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Rental Villas Italy - Meridian Villas

Lakes

Honeymoon, family holiday, vacation letttings in rental villas, aparmtents to rent or self-catering accommodation at Varenna, Lake Como, Italy

Many people are familiar with the names of Milan, known for its fashion and shoes; Lake Como, the jewell of a lake in the mountains featured in magazines; and have perhaps heard of Cremona (violins) and Mantua (Gonzaga).

All of these wonderful places are in the region of Lombardy in the central north of the country. We present you with a selection of vacation rental villas and apartments that feature these well known locations and a few others that are not as famous, but perhaps offer even more to the holiday maker.

Why the Lakes area and Lombardy

  • Visit Lakes Como, Garda, Maggiore, Iseo
  • Go walking in the hills and mountains
  • Explore the centres of Milan, Bergamo, Cremona, Mantua
  • Visit the wine areas of Franciacorta, Garda

More about Lombardy and the Lakes

The wealthy northern region of Lombardy has led the industrial and financial growth of Italy in the postwar period. Blessed by high mountains and plenty of fresh water, the many valleys that snake up from the flat plains to the south have developed specialisations in various industries from silk (Como) to armoury (Val Trompia).

Such wealth has often made its way up to Switzerland and the golden trail that runs along side Lake Como has been famous for moneyrunning for many decades. Little wonder, therefore, that this lake, the deepest and best known of the Italian Lakes has a rich collection of magnificent villas and public gardens making it a perfect destination for renting a holiday villa.

Milan is 75 klm south of Como and Italys financial and fashion capital. Heading east, the centre of Bergamo 'Alto' is perhaps the prettiest hilltop town in Italy. Soon after one reaches Franciacorta, an area noted for fine prosecco's (champagne in another language), wonderful food and Iseo Lake.

Further to the east and bordering the region of Veneto (near Verona) is Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda. Broad and surrounded by gentle hills at the southern end, the lake becomes more dramatic towards the north. The spectacular northern end of the lake is a wind and kite surfing mecca with favourable winds each afternoon.

Our rental choices in Lombardy and the Lakes region

We have searched out a lovely collection of holiday self-catering villas, apartments and other accommodation for rent in various location throughout Lombardy. From Lake Como the chic resort to the more family and activity oriented Lake Garda to the fashion city of Milan, we're sure you'll find what your searching for in our directory.

Area Links

Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake, surrounded by mountains in the north and within day trip range of Milan and Venice, Lake Garda offers a wide variety of activities and things to do.

Lake Como
"Lake Como is a jewel-like oasis of tranquillity, a magical combination of lush Mediterranean foliage and snowy alpine peaks" (travellers comment)

Lakes Headlines

Europe - International Herald Tribune

German foreign minister picked to challenge Merkel
Social Democrats were thrown into turmoil Sunday after their leader, Kurt Beck, said he would step down as party chairman and Frank-Walter Steinmeier was chosen to challenge Angela Merkel.

Cheney warns Russia to reverse course
Vice President Dick Cheney denounced Russia's war against Georgia as evidence of a pattern of "troublesome and unhelpful actions" that threatened peace from Central Asia to the Middle East to Europe.

Fuel is added to French debate over separation of religion and state
A decision by a French court to postpone a robbery trial involving a Muslim defendant until the end of the holy month of Ramadan has raised questions about whether France's secularist institutions are bending to religious demands.

A hardening of hearts in South Ossetia
Ireya Alborova, whose family is part Georgian and part Ossetian, has encountered the worsening ethnic divide in Tskhinvali, the war-torn capital of South Ossetia.

Coming to grips with Russia's new nerve
There's all the difference in the world between an enfeebled and defensive empire, and a nation emboldened by vast wealth and brimming with resentment at past humiliations. This Russia does not look so very containable.

 

Our feature villas in Lakes

Lakes - Lake Garda - Desenzano

Italy - Lakes - Lake Garda - Monte Pico

Monte Pico -

On a private hilly estate with its own gated entrance, sits a lovely country villa, recently built in total respect of the surroundings.

From the swimming pool (shared with the very discrete owners), one looks down over the vineyards to the Lake Garda with its dramatic backdrop of mountains and glacial peaks of the distant Dolomite ranges.

The lively and elegant lakeside town of Desenzano del Garda is nearby and offers summer festivals, fine restaurants, a lively passeggiata in the old part of the village, an internal port, night clubs or just romantic strolls by the lake. Nearby there are many other cosy villages and castles to be explored. The area also boasts two excellent 27 hole golf courses.

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Lakes - Lake Garda - Toscolano Maderno

Italy - Lakes - Lake Garda - Palazzo Comboni

Palazzo Comboni - The picturesque villages of Toscolano and Maderno on the shores of Lake Garda enjoy a particular microclimate that provides temperate climatic conditions year around. A characteristic of the area are the fragrant lemon groves that together with the olives are unusual in these latitudes. Palazzo Comboni is a heritage villa with Venetian styling and fully frescoed from the C18th, with a glorious garden on the lakes edge and adjacent to the tiny port of Maderno. > more

Lakes - Lake Como - Menaggio

Italy - Lakes - Lake Como - Villa Magnolia

Villa Magnolia -

This imposing mid 19th century villa stands on the western shores of Lake Como, between the town of Menaggio and the village of Santa Maria Rezzonico. It faces Southeast and looks across all three branches of the lake, with the mountains in the distance - a magic view. The villa, dating back to the mid 1800's sits in the middle of an enormous botanical park of 7,000 square metres.


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Lakes - Lake Como - Menaggio

Italy - Lakes - Lake Como - Villa Rivalago

Villa Rivalago - Villa Rivalago is an independent villa located on the north-western shore of Lake Como. Being lakeside, it has uninterrupted views up and down the each shore with a lovely swimming pool and spacious outdoor areas equipped for outdoor dining or outdoor leisure. The villa, laid out over two floors of 300 sqm each has been recently renovated to high standards and is equipped with all facilities one would expect in such a property. > more

 

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