The Lake

During your stay on Lake Garda, you can combine relaxation, fun, and cultural and historical interests. Starting from the small port of Sirmione, "the pearl of the Garda", you can arrive to the remains of the caves of Catullo, a noble residence of Roman times. Sirmione, famous for its thermal waters, offers relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere to tourists.
 
Going north, you will reach Desenzano, a lively and always interesting tourist resort. Its historic centre houses many quaint little alleys, with numerous trendy boutiques, where you can do some shopping. Also, every first Sunday of the month there is an antique market.

In Lonato, a small town not far from Desenzano, you can admire the Rocca and visit the Ugo da Como Foundation and the Maguzzano Abbey. Moving towards Salò, you will cross Valtenesi (“Valley of the Athenians”). Here you will find splendid castles and ancient villages, between beaches and small harbours. Do not miss the breath-taking view from the Rocca di Manerba and excellent wines of the area.

After passing Valtenesi, you will reach the Gulf of Salò, with its beautiful promenade along the lake. A stop at the Duomo is a must, to admire the masterpieces of Romanticism. Salò also offers many interesting shopping opportunities along its streets in the historic centre. In Gardone Riviera you cannot miss the Shrine of Italian Victories and the Botanical Garden of the Andrè Heller Foundation, where the works of international artists are embedded in a suggestive floral context.

Moving north, you will find Toscolano and Maderno, with waters dotted by numerous sailing, windsurfing and kite-surfing enthusiasts. We also recommend visits to “Valle delle Cartiere” (Paper-Mills Valley) and the Map Museum. Speaking of sailing, we must mention Gargnano, where sailing event “Centomiglia del Garda” is held: another famous event in the area is “Giardino di Delizia” (The Garden of Delights), national floral show.

Far north, in the province of Brescia, finally rise Tignale and Tremosine, perfect for lovers of outdoor life. We also have to mention Limone, one of the most popular tourist resorts, the name of which recalls the characteristic cultivation of lemons and cedars.

The beautiful villas overlooking the lake characterize this entire area and are the ideal destination for those who want to experience cultural vacation in Desenzano, among magnificent artistic and architectural monuments. Coming to the island of Garda, the largest island on the lake, there stands the splendid Villa Cavazza, inhabited since ancient times and with romantic gardens, canals and bridges, which have been well-cared-for over time. In summer, guided tours to the villa are organised and not to be missed.
 
Continuing north, in Salò there is Villa Leonesio, from the façade of which you can admire a suggestive landscape. Further on, there is Villa Simonini; particular is the architecture of the Palazzo Terzi Martinengo complex, a fortified residence dating back to the 16^th century, with its beautiful coffered ceilings and the lake garden.

Not far away, in Gardone Riviera, rises Villa Ruhland from the 17^th century. Among the most important guests of the town, we remember the poet D'Annunzio, who stayed at Villa Cargnacco, known as the Vittoriale (Shrine of Italian Victories). At that time, the Brescia Riviera was the privileged vacation destination, with the consequent construction of many Liberty style villas, including the famous Villa Fiordaliso.
 
In Gargnano, there are two Feltrinelli Villas. The first palace has been hosting a University of Milan since 1949. The second one, recently restored, is home to an exclusive hotel. The tour of the villas ends in Bogliaco, where Villa Bettoni stands out, as combination of architecture and nature.