Hotels in Italy - Hotel Bisesti - Lake Garda in the Veneto, northern Italy

But the centrepiece of your vacation will be Lake Garda itself. A huge expanse of water, Garda is not just the largest of the Italian Lakes, it also has the cleanest waters. This makes it a magnet for holidaymakers - many come to enjoy the fresh air on the shores, increasing numbers come to windsurf, canoe, dive and sail. But though popular with holidaymakers, Garda isn't spoiled by tourism, and it boasts many and varied attractions on land and water.

The weather tends to be temperate, with both mild winters and even the hottest summers being soothed by the gentle breezes that blow up and down the lake (which also make it great for windsurfing and sailing of course). The western shore is dubbed the Riviera Bresciana, and is lush with olive groves, vines and fruit trees.

Here on the eastern shore, the lake is overlooked by the Monte Baldo mountain chain. Walking or cycling along the shore is a favourite pastime, or why not take a boat or join one of the pleasure trips and go out on the waters?

And of course you can head into the Veneto and explore Verona, which comes close to Venice as the most picturesque town of the Veneto. With a multitude of Roman sites and streets of pink mediaeval buildings, this is an enjoyable day out, and the tourists are far thinner on the ground than in Venice. There is the ancient city of Brescia, rich with Roman remains, its mediaeval centre and important 20th century architecture. Venice can't be missed of course. There is the Basilica San Marco, the most exotic of European cathedrals, with 4000 square metres of golden mosaics. And gondola trips down the Grand Canal are a must - this is one of the world's most complex, diverse, beautiful and romantic cities.

Relaxing days on the water, lazing by the pool, exploring beautiful countryside and fascinating cities, this is an Italian vacation that combines it all: click below to find out more.