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.

The next stop on our “Italy in 5 Trips” series is all the way down south, in Sicily. Between the gorgeous seaside, intricate history, unique culture, and exceptional food and wine, this island has much to offer visitors.