Lake Garda
Follow us on our adventures in Lake Garda, with its shimmering waters, charming towns, and breathtaking scenery, it really is a destination straight out of a dream.
To see a longer itinerary that includes Lake Garda check out: Northern Italy.
Day 1
We began our adventure with a scenic train ride to Peschiera del Garda, a perfect gateway to Lake Garda’s magic. From there, we made our way to the stunning Villa Cortine Palace Hotel in Sirmione. This luxurious retreat, surrounded by lush gardens and perched above the lake, offered unparalleled views and an old-world charm that instantly captivated us.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we boarded a private sunset boat excursion. Gliding across the serene lake, we soaked in the golden glow reflecting on the water, passing picturesque villages and historic landmarks.
For dinner: Ristorante Risorgimento. Picture delicious Italian dishes that were almost too pretty to eat, paired with a dreamy lakeside setting. It was the perfect way to wrap up an amazing first day at Lake Garda!
Itinerary:
Take a train to Peschiera del Garda; see RailEurope for schedules.
Hotel: Villa Cortine Palace Hotel
Reviews: Trip Advisor
Sunset Boat Excursion
Dinner: Ristorante Risorgimento
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 2
Day two was all about discovering the magic of Lake Garda’s towns and views! First up, Lazise—a dreamy medieval town where we wandered cobblestone streets and soaked in the charm of the waterfront. Then it was on to Bardolino, known for its vineyards and amazing wines. A stroll along the lakeside promenade gave us all the vacation vibes.
Next, we made our way to the jaw-dropping Madonna Della Corona Sanctuary, tucked right into the cliffs. Honestly, it felt like something out of a fairy tale, and the views from up there? Totally worth the trek.
In Malcesine, we hopped on the Monte Baldo Cable Car, which was basically a ride straight to the clouds. The views from the top were unreal—think sparkling lake on one side, towering mountains on the other. It was pure magic.
From there, it was ferry time! First stop: Limone sul Garda, a postcard-perfect town with lemon groves and pastel-colored buildings. After soaking in the peaceful vibe, we cruised over to Riva del Garda, a lively spot with cute shops, bustling cafés, and plenty of energy.
After a day packed with exploring, we wrapped things up with dinner at Osteria del Vecchio Fossato. The food? Authentic, delicious, and exactly what we needed to cap off an incredible day around the lake!
Itinerary:
Take a driving tour from Sirmione, stopping first at Lazie,
next explore the beautiful town of Barlino,
and then further east to
Madonna Della Corona Sanctuary
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Then to Malcesine
Where you will explore the town and take the Cable Car to Monte Baldo
Then head for the port area to take the ferry to explore the charming town of Limone
Next, take the ferry from Limone to Riva del Garda
After exploring, return by ferry to Malcesine, and then head back to Sirmione.
Dinner: Osteria del Vecchio Fossato
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 3
Our third day was all about slowing down and savoring the best of Lake Garda. We kicked things off with a boat tour, gliding across the sparkling water and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding towns, mountains, and historic villas. There’s just something magical about being on the water here—every turn felt like a postcard moment.
Back on land, we explored the Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, a medieval fortress that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. Walking across the drawbridge and climbing the towers for panoramic lake views was unforgettable. It’s the perfect mix of history and breathtaking scenery.
For our final evening, we treated ourselves to an elegant dinner at La Speranzina Restaurant, located right on the lake. The combination of exquisite food, impeccable service, and a stunning waterfront setting was pure perfection. Watching the sun dip below the horizon while indulging in Italian cuisine was the ultimate way to wrap up our time at Lake Garda.
It was a day filled with beauty, history, and pure relaxation—Lake Garda at its finest!
Itinerary:
Boat Tour of Lake Garda
Tour Castell Scaligero di Sirmione
Dinner: La Speranzina Restaurant
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 4
On to the next adventure...
