For a holiday with a difference, you don’t want to explore the same beaten paths that millions of other people have trekked before. Instead, there is an overlooked paradise in Italy that offers world-class vineyards, lakes and alpine landscapes.

Tucked between Milan and Venice, the city of Brescia is a compact city that’s packed with culture. One of the must-sees of this region is Lake Iseo. It’s often overlooked for the glamour of Lake Garda, but Lake Iseo offers a more authentic experience.

The Lake wraps Monte Isola, which is Europe’s largest inhabited lake island. 

Cars are banned on the island, but there are some truly stunning walking paths that meander past secluded fishing villages and gorgeous beaches.

The most beautiful of these is the lakeside stretch of road between Peschiera Maraglio and Sensole, known as the olive tree walk. It offers a view of the privately owned island of San Paolo. 

Walking the 2km path will take around half an hour, but if you choose to stop in at one of the many bars, restaurants or ice cream parlours, it could take all day.

Along the walk, there’s also a gorgeous picnic area with access to the lake for a refreshing swim. 

If you want a more challenging walk, you can take the climb from Peschiera Maraglio to the ancient village of Cure.

Cure is famous for its artisanal salami and from here you can take a cobbled road winding into the mountain and up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola, which gives an absolutely breathtaking view down over the island. 

For those in the know, Lake Iseo is the new Lake Como with all the beauty and none of the crowds.

The harbours with direct ferries to Monte Isola are Sulzano and Sale Marasino. The other main harbours are Iseo, Pisogne, Lovere, Tavernola Bergamasca, and Sarnico. Ferries go to the island every 15 minutes.