovery of the historic center and Belle Époque lakefront of Stresa
3
Visit of Villa Pallavicino and its animal park
4
Boat excursion to Isola Bella and visit of Borromeo Palace
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll in Stresa at sunset
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 21min
3
Day

Stresa

lakeside resort crowns borromean beauty

Stresa - Photo 1Stresa - Photo 2Stresa - Photo 3Stresa - Photo 4Stresa - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Lake Lugano, on the Italian and Swiss border
2
Walk along the shores of Lake Lugano and picnic by the water
3
Discovery of the Sentiero di Gandria, a panoramic path leading to the village
4
Exploration of the village of Gandria and view of Monte Brè
+5 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Boat crossing Lugano → Stresa to enjoy the sunset
→
Last dinner by Lake Maggiore
4
Day

Orta San Giulio

intimate lake embraces island monastery

Orta San Giulio - Photo 1Orta San Giulio - Photo 2Orta San Giulio - Photo 3Orta San Giulio - Photo 4Orta San Giulio - Photo 5Orta San Giulio - Photo 6Orta San Giulio - Photo 7Orta San Giulio - Photo 8Orta San Giulio - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Route Stresa → Orta San Giulio (45 min)
2
Walk in the medieval village of Orta San Giulio and on Piazza Mario Motta
3
Visit to Santa Maria Assunta church and exploration of picturesque alleyways
4
Boat crossing to Isola San Giulio and visit to the Romanesque basilica
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting of local specialties on Piazza Mario Motta
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 21min

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES OF PIEDMONT

📅 20 days 🛣️ 686.9 Km

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES OF LOMBARDY

📅 13 days 🛣️ 581.6000000000001 Km

PICTURESQUE CITIES AND VILLAGES OF SWITZERLAND

📅 11 days 🛣️ 695.1 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Italy

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 3 and 5 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

Cultural masterpiece with incredible art, cuisine, and historical heritage from Rome to Venice. Experience Renaissance treasures, regional diversity, and authentic Italian lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with culinary excellence and artistic heritage. Italy provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and natural beauty.