Age restrictions
The age limit for consuming and purchasing alcohol in Italy is 18. Stricter penalties on establishments selling to those under 18 have been enacted. The minimum age for driving, provided you hold a full licence, is 18 but for renting a car in most cases a driver must be 21 or over.
Budgeting
The best-value hotels and restaurants tend to be located away from the lake fronts. In high season you can expect to pay €200–300 for a comfortable double room with bath, €100–200 in a simpler hotel or B&B. Count on €50–80 upwards for a three-course evening meal with half a bottle of wine in a restaurant, and €20 or so for a pizza and beer. Drinks and coffee taken at the bar are quite a bit cheaper than those at a table with waiter service. Entrance fees to museums, galleries and gardens range from a few euros to €20; entrance is free for EU citizens under 18 (but no longer for those over 65) and those from 18–25 normally get a fifty percent discount. Fuel costs are similar to those across Europe, but public transport remains inexpensive.
Business hours
Banks are generally open weekdays 8.30am–1.30pm and 3–4pm (afternoon opening times may vary). Banks at airports and main stations usually have longer opening hours and are open at weekends.
Shops are traditionally open from Monday–Saturday 9am–1pm and 3.30/4–7.30pm, but an increasing number of stores, especially in cities and tourist resorts in high season, are open all day. Outside major resorts, many shops are closed on Sunday, and some also close on Monday morning.
Children
There is plenty to keep youngsters entertained on the lakes, from boat trips and cable-car rides to leisure parks and castles. Lake Garda is by far the best-equipped lake for families, with vast theme parks, water parks, and sandy beaches. Concentrated in a 25km (15.5-mile) radius in the southeast of Lake Garda, there are a number of major attractions.
Villa Pallavicino
Lake Maggiore’s Stresa may be a rather sedate resort, but children can be kept entertained by ferry rides and a visit to Villa Pallavicino. The extensive gardens are home to animals, exotic birds and a children’s playground. In summer, a mini train provides a shuttle service between the park and Stresa’s centre.
Lake Garda is the best equipped for families
iStockphoto
Child-friendly attractions and activities
Thousands of holidaymakers descend annually to the shore north of Peschiera del Garda, home to Gardaland (www.gardaland.it; charge), Italy’s number one theme park. It boasts over forty Disney-styled attractions and forty shows.
Situated 4km (2.5 miles) to the north is CanevaWorld and its Movieland Studios (www.canevaworld.it; charge), which comprises the fun-filled Acqua Water Park and film-themed attractions.
The most exciting rides in the region are the Monte Baldo cable-car , providing panoramic views of the astonishing landscapes .
Water parks and gardens
The Parco Cavour near Valeggio sul Mincio (www.parcoacquaticocavour.it; charge) provides plenty of aquatic entertainment. The Parco Giardino Sigurtà (www.sigurta.it; charge) at Valeggio sul Mincio features aquatic gardens, with fish-filled ponds, a toy railway, and nature trails.
Climate
Spring, summer and autumn are all good times to visit the lakes, not least due to the fine weather conditions. Ideal months are May, June and September when it is warm and sunny but not as hot or croweded as midsummer. April and May are the best months for the blooming of camellias, azaleas and tulips.
The climate can be unpredictable due to differences in altitude and microclimates. In Milan, temperatures can soar in summer to well above 30°C (86°F) and the humidity is high – hence the exodus of Milanese to the cooler lakes. October and November are the wettest months in the region but usually include quite a few unexpectedly fine days. Winter tends to be foggy and cold, and is best avoided.
Crime and safety
The lakeside resorts are generally very safe, as are most of the small towns. In Milan, keep an eye on possessions, especially in crowded places such as the Piazza del Duomo and train and bus stations. For insurance purposes, theft and loss must be reported straight away to the police station (questura).
Customs
Free exchange of non-duty-free goods for personal use is allowed between EU countries. See guidance levels:
Tobacco: 800 cigarettes, or 400 cigarillos, or 200 cigars, or 1kg of tobacco.
Spirits: 10 litres above 22 percent strength or 20 litres below 22 percent strength.
Wine: 90 litres (only 60 litres can be sparkling).
Beer: 110 litres.
Lake Maggiore lights up at night
iStockphoto
Those from non-EU countries should research their country’s current complete list of import restrictions.
Electricity
Sockets take two-pin, round-pronged plugs; supplies are 220-volt. UK appliances require an adaptor, US ones a transformer.
Embassies/Consulates
If you lose your passport or need other help, contact your nearest national embassy or consulate.
Australia: Australian Consulate General www.italy.embassy.gov.au
Canada: Canadian Consulate www.canadian-consulate.com
New Zealand: Consulate General www.mfat.govt.nz
Republic of Ireland: Honorary Consulate, www.dfa.ie
UK: British Consulate General www.british-consulate.org
US: US Consulate General, http://it.usembassy.gov
Emergency numbers
Ambulance: 118
Fire: 115
General emergency: 112
Police: 113
Health
All EU countries have reciprocal arrangements for reclaiming the costs of medical services. UK residents and other non-EU members should have private travel insurance that covers medical care, emergency repatriation costs and additional expenses such as accommodation and flights for anyone travelling with you.
A pharmacy (farmacia) is a good first stop for medical advice. The name of the duty or all-night pharmacy is posted on pharmacy doors.
Internet
Most hotels, and an increasing number of cafes offer Wi-Fi which is available in airports, train stations and other public places but you will more often find yourself relying on 4G and 5G.
Left Luggage
There are left-luggage facilities at all the airports and at Milan’s Central Station. Look for the signs ‘Deposito Bagagli’.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Milan is Italy’s gay-friendly capital. The Italian gay organisation, Arcigay (www.arcigay.it) is a useful source of information, as is the Rough Guide to Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Places in Europe.
Lost Property
In the event of lost valuables contact the nearest police station (questura).
Maps
Tourist offices can normally provide you with free town maps and sketchy regional ones. The Touring Club Italiano (TCI) publishes excellent road and hiking maps.
Santa Maria Assunta church in Orta San Giulio
Shutterstock
Media
Newspapers. English and foreign newspapers are available from kiosks of main towns and resorts. National newspapers include the Milan-based centre-right daily, Corriere della Sera, and its centre-left rival, La Repubblica.
Television and radio. Most hotels provide satellite TV, broadcasting 24-hour English-speaking news channels – but not necessarily many other channels in English. Some have streaming services. Italian TV, comprising the state-run RAI 1, 2 and 3 channels, along with a large number of private channels, churns out chat-shows, soaps, films and numerous advertisements. The state-run radio stations, RAI 1, 2 and 3, mainly broadcast news, chat and music. The easiest way of keeping in touch when travelling is to download the BBC Sounds app.
Money
Currency. The unit of currency in Italy is the euro (€), which is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros; coins come in 2 and 1 euros, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Cash machines. ATMs are widespread and have instructions in the main European languages, though an increasing number of places accept contactless payments, so it is no longer necessary to carry wodges of cash around.
Credit cards. Major international credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, stores and supermarkets.
Police
In an emergency the Carabinieri can be reached on 112, or the Polizia dello Stato on 113.
Post
Post offices normally open Mon–Fri 8.35am–1.25pm, Sat 8.35am–12.35. Only main post offices in major towns open in the afternoons. Stamps (francobolli) can also be purchased from tobacconists.
Public holidays
Shops, banks, museums and galleries usually close on the days listed below:
1 Jan New Year’s Day
6 Jan Epiphany
Mar/Apr Easter
Mar/Apr Easter Monday
25 Apr Liberation Day
1 May Labour Day
2 June Republic Day
15 Aug Assumption Day
1 Nov All Saints’ Day
8 Dec Feast of the Immaculate Conception
25 Dec Christmas Day
26 Dec St Stephen’s Day
Religion
Like the rest of Italy, the region is primarily Roman Catholic. The Church still plays a major role in the community, although numbers of regular worshippers have been in decline for some years. Milan has congregations of all the main religions.
Smoking
Since 2005, smoking has been banned in indoor public places. This includes bars and restaurants, unless they have a separate area for smokers – which very few do.
Telephones
Phone numbers. Whether phoning from abroad or within Italy, the full area code including the 0 must be used. Toll-free numbers within Italy that begin 800 need no other code. Numbers starting with 0 are landlines, those starting with 3 are mobiles.
Calling from abroad. To dial Italy from the UK, dial 00 (international code) + 39 (Italy) + area code + number. To call other countries from Italy, first dial the international code (00), then the country code: Australia 61, Ireland 353, UK 44, US and Canada 1.
Mobile phones. UK mobile (cell) phones can be used in Italy, but check roaming rates with your provider before you leave – some charge no roaming fees for the first couple of weeks, but this varies and may change. It may be worth buying an Italian SIM card, available from any mobile-phone shop and many newsagents, if you intend to stay for a long time. The new small independent operators often have the best pay as you go deals – newsagents are usually well informed.
Useful numbers
Directory enquiries: 12
International enquiries: 176
Time differences
Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, clocks are put forward an hour.
Tipping
Tipping is not taken for granted in Italy, although a bit extra will always be appreciated. In restaurants five to ten percent is customary unless service has been added to the bill. For quick service in bars, leave a coin or two with your till receipt when ordering. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip but will appreciate it if you round up the fare to the next euro.
Toilets
Public toilets are hard to come by. If you use the facilities of cafés and bars, buying a drink will be appreciated – even if it is only a glass of mineral water at the bar.
Tourist information
Around Lake Maggiore
Stresa: www.stresaturismo.it
Varese: www.comune.varese.it
Around Lake Como
Windsurfer on Lake Garda
iStockphoto
Bellagio: www.bellagiolakecomo.com
Como: www.visitcomo.eu
Menaggio: www.menaggio.com
Around Lake Iseo
Bergamo: www.visitbergamo.net
Iseo: www.visitlakeiseo.info
Around Lake Garda
Desenzano del Garda: www.desenzano.brescia.it
Gardone Riviera: www.rivieradelgarda.com
Riva del Garda: www.gardatrentino.it
Sirmione: http://visitsirmione.com
Milan
Tourist offices abroad
Tourist board official websites
www.distrettolaghi.it – Lake Orta and the west of Lake Maggiore.
www.vareseturismo.it – province of Varese, including Lake Maggiore’s eastern side.
www.ascona-locarno.com - Swiss Lake Maggiore.
www.turismo.regione.lombardia.it – Lombardy.
www.lakecomo.is – Lake Como.
www.bresciaholiday.com – Lake Iseo, Franciacorta, lower Lake Garda.
www.visitgarda.com – Lake Garda.
www.visitmilano.net– Milan.
Tours and guides
Tourist offices, travel agencies and hotels can provide details of tours and guides and excursions.
Transport
Arrival by air
For British travellers low-cost carrier Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) operates flights from London Stansted to Bergamo’s Orio al Serio airport, easyJet (www.easyjet.com) and British Airways have regular flights from Gatwick and Heathrow respectively to Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports.
From the US there are direct flights to Milan from main cities, including New York, Miami, Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Airports
Malpensa. Located 50km (31 miles) northwest of Milan, Malpensa airport (www.milanomalpensa-airport.com) is a convenient arrival point for the lakes in the west of the region (Orta, Maggiore, Varese and Como). The airport’s Terminal 1 is linked to Milan’s Centrale, Garibaldi and Cardorna railway stations by the half-hourly Malpensa Express (www.malpensaexpress.it). Journey time to the centre is about forty minutes. The Malpensa Shuttle and Malpensa Bus Express provide regular coach services to Milan’s Central Station, taking fifty to sixty minutes.
Santa Maria del Monte village
Neil Buchan-Grant/Apa Publications
Linate. Situated 10km (6 miles) east of Milan, Linate (www.milanolinate-airport.com) is the closest airport to the city, and handles mainly domestic and European flights. The quickest and easiest way into the centre is by underground (Mon–Thurs 6am–10.30pm, Fri–Sun 6am–12.30am). There is also an hourly metro service through the night.
Orio al Serio. Bergamo’s Orio al Serio airport, 48km/30 miles northeast of Milan (www.milanbergamoairport.it) is convenient for the western lakes, and ideal if you are heading to Lake Iseo. The city of Bergamo is only 5km (3 miles) away, with a bus service departing to the city every half an hour. Autostradale and Terravision operate half-hourly shuttle buses to Milan’s Central Station, an hour away.
Valerio Catullo/Verona-Villafranca. Verona’s airport (www.aeroportoverona.it) is 15km (9.5 miles) from Verona, and is handy for the Veneto shore of Lake Garda. Buses depart for Verona’s rail station at 5.35am, 6.30am and then every twenty minutes until 11.30pm.
Other airports. Lugano airport (www.luganoairport.ch/en) is another useful gateway to the Italian Lakes, as are Venice and Treviso.
Arrival by rail
The journey from the UK to Milan, via Paris on Eurostar (www.eurostar.com) and the Frecciarossa to Milan or Verona takes just over seven hours to Milan. Milan and Como are well served by trains from Switzerland, Germany and France. If arriving from elsewhere in Italy, there are reliable connections from Turin, Bologna, Florence and Rome, and from within the lakes region. Detailed information on international rail routes can be found at www.seat61.com and www.thetrainline.com.
Arrival by car
The quickest route to Milan from the UK channel ports takes a minimum of twelve hours, over a distance of 1,040km (646 miles). For route planning and for details on the cost of petrol, road tolls levied on French and Italian motorways, and the Swiss motorway road tax, visit www.viamichelin.com. Reasonable motorways (autostrade) and main roads link the lakes from Turin, Milan, Como, Varese, Bergamo and Brescia. But bear in mind that the city centres and ring roads can be both confusing and congested.
Tolls are levied on the motorways, but it is worth the relatively small expense to cover ground fast. When you approach the payment barrier, make sure you choose the correct lane. Lanes marked ‘Carte’ will accept credit cards; cash lanes are indicated with a hand holding notes and coins.
Transport within the lakes region
Boats. Operating on all the main lakes, ferries (battelli) offer the most enjoyable and leisurely way of exploring the lakes. Hydrofoils (aliscafi) or catamarans (catamarani) are faster than ferries, but more expensive and less fun as passengers are confined to the inside. Tickets for these faster services allow use on ferries but not vice versa. On popular summer routes on the main lakes, the hydrofoils fill up quickly.
Relaxing in Torbole
Neil Buchan-Grant/Apa Publications
Useful car ferries (traghetti) link Intra and Laveno on Lake Maggiore; Menaggio, Varenna, Cadenabbia and Bellagio on Lake Como; and Toscolano-Maderno to Torri del Benaco and Limone to Malcesine on Lake Garda.
Timetables covering all ferries and hydrofoils are available from ferry ticket offices, tourist information offices and online for the main lakes at www.navigazionelaghi.it. Timetables change at least twice a year, but the routes remain quite constant. Ferries normally run from 7am but stop quite early in the evening, and services between 12.30pm and 2.30pm are limited.
There is a bewildering variety of tickets and deals for the major lakes, so check the options before your first trip. These include an all-day ticket for parts or all of the lake, a single or return ferry ticket, and a ferry ticket that includes entry to (or a price reduction at) major sites.
An all-day ticket is the most convenient option if you are making several journeys on the same day. Generally, children under the age of four travel free, four- to twelve-year-olds are just over half-price. Over-60s from the EU nations are entitled to a twenty percent reduction on weekdays (with proof of identity). Return boat tickets (excluding catamarans or hydrofoils) tend to be valid for two days.
Yachts on Lake Garda
iStockphoto
Lake cruises. All local tourist offices and hotels will have details of lake cruises, some of which include dinner, lunch or an aperitivo on board.
Motorboat taxis. Public ferry services stop early in the evening so if you want to dine in another resort, you should organise transport for the return trip. As you might imagine, private motorboats are generally far more expensive than land taxis. Some island restaurants might transport diners back to the mainland. If you are worried about being stranded, discuss the options with your restaurant – you may be able to share a taxi-boat with other diners. If you are using a motorboat taxi, negotiate a price before setting off.
Bus. A reasonably priced bus network links towns and villages along the lakeshores. If you do not have a car, a bus can be the quickest means of reaching some destinations; for example, from Stresa to Lake Orta, and (on Lake Garda) from Desenzano to Sirmione, Salò, Gardone or Limone – all of which are inaccessible by train. Services linking villages are less regular, and some stop very early in the evening.
Rail. Milan is the main rail hub for the lakes, with excellent, well-priced services to the main towns across the region. Bergamo, Stresa (Lake Maggiore) and Como (Lake Como) all take around an hour by rail. Lakes Varese and Garda (using the station at Brescia) are also well served by trains. Desenzano, on the Milan–Venice line, is the main terminal on the southern shore of Lake Garda. However, the lakes themselves are better served by ferries and buses.
Limone sul Garda
Shutterstock
Intercity, Eurocity or Eurostar trains levy a supplement of at least 30 percent and require seat reservations. It is advisable to make a reservation well in advance. Return tickets offer no saving on two singles. Tickets must be stamped in the yellow machines on the platforms before boarding the train. Tickets bought on the train incur a hefty supplement. For information on train travel in Italy, see www.trenitalia.com or www.trenord.it.
Land taxis. Taxi fares are high, and there are additional charges for luggage in the boot (trunk), trips at night and trips on Sundays and holidays. Beware of touts without meters who may approach you at airports (especially Linate) and large train stations. The main squares of the larger towns usually have a taxi rank.
Car rental
Car-rental bookings made in advance on using internet broker sites such as www.holidayautos.com or www.rentalcars.com work out cheaper than hiring on arrival. Make sure you check all the extras when comparing quotes. The major car-rental companies have offices in the main cities and airports. An ever-increasing number of companies have electric cars available. As for charging points, Italy is one of the best-supplied countries in Europe, with the roll out propelled by a joint initiative between Enel, the national electricity provider and Volkswagen. Lombardy is at the top of the list. To check charging stations, look at www.placetoplug.com.
Drivers must present their own national driving licence or one that is internationally recognised. There is an additional charge for an extra driver. Credit-card imprints are taken as a deposit and are generally the only form of payment acceptable. ‘Inclusive’ prices do not generally include personal accident insurance or insurance against damage to windscreens, tyres and wheels. Taking out private car hire insurance is always cheaper than getting it from the car hire companies. Reliable providers are www.questor-insurance.co.uk and insurance4carhire.com. You will have to pay any expenses up front, but you will be reimbursed.
Driving
Rules of the road. Drive on the right; pass on the left. Speed limits in Italy are 50km/h (30mph) in towns and built-up areas, 90km/h (55mph) on main roads and 130km/h (80mph) on motorways. Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to heavy on-the-spot fines.
At roundabouts the traffic from the right has the right of way. Seat belts are compulsory in the front and back, and children should be properly restrained. The use of hand-held mobile telephones while driving is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent, and police occasionally make random breath tests. Lights must be used on motorways, dual carriageways and on all out-of-town roads. Visibility vests and a warning triangle are compulsory.
A ferry awaits at Riva del Garda
Neil Buchan-Grant/Apa Publications
Breakdowns. In case of accident or breakdown call 112 (general emergencies) or the Automobile Club of Italy (ACI) on 803116. The club has an efficient 24-hour service, which is available to foreign visitors.
Petrol. On main roads there are plenty of 24-hour stations with self-service dispensers that accept euro notes but not necessarily credit cards.
Parking. Finding a parking space in the centre of lakeside resorts is notoriously tricky. Check your hotel has parking facilities (charges can be quite high) or can recommend a parking lot nearby. Parking in towns is controlled by meters or scratch cards, available from tobacconists and bars. The larger towns have multi-storey car parks. Some free parking is controlled by parking discs (if you have hired a car a disc will be provided).
Travellers with accessible needs
Steep cobbled streets, steps and some museums without wheelchair access can present challenges for disabled travellers. Specialised tour operators can offer customised tours and itineraries, e.g. Limitless Travel (www.limitlesstravel.org). If you are going to be in Milan, visit the Milano per Tutti (Milan for All) website (www.milanopertutti.it) which provides a large amount of information for visitors with disabilities to the city.
Visas and passports
For citizens of EU countries, a valid passport or identity card is all that is required to enter Italy for stays of up to ninety days. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the US also require only a valid passport. For stays of over ninety days a visa or residence permit is required.
Websites
Official tourist board websites:
www.distrettolaghi.it – Lake Orta and the west of Lake Maggiore.
www.vareseturismo.it – province of Varese, including Lake Maggiore’s eastern side.
www.ascona-locarno.com – Swiss Lake Maggiore.
www.turismo.regione.lombardia.it – Lombardy.
www.lakecomo.is Lake Como. Weird address, but correct
www.bresciaholiday.com – Lake Iseo, Franciacorta, lower Lake Garda.
www.visitgarda.com – Lake Garda.
www.visitmilano.net– Milan.
Weights and measures
The metric system is used for all weights and measures in Italy.
Some roads are carved into the hillside
Shutterstock