Italian Lakes Road Trip Itinerary
The Italian Lakes Road Trip is a 332km journey through some of the most beautiful parts of Italy, starting in the city of Milan and ending in the city of Bergamo. This four-day trip is best done in the warmer months of the year, when the weather is perfect for taking in the sights and exploring the countryside. Along the way, you will visit the towns of Orta San Giulio, Locarno, and Como, each with its own unique character and history.
Throughout the journey, you will experience breathtaking views of the Italian lakes, including Lake Orta and Lake Como, and have the opportunity to visit some of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region. You will also find plenty of opportunities to visit the local beaches and explore the area's historical sites and monuments.
The Italian Lakes Road Trip is a great experience for drivers of all levels. The roads are in excellent condition, and the trip can be managed on a moderate budget. You will get the most out of this trip if you take your time to explore and appreciate the beauty of the Italian countryside. The memories you make on this trip will last a lifetime.
4
number of days
329 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Milan
Distance 329 km
Driving time 9.5 h
Pace: slow
75.6 kWh
Airports
MXP
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Milan, Italy is a great place to start your Italian Lakes Road Trip. It's the second largest city in Italy and a major transportation hub, making it easy to get around the country. You can take advantage of the city's many cultural and historical attractions, such as the Duomo di Milano, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the La Scala opera house.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA: MXP), which has excellent connections to many destinations worldwide. There are car rental services available at the airport, which makes it easy to start your road trip right away.
This is a great way to begin your Italian Lakes Road Trip, as Milan is close to some of the most stunning lakes in the country. Take some time to explore the city before heading out to Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda, all of which offer breathtaking views and plenty of activities. Enjoy the stunning scenery, take a boat trip, or simply relax on the banks of the lakes.
1
Milan
- Lake Orta
- Orta San Giulio
Distance 46 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
11.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip adventure in Milan, Italy and take a scenic drive to Lake Orta. This 46 km journey will take you less than an hour and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Italian countryside. On your way, you will pass by some of Italy’s most historical sites, including UNESCO Heritage sites. As you make your way to Lake Orta, take some time to explore the quaint village of Orta San Giulio. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets and visit some of the local shops, restaurants, and churches. Don’t forget to take a boat ride to the nearby island of San Giulio and admire the stunning views of the lake. After a day of exploring, you will be sure to have many memories to take home with you. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Orta San Giulio - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay
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2
Orta San Giulio
- Stresa
Distance 24 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: slow
5.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip adventure in the enchanting town of Orta San Giulio! Located on the eastern shore of Lake Orta, this charming destination is the perfect place to begin your journey. With its cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and stunning views of the lake, you’ll be inspired to explore more of the region. From Orta San Giulio, you’ll drive just 23 km to Stresa, a beautiful lakeside town situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. During your drive, be sure to take in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside. Once you arrive in Stresa, you’ll find plenty of attractions to explore. Visit the historic Villa Pallavicino Park, stroll along the lakefront promenade, or take a boat ride to the Borromean Islands. For a unique experience, consider a guided tour of the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, a luxurious 19th-century villa. There is also plenty of shopping and dining opportunities to enjoy in Stresa. As you plan your trip, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” section of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
Stresa - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Stresa
- Tronzano
- Locarno
Distance 55 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: slow
12.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a thrilling journey through the Italian-Swiss border! Start your adventure in Stresa, Italy, and drive through the picturesque Tronzano, and end your journey in Locarno, Switzerland. Enjoy the 55 km drive, which will take you fewer than two hours, and take in the breathtaking views of the Italian and Swiss countryside. Along the way, you can visit historical sites such as the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso in Orselina, the St. Anthony of Padua Church in Tronzano, and the Church of San Biagio in Locarno. For the more adventurous, you can also explore the nearby mountains and lakes.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get your car keys ready and start your road trip now!
Locarno - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - www.pxfuel.com
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4
Locarno
- Lake Varese
- Varese
Distance 81 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: slow
18.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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The stage of your road trip that starts in Locarno, Switzerland and ends in Varese will take you through the Unione dei Comuni Ovest Lago Var. The 85 km journey will take you fewer than 2 hours and you will be able to witness some of the most stunning landscapes and historical sites in the area.
The first stop of your trip should be the beautiful Monte Brè. From here, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore and the Alps. You can also explore the ruins of the old castle and the church which are located on the top of the mountain. After this, you can continue your trip and visit the small villages of the Valle Verzasca. Here, you can take a walk and admire the stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Your next stop should be the beautiful town of Ascona. Here, you can explore its historic center and visit the old churches, the castle, and the beautiful lakefront promenade. After this, you can continue your journey and visit the picturesque village of Sonogno. Here, you can explore the old stone houses, the churches, and the stunning views of the valley.
Your final destination is the city of Varese. Here, you can visit the beautiful old town, the churches, and the stunning views of the lake. You can also explore the nearby mountains and take a walk in the city's parks.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Varese - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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5
Varese
- Como
Distance 28 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: slow
6.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Varese to Como? This 29km journey will take you less than an hour, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular sights and attractions in Italy.
Start your journey in Varese and explore the beautiful Villa Panza, a stunning neoclassical villa surrounded by a lush park. Then, take a stroll through the breathtaking Giardino Botanico del Lago di Comabbio, a botanical garden with a stunning lake.
Continue your journey to Como and marvel at the majestic Duomo di Como, a beautiful cathedral with a bell tower. Then, explore the enchanting Villa Olmo, a neoclassical villa with lush gardens and a magnificent view of the lake.
On your way back to Varese, take a few minutes to admire the breathtaking views of the lake from the Lungolago di Como.
Don’t forget to take your time and enjoy the sights and attractions of this amazing route. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a great trip!
Como - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - PxHere
Como - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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6
Como
- Como
- Bellagio
Distance 29 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: slow
6.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Begin your road trip in the beautiful city of Como, Italy, and take a journey that will take you through the Spartiacque Lago di Como/Fiume S. and end in the picturesque village of Bellagio. This route is only 29km and can be driven in under an hour, so you can take your time to explore the many sights along the way.
Start your trip in Como and visit its stunning lakeside views, its historic churches, and the fascinating Museo Didattico della Seta. For a unique experience, take a cable car ride up to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking view of the lake and city.
As you drive through the Spartiacque Lago di Como/Fiume S., you will be surrounded by stunning mountain views, lush forests, and picturesque villages. Be sure to take some time to explore the area, as it is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Finally, end your journey in Bellagio, with its cobblestone streets, its amazing views of the lake, and its many restaurants and shops. Be sure to visit the beautiful Villa Melzi and the fascinating Villa Serbelloni, both of which are full of history and culture.
This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Start your road trip today!
Bellagio - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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7
Bellagio
- Lecco
- Bergamo
Distance 65 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: slow
15.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from beautiful Bellagio, Italy, to Bergamo, a journey of only 64 km that will take you less than two hours. Your first stop is Lecco, a town located on the banks of Lake Como. Here, you can admire the old town centre, with its churches, monuments, and museums, as well as take a boat ride to explore the lake. Once you're done, continue your journey to Bergamo, a city with a rich cultural heritage. Take a walk through the historic centre, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and explore the city's many churches and museums. In addition, you'll find plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy during your stay. As you travel along this route, don't forget to take in the stunning views of the Italian countryside. For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the itinerary of this stage.
Bergamo - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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Bergamo
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End your "Italian Lakes Road Trip" in the beautiful city of Bergamo in Italy. Bergamo is a fascinating city located in the Lombardy region of Italy with a lot to offer the traveler. It is known for its grand architecture, museums, churches and monuments, as well as its stunning natural beauty.
To start your exploration, make sure to visit the old town of Bergamo, the Città Alta. Here you will find a wealth of history and culture, with the grand Piazza Vecchia, the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy, as well as shops and galleries.
In the new town of Bergamo, the Città Bassa, you will find the modern side of the city. Here you can explore the museums and galleries, such as the Accademia Carrara, or take a stroll along the banks of the River Serio. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars, as well as shops and markets.
No visit to Bergamo would be complete without a visit to the nearby Lombardy lakes. Here you can enjoy a day of swimming, sailing, kayaking and much more.
For those traveling by air, Bergamo is served by the closest international airport, Orio al Serio (BGY).
End your "Italian Lakes Road Trip" in the beautiful city of Bergamo and explore its fascinating history and culture, as well as its stunning natural beauty. Make sure to take the time to explore all the area has to offer and you won't be disappointed.
Italian Lakes Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Milan
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End:
Bergamo
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Distance:
329 km
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Stay:
4 days
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Getting there:
Malpensa International Airport (MXP)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Italian Lakes Road Trip, covering approximately 332 kilometers from the cosmopolitan hub of Milan to the historic city of Bergamo. This enchanting four-day journey takes you through the heart of northern Italy's idyllic lake district. Experience breathtaking vistas, explore quaint lakeside towns, and discover architectural marvels along the way.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Orta San Giulio: Step into a storybook as you wander the cobblestone streets of this medieval town. The enchanting Isola San Giulio, located within the tranquil Lake Orta, is home to an ancient basilica and a monastery reputed for its silent retreats.
- Locarno: Cross into Switzerland to visit Locarno, nestled on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore. Beyond its renowned film festival, the town delights visitors with its subtropical gardens and the historic Castello Visconteo, parts of which date back to the 12th century.
- Como: Indulge in the splendor of Lake Como, a celebrity retreat celebrated for its dramatic scenery and opulent villas. Discover the majestic Como Cathedral, and ascend the hills via the funicular railway for a stunning vista of the lake and the surrounding Alps.
Best Time to Go:
Experience the Italian Lakes at their finest from late spring to early fall (May to September), when warm temperatures complement outdoor pursuits such as boating, hiking, and lakeside lounging.
Potential Risks:
Drive attentively along the serpentine lakeside Roads, always being mindful of sudden turns and occasional narrow stretches. Peak tourist seasons can lead to congestion, and parking may be challenging to find—plan accordingly.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The route is peppered with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the awe-inspiring Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) of Piedmont and Lombardy, which are groups of chapels and other edifices constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries.
- The shores of the lakes offer pristine beaches and secluded spots for swimming or picnics in the midst of nature's tranquility.
- History aficionados will revel in the numerous castles, palaces, and churches that chronicle centuries of Italian heritage.
- This Road Trip caters to a range of budgets and driving proficiencies, allowing for a customized adventure through Italy's picturesque landscapes.
A good choice for:
The Italian Lakes Road Trip weaves together the allure of Italy's natural landscapes with the wealth of its cultural heritage. As you journey through this region, take moments to pause and appreciate the serene beauty, delve into the local history, and soak up the vibrant culture for a truly enriching travel experience.
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