Holidays in Bardolino

Bardolino is a lively Lake Garda resort with a promenade leading to Garda and beyond…

Bardolino, Bardolino – where are you, Bardolino? Many know the name from the well-quaffed red wine that comes from the region, but few can place it on a map. But those who do know visit – and then visit again and again. You’ll find Bardolino in the south-east of Lake Garda, reclined between two headlands. It wraps a piazza-topped old town and waterfront promenade into one easily walkable package – and then hands out hiking, ferry and train routes so you can extend your exploration to Lake Garda’s towns and vineyards, and on to fair Verona and Venice.

The beauty of Bardolino

You’ll never get lost in Bardolino’s old town, no matter how aimless your strolling – all roads lead to the lake. Once through the lovely stone gateway, it’s an easy ramble past Romanesque churches, a café-lined main piazza and shuttered houses in gelato shades of clementine and cream. There’s usually music in the air too. What was once an old church, Sala della Disciplina, hosts opera, while terraces fill with buskers and musicians in the summer.

Lakeside walking

A promenade hugs the lake’s edge between Bardolino and Garda. It’s a leisurely hour-long walk or speedier bike ride – longer if you pause at the beaches and lake-view benches en route. The walled town of Lazise is also an easy walk away, home to one of the grandest castles of the Scaligeri family, who ruled the region for over 100 years. The Way of Bardolino as it is known is a collection of routes that will take you a little further afield. Take your pick from 100km of paths and 18 nature trails, dipping into whichever vineyards take your fancy en route.

Celebrating Bardolino wine in style

Bardolino vineyards have lined the southern edge of Lake Garda since the Romans were around. The red wine is loved across the world for its fruity flavour – but, of course, is best drunk in its hometown, preferably with a side of risotto and lake views. Time your walking holiday to Bardolino for September’s wine festival (Festa dell’Uva di Bardolino) to celebrate the region’s greatest grapes. The Olive Oil Museum in neighbouring Cisano shows off another regional speciality, along with antique presses and an olive oil library.

Day trips from Bardolino – Venice calling

Ferries cruise between the wooden piers of Lake Garda, connecting picturesque towns such as castle-topped Sirmione and the Gardone Riviera. Most ferries accept bikes, so you can cycle one way and hop on the boat for the return trip – or vice versa. Alternatively, head to Desenzano or Peschiera, where trains zip off to Venice and Verona.

Why book a summer holiday in Bardolino with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Bardolino's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Bardolino. Join a professional mountain guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Bardolino include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Inghams rep based in resort

Flights and airport transfers included

Exclusive to Inghams: Join up to two included walks with a professional, local guide (limited availability, pre-booking is essential)

Walking in and around Bardolino

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Bardolino

You'll stumble across vineyards and olive groves galore when you begin venturing out of the centre of Bardolino. There's nothing better than stopping off at a typical Bardolino vineyard and sharing a tipple or two with good friends mid-walk! There are so many surprises in the area, check out the Bronze Age rock carvings on Monte Luppia or walk to the Sisan museum and jump head first into learning about the lake's bird life and water life.

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of Inghams guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Getting around Bardolino

Buses

The buses around Bardolino are really useful and are used to take you to the starting points for many of our guided walks. They're a really economical way to explore the area and run pretty regularly, particularly to the next door town of Garda.

Ferries

Ferries are great for cutting across the lake to various other resorts. Cross the lake and you'll find yourself in the lush greenery of the Gardone Riviera and Saló,  or hop over to the Sirmione peninsula and admire its fairy-tale Scaligero castle.

Guided Walks

Inghams guided walks - included in your holiday

We’ve included one full-day and one half-day walk per week in Bardolino, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The full-day walk will run every Monday (Moderate-Challenging) and the half-day walk (Easy-Moderate) will run every Friday from the 3rd May until 11th October 2024. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Vineyards and Olive Groves of Garda

Stroll among romantic vineyards and beautiful olive groves on the trails of Lake Garda’s hinterland. During the walk we you'll come across the scenic park of the German military cemetery and a beautiful small lake which is home to various species of fish and birds and also works as a bio-filter.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 7km
  • Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 3.5 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 80m ascent
  • Terrain: mostly dirt trails with short sections on paved roads
  • Useful information: The meeting point is at the Garda bus station, the group will then take a local bus which takes around 10 minutes between Garda and Costermano (approx. €3 one way, payable locally). There is a local bus which takes around 8 minutes between Bardolino and Garda (approx. €2 one way, payable locally).

Rocca di Garda

Head up from the centre of Garda to the summit of Rocca Vecchia, passing the Hermitage of San Giorgio of the Camaldolese Friars. The route crosses idyllic olive groves and the typical Mediterranean Maquis shrubland, which is very common on the shores of Lake Garda. The Rocca’s is the perfect environment to learn more about the lake's geology and origins.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 7km
  • Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 3.5 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 340m
  • Terrain: partly paved, but mostly dirt trails or rocky terrain
  • Useful information: The meeting point is at the Garda bus station. There is a local bus which takes around 8 minutes between Bardolino and Garda (approx. €2 one way, payable locally).

Exploring Monte Luppia and its Ancient Rock Carvings

Mount Luppia is a rocky spur that dominates the lower part of Lake Garda. From the top of Monte Luppia you can enjoy fantastic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains and admire the rich vegetation of the Mediterranean Maquis shrubland. The route is famous for its rock carvings some of which date back to the Bronze Age.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a very good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 14km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 6-7 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 420m
  • Terrain: mostly dirt trails, partly rocky and uneven terrain, steep ascents
  • Useful information: The meeting point is at the Garda bus station, the group will then take a local bus which takes around 5 minutes between Garda and Punta San Vigilio (approx. €1.50 one way, payable locally). There is a local bus which takes around 8 minutes between Bardolino and Garda (approx. €2 one way, payable locally). When you reach Albisano you'll have the chance to have lunch in one of its many cosy restaurants or bars, the one you go to will be decided at the time (payable locally).

Valsorda and Mount Moscal

Head from the centre of Bardolino to the summit of Mount Moscal, walking through the verdant Valsorda Valley. The route crosses idyllic olive groves and typical wetland forests until it reaches the top of Mount Moscal with its Mediterranean vegetation. The Valsorda Valley is the ideal place for learning about water erosion, wetland vegetation and the typical animals of the area.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a very good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 12km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 5.5 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 320m
  • Terrain: partly paved, but mostly dirt trails or rocky, possibly wet terrain, steep ascents
  • Useful information: The meeting point is in front of Bardolino town hall. You'll stop off along the walk to have your packed lunch in the open air. Make sure you come prepared with a packed lunch and snacks.

For every walk you will need: 

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash for restaurants/transport. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Our Favourite Walks

The walking in Bardolino is so good that every route could be classed as a favourite, but here are just a few routes that we really love:

Bardolino to Cisano

A pleasant walk along the lakefront that leads from Bardolino to Cisano, a district of Bardolino. This is a really unique part of the lake due to its stretches of coastline freckled with reeds. Check out the lake‘s rich bird life and deep dive into the typical fish and avifauna at Museo Sisàn.

Grade: Easy
Distance: 8km
Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours
Ascent/descent: 5m
Terrain: mostly paved with short dirt sections, flat

The Ridges of Mount Baldo

This walk heads up to the ridges of Mount Baldo where the views across lake Garda are breath-taking. The Prada-Costabella chair and basket lift will take you to the summit of Mount Baldo in just a few minutes so you won't have long to wait before getting a glimpse of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains from the top!

Grade: Challenging
Distance: 10km
Walking time: approx. 5 hours
Ascent/descent: 500m
Terrain: some dirt trails, sections of rocky and uneven terrain, steep ascents
Useful information: There's a local bus which takes around 40 minutes between Garda and Prada where the walk starts (approx. €4.70 one way, payable locally). There is a local bus which takes around 8 minutes between Bardolino and Garda (approx. €2 one way, payable locally).

Useful Information & Guidelines

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for hiking around Garda.

Walking maps

If you're looking for a paper map to help you get to know the area even better, we'd recommend the Kompass 697 - Lake Garda (1:35,000).

Hiking guidelines

The lakes and mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

  • Plan your route well and don't over-estimate yourself
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
  • Take all the recommended equipment
  • Make a note of emergency numbers:
    • Italian Emergency Services: 112
  • Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
  • Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
  • Always leave gates as you found them
  • Leave no trace

  • from£649pp
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Parc Hotel Gritti, Pool

If you're after good value for money in a great location, then Parc Hotel Gritti is the ideal choice. There are plenty of amenities including a spa and pool plus, you'll be close to the centre of Bardolino and next to the lake.

  • from£619pp
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San Pietro Hotel Swimming Pool (2).jpg

The Palace Hotel San Pietro is tucked away down a quiet street in the centre of Bardolino; but still within walking distance of the bars, shops and the lake. This is a well-maintained, family-run hotel with comfy rooms and a small outdoor pool. 

 

  • from£849pp
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Hotel Aqualux Spa and Suites, Exterior

With a spa spanning over 1,000 square metres, this is the ideal hotel for a relaxing break. Expect modern interiors, six fantastic pools, innovative restaurants and a touch of luxury throughout. You'll be just 20-minutes from the centre of Bardolino so there's plenty to see and do.

  • from£669pp
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Hotel Bologna, Bardolino, Lake Garda, Italy - exterior.jpg

Hotel Bologna is family-run, traditional and right in the centre of Bardolino. Best of all, the lake is less than a five-minute walk away. We've worked with this hotel for many years and are confident you'll have an enjoyable holiday here. 

  • from£659pp
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Parc Hotel Germano, Suite with Private Pool (1)

Parc Hotel Germano has a hillside location with large grounds and great views over the lake. Spread out and relax with two outdoor pools and beautiful gardens. Each room is a modern suite with lots of space. There are even suites with private pools if you really want to treat yourself!

  • from£799pp
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Solho Pool View

Solho Hotel has a modern design, an infinity pool with lake views and a chic wine bar - all right in the centre of Bardolino. This is one of the newest additions to Bardolino's hotel scene and it's perfect if you're looking for a bit of luxury.

Excursions

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.

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 Tuesdays and Thursdays

Majestic Dolomites from £56 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.

Departs on Fridays. Guests may have the opportunity to go up in a cable car for an additional fee of approx. €23pp (payable locally). Make sure you take some warmer clothes as temperatures really drop when you get up to the top!

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 Fridays

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 a walking tour of the city 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. Explore the marble paved shopping street of Via Mazzini which leads to the pretty market square Piazza Delle Erbe.

Departs on Tuesdays and Fridays

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.

Things To Do

Things to see and do

Jump on a ferry and visit the other towns on the lake. Sirmione will take about an hour – head here to get some fab holiday photos of the castle and moat, plus try the town’s famous ice cream! Hop across the lake to Gardone and visit the Heller Botanical Gardens – we love afternoons here admiring the flowers and the interesting artwork.

If you want some thrills, spend a day at a theme park. Gardaland, Caneva World and Movieland are all close by. To get your culture fix, head to Venice or Verona for the day. Trains run regularly from stations in Desenzano and Peschiera.

Food & wine

This town is serious about its wine and there’s lots of opportunities to learn all about it by taking trips to the nearby vineyards. Go to the Zeni Winery for a tasting and tour of the vines. There’s a great museum there too. The Bardolino Wine Festival takes place twice a year. There's plenty of opportunity to taste the wines and sample regional food specialties, all accompanied by musical concerts ending in a spectacular firework display over the lake. Bardolino's Palio del Chiaretto takes place at the end of May and celebrates rosé wine whilst the Bardolino Grape & Wine Festival which takes place from the beginning of September to the end of October celebrates all wine!

As well as wine, Bardolino is known for its olive oil. You’ll find a museum about two kilometres outside the town where you can see traditional equipment used to make the oil and a shop where you can buy some of the produce.

Activities

There’s lots of great walking trails that start in Bardolino. As the area’s fairly flat, it’s good for beginners. We like the lakeside walks - you can go for about an hour in each direction and stop off for a drink on the way. Head to the top of La Rocca for the best views.

Bardolino has some great cycling, including mountain bike trails and more peaceful routes that follow the lake edge. You can cycle round the whole lake if you want to, or just choose part of it and head back on a ferry. There’s places locally where you can hire bikes – lots of our hotels have some you can borrow, too.

Good to know

Walking trails: 75km of hiking trails around Bardolino, with easy access to other parts of the lake. 

Terrain: flat, paved roads, dirt trails, lakeside promenades, hills

Best time to go: June & September - October. Earlier and later in the season the temperature is a bit cooler, so a great time to get out walking.

Best for: Regular walkers, new walkers, sightseeing, food & drink, activities

Fly into: Verona (approx. 2 hours)

Transfer time: approx. 45 mins by coach

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