Trenord: the allure of the lakes

Autumn is that time of year when colors soften, warm days become a distant memory, and time itself seems to slow down. It’s the perfect season for a fall escape—when the lakes of Northern Italy shed their summer crowds and breathe again in the quiet of mirrored waters, discreet villages, and suspended atmospheres. For those looking to travel comfortably, sustainably, and without stress, the “Gite in treno” initiative by Trenord offers a compelling alternative. Designed for those eager to rediscover the beauty of the region without the car, it encourages travelers to surrender to the rhythm of the landscape.
The routes pair rail travel with lake navigation, offering full-day itineraries that explore some of the most captivating destinations in Lombardy and along its border regions. Among them is Lake Garda, with three distinct itineraries showcasing its many identities. The Gardone Riviera ticket, new for 2025, includes travel to Desenzano and a boat ride to the western shore, where two standout stops await: the Vittoriale degli Italiani and Parco Heller, both included in the ticket price. For those seeking more flexibility, the Garda Experience option allows travel across 14 southern lake ports, from Gardone Riviera to Torre del Benaco. For a focused escape, the dedicated Sirmione ticket is ideal—perfect for a day of wellness, Roman ruins, and lakeside strolls.
A more intimate experience awaits on Lake Iseo, where the itinerary leads to Monte Isola, the highest lake island in Europe. With no cars and a sense of time standing still, just 16 euros grants access to a world of quiet paths, bicycles, and authentic hamlets. Lake Maggiore also invites a slower pace. From Laveno on the Lombard shore, boats sail to charming destinations such as Intra, Villa Taranto, Isola Madre, and Pallanza, all with the Alps reflected in the lake’s surface. Among the season’s most original offerings are two itineraries on Lake Lugano that symbolically cross into Switzerland. Starting from any station in Lombardy and disembarking at Porto Ceresio, it’s just a short walk to the pier where boats depart for Morcote—a jewel of a village nestled along a stunning stretch of the lake. The “Perle del Lago di Lugano” ticket takes travelers even further, with stops in Melide, Paradiso, Gandria, and the city of Lugano itself, blending Swiss elegance with Mediterranean warmth. For families or those simply in the mood for fun, Trenord also offers packages combining train travel with admission to the Garda region’s top theme parks: Gardaland, Movieland, and Caneva Aquapark, all accessible from Peschiera via a convenient shuttle service. “Gite in treno” is an invitation to discover, or rediscover, the wonders that lie just beyond the everyday. It’s a smart way to travel mindfully through the landscape, letting beauty lead the way, slowly and without hurry. Because sometimes the most meaningful journey begins with a simple ticket and brings us back to the most authentic experience of time.