Italy's fabled lake

With a variety of diverse resorts to choose from, the shores of Lake Garda are the perfect place to enjoy the legendary Italian hospitality.

For Victorian travellers in search of warmer climes, the shores of beautiful Lake Garda were reached only after a long trek across the Alps and the craggy Dolomites. Today, thanks to the wonders of jet travel, the elegant resorts and picture-postcard scenery of what has become one of the modern, discerning holidaymaker's favourite destinations is but a short flight away.

Delightful Garda, Italy's largest and most spectacular lake, lies just a short transfer away from Verona. Dotted around the shoreline are several wonderful towns and villages that are perfect holiday havens, offering excellent choices of accommodation and traditional Italian hospitality.

Some fifty miles long and eleven miles across at its widest point, Garda stretches from Alpine-like Riva di Trento at its northernmost point, to the almost Mediterranean resorts of its southern shores.

The lake is one of the most popular of all the 'lakes and mountains' destinations, and it's easy to understand why. Equally favoured by mild winds in the winter and cooling breezes in the summer months, the lake's equable microclimate provides a perfect backdrop for enjoyable holidays.

While across the lake the historic steamers ply their trade between the resorts, and colourful sailboats and windsurfers hint at more energetic pursuits, on the shore rest and relaxation are very much the order of the day. Caf life, delicious ice cream from a host of gelaterie, plentiful shopping for handicrafts or other souvenirs, or just a seat in the sun on a lakeside promenade are all happy preoccupations for most, although there are always more active diversions to be found in our chosen resorts. Walkers, for example, are especially at home on the lake's eastern shore, with the footpaths and easy trails of Monte Baldo offering stunning views of the lake and the mountains beyond.

Choose between ever-popular Malcesine with its quaint alleyways and flower-strewn squares and lively Torbole, both on the northeast shore; famous Riva del Garda at the lake's northwest tip, with its elegant, pastel-painted buildings surrounding the busy little port; or delightful Limone on the western shore, named after the terraced citrus groves that dot the surrounding hillsides.

All the resorts have their own attractions and, as well as rest and relaxation or activities on the lake, there are always excursions - to incomparable Venice, Romeo and Juliet's Verona and the spectacular Dolomites - to add to the pleasure of a holiday in this very special part of the world.

For great deals to Italy's beautiful Lake Garda please call Newmarket Air Holidays on 0845 226 7766 (quoting code RMW).