The Italian lakes by Escorted Rail

Picturesque, peaceful and perfectly placed for our visits to Verona and Venice, the lakeside town of Desenzano forms the ideal base for a wonderful and relaxing holiday. The delightful scenery and attractions of Lake Garda and northern Italy are just some of the highlights on this marvellous tour.

Known as the 'Pearl of the Lake', picture perfect Sirmione is perched on a peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda. On this exceptional tour we visit Mantova, the Sigurta Gardens, and iconic Venice, where we enjoy dinner in a palace on the Grand Canal.

Picturesque, peaceful and perfectly placed for our visits to Verona and Venice, the lakeside town of Desenzano forms the ideal base for a wonderful holiday with a delightful setting on the shores of tranquil Lake Garda - one of Italy's best-loved lakes.

Unwind in the lakeside Savoy Palace Hotel in Gardone Riviera, savouring the fresh air and mild climate, with sparkling Lake Garda as a backdrop. Enjoy a flavour of Venice and a meal at an 'agriturismo' on this fantastic rail holiday packed full of delights.

Alluring Lake Como has been attracting visitors to its beautiful shores for more than 200 years. On our spectacular tour based around the lake, we take in pretty Italian towns, lake steamers, mountain scenery and historic mansions. We also enjoy an enthralling journey into Switzerland on the Bernina Express, a stunning railway line with UNESCO protection.

From our stunning location overlooking beautiful Lake Maggiore in the picturesque town of Stresa, we explore this magnificent region of Italy. We cross Lake Maggiore to explore the Borromean Islands, taste the wines of the Monferrato region, visit enchanting Lake Orta and travel into Switzerland on the scenic Centovalli Railway.

Marvellous Alpine scenery makes a brilliant backdrop as we discover the wonderful Austrian Tyrol, enjoying spectacular mountainous narrow-gauge railways before continuing on to the peaceful shores of sparkling Lake Garda. From our base in the pretty lakeside town of Salò we explore beautiful Venice and historic Verona.

Enjoy a leisurely, relaxed holiday to some of Italy's most beautiful sights. We join the MS Michelangelo for a magnificent cruise through the spectacular Venice Lagoon, admiring the tiny islands of this attractive archipelago, before exploring fashionable Milan and the many attractions of Lake Garda.

Unwind in the lakeside Savoy Palace Hotel in Gardone Riviera, savouring the fresh air and mild climate, with sparkling Lake Garda as a backdrop. Enjoy a flavour of Venice and a meal at an 'agriturismo' on this fantastic rail holiday packed full of delights.

The warm climes and natural resources of Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore make them the perfect area for an array of beautiful and historic gardens. Discover the natural joys of Italy with visits to stunning gardens, a guided talk with a horticultural expert and a visit to the oldest botanical garden in the world.