From divas to dictators, poets to politicians, people have been flocking to the shores of Lake Garda for centuries. Lesser known than it’s infamous neighbor Lake Como, Lake Garda is a delightful alternative to Como as a northern Lake in Italy. Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes, bordering all three regions of Lombardy, Alto Adige and the Veneto. We recommend four days in the area, which translates to Garda, Verona, Valpolicella and the Bolzano Mountains.

Off the coast of Sicily lay the islands of Malta and Gozo. They are arid windswept islands of limestone. Raided, settled, conquered for millennia, these islands have a rich and complex history. Now tourism has taken over her harbors and cafes, as hotels and shops open to accommodate the crowds. In 2016, there were over 7,000,000 tourists who visited here.

After you’ve visited the art cities in Italy, return travelers have a few great options for other areas to explore. One of our favorite areas is the Lakes region, in the northern region of Lombardia, the next region we are highlighting in our “Italy in 5 trips” blog series. Arriving to this area is easy with Milan Malpensa airport being a major gateway with many nonstop flights from the US.

When planning your dream to Italy, there are many options for lodging. While this can be overwhelming, we at the Italian Concierge are here to help you find the perfect place to rest your head.  

A magical place full of stunning snow capped mountains, valleys, world class skiing.. and that’s just the start. Sud Tyrol, located in northern Italy, is a fabulous destination all year round. The countryside is gorgeous, spotted with castles, rolling hills, picturesque landscapes and medieval towns. Gourmet food is easy to find, with dozens of Michelin star restaurants, and fantastic local wine to boot.