DETAILED ITINERARY

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes, originally formed from a huge glacier which descended from the Dolomite mountain range. The northern end of this crystal clear lake is narrow and surrounded by dramatic mountains and cliff faces, with stunning scenery. In contrast, the lake broadens out at its southern end and has a distinctly Mediterranean feel with olive groves, vineyards and palm trees.

With a circumference of nearly 100 miles, this large lake has three distinct regions – Lombardy in the south, Veneto in the east and Trentino to the north. Straddling these three regions, Lake Garda has played an important strategic role in European history, with many battles fought on its shores by the Romans, Venetians and Austrian Empire that have left significant landmarks.

Holidays is this beautiful region therefore offer a mix of relaxation, history and culture, as well as delicious Italian cuisine and excellent wines. Lake Garda has a favourable microclimate that gives it better weather than the rest of northern Italy. Swimming in the lake is possible from May to early October, with the south being a few degrees warmer than the north.

The local cuisine varies between the three main regions, each of which has its own specialities. In the northern Trentino region you must try ‘Carne Salada’, delicious thinly sliced salted beef, whist the southern Lombardy region is known for its handmade pasta and ‘Lo Spiedo’ (grilled meat on a skewer). The eastern Veneto region has dishes such as ‘Tagliolini al Coregone’ and ‘Risotto alla Tinca’ that use tasty lake fish. There are many excellent restaurants around the lake and the local ice creams are delicious. The wines are also excellent, especially the Chiaretto rose and the Groppello, Marzemino and Bardolino reds. The delicate olive oil is also superb.

At the southern end of the lake is the scenic resort of Sirmione, set on a peninsula jutting out into the water. This spa town has a long history, dating back to Roman times when the poet Catullus decided to build his home here. Imposing Scaligera Castle is located at the narrowest part of the peninsula and was rebuilt in the 13th century to protect the harbour. It dominates the entrance to the characterful pedestrianised historic centre that is dotted with cafes, bars, boutiques, shops, restaurants and gelaterias. It is criss-crossed by flower-filled alleyways, piazzas and colourful residences.

Leaving the historic centre, the peninsula opens out into a lovely green headland with olive groves. There are also a few inviting shingle beaches for swimming in the clear shallow waters, such as Lido delle Bionde. You can walk or take the tourist train to the Grottoes of Catullus archaeological site to see the ruins of his Roman villa, or treat yourself to a visit to the famous natural hot springs.

Also at the southern end of the lake, Desenzano del Garda is an elegant town with an impressive waterfront, lovely piazzas and attractive pedestrianised centre. Cobbled alleyways lead to the medieval castle and there is a street market every Tuesday. You can also take a leisurely steamer ride to the nearby resorts of Salò, Gardone Riviera and Sirmione.

Known as the ‘Tuscany of Lake Garda’, the lesser known wine producing Valtenesi del Garda region is comprised of a series of charmingly authentic Italian villages dotted along the lakefront and in the surrounding hills. This beautiful and undiscovered area of the lake is a patchwork of rolling green hills, vineyards and olive groves leading down to an attractive lakefront with small marinas and beaches. Hiking trails and small country roads invite you to stop and enjoy the views across this beautiful landscape. You can even see the odd castle, such as the ones at Moniga or Padenghe sul Garda.

Pretty villages such as Polpenazze perch on the hillside, with wonderful views over the lake. You can hire a boat from a lakefront village such as San Felice or Moniga, swim in the lake, or relax in a café overlooking one of the marinas. The superb Chiaretto rose wine comes from here, and during July and August these villages come alive with local food and wine festivals. This area is perfect for foodies and wine lovers, but you do need to rent a car to get around.

In the Central Lake region you can enjoy leisurely days on the ferry or hydrofoil, visiting beautiful resorts dotted around the lake. Salò is located directly on the waterfront, with beautiful architecture, inviting cafes and smart shops hugging the pedestrianised lakeside promenade. There is a market here every Saturday. Gardone Riviera is an elegant resort chosen by nobility and the famous, with palm trees, exotic plants, rare Alpine species, palatial homes and a pretty lakeside promenade lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Here you can visit the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a hillside estate that was formerly the home of the Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Gardone Sopra, a quaint village above the main resort, has winding flower-filled alleyways, cafes and fabulous views over the lake. Just offshore is the island of Isola del Garda, which has a Neoclassical villa.

Gargnano is less known but equally charming, with flower-filled alleyways, intimate piazzas and a good choice of restaurants, bars and shops. Close to the centre there are some lovely wide beaches, ideal for relaxing or swimming in the lake.

Bardolino is an immaculate medieval lakeside town with lots of charm and character, with alluring alleyways in its historic centre that lead to the main piazza and lakefront. It is famous for its red wines and family-run wineries. There is also an Olive Oil museum here. Families may wish to visit the Gardaland theme park or CanevaWorld water park.

In the Northern Lake region, the proximity of the mountains make for fabulous panoramas. Limone sul Garda is a picture postcard village with rich and luxuriant vegetation. The lakeside centre has a wide promenade leading to the historic part of the village, which is teeming with charming shops, boutiques, gelateria, cafes and restaurants.

The central ferry stop is situated in the heart of the pedestrianised area, allowing you to visit other resorts on the lake at a leisurely pace. There are also some wonderful little villages in the hills above Limone, such as Tremosine, taking you into a quieter world with fantastic lake views. The Dolomite mountains frame Riva del Garda, located at the northern tip of the lake.

Along with Desanzano and Salò further south, it is a main hub on Lake Garda with a stunning historic centre, well-kept piazzas, gardens and waterfront walks. There are a wide choice of places to eat and drink, ranging from simple pizzerias to pavement cafes, wine bars and elegant restaurants. There is a market here on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and a scenic lakeside walk to Torbole.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Lake Garda transfers from Milan, Venice or Verona are included, as well as flights from London, with other regional departures on request. Car hire can also be arranged.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance, and an appropriate driving licence if you intend to hire a car. The FCO should also be consulted.