9 days in Italy between mountains and lakes

Arriving at Milan airport, it's time to collect your hire car. The Italian adventure, between mountains and lakes, can begin!

After an hour and a half's drive, we reach the magnificent Lake Como. First activity: a short boat trip. There are a wide range of boating options on Lake Como, but we suggest you choose Grand Hotel Tremezzo 's vintage water limousine , named Ruy, for a truly elegant experience. Once on board, we tour the essence of Lake Como, enjoying the breeze and picturesque scenery. The captain then takes us to the must-see panoramas. Back on land as evening falls, we can enjoy a romantic dinner on the terrace of one of the lakeside restaurants, with a breathtaking view of the mountains in the background.

On the second day, we head for Lake Iseo, a three-hour drive from Lake Como.

For lunch, you can make a short stop in Bergamo.

Arriving at Lake Iseo, the atmosphere is totally different and less touristy, without losing any of its charm. Lake Iseo is one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Given that the surrounding area is dotted with vineyards, mountains and the glacial lake, travellers have several choices of activities: go for a pleasant wine tasting, or enjoy the serene beauty of the shores of Iseo or relax by the hotel pool. For dinner, the Gualtiero Marchesi restaurant at Hotel L'Albereta is a must. The chef was the first Italian chef to win three Michelin stars. The lobster is particularly delicious.

After a refreshing stopover in Iseo, you'll head for the third and final lake on this itinerary: Lake Garda. The journey from Lake Iseo to Lake Garda takes around two hours. On the way, don't hesitate to make stops and take photo breaks. The scenery is spectacular.

There's no better way to discover Lake Garda than to dive into its crystal-clear waters and soak up the magnificent scenery that surrounds it. So we jump on one of the many pleasure boats and spend the afternoon sailing around the lake.

On the fourth day, we embark on a day trip to Desenzano del Garda. This is the largest and liveliest town on Lake Garda. Easy to get to, it's just off the A4 motorway. The town is best known for its harbour, where you can enjoy a stroll through the shops or a drink in one of the cafés and restaurants lining the shores, while admiring the many yachts.

After this short break, we walk up the narrow street to the castle at the top of the hill and admire the magnificent view over the lake. Finally, the historic quarter is also well worth a visit. It has many small squares and old buildings with countless restaurants, bars and ice-cream stands.

On the fifth day, we head for the Dolomites, which are special in both summer and winter. From the Italian lakes, it's about a three-hour drive, a journey punctuated by spectacular views.

You could stop off on the way in Bolzano, the capital of the province of South Tyrol. This town has been ranked as having the best quality of life in Italy. Bolzano is a charming town at the foot of the Dolomites, with a pretty centre.

The Piazza delle Erbe is surrounded by buildings whose architecture is inspired by the Austrian style. Bolzano has a look straight out of a fairytale, with picture windows, colourful facades and flowers around every corner.

Piazza Walther offers a magnificent view of the church of Santa Maria Assunta, Bolzano's Duomo. The Duomo is a jewel of Romanesque-Baroque architecture and is also Bolzano's most distinctive monument. The church has a multicoloured green and yellow roof reminiscent of that of St Stephen's in Vienna, and also boasts a marvellous Gothic tower with beautiful sculptures.

During your stay in the mountains, you'll explore the beauty of the Dolomites mainly on foot. There are hikes to suit all fitness levels, from gentle scenic walks to demanding mountain treks. Those who prefer more extreme sports can opt for cycling and mountaineering.

The walks are themed: historical with the Lagazuoi ledges, geological to discover the rock formations, sporting, or simply focused on the most beautiful panoramas. Whatever you do, you'll marvel at the breathtaking scenery.

You won't need the car when you're in Venice, but the two-and-a-half-hour drive to sea level offers incredible views of the Dolomites. As you approach Venice, you'll need to drop your car off at the airport and make your way to the airport dock to board your private transfer.

Once you've settled into your new hotel, travellers will be tempted by a gondola tour. There's no doubt that Venice was built to be seen from the water, where it is at its most spectacular and magnificent. It's a charming and unique journey around and through the lagoon city that lets you discover the charm and silence of the canals while observing the ancient rooftops.

The gondola winds its way through lively districts, under bridges. It's a great opportunity to get a glimpse of secret gardens as you glide along the Grand Canal, with centuries-old palaces on either side.

We spend our last morning soaking up the culture of Venice on a two-hour private excursion, exploring the history of St Mark's Square and its monuments all the way to St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the famous Bridge of Sighs and the Prison Palace.