Top Things to do in Lake Garda
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The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Lake Garda, Lake Garda
The largest of Italy’s fresh-water lakes, Lake Garda is located in northeast Italy. Tourists traveling here will find plenty of excursions and activities to keep them entertained year-round—everything from visiting hilly wine regions to exploring 14th-century castles. The towns and communities surrounding Lake Garda offer easy day trips from Venice, easily accessible by car or train. Major sights include the towns of Sirmione (which attracts most Lake Garda visitors thanks to its historic Rocca Scaligiera castle) and Riva del Garda (for the Varone waterfalls located nearby), as well as the region’s hills, which offer numerous hiking trails for adventurous walkers.
Restaurants in Lake Garda
1. Full-Day Lake Garda and Desenzano del Garda from Milan - small group tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the beauties of Garda Lake with a private guide at your disposal from Milan. Escape from the crowded city and jump into the peacefulness of the lake. Visit Italy’s largest Lake, with its picturesque landscapes rich of historical heritage and charm. Get the train from Milan to Desenzano Del Garda and then enjoy a boat tour to Sirmione with its beautiful Roman villa and the Grottoes of Catullus (Grotte di Catullo) independently. After the tour you'll have free time strolling around the narrow streets and time for lunch. Your guide will take you to a famous Ice cream cafe where you can taste the authentic and delicious Italian made gelato. Return to Desenzano by boat for some shopping and train to Milan Central Station with your guide.
Inclusions: Professional Tour Escort at disposal full day, Ice cream tasting in Sirmione, Train Tickets, Boat tour
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By iancdeering
This was so much fun! Stefano (sommelier for the evening) is informative, very friendly, and makes for great conversation. The wines were absolutely delicious, the snacks were great, and the atmosphere was very inviting. An all around great experience that wine lovers are sure to enjoy!
2. From Padua, Full Day guided Tour of Verona and Garda Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
We’ll discover Verona with a walk. Starting from Piazza Bra we’ll admire Area di Verona. Through Via Mazzini, well known shopping street in Verona we’ll walk to the House of Juliet. Then we continue towards Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, Porta Borsari and the Arche Scaligere. We'll reach the Ponte di Pietra and, if you want, we can take the funicular and reach the San Pietro hill for a view from above of Verona. After a little lunch stop, we’ll go on to Lake Garda, where we’ll have a walk in the city centre of Sirmione. Called “la Perla del lago di Garda, i.e. the Pearl of Garda Lake ”, Sirmione is a wonderful destination, ideal for spending few hours of relaxation, in summer as well as during other periods of the year. Sirmione offers the opportunity to be engaged in manifold activities related to its historical and cultural heritage, its natural sights, local resources, typical products, markets and events.
Inclusions: Walking tour of Verona, Walking tour of Sirmione village, Lake seaside stop, Accompaniment of the Agency Local Tour Leader, Roundtrip transportation to the place of departure, in the options you select, Insurance and technical organization of a certified travel agency
Exclusions: Everything not indicated
Reviewed By maryannecase1961
We loved everything about this tour. First of all, we had a very knowledgeable tour guide, his name is Camilla. He provided us with very interesting information and facts about the Euganean region. We drove in a comfortable van. We visited two wineries and had the most amazing sceneries while driving around and visiting the wineries. We visited wine cellars and learned a lot about the process of wine making. The tastings were done in different settings and were all perfect! This tour over exceeded our expectations and I think it is worth every dollar! You won't be dissapointed. Thank you Camilla, for making this a very memorable tour!
3. Land of Venice: Verona, Lake Garda and countryside Small-group Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
If you are staying in Venice for a few days, you cannot miss a visit to the romantic Verona and the charming Lake Garda. Join this 1-day experience and discover all the things this area has to offer. Visit the elegant hamlet of Sirmione, a beautiful peninsula in the middle of the lake, famous for its thermal baths and amazing villas. Then, relax enjoying a private boat tour and admire the beauty of this stunning place. Right after the boat tour you will discover the old town with your guide and enjoy some free time for a fresh gelato or for shopping. Leave Sirmione to reach one of the most beautiful villages of the area and have lunch with delicious local dishes and fine wine. Next stop? Verona, the romantic Roman city, famous for the amazing Arena amphitheatre and Romeo and Juliet. Meet with our local guide and discover the history, traditions and legends of the city. If you wish, you will have some free time at the end of the tour, before going back to Venice.
Inclusions: Private Van Transport, Expert guide, Lake Garda Boat Tour (optional), Lunch, Verona highlights walking tour
Exclusions: Hotel pick up and drop-off
Reviewed By CarolynL308
Our team did a virtual cooking class together on Zoom! The recipes and instructions were clear and we were ready when the class started. It was so much fun and I can't believe we were able to make an amazing risotto AND a tiramisu to enjoy with our families that evening. Julia, our chef, did a great job of identifying each next step while keeping us calm. She could look at our dishes and let us know if we needed a little something more or, uh oh, a little something less! The food was delicious and we really had a great time all together, despite being in different countries and different kitchens!
4. The Wonders of East Lake Garda: Private Half Day Tour with a Local
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Lake Garda and its picturesque views are waiting, and on this private half-day day trip, it's time to explore the east side where villages, wine regions, and nature are the best! Join your favorite local on a scenic road trip full of beautiful sights and discover why Lake Garda is a must-visit destination. Hop on your local host's car and embark on a journey full of hidden gems. Drive through the country of Valpolicella, known for its wine and its hilly green backgrounds. Visit an ancient villa that has been a source of inspiration and the favorite destination for illustrious historical figures such as Alexander Fleming, Vivien Leigh, the English Royal Family, and Winston Churchill. And how about some wine? A tour to Lake Garda would not be complete without a visit to a winery and of course, some wine tasting. Ciao Lazise! Admire a 13th-century castle and visit the post of Lazise for a picture-perfect ending to your half-day day trip to Lake Garda.
Inclusions: Private tour, Air-conditioned vehicle, Local guide, Wine tasting
Exclusions: Food and beverages not listed as inclusions
Reviewed By ChloeNarcissse10
I booked this tour for me and my husband on a whim just to give us something to do for the weekend...and it was an excellent decision! Our guide Cristina responded to us within an hour to inquire about our food preferences and to also ensure that we didn’t have any allergies which we found to be very helpful and thoughtful. Once we met up at the designated time, she was very informative about each place we went to and she showed us some different restaurants that we may not have ventured into had we visited Verona on our own. At each place, she asked us if we wanted photos and let us take our time to marvel at everything after explaining the history behind it. We even got to see the arena which was sooo beautiful in person. If you want a tour guide that is going to show you more than just the typical tourists routes, book with Cristina. She made our experience worthwhile.
5. Private Lake Garda Day Trip: Villages, Wine & Roman Ruins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Lake Garda and its cultural gems are waiting, and on this private day trip, it's time to explore the south and west side where villages, wine regions, and nature melt together! Join your favorite local on a scenic road trip full of beautiful sights and discover why Lake Garda is a must-visit destination. What a better way to start your Lake Garda day trip than with some hidden gems? Visit the Excavations of Desenzano, where you can find the most important archeological evidence of the great late antique villas in Northen Italy and admire gorgeous 18th-century historical residence. It's wine time! Make your way to a winery located at the heart of the medieval village of Pratello. This family-run winery is completely underground, and they exclusively use grapes from their family farm. Get a taste of 3 exclusive wines; all served with local cold cuts and cheeses. Visit quiet town with mountainous scenery and fronted by Lake Garda - it is the picture-perfect finale to your day trip!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private tour, Wine tasting, Cold cuts and cheeses, Local guide, Entrance tickets to Roman Villa and Castle
Exclusions: Lunch, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions
Reviewed By ChloeNarcissse10
I booked this tour for me and my husband on a whim just to give us something to do for the weekend...and it was an excellent decision! Our guide Cristina responded to us within an hour to inquire about our food preferences and to also ensure that we didn’t have any allergies which we found to be very helpful and thoughtful. Once we met up at the designated time, she was very informative about each place we went to and she showed us some different restaurants that we may not have ventured into had we visited Verona on our own. At each place, she asked us if we wanted photos and let us take our time to marvel at everything after explaining the history behind it. We even got to see the arena which was sooo beautiful in person. If you want a tour guide that is going to show you more than just the typical tourists routes, book with Cristina. She made our experience worthwhile.
6. Sirmione and Lake Garda Tour from Verona
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 93 reviews
Meet the local guide in Verona city center, get on board a comfortable van and start this relaxing experience and head to Lake Garda. Reach Sirmione, a breathtaking medieval hamlet, famous for the clear waters, the beautiful castle and for the palaces full of flowers. Once arrived, the lake will be waiting for you: you'll enjoy a pleasant boat tour around Sirmione peninsula to admire the beautiful villas, the landscape and a part of the Grotte di Catullo made of a Roman villa at the head of the village. After this relaxing and refreshing moment you'll start exploring the village with your local expert that will show you the most fascinating corners walking through the cobblestone lanes and will tell you all about the history and local culture of this peninsula town. After the visit you'll have some free time to go shopping or relax by the lake. Sirmione is also famous for the amazing Gelato! So don't miss the opportunity to taste the yummy Gelato before going back to Verona.
Inclusions: Private transport, Local tour leader, Boat tour (depending on the weather conditions)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By medlockcm
My husband and I did the private Online Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Cooking Class today and it was simple incredible. It was our first cooking class of any kind and it was perfect. So well paced, easy to follow along, and fun! It felt so natural at times I forgot we were on Zoom. Definitely recommend, and would do it again.
7. Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip from Milan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Explore the beautiful town of Verona and lakeside towns lining Lake Garda on a scenic day trip from Milan. You'll discover that Verona is one of Italy's loveliest towns, a major stop on the Shakespearean tourist trail, and be charmed by the towns and landscapes of Lake Garda.
Inclusions: 2 hour walking tour with tourist guide in Verona, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off, Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By adcdiving
Como, the largest city in this region. Along the way we are regularly treated to beautiful views of small villages on the other side of the lake. The radiant sun makes it even more idyllic, but otherwise there is little to do in this region (at this time of year).
8. Venice Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Enjoy an 11-hour guided tour to discover Venice, the most romantic city in the world, from Lake Garda. Sightsee with a tour escort through the heart of Venice. During this excursion you will be able to see the most famous attractions of the city of the doges, such as the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Cathedral and its square, the bell tower, and the Rialto Bridge. You will take a private boat through Venice's canals and have free time in the afternoon.
Inclusions: Tour guide, Live commentary on board, Private boat from bus to Saint Mark's square, Headphones during the walking tour, Air-conditioned vehicle, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup
Reviewed By J4137THnancya
It was perfectly organized and Francesco was the best guide you could ask for! They picked us up on time and the bus ride was comfortable and fun. We had enough time to discover Venice on our own but also booked the Laguna Tour which was very interesting. I would highly recommend to bring sun screen or a hat if you go during summer.
9. 4-Day Italian Lakes and Verona Tour from Milan
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 16 reviews
Visit four of the must-see lakes in the Italian Lake district as well as the city of Verona, on a 4-day tour from Milan! With a mix of free time and tours, explore the tranquil hideaway of Lake Orta, mountain-framed Lake Maggiore and glamorous Lake Como. Discover elegant lakeside towns around Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake – and see Juliet’s House and more on a Verona tour. Boat rides on the lakes are included as well as 4-star hotel accommodation in the lively towns of Como, Verona and either Brescia or Bergamo.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, 3 nights of accommodation, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Boat Trip
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, City Tax
Reviewed By E5420ZMdenisk
I loved it, the tour guide Ali was a very nice person and answered all questions, with sufficient knowledge and detail. Recommended.
10. Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip from Milan with Hotel Pickup
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Take a day trip from Milan to discover the beautiful town of Verona, the famous setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet, and the unmissable Sirmione: a stunning lakeside town on Lake Garda where ancient roman ruins meet the crystal blue shores.
Inclusions: Guided tour of Verona, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional tour guide, Hotel pickup
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel drop off
Reviewed By adcdiving
Como, the largest city in this region. Along the way we are regularly treated to beautiful views of small villages on the other side of the lake. The radiant sun makes it even more idyllic, but otherwise there is little to do in this region (at this time of year).
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