unlike popular Lake Como. However, these two less crowded, undiscovered gems provide exceptional getaways, each with their own distinct landscapes, cultural offerings and local cuisine.

Lake Garda
Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, loved by many, from Winston Churchill to Maria Callas, is famous for its gorgeously intense blue water. A paradise for active travelers with plenty of opportunities for cycling, hiking, sailing and wind surfing, it also draws visitors for its picturesque towns along the lake’s shores.

The region’s microclimate that favors olive trees, vineyards and lemon groves have made Garda famous for its DOP Extra-virgin olive oil and fine red wines like Bardolino, Amarone and Valpolicella. You’ll discover at least one castle, villa, museum, church, Roman ruin or other works of art in each of the lakeside villages – evidence of the many attracted to the beauty of the lake for centuries.
Luxury resorts abound and the regional cuisine is superb. The top attraction, a boat ride on Lake Garda will take your breath away. An immense, beautiful blue lake, majestic mountains towering above charming stone hewn villages and stunning stretches of beach. Welcome to Lake Garda.

Lake Towns Lazise
Lazise enchants with its golden, sand beaches, like beautiful Spiaggia delle Rose and Spiaggia La Bosca, brightly colored harbor and scenic waterfront promenade lined with cafes and eateries. It’s the perfect spot to have an espresso, watch the water and the steady parade of passers by. Here you’ll also find the magnificent Romanesque Church of Saint Nicolò. This lovely lakeside town with winding narrow streets and medieval castle is known for the many bike trails that surround the beautiful lake.

Sirmione
The picturesque resort town Sirmione with narrow cobblestoned streets, cypress dotted parks and numerous cafes and shops, is famous for its spa culture. Visitors come to bathe in the thermal springs, indulge at a lakeside spa, relax at the beach or swim in the crystal clear water. You can also explore iconic Castello Scaligero, a Medieval Castle overlooking the lake, the grand Grotte di Catullo 1st century Roman villa surrounded by olive trees, and the fresco adorned 8th century Church of San Pietro.

Peschiera
Peschiera, ideal for rowing and kayaking with its calm turquoise waters, has its own network of canals weaving through the historic center. This impressive fortified town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where many important battles were fought, houses The Palazzina Storica Museum rich with frescoes and WWI objects. Visitors can expect gorgeous views, delicious food and lots of history.

Salo
The lakeside resort town Salò in the Province of Brescia, on the shores of Lake Garda, with backdrop of green, tree-clad hills of St Bartolomeo, has an old town containing elegant historic buildings with flowered balconies and a long scenic waterfront promenade that goes all the way to the beach. During the summer, boats pull up so visitors can lunch here before setting sail for an afternoon on the beautiful lake. There’s a wide array of al fresco eateries serving tasty local food and wine.

Dinning
Dining in the Lake Garda Region is a delight with its rich culinary offerings including homemade pasta, fresh-caught lake fish, mountain cheese, and array of impressive wines.
Close to Peschiera, the pretty village of Borghetto sul Mincio, with quaint houses, and Visconti Bridge, a medieval viaduct over the Mincio Rive, is the home of tortellini. Acclaimed Ristorante Alla Borsa, a second-generation restaurant run by Nadia Pasqauli, specializes in the delectable and raises it to a high art. You can watch the women do their magic in the kitchen with the same preparation that has been handed down for generations, before savoring the different varieties of mouth-watering pasta – all sublime. Ristorante Locanda del Benaco set on the scenic lakefront promenade in Salo offers a refined ambiance along with outstanding cuisine. Acclaimed Chef Gianni Briarava delivers impressive well-curated Gardesana dishes, including the tastiest, freshest fish dishes paired with excellent regional wine.

Olive Oil Tasting
Sample the regions’ prized olive oil on an olive grove trail near Arco or at sites like notable Madonna delle Vittorie, an agricultural farm, winery, oil mill, and restaurant on Lake Garda’s scenic northern bank in Linfano. An impressive tour with a master guide is followed by a tasting of their renowned Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil and Trentodoc sparkling wines. Lunch can be arranged at the popular restaurant where guests relish daily specials like perfectly prepared fish and homemade pasta along with olive oil and wine produced on the farm.
www.madonnadellevittorie.it

Wine Tasting
Zeni Winery in the pretty Bardolino wine region on the shores of Lake Garda, run by the fifth generation family, is a great place to try a glass of the excellent local grape. Zeni is known for its reds and whites that reflect the Bardolino terroir. The wine tour includes the wine museum visit, a vineyard stroll, the fun ‘sensory experience’ at the new cellars and – the coveted tasting.

A Stop At Verona
Nearby Verona, the city of love, art and culture, enchants with its pink medieval houses, cobbled streets and well preserved Roman sites within its walls. Stroll the city’s historic center, a UNESCO heritage site and discover striking churches, palaces and fortresses. Visit the Arena – site of the Famous Opera Festival; follow the city walls on the Torricelle; cross the historical gates and go back to the time of Romeo and Juliet. Stand under Juliet’s balcony and fall hopelessly in love with Verona.

Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, second largest lake in Italy after Garda, is having its moment, with new interest from the luxury market. The Borromeo islands, neat the lakeside town of Stresa, are a star attraction for this beautiful lake. Louis Vuitton staged his fashion show, Cruise 2024, on stunning Isola Bella, the most famous of the Borromean islands, with celebrities like Oprah and Cate Blanchett attending. This stunning, magical place features a world famous Baroque garden with a spectacular fountain adorned with mythical creatures and renowned Palazzo Borromeo, a magnificent Baroque-era art museum. Lake Maggiore also attracts many visitors in the fall with popular culinary festivals and nature rich foliage excursions. And the cliffside medieval hermitage di Santa in Laverno makes a worthy visit.

Dining
Some of the many standouts include: Restaurant Delfino, set in the palace’s former guest quarters on Isola Bella, offers regional specialties that include fresh catch from the lake paired with glorious water views. Chef Enrico Fortinelli impresses with creative elevated cuisine using Maggiore-sourced ingredients at Hotel Relais Villa Porta. Guests are treated to superb gastronomy with standout local dishes created by Chef Michele Loffredo at Leon D’Oro restaurant in the village of Luino.

Stay
The luxurious Hotel Relais Villa Porta, on Maggiore’s eastern shore near Luino, a refined historic property, is a former mansion from the 1800s with 30 stylish rooms and suites, sizeable grounds that include a 10,000 square-meter lush garden park with strolling paths and breathtaking lakeside views – perfect for weddings. There’s a lovely private beach with sun-lounge area and Jacuzzi along with a fabulous vintage Riva for tours on the lake. www.villaporta.style/it