Villages, Towers and Castles of Southern Garda

Time required: 2 - 3 days.

The tour remains in the south western area of Lake Garda, in the Valtenesi area. This section of the lake offers its own unique brand of Wines and Olive Oils amongst which the well known Lugana wine (white) and Garda Classico (red).

Starting in Desenzano with its very special blend and feel of modern life mixed with an older traditional fishing village atmosphere.. its antique internal harbour, beautiful pebbled beaches and clear waters. Moving up toward the tower of Solferino, a must see.

Sunset is the ideal time to arrive into Sirmione, a jewel carefully balanced in the centre of the lake, the castle at the main entrance and thermal baths used by the Romans in particular the poet Catullo who commissioned the ‘Grotte di Catullo’ where mosaic baths can still be found, on the very northern tip of the peninsula, are just a couple of the must see items on this scenic menu. Why not plan to stay overnight in one of the many quaint hotels, probably one of Italy’s most romantic dinner venues.

The second day could be spent cruising by castles on the western shore, Padenghe would be the first out of Desenzano then Moniga (both circa 1000AD), the Rocca of Manerba (viewable remains of Roman look out post) and a little further on the famous Vittoriale, the home of one of Italy’s most famous and controversial poets ‘Gabriele D’Annunzio’.