Italy lake region tours

Your questions about the Italian Lakes, answered

Got questions about travelling in the Italian Lakes? You'll find the most common ones below.

And here’s some peace of mind upfront: when you choose us, you can Book With Confidence, knowing your payments are protected. Curious about the details? You’ll find them in our booking terms and FAQs.

1. When is the best time to visit the Italian Lakes?

April to October are the best months to visit. The lakes are at their warmest and most lively between June and September, with long days and outdoor dining everywhere you look.

May and October are quieter, with pleasant weather and fewer visitors on the roads. The gardens are usually still in bloom well into autumn – our guide to the best time to visit Italy covers the season-by-season detail.

2. What ways can I travel around the Italian Lakes?

You’ve got options! Our self-drive tours let you explore at your own pace with a rental car, GPS, and mapped routes – our tips for driving in Italy cover everything from tolls to ZTL zones.

If you’d rather not drive, we also offer guided small group tours (max 16 travellers, with a local guide and driver) and train journeys through the Alps into Northern Italy.

Each tour is different, so you can pick what suits you.

3. What’s included in a Nordic Visitor Italy tour?

Every tour comes with accommodation, daily breakfast, a personalised itinerary with our local tips, and 24/7 phone support from our regional travel experts. What else is included depends on the travel style you choose – self-drive tours include a rental car, guided tours include transport and a local guide, and train tours include rail passes.

4. Can I adjust the itinerary or add extra nights?

Yes. Want a couple of extra nights by Lake Como, or a detour to Venice? Just let your travel consultant know when you book.

Changes like extra nights or optional experiences aren’t included in the base price, but your consultant will quote everything clearly before you confirm.

5. Will I have support during my trip?

You’ll receive a detailed itinerary before you go, packed with our local tips and recommendations – so you’ll have plenty of guidance at your fingertips from day one.

And if something unexpected comes up while you’re travelling, our team is available 24/7 by phone. It doesn’t need to derail your trip. We’re only a call away.

6. How far in advance should I book?

The earlier, the better. Booking 3–6 months ahead gives you the widest choice of accommodation, especially around the lakes, where the most popular hotels go quickly.

For peak summer (July and August), we’d really recommend booking as early as you can. Shoulder months like May, June, and September are a little more forgiving, but the best options still tend to go to the early planners.

7. Which Italian lakes are included in these tours?

Most of our lake region tours cover Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore. Some also take you through Verona, into the Valpolicella wine region, or across the border into Switzerland.

Your exact route depends on which tour you choose. A few of our packages start in Milan and finish in Venice (or the other way round), while others loop through the Alps and back.

8. What should I pack for a trip to the Italian Lakes?

We always recommend layers. Mornings by the lake can be cool, even in summer, and if your tour crosses into the Alps or over mountain passes, you’ll notice the temperature drop. Comfortable walking shoes are worth bringing too – lakeside towns are full of cobblestones and gentle hills.

And a swimsuit. The temptation to swim in the lakes is real. Our Italy packing guide has a full checklist.

9. Can I book flights through Nordic Visitor?

We don’t include flights in our tour packages. This way, you’re free to plan the journey that works for you. You choose your airline, where you fly from, and flight times that suit you.

We recommend looking into flights first, then booking your tour. Just wait for our confirmation before buying tickets.

10. What kind of hotels do you use?

Relaxing properties and locally owned hotels – many with lakeside pools and the kind of views you’ll photograph from 17 different angles. Every hotel is one we’d choose for ourselves. Your personalised itinerary includes our notes on each property, so you’ll know what to expect before you arrive.