Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Italy / Italian Lakes
 |  | Fact File : Italian Lakes |
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| | | Italian Lakes | | Did you know?
Alessandro Volta, inventor of the battery, was born in Como in 1745.
Language
Italian
Visas
None required for holders of UK passports.
Getting there
Fly to Milan for Lakes Como and Maggiore, and Verona or Brescia for Lake Garda. By car, the A8 connects Milan with Varese, exit at Legnano. The A8/A26 from Milan has an exit for Lake Maggiore via Arona. Como is on the A9, connecting with the A8 to Milan's ring road. For Lake Garda, the A4 and the S11, which connect Milan with Venice, pass the southern edge of the lake and the A22 the east. For Riva, take the A22.
Flying time from London
About one hour, 45 minutes.
Getting around
Frequent ferries and hydrofoils take you around the lakeside resorts. Buses serve various stops around the lakes, but the ferries are usually quicker. If driving, be aware of scary hairpin mountain bends where roads run perilously close to the edge.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Prices vary but as a guide: small beer £2, roll of camera film £2.50-£3, average meal £15, short taxi journey £9, litre of petrol 65p.
Weather
The lakes are very busy in summer, when temperatures can rise to 83F/28C, so you may prefer spring or autumn when the weather is still pleasant (low to mid-70Fs/20Cs). The foothills of the Alps shelter the lakes from the worst of winter and provide a mild year-round climate.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 39
Voltage
220V 50Hz, but some places still use the old 125V system, so check.
Opening hours
Shops open 8am-1pm, shut for a long lunch, and reopen at 3/4pm often till 10pm. Banks open 8.30am-1.30pm and 2.45-4.30pm on weekdays.
Health - Before you go
No jabs needed. The UK has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Italy, but you'll need an E111 form (available from UK post offices). Make sure you understand how to access this scheme.
Health - When you are there
Take the EHIC form to the local Unita Sanitaria Locale office, which will give you the information you need. But as many Italian public hospitals are underfunded you may prefer to take out travel insurance, for access to private clinics.
Warnings
Petty theft is the main problem, so keep a close eye on personal possessions.
Emergency
Police, dial 113. British Embassy in Rome: Via XX Settembre 80a. Tel. 06 4825441.
Customs
Siestas are the norm so expect shops to shut between 1-4pm. There are strict dress codes for places of worship all over Italy, so be as inconspicuous and considerate as possible.
Pets
Italy is included in the Pet Travel Scheme but be aware that the process takes several months before travel to set up. See your vet for further details.
Tipping
You are not expected to tip on top of restaurant charges or taxi fares. Restaurants usually have a cover charge that includes bread, olive oil and water.
Tourist office
Italian State Tourist Board: 1 Princes St, London W1R 8AY, Tel. 020 7408 1254. Brochure line: 09001 600 280 (calls cost 60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Italian Lakes |
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| |  | | Via Trabucco
2 bedroom, 2 shower room town apartment in the heart of Salo', seconds walk from the lakefront and its restaurants, designer shops and bars.
|  | | Bogliaco Golf Studio, Gargnano, Lake Garda
Recently renovated studio apartment in small and exclusive residence. With swimming pool and views over Lake Garda, the residence also overlooks the w
|  | | Torre 2 bedroom apartment with Patio
Luxury apartment in beautiful villa. Wonderful peaceful location with Swimming Pool, Air Conditioning, Private patio and a short stroll from the village centre and lake.
|  | | Villa Ponticello 1, Manerba del Garda, Lake Garda
Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment in private villa with swimming pool and stunning views over Lake Garda. Terrace and Air conditioning.
|  | | Villa Ponticello 3, Manerba del Garda, Lake Garda
Beautiful 1 bedroom apartment in private villa with swimming pool and stunning views over Lake Garda. Patio and Air conditioning.
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Holiday Rentals in Italian Lakes |
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