The Italian Lakes are close enough to combine — Como, Garda, and Maggiore form a triangle that fits in 5-7 days. Each lake has a different personality (full comparison →): Como = elegance, Garda = versatility, Maggiore = grandeur. Connected by scenic drives through Alpine foothills (1-2h between lakes). Car essential →
Days 1-2: Lake Como. Fly into Milan Malpensa → drive to Varenna (1h30) or train (1h). Day 1: Varenna (Villa Monastero gardens, €10, lakeside lunch). Ferry to Bellagio (20 min, €4.60) — the "pearl of Como," walk the tip (Punta Spartivento), dinner with lake view. Day 2: Rent a small motorboat in Varenna or Bellagio (€80-120/half day, no license needed) — explore villa gardens from the water, swim in private coves, George Clooney's villa (visible from the water, Villa Oleandra in Laglio). Afternoon: Menaggio or Tremezzo (Villa Carlotta gardens, €12).
Days 3-4: Lake Garda. Drive Como→Garda (2h via Bergamo — stop in Bergamo Alta if time, funicular + medieval walled city). Day 3: Sirmione (south Garda — Scaliger Castle, Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo, Aquaria thermal spa €40). Day 4: Malcesine (east Garda — cable car to Monte Baldo 1,800m, panoramic views, paragliding €100-130). OR: Riva del Garda (north — windsurfing at Torbole, medieval lakeside). Gardaland if traveling with kids (south shore).
Days 5-6 (optional): Lake Maggiore. Drive Garda→Stresa (2.5h via Milan motorway). Day 5: Borromean Islands by boat — Isola Bella (Baroque palace + 10-terrace garden + white peacocks, €17), Isola Madre (botanical garden, €14), Isola dei Pescatori (fishing village, lunch). Day 6: Verbania (Villa Taranto botanical garden, €11) → drive to Arona or Milan airport. Day 7 (bonus): Lake Orta (40 min from Stresa) — Orta San Giulio (the most intimate lakeside village in Italy) + Isola San Giulio (basilica + "Way of Silence").