Dear Friends,

The first time I visited the Italian Lake District, I realized that this was not going to be just another boring day in paradise. There is so much to see and do, from great art to great shopping, from tiny villages to magestic mountains. See Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper one day, and play eighteen holes of golf the next. Have cappuccino on the piazza of a different lakeside village every day...

... It’s easy to see why the dazzling lakes of northern Italy have long been beloved by writers, poets, musicians, and movie stars. Lakes just don’t come any more dramatic. Snow-capped mountains plunge to meet the lakeshore, and morning mists give way to glorious sunshine as you stroll through picturesque lakeside towns of pastel-colored houses, palatial villas, and stately gardens. Even the name—i laghi d'Italia—is poetic.

While each of the Italian lakes has its own particular charm, all of the lakes are renowned for their mild climate, boasting cooler temperatures during summer months and warmer temperatures than elsewhere in Italy during spring and fall. Lemon, orange, and olive trees, gardenias, azaleas, mimosa, magnolias, and palms all thrive in this gentle microclimate. The region is famous for its magnificent gardens—Villa Taranto is one of Europe’s finest.

This is a wonderful destination in all seasons, and for all ages. Families who want to experience natural beauty with incredible architecture and plenty of culture will not be disappointed. American novelist Henry James said it best when he wrote “One can’t describe the beauty of the Italian lakes, nor would one try if one could.” No wonder artists like Keats, Wordsworth, Hemingway, Rossini, and Verdi came to the lakes for inspiration. We can’t promise that renting a villa on the Italian lakes will move you to write lyric poetry or compose a symphony…but we’re sure that you, too, will be inspired by the extravagant beauty, breathtaking scenery, and wealth of activities (see our Sample Itinerary) of the Italian Lake District.

Ciao,
Kit