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Italian Lakes Holidays

Holidays in the Italian lakes take you to a region of elegant charm and natural beauty, where historic lakeside villages lie below epic mountain scenery. Travellers have been coming here for decades in search of romance and outdoor adventures, to visit the area’s baroque palaces, explore winding mountain trails and soak up the chic but laid back ambience.

The Italian lakes reach from the River Po in the south to the lower Alps and the Dolomites at their northern end, and each stretch of water has its own distinct character. Lake Maggiore straddles the border of Italy and Switzerland. The spectacular water is home to five islands and 42 towns, and is scattered with palatial villas. Lake Orta is the smallest of the lakes, and has retained its authentic character by largely staying off the tourist map.

Lake Como has famous residents and film star looks. Lake Garda’s shores gradually change from gently sloping vineyards to the rocky mountain cliffs of the Dolomites. This dramatic backdrop offers some truly imposing scenery, with steep soaring peaks and razor sharp ridges. The unusual nature of the rock means the mountains seem to glow under certain conditions, especially at sunrise and sunset. Shades of pink and orange only serve to enhance the natural beauty of the grandiose surroundings.
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Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30, Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

Destinations:

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Lake Garda
Italy’s largest lake offers a dazzling mix of natural beauty and lively towns, with medieval castles, mountain views and waterside strolls with gelato in hand. Holidays to Lake Garda are ideal for both relaxation and adventure, from sailing to sightseeing.
Town of Menaggio on lake Como, Milan, Italy
Lake Como
Elegant villas, dramatic scenery and timeless glamour, that’s what you can expect from a Lake Como holiday. Whether cruising across the water or exploring lakeside villages, it is a destination made for slow scenic days.
Lago Maggiore, Cannobio
Lake Maggiore
The second largest lake in Italy, Maggiore stretches into Switzerland and is known for its islands, botanical gardens and grand villas. Enjoy a mix of alpine charm and Mediterranean warmth in a truly picturesque setting with Lake Maggiore holidays.
Reflections on the Lake Orta (Italy)
Lake Orta
A hidden gem, Lake Orta is a peaceful retreat with storybook scenery and a tranquil atmosphere. Lake Orta holidays are perfect for those looking to unwind, explore charming villages and escape the usual crowds.
An aerial view of Lake Iseo nestled among the mountains in Italy. The image showcases the lake's emerald green waters surrounded by steep, verdant peaks and picturesque towns along the shoreline.
Lake Iseo
Framed by rolling hills and vineyards, this lesser known lake is full of unspoilt character. With Europe’s largest lake island at its centre, holidays to Lake Iseo invite you to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty at your own pace.

Explore the Italian lakes with Citalia

At Citalia we have 95 years’ experience in helping people find their personal slice of Italian paradise, so you can savour your Italian lakes holiday and experience the area like a local. Whether that involves discovering a fine local restaurant, jet skiing around a lake, or just chilling out by the shore with a glass of the local tipple – it’s all down to you.

One great introduction for walkers is Lake Como’s Greenway Trail, an easy to follow 11km route along the less visited western shore of the lake. You’ll pass through a series of quaint old villages, one after the other, all offering unique little cafés and bars with views across the water.

Away from the famous lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda, Lake Orta is smaller and less developed – but no less photogenic. The little island of Isola San Giulio, with its church and monastery buildings, is as picture postcard perfect as anywhere in Italy. And at the top of the lake, the town of Omegna is home to a delightful little harbour and a cluster of narrow cobbled streets, where you’ll find a handful of authentic restaurants.

Italy Travel Blogs

Be inspired for your next Italy holiday with our range of blogs below. 

Flight Information

Flying is the quickest and easiest way to get to Italy from the UK and there are plenty of direct flights available to most airports within Italy. The biggest choice of flights are available from London and Manchester but you'll also be able to fly to certain destinations from regional airports. Flights take from 2 to 4 hours depending on where you fly from/to.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up. 
 
On guided tours/excursions it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

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What our customers think

We have been helping our customers discover the real Italy for 95 years now. Our experience and expertise, together with our attention to detail and personal touch, really does make us the leading Italian holiday specialist.

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