Less than 100km from both Bergamo and Brescia, Lake Iseo (aka Sebino) is one of the least known Lombard lakes. Shut in by soaring mountains, it's a magnificent sight. About halfway along the lake, a mountain soars right out of the water.

With the exception of the south shore and a series of tunnels at the northeast end of the lake, the road closely hugs the water on its circuit around Lake Iseo and is especially dramatic south of Lovere. Various back roads also lead high up behind Lovere for magnificent views.

To the lake's north stretches the Valle Camonica, famed for its Stone Age rock carvings. To the south stretches the rolling Franciacorta wine country and, to the west, the picture-book-pretty Lake Endine.