Lake Garda & Lake Maggiore twin centre 

Lake Garda

The largest of the Italian Lakes

Lake Garda is the easternmost and largest of the lakes, stretching from the plains towards the Dolomites with Riva del Garda and Malcesine in the north to Sirmione, Desenzano and Padenghe sul Garda on the southern shores. As well as exploring the lake, you can hire a car and head out on to the winding mountain passes to take in the beautiful scenery of the Dolomites. Casual and laid-back, the beautiful village of Gardone, which once welcomed Winston Churchill, is the ideal spot for a relaxing lakeside holiday. Lazy summer afternoons can be spent wandering along the charming promenade, marvelling at breathtaking scenery, visiting the vibrant Heller Botanic Gardens or exploring the village’s small historic centre.

Lake Maggiore

The majestic Lake Maggiore, with its three islands, is often labelled the most scenic of the Italian lakes. Known locally as ‘Verbana’ – named after a flower that grows along its shores – it’s Italy’s second largest lake. Stresa, Maggiore’s most captivating town, lies in the shadow of the magnificent peak of Mount Mottarone and just across from the beautiful Borromean Islands. In this idyllic place you can wander through the beautifully maintained gardens of Villa Pallavicino and Villa Taranto, take a short boat ride to Isola Bella to visit the opulent palace, or climb the mountain for panoramic views of this wonderful Italian lake.