Three days on Lake Garda

The story · 3 days

It was a relaxing little trip; Garda is truly stunning and the heat is eased by the constant wind. We slept in a tent at the Tiglio Campsite, Lugana di Sirmione. It was our first time in a tent and I think we'll repeat the experience; the campsite is well organized, close to the lake and has a restaurant with affordable prices.

Day 131 Jul 2009

Sirmione

We left around 7:30 and arrived in Sirmione at 11. The parking lots near the historic center are very expensive and we preferred to leave the car farther away and take a nice walk. Sirmione is an extremely touristy town but still charming, the lake is wonderful! The main attractions are the Scaligero castle, from whose tower you get a beautiful view, and the so-called Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a Roman villa. We took a panoramic walk along which you come across several small beaches.

Day 21 Aug 2009

Riva del Garda

On the second day we decided to take a trip on the lake. Having left Sirmione at 9:36 we arrived in Riva del Garda at about 12:30. The round trip costs about 27 euros per person (not cheap). The catamaran ride was relaxing and we were able to see, even if only in passing, some of the towns overlooking Lake Garda. Riva is on the Trentino shore: here the lake waters are darker and the landscape more rugged. The town was long under Habsburg rule, as you can tell from the picturesque buildings. We visited the civic museum set up in the fortress (free for students). We particularly liked the part about World War II. There are many beaches and you can rent pedal boats. At 17:05 the last ferry to Sirmione left, where we arrived around 19. We had dinner at a festival in Lugana, I think "Festa del lago": the prices were low and the food was really good!!

Day 32 Aug 2009

Verona

We reluctantly left the shores of the lake and arrived in Verona in half an hour. Our visit was shorter than expected because it was really too hot! On Sundays parking is free and we parked near the center. In about 4 hours we visited the Arena, Piazza dei Signori with the tower, Juliet's house and the Scaligero castle. The prices of bars and restaurants are very high.