With their mild, sunny climate and glorious Alpine views, the Italian lakes have drawn visitors to northern Italy since Roman times. Today they’re an outdoor playground for all kinds of travellers, from couples who love the glam grande dame hotels and villas – which have drawn the likes of George and Amal Clooney to these shores – to families who want fun in the great outdoors.

Italian lakes holidays truly have something to please everyone. The hiking is fabulous, as are the water sports, and there are 120 beaches that make the lakes a great freshwater alternative to the seaside. Lots of lovely gardens to visit also make this a paradise for plant-lovers, for whom our tour of the Italian lakes, including the Borromean Islands, Villa Taranto and Villa Balbianello, is ideal.