As the best known of the lakes, Lake Como has become an even more popular tourist resort in recent years as celebrities such as Madonna, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, have bought holiday homes, or simply taken to spending their summers there.

The location is extremely romantic, nestled amidst the Alps, the small towns and numerous villas set upon its banks.

In winter, the stark contrast of the snowcapped Alps, the lush Mediterranean foliage at ground level, and the crystalline waters of the lakes is a stunning combination.

Como is the deepest of the lakes with a depth of 410mts near Argegno. Glaciers moving through the valley caused its curious “Y” shape.  Its formation means Como has the largest perimeter of all the lakes.

Set on the two Northernmost tips of the “Y” are the towns of Lecco and Como.  Como was once the European centre of the silk industry, and there is now a Silk Museum dedicated to that age.

In the midpoint of the “Y” is Bellagio, known as the jewel of the lake, host to the beautiful Villa Balbianello and its renowned gardens. Highly recommended is the loop trip on the car ferry, which takes in the gorgeous towns of Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna.