Here’s a 14-night itinerary through some of Italy’s most stunning lakes, including Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Nambino, Lake Braies, Lake Bolsena, Lake Iseo, and Lake Garda. This itinerary blends beautiful landscapes, hiking, and kayaking activities, offering the perfect balance of nature, adventure, and relaxation.
Day 1: Arrival in MilanArrive in Milan, Italy.
Spend the day exploring Milan: visit Duomo di Milano, stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and enjoy a walk around Sforza Castle.
Stay overnight in Milan.
Day 2: Milan to Lake Como (1.5 hours drive)Drive to Lake Como (1.5 hours).
Visit Como Town: Explore the Como Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo.
Take a boat tour on Lake Como to admire the beautiful villas, including Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.
Optional: Rent a kayak to explore the lake’s calm waters.
Stay overnight in Como.
Day 3: Lake Como to Lake Maggiore (1 hour drive)Drive to Lake Maggiore (1 hour).
Visit the charming town of Stresa and take the cable car to Mottarone, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding Alps.
Explore the Borromean Islands by boat, visiting Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori.
Optional: Kayak on Lake Maggiore and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Stay overnight in Stresa.
Day 4: Lake Maggiore to Lake Nambino (2.5 hours drive)Drive to Lake Nambino (2.5 hours), located near Madonna di Campiglio in the Dolomites.
Explore the Dolomites region by taking a hiking trail around the lake. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Nambino.
Stay overnight in Madonna di Campiglio or nearby.
Day 5: Lake Nambino - Hiking in the DolomitesSpend the day hiking in the Dolomites. Popular trails include the Adamello Brenta Nature Park and Cima Brenta.
If you're interested, you can do some kayaking on nearby Lago di Tovel, which is another scenic alpine lake.
Stay overnight in Madonna di Campiglio.
Day 6: Lake Nambino to Lake Braies (2 hours drive)Drive to Lake Braies (2 hours), one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites.
Hike around Lake Braies: The circular trail offers a stunning view of the lake with the towering peaks of the Dolomites as a backdrop.
Optional: Rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake from the water.
Stay overnight in the area around Lake Braies (look for a nearby hotel or guesthouse).
Day 7: Lake Braies to Lake Bolsena (4 hours drive)Drive to Lake Bolsena (4 hours), located in central Italy, known for its volcanic origin and crystal-clear waters.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Lake Bolsena. You can rent a kayak to explore the lake's serene shores.
Explore the charming town of Bolsena, known for its medieval history and the Basilica of Saint Christina.
Stay overnight near Lake Bolsena.
Day 8: Lake Bolsena - Hiking and KayakingSpend the day exploring Lake Bolsena by kayak, or hike along one of the lake’s scenic trails.
Visit Castiglione in Teverina, a hilltop village with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Stay overnight near Lake Bolsena.
Day 9: Lake Bolsena to Lake Iseo (4 hours drive)Drive to Lake Iseo (4 hours), a quieter lake in the Lombardy region.
Visit the Monte Isola, a large island in the middle of the lake. You can either hike or rent a bike to explore the island.
Optional: Kayak around the island or on the lake itself, enjoying the surrounding mountains.
Stay overnight in Iseo or nearby.
Day 10: Lake Iseo - Hiking and ExplorationTake a hike in the Sebino Hills or explore some of the other small villages along the lake, such as Sarnico or Pisogne.
Visit Piramide di Zone, an area with natural stone pyramids formed by erosion.
Stay overnight in Iseo.
Day 11: Lake Iseo to Lake Garda (1.5 hours drive)Drive to Lake Garda (1.5 hours).
Visit Sirmione, a charming town on the southern tip of the lake. Explore Scaligero Castle and relax by the lake's shores.
Take a boat tour on Lake Garda to admire its stunning landscapes and picturesque towns like Desenzano del Garda and Lazise.
Stay overnight in Sirmione.
Day 12: Lake Garda - Hiking and KayakingSpend the day hiking along the Sentiero del Ventrar, a scenic trail with spectacular views of the lake.
Alternatively, rent a kayak and paddle along the calm waters of Lake Garda, passing through picturesque towns.
Visit the Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a Roman villa at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula.
Stay overnight in Sirmione.
Day 13: Lake Garda to Lake Como (2.5 hours drive)Drive back to Lake Como (2.5 hours).
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of the Lake.” Stroll along the beautiful lakefront promenade and visit the Villa Melzi Gardens.
Optional: Rent a kayak or take a boat ride around the lake.
Stay overnight in Bellagio.
Day 14: Lake Como - Hiking and RelaxationTake a hike on the Greenway del Lago di Como, a scenic route that offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Alternatively, visit the Villas of Como, including Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.
Spend your last evening enjoying a relaxing dinner by the lake, taking in the breathtaking views of the Alps.
Stay overnight in Bellagio.
Day 15: DepartureDepending on your departure time, you can enjoy a leisurely morning in Lake Como before heading back to Milan for your flight.
Additional Tips:Kayaking: Many of the lakes offer kayak rentals in the summer months. You can explore the lake’s clear waters at your own pace, surrounded by the stunning alpine scenery.
Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails around each of these lakes. From easy walks to more challenging routes in the Dolomites, make sure to check the difficulty level of the hikes before setting out.
Accommodation: Try staying in lakeside hotels, agriturismos, or small guesthouses for a more authentic experience. Many of these offer fantastic views of the lakes and mountains.
Transportation: You will need to rent a car for the driving portions of the trip. Each lake is easily accessible by road, and the drives between them offer incredible views of the Italian countryside.
This 14-night itinerary offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities, stunning natural beauty, and relaxation in Italy’s most beautiful lakes. Enjoy your adventure!