Lake Garda Italy Explorer

Upon arrival at Verona Airport today, you will be met and transferred nearby Desenzano Del Garda at the South end of Lake Garda.  We will enjoy 3-night stays at the Hotel Bonotto or similar. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant.  (D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.   After breakfast, we depart the hotel with our guide to discover the vibrant heart of Lake Garda with a leisurely walking tour through Desenzano del Garda. We will stroll along the scenic promenade, explore the bustling Piazza Malvezzi, and admire the elegant architecture of the historic Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene. Wander through charming alleyways filled with boutiques and cafés.  

After our short walking tour, we will depart by lake ferry to Bardolino.   Upon arrival by ferry, we will enjoy a delicious three-course lunch at a local trattoria, where the fresh regional ingredients, traditional recipes, and stunning atmosphere set the tone for a relaxing afternoon. After lunch, we’ll begin our walking tour along Bardolino’s scenic promenade, where sailboats drift by and the lake sparkles. As we walk into the historic centre of Bardolino, you will notice the charming cobbled streets and pastel-colored buildings.  A visit to the Romanesque Church of San Severo offers a quiet moment to admire its ancient frescoes and timeless architecture. Continuing through the town’s charming alleys, we’ll pass artisan boutiques and cafés before arriving at Piazza Matteotti, the vibrant heart of Bardolino.  After some free time to enjoy Bardolino on your own, we will depart by ferry back to Desenzano del Garda for overnight.  (B,L)

Breakfast at our hotel this morning.  After breakfast, we depart our hotel for a full day in the beautiful Valpolicella wine region.

During this tour, we depart this morning, and you will visit two different wineries, where you will taste the entire range of DOC and DOCG wines from the Valpolicella region.  

You will enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Valpolicella hills and the beautiful vineyards.   A delicious lunch in a typical local osteria, to enjoy the traditional cuisine of the Valpolicella region, is also included today.     Return to Desenzano after the tour for overnight.   (B,L)

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel for beautiful Salo.  Salo is on the Western shores of the lake.   Salò offers a picturesque setting for a leisurely walking tour. Begin along the elegant waterfront promenade, where sailboats bob gently and cafes line the cobbled paths.  We will stroll through the historic town centre, admiring the architecture and the array of boutique shops tucked beneath arcades.

After our delicious lunch, we will continue along the lake to Riva Del Garda.  Riva Del Garda at the northern end of the lake will be our home for the next 7 nights.     Hotel Sole Relax and Panorama Hotel or similar.  Dinner at the hotel this evening. (B L,D)

07 Sep    Riva Del Garda (Riva Del Garda Sightseeing)
Breakfast at the hotel this morning.  We begin our exploration this morning in the heart of Riva del Garda at Piazza Tre Novembre, a lively square framed by medieval architecture and the iconic Torre Apponale, a 13th-century watchtower that once served as a lookout over the lake.

From the square,  we explore the charming historic central part of the city.   We will see the Rocca di Riva, a lakeside fortress dating back to the 12th century, and the Church of Inviolata, a Baroque masterpiece built in the 17th century. After our walking tour, we will enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.  

The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure to continue exploring beautiful Riva Del Garda at your own pace.   Dinner this evening back at our hotel.    (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.   After breakfast, we will meet in the lobby and walk to the ferry port together to take the ferry to the town of Malcesine.

Upon arrival by ferry at the port, we begin our stroll in the heart of Malcesine, where cobbled streets weave through a maze of pastel-colored houses, small boutiques, and cozy cafés.   We will make our way toward the iconic Castello Scaligero di Malcesine, the crown jewel of the town. This medieval fortress, built by the powerful della Scala family from Verona, stands proudly on a rocky outcrop above Lake Garda. After our tour, we will enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch at a local trattoria.  Return to Riva Del Garda for dinner and overnight after the tour. (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.  Today is a free day to relax and explore Riva Del Garda at your own pace. Dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

After breakfast, we leave Riva Del Garda and step into a storybook setting with this enchanting tour through northern Italy’s Trentino region. Begin in Canale di Tenno, a beautifully preserved medieval village nestled in the hills above Lake Garda. With its cobbled alleys, stone archways, and flower-filled balconies, Canale di Tenno feels like a journey back in time.

Just a short walk leads us to the shimmering Lago di Tenno, renowned for its turquoise waters and pristine natural beauty.

To complete our day, we’ll head to the Azienda Agricola Pisoni in Pergolese, nestled between the Brenta Dolomites and Lake Garda.

Here, we will enjoy a guided tour of the winery and cellars, followed by a curated wine tasting featuring their delicious wines and the region’s signature Vino Santo Trentino DOC.

Settle in for a wine tasting experience. Each tasting is paired with local delicacies such as olive oil, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats, offering a true taste of Trentino’s terroir.

Conclude your visit with a stop at the winery’s shop, where you can purchase bottles of Reboro, Vino Santo, or other biodynamic selections to take home.  After our wine tasting excursion we will return to our hotel in beautiful Riva Del Garda.  (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.   Today is a free day to wander the charming streets of  Riva, take a walk along the lakefront promenade take advantage of the hotels bike rentals or relax on the public beach of beautiful Riva Del Garda.  Dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

After breakfast at our hotel this morning we will meet in the lobby and walk together to the ferry port.  A short ferry ride from Riva will bring us to beautiful Limone Sul Garda.  Limone sul Garda. Nestled between towering cliffs and the sparkling lake, Limone is a picturesque village known for its pastel-colored houses, narrow cobbled streets, and fragrant lemon groves. You have free time to explore at your own pace.

After we have had a chance to soak up the atmosphere, it will be time for lunch.   For lunch today, we will leave Limone Sul Garda and travel high above Lake Garda to the Tremosine Sul Garda region.

A delicious lunch will be served today at a local restaurant with amazing views high above the lake.   After lunch, we will have a chance to

wander around the local village and take some pictures from this unique location.   (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel.  After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and depart for Verona. Upon arrival in Verona we enjoy a light lunch.   After lunch, we walk off our lunch with an afternoon tour of Verona.  Beginning at Piazza Bra, Verona’s largest square, and a lively hub surrounded by cafés and historic buildings.

We will admire the Arena di Verona, a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater that still hosts operas and concerts.

We then head to the pedestrian street lined with boutiques, leading you to Piazza delle Erbe, the city’s ancient marketplace. Next, head to Piazza dei Signori, just a few steps away. This quieter square is framed by elegant palaces and statues, including one of Dante Alighieri. Continue on to Casa di Giulietta, where you can peek at Juliet’s balcony.  

This evening we will meet for a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant.  Overnight at the Giberti Hotel or similar.   (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and say goodbye to Verona and are transferred to the airport.  (B)