Destinations
Rail Holidays to the Italian Lakes
The Italian Lakes were formed at the end of the last Ice Age and have been attracting holidaymakers since the height of the Roman Empire. It’s not hard to see why. The lakes feature colourful gardens, ancient hillside villas, harbours full of fishing boats and grand 19th century hotels all set against the backdrop of distant alpine peaks and azure blue water. Getting to the Italian Lakes by train is easy and the Alps offer fabulous scenery en route.
Discover the Italian Lakes by rail
Framed by the foothills of the Alps, northern Italy's beautiful lakes offer a captivating combination of mountain scenery, elegant waterfront towns, historic villas and colourful gardens. Each has its own distinctive character, from the grand lakeside resorts of Lake Como to the lively towns and dramatic landscapes surrounding Lake Garda.
Lake Maggiore is celebrated for its beautiful Borromean Islands and elegant gardens, while smaller Lake Orta offers a more peaceful atmosphere, with cobbled streets, traditional villages and picturesque views across the water. Lake Lugano, straddling the Italian-Swiss border, brings another dimension to the region, combining Italian influences with spectacular Alpine scenery.
With excellent rail connections through northern Italy and Switzerland, the Italian Lakes are particularly rewarding to explore as part of a tailor-made holiday. Enjoy scenic train journeys, discover historic towns and take leisurely boat trips across the water, perhaps visiting more than one lake along the way.
Whether you're drawn to beautiful gardens, lakeside dining, mountain excursions or simply relaxing beside the water, there's an Italian lake to suit every traveller.
Destinations to combine with the Italian Lakes
The Italian Lakes are ideally placed for exploring northern Italy and neighbouring Switzerland, making them a natural addition to a longer European rail holiday.
Milan is a convenient gateway to several of the lakes, with its magnificent cathedral, world-class shopping and impressive art collections. Further east, Verona offers Roman history, elegant piazzas and easy connections to Lake Garda, while Venice provides a memorable contrast with its canals, palaces and historic streets.
For those who enjoy scenic rail journeys, the Swiss Alps are particularly appealing. Travel along the spectacular Bernina Express route towards Lake Como, or combine Lake Maggiore with the beautiful Centovalli Railway between Domodossola and Locarno. Lake Lugano also provides opportunities to explore the Swiss-Italian border region.
You could spend a few nights beside one lake before continuing to another, or combine a relaxing lakeside stay with the cultural highlights of Florence, Turin or other Italian cities. With so many possibilities, we can tailor your itinerary to include the destinations and experiences that interest you most.
Why book your The Italian Lakes rail holiday with us?
Placeholder text. Every holiday is planned by a rail specialist who knows the routes first hand. We arrange your trains, hotels and transfers, and stay on hand throughout your journey.
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