Do

Lake Maggiore from aboveLombardia, Italy

The lakes region in northern Italy is a magnet for the rich and famous. George Clooney lives here, along with Madonna and Richard Branson, but if you want to at least travel like the elite, hop aboard a private helicopter for a flight over Lake Maggiore.

Straddling Italy and Switzerland, this winding waterway stretches for 64.37 km (40 mi) between the Alps. It’s a region known by the aristocracy as Europe’s Garden, filled with drop dead gorgeous villages, terraced gardens and lake front villas. From up high, you’ll catch stunning views of the blue waters of Maggiore and nearby Lake Orta.  The tiny Borromee Islands are an impressive sight, filled with grand palaces and gardens that rise from the lake.

Finish the trip in style, aperitif in hand, atop the 1492m high peak of Mottarone, while soaking up breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps and Mount Rose.

It'll give you a taste of the high life.


get there

Flights depart from Milan or Como (an hour’s drive north of Milan)

US$750

This tip was provided by thItalian National Tourist Board, but we’re sharing it with you because we think it’s great.

Ready to go?

Tags: italy

Get Inspired In Print

While you're here

PANICALE, ITALY

The enchanting Rastrello hotel in Italy’s Umbria/Tuscany region has just...

The enchanting Rastrello hotel in Italy’s Umbria/Tuscany region has just snagged its...

CINQUE TERRE, ITALY

After a long 12-year wait, Cinque Terre’s beloved walkway, Via...

After a long 12-year wait, Cinque Terre’s beloved walkway, Via dell’Amore, has...

ROME, ITALY

Have you ever had a dream and thought, ‘What the fuck was that’, but when...

Have you ever had a dream and thought, ‘What the fuck was that’, but when telling your...

ITALY

To stay at one of the many old school, but newly renovated, European castles...

To stay at one of the many old school, but newly renovated, European castles on the...