Events on Lake Garda
Three days on Lake Garda
Three days are enough to see the lake's three characters without rushing, keeping one area per day. This itinerary starts at the lower lake and works its way north; it also runs in reverse.
Day 1: the lower lake
Sirmione in the morning (castle, Grotte di Catullo), Desenzano or Peschiera in the afternoon for the old town and a beach. Evening in Lazise or Bardolino.
Day 2: Verona shore and Monte Baldo
Head up the eastern Gardesana road, stopping at Torri del Benaco, then Malcesine for the old town and the Monte Baldo cable car (a view over the whole lake). In the afternoon, a tasting among the Bardolino vineyards on the way back.
Day 3: Brescia shore and Alto Garda
Salò and Gardone Riviera with d'Annunzio's Vittoriale in the morning, then up to Limone for the lemon houses and the cliff-hugging cycle path. With more time, continue to Riva del Garda and the Varone waterfall.
Common questions
Do you need a car for a three-day itinerary?
Strongly recommended: days 2 and 3 cover long distances along the shores. Without a car, base yourself in the north (Malcesine, Riva) or the south (Sirmione) and use boats and buses.
Where's best to start?
From a base on the lower lake (Sirmione, Desenzano, Peschiera) if you arrive without a car; from Bardolino or Garda if you want to sit more centrally between the two shores.