Top Things to do in Lake Garda
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Things to do in Lake Garda, Lake Garda: The Best Sightseeing Tours
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. 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!
2. Complete roundtrip tour of the Sirmione Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Salvo offers the opportunity to experience the emotion of a magical tour on Lake Garda. You will have the possibility to organize your tour and Salvo will help you to create the perfect atmosphere for a moment unique and unforgettable, at the height of your dreams.
Inclusions: Snacks, Photos, Hygienic services on board and in port, Bow and Fly sundeck (upper part), Music with external mp3, bluetooth speakers (also from your device)
Exclusions:
Reviewed By bpfuller
Salvo is a great host! He made all of his guests feel very welcomed and relaxed. I planned to get engaged to my girlfriend during the trip. Salvo took care of everything, we exchanged numbers a few weeks before the trip and he helped me plan it. On board he provides drinks and snacks, Which were top quality. I had all of my family with me, one of which was pregnant and he showed extra attention when she moved around the boat. My trip was a sunset tour and it certainly did not disappoint! Salvo kept in regular contact two days before the trip with updates of the lake and weather conditions. It appears quite pricey but I would definitely recommend. The general cost of things around lake Garda are fairly pricey anyway so it wasn’t really a surprise. Worth every penny! Think it worked about £37 pp for 2 and a bit hours.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Private sunset cruise with toast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
A boat cruise at sunset is an incredible experience not to be missed; a magical moment that will remain in your memories forever. We will sail to the island and on board we will offer you a toast of Prosecco, so as to appreciate the surrounding landscape and the atmosphere of the late afternoon by boat in an even more comfortable and delicate way. Return to the Gulf of Salò just before the sun sets behind the surrounding hills.
Inclusions: Captain, Private tour, Glass of Prosecco, All taxes, fees and management fees, Fuel Supplements
Exclusions: The indicated price does not include parking, Collection and return to the hotel
Reviewed By CalifornianItaly
My husband and I toured Lake Garda in Mirco and Christina’s handsome and well designed boat. Mirco is very warm and friendly, also very passionate to provide their guests a good experience. He carefully thought of features and design of the boat to ensure his customers will have a convenient and good adventure around the lake. We requested sometime to swim in the lake and he took us to a nice and safe location to enjoy sometime in the water. You could tell that they take pride and utmost care of the boat which we truly appreciated. While touring the lake, there is a recorded history played in the background but Mirco also provided and offered additional tidbits of information. He was very pleasant and stopped at photo op spots offering to take a few nice photos of us while drinking our bubblies. When we return with our family, we will definitely look for Christina who is in charge of booking and reservation. Highly recommend Bee Boats experience if you are ever in Salò.
6. Sunset Cruise on a Sailing Boat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The sailing ship San Nicolò takes you on a unique tour: the Sunset Cruise, the perfect blend of a pleasant aperitif at sunset and a fascinating sailing trip on the last two-master still cruising on Lake Garda. Come aboard a piece of history to live a thrilling experience, admiring the sunset from an exceptional perspective. The privilege to pass the most beautiful places of the lake while tasting a glass of Prosecco or Bardolino Chiaretto and watching the sun going down on the shiny water.
Inclusions: Restroom on board, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions:
Reviewed By ellimic2016
I would give a 0 star rating if I could. I booked the Cosmopolitan Milan excursion through Tui who use Europlan. I got to where I needed to be for the coach, we were supposed to leave at 9:15 so I arrived five minutes early. I waited until 9:30 and the only person to stop for the whole time was a taxi that said Sirmione on the side, the driver said something in Italian, presumably asking if I'd ordered a taxi? and drove off. If that was it he was gone, but I was expecting a proper coach for a 'coach trip', not a questionable looking taxi cab with a driver who can't even speak English! On an English speaking tour! I texted the Tui rep who, as it turned out, was in the building just next door so he came out to speak to me. He got on the phone with Europlan and told then I was where I needed to be, and on time. He could only say he did not know how but I have missed the coach and they can't come back for me. I had planned my holiday around this excursion, I have two more booked with Tui before I go home (also with Europlan) and this has thrown out my faith in you!!
7. San Nicolò Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This boat trip on Lake Garda is a leap into the past and traditions of the Lake Garda region. Come on board the San Nicolò and provide you with an alternative half-day Lake Garda cruise, combining relaxation, elegance, comfort and enchanting landscapes. During the boat tour you will have the possibility to enjoy a refreshment with music on board and to dive into the waters of the lake.
Inclusions: Restroom on board, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop
Exclusions:
Reviewed By ellimic2016
I would give a 0 star rating if I could. I booked the Cosmopolitan Milan excursion through Tui who use Europlan. I got to where I needed to be for the coach, we were supposed to leave at 9:15 so I arrived five minutes early. I waited until 9:30 and the only person to stop for the whole time was a taxi that said Sirmione on the side, the driver said something in Italian, presumably asking if I'd ordered a taxi? and drove off. If that was it he was gone, but I was expecting a proper coach for a 'coach trip', not a questionable looking taxi cab with a driver who can't even speak English! On an English speaking tour! I texted the Tui rep who, as it turned out, was in the building just next door so he came out to speak to me. He got on the phone with Europlan and told then I was where I needed to be, and on time. He could only say he did not know how but I have missed the coach and they can't come back for me. I had planned my holiday around this excursion, I have two more booked with Tui before I go home (also with Europlan) and this has thrown out my faith in you!!
8. Boat Tour to Garda Island
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 10 reviews
Looking for a special way to see the most beautiful island of Garda Lake? This is exactly what you are looking for! During this excursion, that will take 1 hour 30 minutes, you’ll see the Grotte di Catullo, the Rocca di Manerba, the Isola di San Biagio and finally Isola del Garda. Definitely you can not miss it!
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Fuel, Taxes, Possibility to do a swim
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By stephandant
We booked a private tour of sirmione online, the process was easy and as it was private we were able to leave 30 minutes before the allocated time. We saw others on the joint tours and felt having the boat to ourselves was fully worth it. Best seats going, our captain Alex was great. Good commentary and took photos for us. Great day out!
9. Lake Garda Sunset Cruise from Sirmione with Prosecco and fresh fruits
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 20 reviews
Take a rest from your busy day and enjoy a romantic 45-minute cruise around Sirmione peninsula. Drink a glass of Prosecco wine and enjoy fresh fruits, while relaxing and enjoying the sights with an amazing sunset as your backdrop. See the ex-villa of Maria Callas, the Grotte di Catullo - largest Roman ruins in the Northern Italy and the Scaligero Castle from different point of view while passing under the two bridges of the castle. This is a perfect tour for a romantic or special occasion.
Inclusions: Transport by private boat, Captain, Glass of prosecco, Fresh fruits, All taxes, fees, and handling charges, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Parking fees, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By stephandant
We booked a private tour of sirmione online, the process was easy and as it was private we were able to leave 30 minutes before the allocated time. We saw others on the joint tours and felt having the boat to ourselves was fully worth it. Best seats going, our captain Alex was great. Good commentary and took photos for us. Great day out!
10. Tour of the Sirmione Peninsula
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 30 reviews
This is an amazing way to see Sirmione from another point of view. The tour will takes about 25 minutes. You'll have the chance to see the ex-villa of Maria Callas, the SPA and beauty center Aquaria, the Grotte di Catullo and the sulphur spring of the thermal water of Sirmione.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Fuel, Taxes
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By stephandant
We booked a private tour of sirmione online, the process was easy and as it was private we were able to leave 30 minutes before the allocated time. We saw others on the joint tours and felt having the boat to ourselves was fully worth it. Best seats going, our captain Alex was great. Good commentary and took photos for us. Great day out!
