Best of the Italian lakes

One of the highlights of our May vacation was our day excursions to three of the main Italian lakes: Iseo, Como (Lecco), and Garda. These lakes provide a picturesque and relaxing getaway for the urban dwellers in Milan, Bergamo, and Brescia.

Our first official stop was Lago d'Iseo on our way back to Milano from Venice (Stay tuned). We made a brief stop in the town of Iseo for lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Leon D'Oro before heading up to see Monte Isola.  The best way to get to the island is via a ferry ride from Sulzano which is only 800m away from the shoreline arriving in Peschiera Maraglio, a small fishing village with a good selection of traditonal coloured houses on overlooking the lake front, 

Our next stop was Lago di Como and Villa Monastero located in Varenna and the Province of Lecco. The historic villa offers lovely gardens overlooking a breathtaking view of the lake.  Try and visit when the weather is nice because the pictures didn't give the view justice!

On our third and last day excursion, our road trip took us to the much anticipated Lago di Garda which was about an hour's drive from Milano.  Our first rest stop was Desenzano del Garda where you can take in a pretty decent view of the city from the historic Desenzano del Garda Castello.  Sirmione was our next stop and offered historical viewings such as Scaliger Castle and the Grotte di Catullo, a 1st century ancient Roman villa. Tip: the easiest way we found to get to and from the Roman ruins from Scaligar Castle was by mini train for a small fee.  

Unfortunately Lago di Garda was so large that we could not take in the full lake in one day. Riva del Garda still remains on our to do list...