Italian Lakes Holidays by Rail

F rom the glamour of Lake Como, to the grandeur of Lake Garda, and the grace of Lake Maggiore, the Italian Lakes offer a wealth of entertainment for visitors. The active-minded can enjoy hiking and even paragliding from the mountains overlooking the lakes’ north shores, whilst there are plenty of opportunities for water sports too. Relaxation comes in the form of thermal spas, sightseeing and shopping, as well as the great food and wine you would expect in Italy. All three lakes have mainline stations connected to the rail network.

Recommended Itineraries

Tailor Made Rail
Lake Como & the Amalfi Coast
Lake Como & the Amalfi Coast From $1,469 per person // 8 days Combine two of Italy's most beautiful travel destinations with rail travel between and a night en route in Milan on this great Italian itinerary. If you have more time, why not extend your stay in each place, or continue your travels across the Straits of Messina on to the island of Sicily?
Grand Tour of Italy
Grand Tour of Italy From $3,099 per person // 19 days This epic exploration of Italy's finest cities and most beautiful countryside takes you from Venice down to Sicily and back. Visit the elegant cities of Rome and Florence, and relax on the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como.

Our Recommended Hotels in the Italian Lakes

Como
Barchetta Excelsior Hotel

Overlooking Piazza Cavour on the shore of Lake Como, this modern hotel offers elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Some rooms have lake views and/or balconies. Guests can enjoy fine regional cuisine at the in-house restaurant, Bistro.
Sirmione, Lake Garda
Olivi Hotel and Spa

In the heart of the medieval town of Sirmione, this relaxing hotel overlooks the shore of Lake Garda, with panoramic views across the south and west of the lake. The 64 guest rooms are airy and spacious, and many have spectacular views of the lake. The spa facilities are superb, with a range of treatments to suit all budgets and tastes.
Desenzano
Villa Rosa Hotel

The Hotel Villa Rosa is situated directly on the lakefront in Desenzano del Garda, a 10-minute walk from the town centre. The hotel boasts light and modern bedrooms with tea & coffee making facilities, as well as a restaurant, an outdoor pool and hot tub.
Stresa
Regina Palace

Hotel Regina Palace is a majestic Art Nouveau building offering refined classic-style interiors and a large garden with pool. It is right on the shore of Lake Maggiore, in Stresa. Rooms and common lounges are all decorated with antique furniture giving a sense of history and nobility.
Stresa
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees offers elegant rooms with marble bathrooms complete with spa bath. Some rooms have views of the distant Alps, some overlook the lake and the islands. The wellness centre feaetures an indoor swimming pool as well as hot tubs and saunas.
Pettenasco
Hotel Giardinetto

Located directly on the shores of Lake Orta, the Hotel Giardinetto is a friendly, family run hotel boasting a rooftop bar and lakefront restaurant, both with panoramic views. The comfortable and welcoming bedrooms all come with free WI-FI internet access and there is also an outdoor swimming pool for those who don’t want to swim in the lake.

Combine this destination with...

Tailor Made Rail
Milan Whether you want to visit for its cathedral and its museums, its world-famous fashion, or just to explore another world-class Italian city, Milan has so much to offer visitors. View More
Venice The world famous city of Venice is comprised of over one hundred small islands, famously linked by a series of canals. View More
Switzerland Few countries can match the sheer beauty of Switzerland, and so much of it is accessible from the country’s excellent rail network. View More
Florence & Tuscany Tuscany fits the image of Italy that many visitors hold in their heads: small, sun-drenched hilltop towns with cobbled streets leading to piazzas and fantastic food. View More