Lake Como vacation

Arguably, the Lakes in Northern Italy have been made famous by Hemingway's war novel "A Farewell to Arms," although they were quite popular in Italy prior to that date. As a piece of trivia, part of the movie " Star Wars: Attack of the Clones" was filmed in Lake Como, as a June NY Times article points out. French writer Stendhal also wrote, "What can one say of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands...except to pity people who do not go mad over them."

So what are the towns/villages one should visit in the Lake District of Italy? Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore-Baveno, Lake Maggiore-Belgitare, Lake Maggiore-Stresa, and Riva de Garda.

We agree with the NY Times writer: the best way to see the famed Lake District in Italy is by renting a car, although there are railroad alternatives. Of course, traveling by train has its undeniable unique charm, but for today's multi-tasking traveler, renting a car presents multiple advantages.

whether you decide for car or train, it is up to you. The closest international airport is the city of Milan, where you can choose to spend a few nights as well.

Lake Como

Lake Garda

Lake Maggiore-Baveno

Lake Maggiore-Belgitare

Lake Maggiore-Stresa

Riva de Garda

Here are a few train packages to explore the area:

Lake Como - Milan

Lake Maggiore - Milan

Milan - Como - Venice

Bella Italia (Rome, Florence, Venice, Lake Como and Milan by Rail)

Completely Italian (Rome, Siena, Pisa, Florence, Verona, Venice, Lake Como and Milan)

And a few self-drive itineraries:

Northern Italy (Venice, Padova, Verona, Lake Como and Milan with a rent a car)

Journey Through Northern Italy and Venice (Venice, Ravenna, Bologna, Cremona, Como, Verona and Padova)

I guess it's time to pack for your trip to Northern Italy.