Lake Como & Maggiore

With its temperate climate, lush vegetation, lavish villas and spectacular scenery, it's no surprise that Lake Como lures so many visitors, writers and artists. Lake Maggiore, framed by alpine peaks, with its pretty towns and magnificent 19th century Liberty-style villas is widely considered the most romantic of the Italian Lakes.

Insider Tip

Don't miss a boat trip to the Borromean islands, famed for their landscaped terraces, botanical gardens and 17th Centry Palazzo Borromeo.

 

 

Como offers some of the best Italian cuisine; each town has their own secret as to the best way to grill the fresh fish caught from the lake. Only fresh local ingredients are used in the preparation, and most dishes contain basil, oregano, garlic and organic tomatoes.

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  In the larger town of Como you can buy everything and anything! Silk is, of course, one of the most common exports of Como and the shops are overflowing with high-quality silk products.

The pretty lakeside towns of Lake Maggiore all offer a varity of shops and souvenir opportunities, whilst the city of Milan is within easy reach for any serious shoppers.

 

 Walk from Bellagio to the shores of Pescallo, a small fishing village with waterside cafes.

Visit the silk museum in Como town.

Villa Carlotta is a place of exquisite beauty, where nature and art complement each other, well worth a visit.

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Lake Orta Tour
Visit Lake Orta, the medieval village of Orta, known as 'Venice without water', returning to Arona, the South shores of Lake Maggiore to see the Saint Charels Borromee statue. Half day excursion, available from Lake Maggiore hotels.

Adults from £43.