The Most Beautiful Lakes in Italy

Isola San Giulio in Lake Orta is dominated by an ancient basilica popular with tourists
Isola San Giulio in Lake Orta is dominated by an ancient basilica popular with tourists
Luca Pinelli

The gorgeous lakes of Italy must grapple with the history of Rome, beauty of Cinque Terre and romance of Venice for the attention of tourists. However, these bodies of water can more than hold their own. Lakes Garda and Como are among the better known, but there are plenty of beautiful lakes in Italy. Here are the most picturesque.

Eager to explore the natural beauty of Italy? Join our expertly curated 10-day, small-group adventure through the north. You’ll take a boat tour of Lake Como, hike the cliffs of Cinque Terre and stay overnight in the Tuscan hills, plus much more.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Lake Iseo

Natural Feature

Lake Iseo Italy. Lago dIseo or Sebino with the village Peschiera Maraglio behind. Lombardy region. Northern Italy.
© Perry van Munster / Alamy

A somewhat smaller lake in Lombardy, Lake Iseo is the little sister of Lake Garda – both being in the Brescia province. With wonderful bicycle routes, fabulous shops in the town of Iseo, and daily ferries across the waters, this lake will charm any visitor. It also has an island mountain in its midst – Monte Isola – the largest of its kind in Europe.

Lake Garda

Natural Feature

Toscolano Maderno, Lake Garda, Italy
© Cultura Creative RF / Alamy

In the north of Italy, between the Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino regions, Lake Garda is one of the most beloved destinations in the country. Whatever you’re looking for on your trip, Lake Garda will have you covered: on the beach (as well as in the several towns scattered along its coast) there are students celebrating, families camping and tourists exploring the hills. The area is also sure to impress with luxury hotels, wonderful apartments, top-notch restaurants, an incredible natural backdrop and several open beaches.

Lake Como

Natural Feature

Varenna, Lake Como - Holidays in Italy view of the most beautiful lake in Italy, Lago di Como.
© Alpineguide / Alamy

In the industrial region of Lombardy, Lake Como is generally regarded as the favourite holiday destination of the Milanese. There’s plenty to do along the shores with an array of wonderful vistas, cultural events and activities. A guided bike or boat tour of the lake is one of the top-rated things to do here. While Isola Comacina – the only island on the lake – is a beautiful oasis for wildlife.

Lake Maggiore

Natural Feature

Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen?s Island) on Lake Maggiore, Stresa village, Piedmont region, Italy
© Luca Antonio Lorenzelli / Alamy

At the foot of the Italian Alps, Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy and is shared by Switzerland and the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. It has islands and villas, but what’s special about Maggiore is the presence of a few castles, adding a dash of architectural grandeur. And with many museums and natural reserves to explore, a holiday here is something to really look forward to.

Lake Ledro

Natural Feature

Lake Ledro in the Italian alps.
© Alan Keith Beastall / Alamy

In the mountainous region of Trentino, this rather small lake – at just 3km (1.9mi) long and 1.5km (0.9mi) wide – is the ideal destination for those who do not want to compromise on highland scenery. With perfect, temperate breezes throughout the summer, Lake Ledro is great for swimming, hiking and biking. There are four beaches around the lake and one of them is dog-friendly, making this a good stopover for a family trip.

Lake Bolsena

Natural Feature

The Rocca Farnese in Capodimonte dominates the promontory that extends over Lake Bolsena. Capodimonte, Viterbo, Lazio, Italy
© Guido Paradisi / Alamy

Lake Bolsena is the largest lake of volcanic origin in Europe and is situated in High Latium, near the border with Tuscany and Umbria. It was generated when the Vulsini volcano crater collapsed and it now features two islands, Bisentina and Martana. It is also home to many restaurants and osteria, where it is possible to taste the local fish in delicious dishes.

Lake Orta

Natural Feature

SONY DSCSt. Julius Island on Lake Orta in Piedmont Italy.
© Lamax / Alamy

Situated west of Lake Maggiore, in the region of Piedmont, this smaller lake used to be called Lake of Saint Julius, the patron saint after which an island on the lake is still named – San Giulio. Surrounded by green mountains that offer incredible views of the area, Lake Orta will strike any tourist as being picturesque and quaint. The island of San Giulio, occupied in its near entirety by an abbey, is the main attraction and combines culture and nature in surprising and thought-provoking ways.

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