Italian Lakes

We went to Lake Garda last May, it was wonderful, lots of lovely places on the Lake to visit by boat.We stayed in Sirmione.

We went with Thomsons ( they seem reliable, as we have been away lots of times with them.)

Oh yes, Lake Garda is a wonderful place to visit. We were there 5 years ago, spent three days driving there! And because we had the car we were able to make the most of the visit - there is a road which goes all the way round the lake, which was a lovely drive on the one day that it was raining . We also visited Verona twice by car (beautiful city!). We booked an apartment about a mile from the lake itself in Lazise. This is on the east side of the lake in the south, near to another lovely town, Peschiera del Garda. It's a particularly good part of the Lake to stay in, being relatively flat compared to much of the western side which is very mountainous, and further north on the eastern side is also mountainous (but less so than the western side). There is a good rail service from Peschiera to Venice, which we took advantage of one day.
Can't recommend it enough - we had a wonderful time there!

Loved Lake Garda. Very easy to travel via the ferries on the Lake. Took trips into the Dolomites and Venice. Happy the rest of the time investigating the Lake towns. As a bonus made some very good friends but can't guarantee that.

A year ago we went to lake Iseo. One of the smaller lakes and not so crowded. We stayed in the mediaeval lakeside town of Lovere. It was very Italian so it might not suit anyone who likes big resorts.
It was easy to get around and is quite near the Swiss border, so we took the glacial train to St Moritz
We went with Preferred Travel Services, who organise walking holidays (which we went on ) and escorted tours.

x

Bardolino is our very favourite we go with Thomsons lakes and mountains .We have gone for years here or Garda town but prefer Bardolino especially when the wine festivals are on . Sadly prices are rising compared to Austria a good Italian hotel is more expensive than a good Austria one however Italy wins on sunshine and lovely people. They tolerate our poor Italian and are always friendly .

Love Lake Garda. Have stayed in Limone ( a long road round the north of the lake if visiting Verona or Venice) and àlso Bardolino but have scooted round the lake to Sirmione (lovely) Riva del Garda (least favourite) and best of all Malcesine (with cable car to top of Monte Balde).
Lovely place, lovely people, food and wine.

Thank you that is really helpful - I think we should get on and book now.

Lake Garda is absolutely beautiful. I stayed in Garda itself, but my favourite little town around the lake is Limone (spellling?).
The ferry sevices across and around the lake are excellent, and the food and the people are great.
I now want to go to Lakes Como and Maggiore.

Our last holiday on our own was to Limone but we now could not manage the inclines. Our hotel had the most beautiful views of the lake with the balconies all being tiered so everyone had an unobscured view. We used the ferries across to Malcesine several times and also all the way round the lake.I loved Sirmeone but it was rather busy and upmarket so probably expensive.
Go for it Teetime

We stay at a lovely hotel on lake Garda called hotel Gardenia al Lago which is in a small town called Gargnano. It is a family run hotel and we book direct with the hotel. Half board is great value and food amazing. You eat in the garden overlooking the lake and you can swim from the garden in the lake . It's a lovely walk along the lakeside to the town and you can get the ferry to lots of locations from there. We fly to Verona and the hotel arranges to pick us up from there so we don't take a car. The road round the lake gets very busy in the summer. D H Lawrence stayed in Gargnano and you can do a Lawrence walk around the area. It's not as touristy as Limone or Sirmione, but you can visit on the boat from Gargnano.

teetime be sure to sample ( every day) the wonderful ice creams in all flavours ( the mango is just yummy.)

We have been to Lakes Garda and Como. I prefer Garda. Como is spectacular and dramatic but Garda is SO beautiful. We took the ferry down the lake a few times and got on and off at various points. We stayed just outside Malcesine which is a beautiful place in itself but all the little towns on the lake we visited were beautiful.

Lake Garda tends to be quite German. If the Italians see that you are foreign they automatically think you are German. It's a lovely lake and Salo market on a Saturday morning is brilliant!

We have been going to Lake Iseo since 2002. Much smaller but just as beautiful. It does help if you can speak a bit of Italian as not many people speak much English. Best gelataria in Iseo is The Golden Lion (Leon d'Or) down by the Quayside.

There is a nice Outlet Village at Franciacorta. Prehistoric rock carvings at the head of the lake and a nature reserve at the foot. We always stay in a village called Zone which is about half an hour up the side of the mountain. Lovely family Hotel called the Conca Verde - but again they don't really speak much English.

The Germans who were staying at our hotel were lovely people,so friendly and warm,we struck up a friendship with one couple but oh boy could they eat?

Lake Yards is beautiful. We stayed in Limone. It was lovely. There are loads of places to visit, and trips to take. Verona is quite close, and we booked a trip to Venice. I'd been there before but it was DH's first time. He wants to go back!

Why yards? I did write Lake Garda.

We're thinking about this area for later in the year, maybe September. Has anyone been at that time of year, what's the weather like then? I enjoy a bit of a buzz and a good atmosphere, but would prefer to avoid very overcrowded spots/ roads etc. Any advice welcome!

We went in May. Warm, but few holiday makers as it was out of most school holidays. The flowers and greenery were fresh and newly sprung! If you get what I mean!

x

grannyqueenie we went in September and it was glorious! Very warm and sunny throughout.
It was the year we had both retired and, as I had spent nearly my entire working life working at a University, I had never, ever been able to holiday in September before, the busiest time of year in a Uni! So it was a complete luxury to be able to go away at that time of year - we were away for nearly a month, took three days to drive there, 2 weeks at Lake Garda, then down to Rome for 3 days, and back by a different route, staying at La Spezia on the way for one night. Absolute bliss, all of it, but particularly because I kept thinking about how chaotically busy I would have been, and indeed my colleagues were, at work

Thanks gransnetters, nothing booked yet but we're getting there....slowly but surely!

We went to Limone in July !!! It was roasting , trip to Venice was wonderful except for the heat , September would be much better , I would love to go back

Thank you all I have booked. 10 days Limone in May with Thomsons- cant wait!!!

You will love it Teetime so