Italian Lakes Holidays

Afternoons don’t come much more picturesque than cruising across Lake Como to a beautiful 18th-Century villa. On the tip of the Lavedo promontory, Villa Balbianello sits in the most spectacular spot on the lake. It now belongs to FAI (the Italian equivalent of the National Trust) and has beautiful fragrant gardens. Explore the lavishly furnished interiors and see the collection of pre-Columbian objects, Chinese porcelain and terracottas, reverse-glass paintings, tapestries and carpets that belonged to previous owner Count Guido Monzino – a keen explorer who climbed Mount Everest in 1973. If you think the villa looks familiar, it might be because it starred in Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 2.45pm to 6pm
• Departing set Sundays from Lake Como hotels )please call for details)
• Operates May to September on specific dates
• Group experience

There’s something particularly charming about travelling by train. The Bernina Express is Switzerland’s ultimate scenic train – despite its ‘express’ name, it leisurely navigates mountain twists and tunnels. Your adventure begins with a drive along northern Lake Como to Tirano, where’ll we stop for coffee before crossing into Switzerland to board the Bernina Express train for the most scenic part of its route. Our one-hour train journey from Poschiavo to Diavolezza takes in the sights of the White Lake and the Black Lake, as well as breathtaking glaciers. We’ll continue by road to the iconic ski resort of St Moritz on the southern side of the Alps where highlights include crystal clear mountain lakes. There will be free time to wander around the beautiful town of Chiavenna before returning to Lake Como.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.35am to 7pm
• Departing Monday and Wednesday from Lake Como hotels
• Operates on Mondays on 10 and 24 April and from 8 May-23 October 2023; departs on Wednesdays from 24 May-20 September 2023
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to bring your passport as this experience crosses the border into Switzerland.

Perfect for those who want a private boat trip to see the villas of Lake Como. Board an idyllic private cruise to admire the glorious villas of Lake Como in all their splendour, including Villa Balbianello, whose gardens were used as a backdrop in Casino Royale, and Villa Cassinella, one of the most prestigious private villas of the lake. You’ll also see Comacina Island, famous for its dramatic history and fascinating legends.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

The City of Bridges is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations and it’s just a couple of hours from Lake Garda. Speed through the countryside as you travel by train and arrive in Venice for a private two-hour tour. Later, there’ll be time to explore on your own, getting lost down charming canalside streets, drifting through the waterways on a gondola or marvelling at the majesty of St Mark’s Square and the busy Grand Canal.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.20am to 7.40pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
You will need to make your own way to Verona train station. Lunch and any entrance fees for museums and attractions you wish to visit are not included.

‘Fair Verona’, a city that will forever be associated with Shakespeare’s ill-fated characters, Romeo and Juliet, is a joy to explore. On this short guided tour, you’ll explore the characterful old town, see the riverside Castelvecchio castle, the ancient Arco dei Gavi and Juliet’s house, and wander along narrow streets that wind their way between café-lined squares including the Piazza Brà, home to the iconic Verona Arena.

• Duration: 1½ hours
• Departs Monday-Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Get to know Verona on a full day visit from the shores of Lake Garda. On arrival, join a private 3-hour tour – the perfect way to get your bearings for the rest of your city explorations. With a local guide, who will pass on their extensive knowledge, walk through the network of streets and squares in the old town and see Juliet’s house and the striking Verona Arena. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace; a VeronaCard, which gives you access to a variety of museums and city attractions, is included so you can pick and choose the spots you’d like to visit.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Departs Tuesday to Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Lunch and any entrance fees to attractions that are not part of the VeronaCard are not included. The guided tour itinerary may change depending on the guide, the traffic or other conditions. Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone, Desenzano and Sirmione.

Experience the calmness and quietness of the lake and see a stunning sunset on an unforgettable sunset paddle. You’ll make your way under your own steam on a one- or two-person canoe and take in the beauty two of the lakeside gems: Baia del Corno and Punta San Vigilio. Then make your way back to the lively town of Garda and the sun dips below the lake’s western shore.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Operates April to October
• Private experience

Good to know
This canoe trip is suitable for everyone and has a difficulty level of easy. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Learning a skill is a wonderful way of extending your holiday once you’re back home. During this cooking class in Lazise, a town in the south-east corner of the lake, you’ll learn how to make the most classic of Italian staples: pasta. The experience begins as you shop for the fresh ingredients, as well as some wine to complement your creation. You’ll then head to a local kitchen to create your dish under the guidance of a skilled chef.

• Duration: Half day or evening
• Times: 10am to 1pm or 5pm to 8pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates March to October
• Private experience

Good to know
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday the dishes made will be gnocchi and tagliatelle and on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the dishes will be risotto and ravoli. Includes transfers from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

The landscapes of Lake Garda look their best from the water, so we highly recommend spending a relaxing couple of hours on a private boat. You’ll have the services of a local skipper who will create a route that’s unique to you and your wish list of places to see.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Daily departures from Garda, Bardolino, Desenzano and Sirmone
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Sunset is a special time of day on Lake Garda as the sipping sun casts shadows, creates a golden glow over the surrounding landscapes and makes the surface of the water sparkle. Step on board the only remaining two-mast sailing boat on the lake, San Nicolò, cruise along the lake shore and raise a glass of Prosecco or Bardolino Chiaretto to your incredible Italian Lakes adventure.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departs Friday and Saturday
• Operates May to October
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

There’s nothing quite as fittingly atmospheric and romantic as cruising around Lake Garda on a beautiful antique ketch. Step aboard the two-masted San Nicolò, the last of its type in the region, and let the power of the wind transport you past towns, villages and beautiful lakeside villas.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departs Monday to Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Winery. You’ll get to explore the winery’s rolling vineyards and the glorious 14th-Century manor house which features rooms that are adorned with faded renaissance frescoes. Finally, you’ll have the change to taste four of the region’s best wines: Valpolicella Classico 2019, Valpolicella Ripasso 2017, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011 and Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2017. Each glass will be served with local delicacies which enhance the aromatic flavours.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: Midday to 2pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione. This experience is on a request basis and is subject to itinerary and operating schedule changes that are outside of our control.

Dine al fresco with stunning views at a vineyard in the rolling Moraine Hills to the south of Lake Garda. Make your way to the Monte del Frà winery, which is located near the town of Custoza, and join a knowledgeable guide for a winery tour. Then sit down to your picnic which is packed in a charming wicker basket; the meal includes locally sourced delicacies, wine and water and is perfectly complemented by far-reaching vineyard vistas.

• Duration: 2 hours • Times: 11am to 1pm or 1pm to 7pm
• Departs Wednesday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione. Please let us know if you have any food allergies or intolerances.

Combine beautiful vistas, great food and wine and a bit of a workout on a cycling trip through the Moraine Hills. Pick up your e-bike at the meeting point: the beautiful Monte del Frà winery which is located close to the town of Custoza. You and your group will then set off into the rolling hills, passing vineyards and cypress-line lanes on the way to the hamlet of Oliosi where you’ll have a picnic packed with local specialities. Return to Monte del Frà for a tour of the cellar and a tasting of four of their wines.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 10am to 5.30pm • Departs Tuesday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

To the north of Lake Garda are the towering peaks of the Dolomites, a mountain range in the breathtaking Alps. Join a daytrip from Lake Garda and head up into the hills for a full day Alpine adventure. Follow the scenic winding road between the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys and travel up to the Pordoi Pass where you could take the cable car up to the Sass Pordoi at 2950 metres above sea level (optional and at extra cost). From here, the tour continues to the Gardena Valley, where you’ll pass through typically South Tyrolean villages. There’ll be some free time here to soak up the views, either while sipping on a coffee or enjoying a short walk.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7am to 7pm
• Departs Monday & Friday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
The tour itinerary may change depending on the traffic and weather conditions. The weather can change quickly so pack suitable clothing and footwear. This experience is not recommended for those with health issues, and particularly those with epilepsy, breathing issues and heart problems. A minimum of 15 guests is required for this excursion to run. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Take to the saddle and see the Italian countryside from a different angle on this great outdoors experience. You’ll mount your horse at Cicco’s Ranch and head into the vine-cloaked Moraine Hills to the south east of Lake Garda. Enjoy the peace as you ride between the vines and in the shadow of cypress trees, taking in the rolling views as you go. A highlight of the experience is the stop at Monte del Frà winery where you’ll try three wine varieties alongside plates of locally sourced and produced cheese and cold cuts of meat.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 2.30pm to 5.30pm
• Departs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.