Italy offers perhaps the greatest diversity of all European destinations.

From mountains to beaches, the rolling landscape of Tuscany to the idyllic islands and the exquisite beauty of Florence and Rome not to mention the unique experience that is Venice.

But there is a part of Italy that is sometimes overlooked and offers the opportunity to experience culture, relaxation, great food and opportunities to explore the stunning landscape – the lakes.

And Lake Garda is surely the most beautiful of all, set against a backdrop of wooded slopes and dotted with stylish, elegant, resorts.

But however beautiful the destination, accommodation can make or break a holiday. Thankfully ours made it.

The Hotel Galeazzi on the Gardone Riviera, pictured right, is operated by Inghams as a Chalet Hotel in a format similar to what you may find in skiing resorts.

It is in a superb location only minutes from the lake and superbly run by the attentive, personable and knowledgeable Rosanna, who met us off the coach, and who has instilled all those qualities and more in the excellent, young staff.

The food is superb, from hearty breakfasts to packed lunches and exquisite three-course evening meals.

Nothing was too much trouble and special mention must go to the thoroughly professional Inghams rep Neil who was always available, happy to help, research anything that was required and go that extra mile that many holiday reps often find too much trouble.

Once settled in we then had the freedom to create our own holiday. We occasionally lounged by the pool but every day set off to explore another beautiful town or village.

We had toyed with the idea of hiring a car but were glad we didn’t. You can explore by bus or boat very easily and both options were inexpensive.

A level five-minute walk from the hotel takes you to the lakeside, and only a minute or two further to the resort centre and the ferry landing-stage. From here you can catch one of the many boats that criss-cross the lake to explore other resorts such as Garda, Limone and Riva and enjoy the sensational scenery, which is |always best from the water.

There are innumerable places to explore at Lake Garda, from the market stalls and lemon orchards in Limone, to the castle ruins and boat tours of Sirmione. The latter comes free as part of your Inghams’ package.

Sirmione is a beautiful small town with endless ice cream shops serving delicious offerings to keep you going as you explore the battlemented walls and 13th-century fairytale castle with steps up to a tower.

Limone, a short bus journey away, clings to the shores of Lake Garda beneath the shadow of Monte Baldo and the peaks of the Alto Garda Bresciano regional park.

There’s a cable car on the cliffside of Malcesine and vast panoramic views all the way beside the lake.

Then comes the opportunity to venture further afield on an excursion.

The choice is yours from a circular tour of Lake Garda, a day in the Dolomite mountains, a day in Venice and a trip to Verona. Neil will organise anything that is required.

We couldn’t pass up the opportunity of visiting Venice and the whole trip ran like clockwork.

We had a full day in the most exquisite of cities and though tiring it was well worth it. Verona is closer to hand and also worth a visit.

This historic city oozes charm and also hosts Juliet’s House, where she stood to speak to her Romeo.

Mountain ranges are also just a coach-ride away, where you can see the Dolomites on a winding trip up the mountains to a cable car, where you can take a trip up to 3000ft above sea level. It’s breathtakingly beautiful.

Each day brought something new and exciting and each was topped off in style back at the hotel.

It was perhaps the most relaxing and friendly atmosphere I have encountered in any holiday hotel.

All the guests got to know each other and the staff and it really engendered a homely and relaxing atmosphere.

Many guests were busily booking again for the following year and we are tempted to break the habit of a lifetime and do the same – it was simply that good.