Holidays in Lake Garda

Things to do in Lake Garda

There's no shortage of things to do on Lake Garda. We fill our days here with ferry trips along the lake, hopping on and off to explore the towns. It's easy to do and the views from the water are great. Don't miss the castle in Malcesine, it's at the top of the town so you'll get some pretty nice views from there. Limone is the lake's prettiest town so stop here for a coffee in the piazza. Sirmione has lots of history to explore and there's a fun weekly market in Garda. Gardaland is close by so get some thrills and ride the rollercoaster. You can go further afield too - Venice, Verona and the Dolomites are all easy day trips.

Food & drink

Wine is pretty big business in Lake Garda. There’s two festivals dedicated to it every year in Bardolino and this is the best resort to stay in if you want to visit vineyards to do some tastings. There’s nothing quite like lingering over a lakeside lunch with a glass of local wine. There’s plenty of restaurants to choose from too. Fish features on the menu a lot and it’s often freshly caught from the lake. You’ll also find local olive oil and citrus fruits used in almost all restaurants. Chickpea polenta, homemade pastas and sauces, risotto and venison are all regional favourites. For dessert, head to Sirmione for the lake’s best gelato.

Cycling & Biking

The North of the lake is fantastic for cycling, and you’ll find plenty routes available from easy to more challenging cycles. In Limone the Ciclopista Del Garda is a cycle route suspended above the lakeside around Limone that both cyclers and walkers can enjoy. It’s been built 50 metres above Lake Garda into the rocky cliffs, so incredible views are guaranteed! If you’re looking for an easy trail, then hop on your bike and cycle around Bardolino’s lakefront on the east side of the lake, it’s an easy cycle to Garda from here. This is a pretty flat route, with a dedicated bike path, making it easy to visit two Lake Garda towns in one day! Enjoy lunch in Garda and end your day in Bardolino with a spritz!

History & Culture

Malcesine is home to the famous Scaligero Castle which is a must see on a visit to the town. Built in the 13th century, it’s filled with history and has a museum too, for those guests who want to learn even more! You can climb to the top and enjoy views of the north of the lake. Jump aboard the ferry and head to the Heller Botanical Gardens to the west of Lake Garda, great for those interested in nature and art. There’s also plenty more history and culture to explore in Limone such as the Church of Saint Rocco or the Tourist Museum. You can also learn all about Limone’s famous fruit at Limonaia Del Castel and the history behind it. Or sign up to one of our optional excursions and head to Venice or Verona for the day, both cities are filled with history and culture for you to soak up and learn about on your visit.

Day trips to Venice, Verona and the Dolomites

In all our Lake Garda resorts, guests have the option to book onto an excursion to explore Verona, Venice and the Majestic Dolomites. Head to Verona to set eyes on one of Italy’s most charming cities, wandering around the cobbled streets, passing ancient buildings, and strolling through the pretty market square, Piazza Delle Erbe. Take a trip to Venice, where you can take in the sights of the Basilica in St Mark’s Square and the Rialto bridge – it really is one of Italy’s most magical cities. If you’re looking to explore the incredible Dolomites, the Majestic Dolomites excursion is perfect. Take in the incredible views from 2,000 metres up, explore the terrain of the Dolomites and stop off in the pretty town of Ortisei on the way back to Lake Garda.

Swimming & Watersports

Water babies will thrive in Lake Garda! Sirmione’s Aquaria Thermal Spa is the perfect place to relax, with more than 15,000 square metres of wellness – dreamy! You’ll also find beaches dotted around Lake Garda. Of course, many of our of hotels in Lake Garda have outdoor and indoor pools available; we love relaxing by the pool after a day of exploring! If you’re looking for some action-packed fun, head to Caneva Aquapark just outside Garda and Bardolino. Or, in Riva, water sports are super popular, you can try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Take the ferry

Of course, the best way to explore the towns in Lake Garda is by ferry! It’s the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax and enjoy the views from the lake. The ferries are regular, and most of our hotels aren’t too far from the ferry ports either!

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Valpolicella Wine Tour from £58 per person (full day)

Who doesn't love a wine tour. On this trip you'll get to visit a traditional wine cellar in Valpolicella, where you'll have a wine tasting with a very knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a lunch of fresh, local ingredients where you can experience 'agri-turismo' first-hand. After lunch, you'll be taken to the historic church and cloisters of St Giorgio. There's no better way to spend a day than by indulging in wine, food, history and stunning vineyard views.

Departs on Thursdays. Available from Bardolino, Garda, Riva, Limone & Malcesine.

Venice Classic from £70 per person (full day)

Venice is not to be missed! This excursion allows you to explore the city with a guide and at your own pace. You’ll arrive by coach and grab a water taxi to the centre. You’ll also have the option to add on a gondola ride (payable locally). There’s plenty of time to take in sights of the Basilica, Doge's Palace, St Mark's square and the Rialto bridge  – this is the perfect introduction to one of Italy's most magical cities.

Departs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Available from all Lake Garda resorts.

Majestic Dolomites from £54 per person (full day)

Start with a scenic drive through the exceptional South Tyrol, Val di Fiemme, Cavalese and Moena regions. You’ll then stop off at Passa Pordoi and take in the incredible views from this 2,000-metre-high vantage point. There’s some free time to explore the terrain at your own pace, either by taking one of the trekking paths or simply enjoying an Aperol at a rifugio and taking in the views. A stop off at the chocolate box town of Ortisei is included on the way back to your hotel as well as plenty of stops for photo opportunities in this awe inspiring landscape. Make sure you take some warmer clothes as temperatures really drop when you get up to the top!

Departs on Mondays & Fridays (resort dependant). Available from all Lake Garda resorts. Guests may have the opportunity to go up in a cable car for an additional fee of approx. €23pp (payable locally). 

Tour of Lake Garda from £50 per person (full day)

Get ready to explore the best of Lake Garda on this excursion – there’s so much natural beauty and picturesque towns to discover. See the spectacular mountain scenery of the north and the sunny plains of the south. Travelling by both coach and ferry, the tour itinerary for this excursion varies depending on where you start but will usually follow the famous Gardensana road lined with fragrant olive and lemon trees to reach the likes of Malcesine, Sirmione, Salo and Limone. This is the ideal taster tour of the entire lake where you'll get to spend a short period of time in a variety of stunning towns.

Departs on Mondays & Fridays (resort dependant). Available from Bardolino, Garda, Limone, Malcesine, Sirmione and Riva.

Verona from £47 per person (full day)

Verona is one of Italy’s most charming little cities. This day trip dips into the romance of the medieval city, reliving the scenes from Romeo and Juliet while wandering around through the cobbled streets and past ancient buildings. On arrival you'll have some free time for lunch and a chance to discover the nooks and crannies of this wonderful city. Explore the marble paved shopping street of Via Mazzini which leads to the pretty market square Piazza Delle Erbe. You can then join a walking tour of the city where you'll see the impressive 2,000-year-old Roman arena (entry not included). It's one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world and is currently home to the Verona Opera. The guides are very informative and always ready for any questions you may have.

Departs on Tuesdays and Fridays. Available from all Lake Garda resorts. 

Book locally

Verona Opera (evening)

The Verona Opera is definitely one for the bucket list! The season runs from mid June to early September and covers all the classics including Aida by Verdi or Turnadot by Puccini. Whichever performance you choose; you’ll have an incredible evening.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.