5 towns to visit during your holiday on Lake Idro

Lake Idro offers unique tourist experiences where you can immerse yourself in nature and discover little-known villages. A hike up Monte Censo is one of my favourite activities, from the top you have spectacular views over Lake Idro. I love walking through the narrow streets of Bondone or the tiny village of Presegno, the tranquillity of these places is fascinating.

During your holiday in nature, take the opportunity to explore more, surely one of your fellow travellers would like to visit a nearby town, for an immersive cultural experience or just for shopping. In fact, you can easily plan day trips from Lake Idro to discover art cities.

Here I suggest 5 cities around Lake Idro that you can visit during your holiday. Pick one and go exploring! The cities I recommend are very different in terms of architectural style and geographical location.

Which town should you visit? Choose between Brescia, Bergamo, Verona, Mantua or Trento!

The closest city is Brescia, called ‘the Lioness of Italy’ because it is a symbol of strength, determination and pride. Its historic centre stretches at the foot of the Cidneo hill, on which the castle stands.

To the west of Brescia lies the city of Bergamo, which, together with Brescia, will be chosen as Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2023. The city of Bergamo is divided into two parts: the upper part, called ‘Città Alta’, famous for its masterpieces, and the lower part ‘Città Bassa’, more modern and dynamic.

To the east of Brescia lies the famous Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. The old town is crossed by the river Adige and is also known for the opera festival at the Arena di Verona.

To the south, between Brescia and Verona, nestled between three regions, lies Mantua. Mantua, also called ‘the city of the three lakes’, Upper, Middle and Lower Lake, is the city of Virgil (the Roman poet) and the Gonzaga family.

North of Lake Idro, you can visit Trento. This city is surrounded by three mountains and lies on the banks of the Adige River. Trento has always been a border town with the central European world and is known for its Council and Buonconsiglio castle.

All these beautiful towns around Lake Idro and Lake Garda are rich in culture, history and art. They are all worth a visit, but take a day to explore at least one: Brescia, Bergamo, Verona, Mantua or Trento. Continue your journey through these cities! Read what to see in the most beautiful cities around Lake Idro in my day trip experiences.