Italy is an ideal destination for your summer holiday with some of the most amazing scenery on offer. Whether you choose the sparkling waters of the Italian lakes, the spectacular rugged peaks of the Dolomite Mountains or the historical and cultural sights of the cities you won’t be disappointed.  The beauty of the Italian lakes is, quite simply, breathtaking – crystal clear waters and quaint little lakeside towns and villages to explore. Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como make up Italy’s three major lakes and each offers wonderful views, restaurants and bars where you can dine on tasty pizza whilst taking in the glorious surroundings. No visit to Italy would be complete without taking in one of the cultural cities; artistic Florence, romantic Verona and of course magical Venice with its maze of canals and waterways. Lakes and mountains, cities and spas – Italy has it all

 

 

 

 

 

With a wide sheltered bay and a long curved pebble beach lapped by the clear blue waters of the lake, Garda enjoys an idyllic position less than an hour from the historical city of Verona. Many graceful villas still remain in this beautiful area, the most notable being the Villa Albertini, a vast 15th century palace. A long wide traffic-free promenade lies beside the lake with delightful lively colourful cafés, open-air restaurants, cheerful bars and many shops and boutiques. The town livens up at night and the promenade is thronged with strollers. Pizzerias, restaurants, romantic candlelit bars and ice cream cafés become the focus of life.

 

 

The popular neighbouring resorts of Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, Azzano di Mezzegra and Menaggio lie together on the sunny western shore of Lake Como, with superb views across the lake to Bellagio. Guests staying in Bellagio usually take a ferry for transfers (no porterage). Delightful Bellagio has enchanting narrow cobbled streets winding up to the hills behind the village and occasional live music in high season. In addition to their colourful lakeside hotels, shops and pavement cafés, all resorts are well connected with each other by boat and for short trips to other parts of the lake

 

 

The charming village of Limone was once the border between Austria and Italy and its historical lemon gardens thrive in the glorious climate. A quaint and colourful little village, Limone hugs the north-western shore of the lake, with narrow cobbled shopping streets leading on to an idyllic waterfront and two tiny picturesque harbours. Oleanders and Bougainvillaeas provide a blaze of colour throughout the summer. Limone has much to offer in the evenings, with a choice of delightful lakeside cafés and tavernas, some with live music. There are regular brass band concerts and even occasional spectacular firework displays.

 

 

Riva enjoys an ideal situation with superb mountain scenery combined with a warm Mediterranean-type climate where luxuriant flowers flourish. It is the ideal holiday destination and is suitable for all ages. The 'old town', centred around the 12th century fortress and the clock tower, is a maze of narrow streets bursting with inviting little shops, relaxing pavement cafés and masses of flowers. In the evening stroll through the old centre and stop for a tasty cappuccino in one of the delightful pavement cafés.