An Italian Lakes Adventure

The glorious spring sunshine has ignited a desire for summer exploration, and I’ve been delighted to see many of you planning your great escapes. Inspired by the adventures of fellow GlamperRV enthusiasts, I’m casting my gaze towards the beauty of the Northern Italian lakes for our trip this week, an Italian Lakes Adventure — a region that promises stunning scenery and exhilarating discovery.

Whilst the allure of celebrity spotting in Lake Como is undeniable, its popularity and congestion during peak season is not for everyone. For those seeking a more authentic Italian experience, I recommend venturing to the less frequented, yet hidden gems of lakes of Iseo, Varese, and Orta.

My suggested itinerary is designed for those who relish the journey as much as the destination.  For a route map click here.

Take the Eurotunnel to Calais from where you will traverse through the heart of Europe via Munich, then descend through Austria and the majestic Brenner Pass into Italy.

This scenic route unfolds like a grand opera, leading you from the romantic Verona, through the expansive beauty of Lake Garda, to the charming Lake Iseo, the historic Bergamo, the iconic Lake Como, the regal Lake Maggiore, the peaceful Lago Varese, and the serene Lago d’Orta.

The return journey, via the awe-inspiring Simplon Pass into Switzerland, through Strasbourg and Reims, culminates in your return to Calais, leaving you with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.

This expansive route offers a myriad of opportunity for exploration, allowing you to tailor your adventure to your personal preferences and time constraints (I would recommend a minimum of 14 nights for this adventure).

Essential Tips for Your Italian Lakes Expedition:

• Embrace the Ferries: Utilize the lake ferries to navigate between picturesque towns, offering stunning vistas and a relaxed pace.
• Advance Bookings: Secure your campsite reservations well in advance, particularly for lakeside locations during peak season.
• Meticulous Planning: Plan your route, ensuring suitable roads and acquire the necessary vignettes for toll travel in each country.

Highlights of Your Italian Lakes Journey:

• Lake Garda: Experience the almost completed Garda cycle path, a monumental project offering 140km of breathtaking lakeside cycling.
• Monte Baldo: Ascend via cable car from Malcesine to Monte Baldo for unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Garda and its surrounding peaks.
• Lago d’Orta: Begin your exploration in Omegna, marveling at the Nigoglia canal, a rare northward-flowing pre-Alpine waterway.
• Monte Isola: Discover the tranquil beauty of Monte Isola on Lake Iseo, a car-free island offering exceptional hiking and exploration.
• Lago Maggiore: Explore Stresa, renowned for its elegant villas and gardens, and embark on a boat trip to the enchanting Borromean Islands, particularly Isola Bella.
• Lake Como: Enjoy the breathtaking vistas along Lake Como’s western shore.
• Lago Varese: Discover the tranquil haven of Lago Varese, a favored retreat for Milanese residents, offering serene beauty and charm.

• Camping Castel San Pietro, Verona: Ideally situated for exploring Verona’s historic centre.
• Camping Sirmione, Lake Garda: A luxurious 5-star campsite with stunning lake views near Sirmione’s old town.
• Camping Baia Verde, Lake Garda: A popular lakeside campsite with comprehensive facilities and scenic views.
• Riva Saint Pietro, Lago Iseo
• Bergamo Aire (Via dello Statuto): A convenient base for exploring Bergamo’s medieval city.
• Gavirate Sosta, Lago Varese: A lakeside haven for walking and cycling enthusiasts.
• Campeggio Allegro, Lago D’Orta: serene lakeside camping options.
• For those seeking a touch of indulgence on their return, consider a rejuvenating spa stop at Thermalquellen Brigerbad in Switzerland.

I trust this itinerary will inspire many of you for your next GlamperRV adventure, filled with unforgettable moments and breathtaking vistas.

As ever, happy planning!