Cycling, hiking and sailing in Italy’s beautiful lakes
Tree-clad mountains tumble into clear blue waters, ornate palaces dot the lakes’ shores and pretty villages are scattered across the landscape. Offering peace, quiet and natural beauty, lake holidays in this part of Italy are ideal for hiking, cycling or simply relaxing.
Once the traditional summer refuge for Europe's aristocracy, Italy’s lakes are one of the country’s most beautiful regions. Many of the stately homes in the area were built in the heyday of classical values and cultured living. You can best appreciate their imposing facades from the comfort of a boat of a relaxing lake cruise.
It’s easy to combine the tranquility of the lakes with the buzz of the big city too. One of the fashion capitals of the world, nearby Milan offers trendy boutiques, designer outlets and bespoke tailors. Lively bars line the city’s streets and you can find a great choice of restaurants across the city centre. Milan’s traditional churches, museums and the Castello Sforzesco offer a fascinating insight into the city’s culture. And a trip to the city’s luxurious spas are sure to be a highlight of your holiday.
Football fans will want to catch an AC Milan game or have a tour of the stadium. And if you want a really authentic slice of daily life in Milan, visit Idroscalo. This vast man-made lake was originally constructed as a seaplane airport. These days it has scenic walking and cycling routes as well as playgrounds and pedalos.