Iseo and Endine lakes, the pearls of Northern Italy!

There is a romantic part of Northern Italy only 60 miles from Milan (Milano), known as Bergamo and Brescia provinces. The valleys here come to life during both summer and winter periods. In the summer this area reveals the ideal settings for magnificent romantic excursions to admire the miracle of the area’s flourishing vegetation.

In early August of 2007 I rented a small apartment for our family vacation in Songavazzo, a small village situated in between the mountains of the Val Seriana Valley and the lakes region. The distance here between gorgeous mountain places is not more than 8 to 10 miles. There are the old and elegant towns, like Clusone and old medieval town Gromo and two lakes. Armed with my digital camera I decided to explore this part of northern Italy.

This was my first trip to Lake Iseo. Starting from our apartment in Songavazzo village it took us about 20 minutes to reach Lovere, an elegant small town on the northern side of the lake located just at the beginning of two valleys. This historic centre is the ideal spot for walks and discovering ancient remnants of this medieval fortified town. In the evening, when the air is a little cooler, the numerous bars and pubs of “Piazza 13th Martiri” fill with visitors looking for relaxation. Along the lakeside there is a series of beautiful villas with gardens and some small neo-classical palaces. Visiting Lake Iseo, Monte Isola (island) should be “must see” destination. This island, a true mountain divides the centre of the lake into two canals.

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Central Piazza in Lovere

June to September is the best period to visit Lake Iseo. Fast boat services connect Lovere to other localities on Lake Iseo or daily boat cruises make is possible to spend a day on the lake with optional lunch. Local guides can be hired to help you discover landscapes, islands, and ancient villages. Every Saturday, in July and in August, you can embark at the quays of Lovere to go on an evening cruise that includes a gourmet dinner presented by the ship’s chef in their elegant dinner room.

Lovere on the eastside of the Iseo Lake

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On a separate trip in August, 2007, I returned to this region of Northern Italy visiting nearby Lake Endine in the beautiful Cavallina Valley in the province of Bergamo. It’s a quiet, relaxing place excellent for water sports (sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and boat racing) and a well-known place for winter ice fishing when the lake freezes over. Lake Endine is only navigable by row boat, canoe or pedal boat, which can be rented. The lakeside villages are full of medieval castles and little churches richly decorated with works of art ready to be explored.

You will be very happy choosing these lakes in northern Italy as your romantic destination or special getaway with friends. It is a different part of Italy to explore that will provide you with many memories of beautiful mountains, lakes, breathtaking views, villages with castles to explore and enjoying good food. I can design a personal itinerary for you to guide you on your own, or I can offer my services as a private guide. I can make all the arrangements for transportation and accomodations once you land in Italy.

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