Lake Iseo (Lago d'Iseo): what to see and do. Lake Iseo, rest in the Alpine foothills

Having finally visited the Cote d'Azur, we decided to visit another corner of Europe that has long attracted us. In the north of Italy (mainly in the province of Lombardy) there is a region of mountain lakes - the land is absolutely magical, especially in the warm season. Having for everything about everything for two days, we could afford to see only one of them. My choice fell on Lake Iseo, because it is much smaller than Como, Garda, and especially Maggiore (and therefore more chances see it in its entirety), less favored by tourists, and what is important - it is closer than the others to Bergamo, from where we had to fly to Tallinn.

Leaving Sanremo around 4 pm, we got stuck in a traffic jam on a toll highway under the town with the pompous name of Imperia, lost a lot of time, and arrived at the hotel already in the dark. Thank God, they were still waiting for us at the reception (thanks to booking.com for a competent printout of the reservation with the correct phone number, thanks to which we were able to warn that we would arrive very late).

Our hotel was located in the village of Riva di Solto, and the booking of a room in it was largely influenced by the reviews on booking.com and TripAdvisor, which promised silence and great views.

1. We arrived at 11 pm (the road to the hotel turned out to be wonderfully marked) and fit into the room. This is what was seen from the window:

A cheerful bartender with the appearance of a German burgher poured us a glass of red, and we enjoyed the evening coolness from the balcony, from which the lights of the village, as well as villages on the other side of the lake, were beautifully visible.

2. And in the morning they inevitably woke up and they began to have photographic rabies ...

3. As the sun rose, it illuminated the lake valley with new and new colors.

4. The combination of mountains and water furiously attracted our inner explorers to immediately drop everything and rush to look around.

5. But of course, it was necessary to reinforce the forces before the road. The view from the restaurant windows distracted from the breakfast.

6. In the end, we armed ourselves with cameras, maps and information materials, clipped at the hotel, and went to explore.

7. Our Ypsilon had to ride us around the whole lake.

8. The hotel can be seen from afar. We got a room with almost the best view. Our balcony is to the right of the double chrome pipe. Two windows of the room overlooked the lake (well, you already understood this from the photos above)

9. Vegetation immediately began to please us - in this blessed place both northern trees (apple, oak) and southern (olive, fig) grow and bear fruit next to each other

10. First of all, we went down to the shore of the lake in our own village.

11. There was more less people than the day before in Sanremo.

12. Along the coastal promenade come across proud villas with fenced gardens like this:

13. Calm warm water invited into her arms, but we decided to leave this pleasure for a hotter time of day.

14. Fearless birds swim here.

15. If each of us has our own little artemiylebedev, then mine woke up at the sight of a telephone booth:

16. The people on the pier either knew the timetable of the steamboat, or simply had a good time.

17. In Riva di Solto there is something like historical center. It can be seen that the village is many, many years old.

18. Here is the pier. The steamboat was supposed to be there soon, but we decided to first go around the lake - to those places from where we can get to the island of Isola more often and faster (the largest lake island in Europe!)

19. Sundials are often found on well-maintained old buildings.

20. If you turn into some little doorway, you can get into a small tiled courtyard ...

21. ... from which there will be a wonderful view of the lake.

22. Unlike sundial in Tallinn's Kadriorg, this clock shows the time more or less like the truth.

23. From Riva di Solto we drove clockwise along the coast. Black Upsilon heated up furiously in the sun, so the air conditioner worked furiously in it. In general, Lancia is so... Italian :) The circles on the dashboard were automatically illuminated by a stylish rim at the entrance to the tunnel.

24. At the entrances to the village of Castro. There is nothing reminiscent of a Cuban commander here, but cheerful and relaxed people ride boats. locals.

25. At a beautiful bend in the road, we stopped to take a picture. Here, in the shade of the trees, there was a water pump and a monument to some important local book.

26. Following Castro, the path led us to the town of Lovere. In some places it breathes not with old age, but with antiquity.

27. The atmosphere of general relaxation also took possession of me. Sitting next to the bakery, I read a pamphlet about lakeside towns.

28. Among the narrow streets there was an even narrower passage leading to the lake. We didn't follow it...

29. ...because it was necessary to once again be convinced of the greatness of Italian coffee! Next to the cups is a guidebook around the lake, handed out free of charge in tourist places.

30. If you look to the north, then sometimes snow is visible under the clouds lying on the mountain tops. Even in hot August. For the Alps. There was a little bit of snow in this photo.

31. After Lovere, it was Pisogne's turn. By this time, we had already attended to the search for lunch, so as not to get screwed like in Sanremo the day before. Pisogne was also not crowded - in search of an attractive eatery, we walked through the entire center of the village.

32. And again they saw towers with sundials. These truths were purely for the entourage, because the entire fresco with indications for reading the time was somewhat tumbled.

33. Not finding a noisy place filled with people, we decided to go to the shore - so if someone is in this village, then - there!

34. Along the coast passes and Railway. Then, sitting in a cafe, we saw a train actually moving along these rails.

35. There really was a cafe on the very shore, in which there were visitors. The view is quite handshake - flowers, water, sun, boats.

36. Water, sun, boats, flowers.

37. Bruschetta with champignons

38. And again water, boats, flowers, sun. The girl stubbornly tried to raise the sail on the board, although there was no smell of wind. Maybe it's just her gymnastics.

After lunch, we decided to go to Isola Island from one of the marinas east coast. The timetable received at the hotel said that the steamboat left Sulzano almost every hour. The port of Sulzano is very easy to find, not easy to part with 4 euros for every hour of parking next to the marina. Having driven into the parking lot twenty meters higher up the slope, you can leave already at 2.50.

39. The ship was in a fairly decent condition.

40. The trip lasted no more than 5 minutes. Gradually, the pier of Peschiera Maraglio, one of the villages of the island, grew into view.

41. Due to isolated geographical location, the villages of the island are more like old fishing villages than those that are on the "mainland".

42. I suspect that every inhabitant of the island has a boat, so striped poles stick out of the water along the entire coast, to which this vehicle is tied.

43. Frightened ducks with ducklings swam imposingly between the pillars, fearless gulls flew. The boats rocked calmly, rare tourists went from shops to restaurants and back.

44. An interesting design - a net is hung over the head of those walking along the promenade, in which colorful fish are entangled ...

45. Between the old houses here and there the obligatory Mediterranean countries bougainvillea.

46. ​​Half a kingdom for a motorboat horse!

47. Mimimi

48. Climbing a little up the hillside outside the village, you can pick up a couple of handfuls of blackberries!

49. Cars are not allowed to drive around the island (an exception is made for firefighters and a priest), so cyclists calmly drive along good paved roads.

50. The island is a fairly regular shape. Having passed along the west coast to Carzano, we realized that we would not be able to go around the perimeter of the island before the planned ferry departed.

51. Therefore, we decided to swim in Carzano, from where you can see the (private!) island of Loreto, where you can see something like a castle from afar. People live!

52. Here is Loreto as close as possible to our weak lenses.

53. Water smells like boats - but most importantly - refreshing!

After swimming and returning to the center of Carzano, we found out quite by accident that literally in five minutes a regular bus would go along the perimeter of the island! That's luck! The stern driver took euros from us, but did not let us into the salon until we put on our shirts. The roads on the island are breathtaking. Not only are they not designed to pass each other - the roads are so narrow that the bus does not even have side mirrors. I don't know how a driver manages to drive through these streets. The windows do not open, so that passengers do not have their heads or hands blown off if they decide to stick them out on the go.

54. The wall is dangerously close.

55. View from the rear window. Gives an idea of ​​what landscapes open daily to the residents of the surrounding houses.

56. Without much adventure, we returned to big land and having made a full circle around the lake, we returned to the hotel for dinner. The already familiar view from the window of the room played with new, sunset colors.

Without further ado, we decided to get acquainted with the local regional cuisine in the hotel restaurant. Two surprises awaited me there - a Ukrainian waitress and menu cards tailored for visitors of different genders. The girls are given a menu with no prices. So that beautiful ladies do not deny themselves anything :)

57. Lena is watching to see if I can order wine and water.

59. It's funny, but it was more difficult to choose water than wine. The choice of the latter was left to the discretion of the waiter, and the water in Italy is very tasty, and it was difficult to choose.

60. Of course, the most satisfied Jonik is observed in the photographs where he is next to the food.

61. The next morning we had only to check out and go to Bergamo. Before leaving the hotel, we went for a dip in the pool. It was short, but in a deep place it reached three meters. If anything, I recommend the hotel. Out of season, it costs human money (it cost us twice as much in August than if we arrived in September).

62. Lake Iseo will remain one of the strongest impressions of 2011.

Relentless statistics show that most Italians prefer to relax in their homeland. Like, we don’t need a Turkish coast, and we don’t need Africa, because in our native Italy there is everything for a full-fledged vacation: both mountains and the sea.

The region of Lombardy has no access to the sea, but this gap fully compensates for the presence of lakes here. Beautiful Garda, aristocratic Como and the less known among Russians Lake Iseo, which is located in the provinces of Brescia and Bergamo, is surrounded by Franciacorta vineyards and mountains that are pale blue in the mornings and violently blue in the evenings.

The finest hour of Lake Iseo came in the summer of 2015. From June 18 to July 3, one of the most high-profile contemporary art projects was implemented here - the installation "The Floating Piers" by artist Hristo Yavashev. On the surface of the lake, decks draped in bright yellow nylon 10 meters wide were installed, representing a three-kilometer promenade right on the surface of the water. It was possible to walk along the piers from the coastal town of Sulzano to the islands of Monte Isola and San Paolo, and those who famously took off their shoes and walked received special joy from the opportunity to “walk on the water”. barefoot on the piers - by the way, this is exactly what the creator of The Floating piers project Hristo Yavashev advised everyone to do without exception. “It feels like walking on the back of a whale,” the artist said, although, of course, Russians associated this action to a greater extent with the most famous song “Nautilus Pomipilius”. You walk along the surface of Lake Iseo and involuntarily sing: "Walk on the water, walk on the water with me."

Today, only photographs decorating the pier of the town of Sulzano remind of the amazing golden piers of Christo. However, this does not mean that there is nothing to do on Lake Iseo. On the contrary, this place is ideal for those who want to go to Italy for excellent wine and unhurried contemplation of nature, because the local landscapes are so poetic that your inner romantic will inevitably begin to compose poetry, and the inner skeptic shamefully retires in an unknown direction.

In today's article, I will talk about why Lake Iseo is an ideal option for a weekend for two, as well as for ladies. important tips about how to get here and what you should definitely do here.

HOW TO GET TO LAKE ISEO

When I said that this place is ideal for a weekend, I did not sin against the truth. The fact is that the nearest airport to Lake Iseo is Milan-Bergamo, where Pobeda also flies, and therefore, with some skill, you will be able to get tickets at a more than humane price.

It is better to rent a car at the airport, you will need it in order to explore the surroundings of the lake, in particular the wineries of Franciacorta. Yes, I immediately answer a popular question: wine tasting and driving a car in Italy can be combined if you know the measure. Let's just say that you should not get carried away with alcohol, but after one glass of wine you have full right get behind the wheel.

VISIT THE ISLAND OF MONTE ISOLA

The main entertainment on Lake Iseo is a walk along the island of Monte Isola, which rises in the center of the reservoir. One of the features of the island is that cars are prohibited here, and local population travels exclusively on scooters and bicycles. At the same time, a bus runs around the island - for those foot pilgrims who can no longer hold their legs after a couple of hours of intensive walking.

The easiest way to get to the island is from the town of Sulzano, boats to the island-mountain (this is how the name Monte Isola is translated) depart every 20 minutes. The island can be circumnavigated around the perimeter, periodically stopping at local bars and cafes. It will take you from three to four hours to complete the walking rate, depending on your personal capabilities and physical fitness. However, if you constantly sit in the bars that are open here at every turn, then a leisurely walk may well drag on for the whole day.

In any case, most likely, the boat will take you to Peschiera Maraglio - the port of the fishing village, which can best be described by the epithet "charming". Fishing has been and remains one of the main crafts of the inhabitants of the island, which is reflected not only in the menu of Monte Isola restaurants, but also in art installations installed on the shore.

For example, near the Peschiera Maraglio pier, there are wooden dummies of fish supposedly drying in the sun, however, while walking around the island, you will also see the originals from which this art object was “sculpted”.

Monte Isola is also famous for its salami, which are sold not only in the shops of the island, but also in large supermarkets on the mainland. The islanders are also rightfully proud of this gastronomic specialty, you can find them in the Peschiera Maraglio store, which is easy to see by the sign - real sausages are hung on it.

In total, the island is divided into 12 communes, and the most beautiful of them is Siviano, an old town with orange roofs. Among the iconic sights of Monte Isola, it is customary to include the Madonna della Ceriola sanctuary, erected on the highest point of the island - the road from the village of Cure leads there, as well as the Martinengo fortress built between the 15th and 16th centuries, where in 1497 Queen of Cyprus Katherine Cornaro stayed.

True, the Italians, having arrived at Monte Isolo on a day off, do not like to exhaust themselves with a careful examination of historical sights. They simply sit down in bars or restaurants on the shore and begin to selflessly taste sparkling island wine, and freshly caught fish in the lake, often trout. Actually, this is worth doing here and, fortunately, finding a place with a view is as easy as shelling pears, here every second establishment has a veranda overlooking the lake.

Nice bonus for cat lovers! Monte Isola also has a full-fledged cat commune. This is a zone fenced with a fence, where baleen-tailed live. Each purr is at full disposal - her own house, in bad weather the seals sit inside, and if the day turned out to be warm, they bask in the sun. It is not forbidden to touch cats, but only if the fluffy one comes to you from the fenced area. Tellingly, the cats look extremely happy and very well-fed, apparently, they are well fed here. Nothing but trout.

Two other islands of Lake Iseo: Sao Paolo and Loreto, but you will most likely only be able to admire them from the side. The fact is that the territory of the same Loreto is completely given over to a villa, which from the shore looks like a snow-white castle, where, according to all the laws of the genre, a fabulous beauty is downright obliged to live, waiting for her betrothed, who decided to swim across the witch's lake for her sake.

Rumor has it that George Clooney, a well-known lover of Italian beauties, wanted to buy this villa at one time, but something did not work out, and as a result, the actor acquired property on Lake Como.

WALK IN COASTAL TOWNS

Compared to Como or Garda, Iseo is a small lake, and therefore it is quite possible to drive around the coastal towns by car in a day. However, if desired, the pleasure can be stretched for a couple of days. The first must-see Lovere. The place is curious because the walls of its houses are decorated with frescoes, and the shutters on the windows are painted in bright colors.

Another town - Sarnico - is worth stopping by not only for the sake of the medieval quarters, but in order to see Art Nouveau villas, and Pisogne differs from others in that it is incredibly green here: the walls of many houses are entwined with vines of wild grapes.

In the evening, go to the city of Iseo: there is a beautiful promenade, walking along which you can endlessly admire how the red ball of the sun hides behind the mountains, and the transparent, small ripples of the water surface of the lake begins to reflect the orange, still radiant sunset glare, now seemingly farewell air kisses that sends you on the trail of the outgoing day.

When dusk finally thickens, go for a walk through the streets of the city. All of them are cobbled, medieval and incredibly atmospheric, besides, many houses have antique shops where you can find interesting interior items at more than adequate prices.

VISIT THE FRANCHACORTA WINES

Franciacorta is proudly and, importantly, deservedly called Italian champagne. And this is true, because the famous sparkling wine farms in the vicinity of Lake Iseo are produced according to the classic French technology, which involves the secondary fermentation of wine in bottles.

In this case, the minimum period of aging wine in bottles is 18 months. Classic wines are produced using three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and red Pinot Nero, and only Chardonnay is used to produce Saten wine.

If you want not only to visit a classic tasting, but also to find out all the subtleties of a complex and multi-stage production process, take a look at Berlucchi winery. The founder of the company, Franco Ziliani, became the first winemaker in Lombardy to master the production of wines using Champagne technology, and today the company he founded in 1961, along with Bellavista and Ca’ del Bosco, is the largest producer of franciacorta.

During the tour, the cost of which is 20 euros, you will be taken to the cellars where secondary fermentation takes place in bottles, they will show you how the wine is purified from the yeast residue after fermentation, and at the end, of course, a tasting, during which you can try Satén , Brut, Rosé and Zero are dry sparkling wines without sugar.

A good tasting with a show of cellars suits and winery Cantina al Rocol. This is a small enterprise, producing only 14,000 bottles per year. Here, three glasses of franciacorta are included in the standard tasting: Satén, Brut and Zero with obligatory appetizers.

By the way, the owners of the winery have both a restaurant and a guest house where you can stay, deer and goats graze near the vineyards, and rabbits jump briskly at the entrance to the restaurant. In a word, solid rural pastoral.

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Julia Malkova- Julia Malkova - founder of the website project. Former editor-in-chief of the elle.ru Internet project and editor-in-chief of the cosmo.ru website. I talk about traveling for my own pleasure and the pleasure of readers. If you are a representative of hotels, tourism office, but we are not familiar, you can contact me by email: [email protected]

Another emerald shines - Lago di Iseo (Italian: Lago d'Iseo).

Fans of the Italian mountains really appreciate the high-altitude resorts, beckoning with white snow caps and extreme views recreation. However, even the most active tourist will not resist the beauty and crystal clearness of mountain lakes. The Alps, freely spread over the territory northern Italy hide in their foothills real gems for connoisseurs of natural beauty.

The sinuous silhouette of Iseo lurks comfortably on the "chest" of the Lombard Alps, neatly between the cities (Bergamo) and Brescia (Brescia). deep depression cut into rock intricate sickle back in the days of mighty glaciers. The Oglio River, flowing swiftly from the cold peaks, filled natural pool. Modern tourists can only enjoy the bizarre bends of Lake Iseo, which stretches from north to south for 25 km, and from west to east - for 5 km. total area the coastline was 65 kilometers of the most wonderful Italian nature.

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Unlike the “big” brothers of Garda, Como and Maggiore, Lago di Iseo is less removed from sea level, about 185 m. At the same time, the depth of the mountain lake is quite impressive, the maximum mark is 250 m. Undoubtedly, the reservoir makes the most striking impression in spring and summer . However, the caring "embrace" of the mountain range maintains a mild climate in the Iseo Valley throughout the year. Small resort towns and villages are picturesquely scattered along the shores of the lake.

The steep slopes of the mountains are colored with green crowns of trees, which, closer to the shore, turn into emerald fields and orchards.

Islands

Monte Isola

On the water surface of Iseo, the island of Monte Isola is especially popular. Most of all, it resembles a dragon's fang sticking straight out of the cool lake waters. The peak of Monte Isola is located 600 meters above the water, which allowed the island to win the title of the highest lake island in all of Europe!

The island is beautifully framed by lush greenery and a whole palette of flowering plants. Due to its unique landscape, Monte Isola has become a favorite among hang-gliders and other active travelers.

Loreto

If you move north from Monte Isola, you can admire a small island called Loreto (Isola di Loreto).



This piece of land is buried in the greenery of tall cypresses and pines. And among the green foliage, the walls of a medieval villa coquettishly hide. If you take the path south from Monte Isola, then travelers will see another mini-island - San Paolo (Isola di San Paolo). The island got its name in honor of St. Paul, the patron saint of the monastery located on the firmament. For a long time, near Sao Paolo, the locals hunted by fishing.

What is worth seeing in the area?

In the north of the lake, from the province of Bergamo, there is a small cozy town Lovere. Walking on small cozy streets Lovere can lead tourists to the beautiful promenade, the ancient Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra or the art gallery of the Accademia Tadini. Not to mention the many cute restaurants and cafes that are ready to please visitors with delicious dishes. Italian cuisine and young wines.

If you move clockwise along the shore of the lake, you can find many pleasant places: the cities of Pisogne, Marone, Sulzano. These city-communes are perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Nice houses of 2, maximum 3 floors harmoniously coexist with the same small historical and cultural monuments. Details of modern architecture and architecture add zest to squares, streets and embankments.

The city of Tavernola-Bergamasca (Tavernola Bergamasca) can offer tourists in addition to beautiful views and a luxurious holiday to visit - the Church of San Pietro. This attraction is famous for its frescoes. In the suburbs is a luxurious mountain park Parco Corno di Pedore. Another natural attraction, the Valle del Freddo nature reserve, in other words, the Valley of the Cold, is located near the commune of Solto Collina.

Lake Iseo is really like a precious stone, each of its facets opens up this small corner of Italy from an unexpected side.

The shores of the reservoir then gently creep, offering travelers to relax on pebble beaches, then suddenly grin almost sheer cliffs. Hiking, cycling and even horseback tours allow you to take in the entire lake valley and absorb unforgettable smells and colors. For those to whom adrenaline in the blood is an invariable attribute have a nice rest, specially organized clubs for diving, windsurfing, rock climbing and sites for hang gliding. A special pleasure for tourists of all ages and tastes are boat trips on Lago di Iseo.

How to get to Lake Iseo?

If the traveler has a vehicle at his disposal, then the most favorable points for departure to the gentle waters of Iseo are the cities of Milan and Venice. The driver should drive along the A4 highway, heading from Milan to the northeast. If you choose Venice as your starting point, you should also take the A4 highway in a northwesterly direction. You can compare car rental prices from different companies and book the best option at.

Rail link connects big cities province of Lombardy administrative centers Bergamo and Brescia. From these points there are regular bus services to the shores of Lago di Iseo. closest to the lake railroad station based in Iseo. You can get to other cities of the lake valley by bus or aquatic species transport.

Unforgettable impressions!

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Many tourists know the big alpine - oh,. However, apart from these popular places, there are others - slightly smaller, but no less unique.

Lake Iseo is one of those picturesque places. Surrounded by rocky shores, it was formed on the site of an ancient glacier

Geography

Lake Iseo (Lago di Iseo) is located in the region between the provinces and Brescia. The area of ​​​​the reservoir is only 63 square meters. km., and the deepest place reaches the mark of 251 meters. The reservoir has an oblong shape 25 meters long and 5 km wide. There are three islands in the lake: Monte Isola, Loretto and San Paolo.

Climate

In view of the fact that Lake Iseo, like other popular reservoirs of these parts, is located in the mountains, there is a rather favorable climate in the summer, i.e. no sweltering heat, about +28⁰С. IN winter time it is also comfortable here, because the mountains protect the area from the winds.

Undoubtedly, Lake Iseo itself can already be called the main attraction. The panorama here is so picturesque that you want to enjoy this landscape again and again: beaches, orchards, vineyards, chestnut forests. Quite interesting is one of the islands of the lake - Monte Isola. This is the highest inhabited island throughout Europe. His highest point located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. This is where the name of the island comes from, which literally translates as Mountain Island, which can be reached by ferry or boat. However, this piece of land is closed to tourists because it is private property.

Main tourist centers- the city of the same name Iseo, the city of Lovere Castro, Sarnico, Pisogne. The shores of this colorful lake are rich in their architectural monuments: Art Gallery Tadini Academy, Church of San Pietro, Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra.

The lake is located in the Lombard Alps of Italy between the cities of Bergamo and Brescia. From west to east it stretches for only 5 km, while from south to north the length of the lake is 25 km. You can come here at any time, but the most popular months to visit are from May to October.

How to get to Lake Iseo

If you arrived in Milan or Bergamo, then you need to take a regional train and get off at the stop. The cost of the trip Milan-Brescia from 7.30 euros, depending on the train and the level of comfort. Travel time also depends on the train and ranges from 40 minutes to 68 minutes. Approximately the same prices and times are maintained when traveling from Bergamo. You can buy tickets at http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

From Brescia there is a small train that connects everything settlements right side of the lake. From there you can take a bus that runs along the left bank.

An important note - in Brescia at the railway station you buy a ticket, the ticket says a platform, for example 1 or 2. The platforms to Lake Iseo are located inside the station, to the right of the building. That is, we are not talking about "big", intercity tracks that are right in front of the building, but you need to go to the platforms and go 50 meters to the right.

If you are traveling by car, it is most convenient to build your route from Milan or Venice. To the lake you need to go along the A4 highway, from Milan to the northeast, from to the northwest.

Where to stay

Experienced tourists recommend choosing the city of Iseo of the same name as the base for a trip to the lake, since the railway station closest to the lake is located here. From here it is most convenient to explore not only the surroundings, but also cities more distant from the lake. Getting here is easy, as the railway connects all the major cities of Lombardy with Bergamo and Brescia.

What to see

Lake Iseo is surrounded by small villages, each of which can be visited on a special boat that follows its own schedule from one village to another until it enters each of them. You can get acquainted with the timetable and route on the website: http://www.navigazionelagoiseo.it/eng The fare depends on the time of the trip, varies from 2 euros (60 minutes) to 5.5 euros (180 minutes). You can buy a ticket for several trips, in the end it should be more economical. You can also use the train (follows to Edolo, the threshold of the Alps) or by bus. All the places surrounding the lake are charming and you can take a walk in each of them, enjoying the views of the lake and local attractions. The convenience of relaxing on Lake Iseo lies in the fact that the distances here are not large, everything is close to each other and the maximum time spent on the road is about 30 minutes. Of course, if we take into account the immediate surroundings.

One day you can see several cities. In Iseo, the promenade is not long, you can walk it all in 30 minutes, so after the promenade you can see the city itself: Castello Oldofredi, whose building is currently given over to the exposition of the Military Museum, picturesque churches, central square Garibaldi. Several medieval streets remain in the city.

From Iseo you can go to the small town of Sarnico and visit there art gallery"Gianni Bellini". Sarnico has retained its crescent-shaped structure, characteristic of the Middle Ages, which corresponds to the plan of the ancient city wall.

South of Iseo is the village of Pisogne, which can be explored in an hour. In addition to beautiful views of the lake, here you can see the Bishop's tower of the 12th century, medieval churches.

Then follow the villages of Sulzano and Sale Marasino. From there you can take a boat to Monte Isola. However, be careful if you travel by car, parking next to the pier costs about 4 euros per hour. Monte Isola rises 600 meters above the water surface. The unique landscape, coupled with stunning nature, attracts fans of hang gliders and other sports. most popular excursion here are hiking to the Madonna della Cheriona. Why on foot? Because cars are not allowed here. Only public transport, bike and your strength. If you want to explore the entire island in the shortest possible time, you can use by regular bus who walks around the island. The cost of the bus is about 1 euro.

The 3 Island Cruise departs from Iseo and only runs on Fridays and Sundays. You can also follow the cruise departure point and time on the website http://www.navigazionelagoiseo.it/eng The cost of the cruise is 18 euros and free for those under 14 years old. The cruise includes the islands of Monte Isola, Loreto and Sao Paolo. There is a medieval villa on the island of Loreto, and San Paolo is privately owned, and earlier fishermen, monks lived here, and there was a monastery here.

If you take the train a little south of the lake, then you can get to the town of Boario Terme. In addition to the fact that the fortress di Gorzone stands here, here you can relax in thermal springs: complex of outdoor pool, saunas, cold and hot showers, foot pools with contrast water and hydromassage. 3 hours of such pleasure will cost 30 euros from Monday to Friday and 40 euros on weekends and holidays.

A little east of the lake there is the village of Chislano. It is worth going here for the earthen pyramids of di Zone: pointed spiers with round stones on the top. To see the pyramids, you need to get to Chislano, and then go to the observation deck for about 20 minutes. Before reaching Chislano, there is a second Observation deck. You can enter the reserve where the pyramids are located for free.

Trains from Iseo take you to Brescia. The train is coming about 30 minutes and costs from 3.30 euros. There is a museum in Brescia, which is a monastic complex, and it is also interesting to walk around the city itself, which is a typical small Italian city: Old city, Cathedral, central square, medieval mansions. Also here you can see what remains of the Roman buildings.. The dome of the Duomo Novo, located in Piazza Paolo IV, is the third highest in Italy.

In addition to visiting attractions, which are much more than it might seem, you can choose other options for relaxation for the soul: sailing, windsurfing, fishing. Tourists' favorite pastime here is cycling and boating. You can also travel by motorboat.