Luxury Travel to the
Italian Lake District
As the elegant yacht speeds away from the dock, you turn and take one last look. The skipper had told you what to expect. With all the superlatives, you were sure he was exaggerating… but no. The Villa was even more exquisite than he had described. Works of art—masterpieces, really— furniture and objects once owned by royalty…
And then the gardens! English roses, camelias, a citrus tunnel… Absolutely breathtaking.
The skipper motors on, full throttle. You wonder what amazing adventure will come next.
Tailor my trip5 things you don’t know
about the Lake District
The famous lake district in Italy lies on the southern side of the Alpes, in the basin of the river Po. The area has been a popular tourist destination since the Roman Era, thanks to its mild climate and its sheer beauty. The main lakes are: Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Varese, Lake Lugano, Lake Como, Lake Iseo, Lake Idro and Lake Garda.
A few interesting things you might not know:
01
A historic misnomer? You might expect the largest of the lakes to be the Lake Maggiore. Not so. It is actually Lake Garda.
02
Lake Como is the deepest of Italian lakes (it’s also the most posh, attracting the rich and famous for generations).
03
May the force be with you. Some of the Star Wars movies were filmed in Lake Como, as was Casino Real.
04
The famous Stradivarius violins come from the Lake District. These traditional violin makers are based in Cremona, a beautiful Renaissance city.
05
The Swiss border cuts through the northern part of Lake Maggiore and through the middle of Lake Lugano, making them only partially Italian.
Lake District travel guide
Where to stay in the Italian Lake District?
When you’re vacationing in one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations, you will want to treat yourself to high end accommodations. AAV has chosen some splendid hotels for you.
A residence of the aristocracy for centuries, the Villa d’Este became an elegant, charming five-star resort in 1873. The rooms and suites overlook beautiful Lake Como or the hotel’s sumptuous private park. For even more luxury, select one of the four 19th century villas. The Villa Cima is on the lake shore, and the unforgettable Mosaic House in the park.
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the oldest luxury hotels near Lake Como, and one of the most beautiful as well. An iconic art nouveau masterpiece on the western shores of the lake, the hotel has three swimming pools, a lakeside private beach and gorgeous private park. And, of course, fabulous décor in all the rooms and suites. You’ll feel like you stepped back into the Belle Époque.
The Mandarin Oriental is situated in the perfectly renovated 19th century Villa Roccabruna. You will appreciate the combination of modern Italian
elegance and subtle oriental charm that permeates the beautiful rooms and suites, some overlooking the lake, others overlooking the surrounding hills. The spa’s indoor pool is extraordinary, a mosaic oasis of relaxation.
Il Sereno offers an extraordinary experience. This luxurious new hotel (opened 2016) has a resolutely modern design, aimed at offering panoramic views of beautiful Lake Como from every inch of the property. It’s as if the 40 luxury suites are decorated with the spectacular scenery. The restaurant Il Sereno al Lago has one Michelin star.
The Passalacqua was designed and built at the end of the 18th century for Count Andrea Lucini-Pasalacqua. You can still feel these noble beginnings in this opulent boutique hotel. Three different edifices, each with its own unique ambiance, house 24 guest rooms and suites, surrounded by seven acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The epitome of ‘la dolce vita.’
Tailor my tripBest luxury experiences in the Lake District
Lake Como by boat
The best way to see beautiful Lake Como– by boat– is even better when AAV skippers you on a historic luxury motorboat. You will see the fabulous, glamorous Villas Olmo, Cernobbio, Laglio, among others, and, of course, the enchanting scenery, luscious green hills falling into the waters of the lake.
And by foot
Really get to know this superb countryside by trekking for a day—or why not several days? You’ll hike along the waterline of one of the lakes, see gorgeous Italian architecture up close, explore the maze-like streets of ancient villages, and climb in the hills for spectacular panoramas of lakes, hills, and forest.
Local delicacies
AAV will take you on a food tour during which you will see—and taste—the foods produced in the Lake District. Sample cured meats: raw ham, local salamis, and the famous Mortadella Ossolana, among others. Cheese lovers will enjoy Bettelmatt cheese, the Formagella of Luino and the gorgeous local gorgonzola.
Island hopping
On Lake Maggiore, AAV private skipper will take you by yacht to see the enchanting Isola Bella with its stunning Baroque palace and sumptuous Italian gardens. Then go on to see Isola Madre, the largest of the islands on the lake, and also tiny Isola dei Pescatori with its picturesque fishing village …
When is the best time to visit the Italian Lake District?
Italy’s Lake District is very different from one season to another. So much so that the best time to visit really depends on your personal tastes and interests.
the Italian Lake District in winter:
The Lake District’s location is ideal for winter. Go skiing in the snow-covered Alps a mere 30 minutes away, then drive back for dinner on the spectacular lake shore. There are fewer tourists, making the sights more secluded—and more romantic. You will enjoy visiting the glamorous villas and numerous art galleries with fewer people.
the Italian Lake District in spring:
This region is famous for its villas—and also for its gardens, which makes spring a wonderful time to visit. The gardens will all be in bloom, bursting with color. Be sure to see the Viale della Rose in the Sigurtà Garden Park in Peschiera. This 1 km stretch of pathway is lined with over 30 000 roses. And in spring…!
the Italian Lake District in summer:
Summer is the high season, so there will be more people — but also more sunshine, warmer weather and longer days. This is the only time of year that the sumptuous villa Isola del Garda is open for visits. Also, the Lake Como festival takes place June – September, so you can expect music performances and fireworks.
the Italian Lake District in autumn:
In autumn, the countryside in the Lake District goes from beautiful to breathtaking. All those trees and all those vineyards turn to oranges and reds. Absolutely exquisite. Boat lovers will enjoy the spectacular Centomiglia International Regatta. The freshwater yacht sailing race attracts over 200 boats (some 12m long with 20m masts!) and some of the most famous skippers worldwide.
Travel tips about
the Lake District
Italy’s Lake District is a surprising mixture of nature, glitz and glam—and with AAV organizing your vacation, you are sure to see all the elements that make this region so breathtaking. All perfectly organized, all flowing seamlessly so that you can relax and enjoy.
Be sure to pack “your good camera”. This is probably one of the most beautiful areas in the world and photo opportunities abound. Whether you’re on the lakes, hiking in the hills, or visiting the exquisite Villas and their gardens, you will want to take many, many photos.
01
For art lovers
The Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, one of Italy’s oldest art academies, houses a collection which can be called the “cream of the crop”, even by Italy’s high art standards. Founded in 1796, the Academy has works by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian.
02
Fun for kids
If you’re travelling with kids, stop at the 12th century castle in Sirmione. This spectacular castle is a fortress, complete with watch towers, ramparts, a moat and drawbridge… Legend has it that the castle even has a ghost!
03
Best risotto ever
If you visit Tremosine on the western shore of Lake Garda, be sure to taste the risotto alla trevisana. This regional specialty is made with pumpkin, sausage and Parmesan cheese. Top it off with a local Bardolino Chiaretto white wine, and you’re in food heaven.
04
Your bucket list
Going up the “bucket lift” at Laveno should be on your bucket list. This cable car takes you from the town to the top of Mount Sasso del Ferro. All along the way you will see stunning panoramas of Lake Maggiore, the Alps, Po Valley…
05
Romeo, oh Romeo
Yes, Verona, the city where Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet, is just a short drive from Lake Garda. In the old town, you can see Juliet’s house and its infamous balcony, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, and the spectacular views from the top of the Torre dei Lamberti.
Plan
your trip
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