These cold mountain lakes were formed by retreating glaciers, and the largest include Lakes Como, Garda, Lugano and Maggiore; Lake Garda, 75 miles to the east, is not shown due to space restrictions.
The lakes are fronted by varied ranges of the Alps, and dozens of colorful small towns dot the shorelines. A dependable ferry service shuffles passsengers from town to town, and the local roads are first-rate, so driving along the lakes in most areas is easy and safe.