Take me there
Why go
Lake Garda and Como get all the glory (plus the hordes of tourists) but, tucked between them, lovely Lake Iseo is often overlooked. In summer it’s a favourite weekend haunt of Italians from Milan and Bergamo (connected to the lake by bus or train). In autumn, when the wooded hillsides put on a show of colour and mists hang over the lake, it’s an atmospheric and peaceful place to relax, soak up the beauty of the lake-shore towns and palazzi – and to try out some of Lombardy’s best food and wine.
What to do
Catch a ferry to the beautiful island of Monte Isola in the middle of the lake to explore fishing hamlets of pastel-coloured houses and enjoy a steep walk up to the Santuario della Ceriola, a church at the island’s highest point. The Antica Strada Valeriana hugs the eastern shore of the lake, connecting Brescia with the Valle Camonica in the southern Alps (famous for stone-age rock carvings), via signposted footpaths. To the south, the Franciacorta region is known for its sparkling white wines, produced using the same methods as champagne. Pick up a map of the Strada del Vino Franciacorta from your hotel or the local tourist office for a 50-mile driving route through the vineyards with details of tours and tastings.
Where to eat
Tinca al forno (baked tench from the lake) is the local speciality at Iseo’s waterfront trattoria. At the simple stone-built Ristorante Trattoria al Porto, in the village of Clusane, serves it stuffed with herbs and breadcrumbs, and accompanied by polenta (alportoclusane.it).
Where to stay
Agriturismo La Tesa has something for everyone: a handful of simple but charming bedrooms, a self-catering apartment perfect for families, and a campsite. There’s also a good restaurant, riding stables, outdoor pool and great views of the lake (doubles from €90, latesa.it).
Insider tip
Joanna Pristernik, of tour operator Citalia (citalia.com), suggests Torbiere del Sebino, a nature reserve south of Lake Iseo:. “ItIn spring it’s covered in waterlillies – a beautiful sight.”
Give me a break
Home: Another try for Rugby World Cup If you missed out on applying for Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets via the official ballot, all is not lost. Sports operator England Rugby Travel is offering ticket-inclusive packages for all 48 matches of the six-week tournament. A one-night weekend break which includes seats at the opening ceremony at Twickenham and England’s first game against Fiji, plus hotel accommodation, costs from £479pp (englandrugbytravel.com).
Away: Greek and Italian odyssey bargains Luxury tour operator Cox and Kings has cut prices on some escorted European itineraries for 2015. An eight-day Highlights of Crete tour which includes the Palace of Knossos, costs from £995pp, a saving of £300 on this year’s price. The lead-in price for a seven-day Classic Tuscany tour of Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca, is reduced by £500 to £1,095pp, on a half-board basis throughout (coxandkings.co.uk/europe).
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