How about a cruise on a lake? You're right it's not exactly the same as a cruise, but the place is so idyllic, the Lago di Garda, if you have the opportunity to visit it, don't miss it. And if later you want to take a walk or an excursion around the lake by ferry, do not stop reading this post.
Lago di Garda is in the North of Italy, between Venice and Milan, and it is incredible, fresh and crystalline water, rugged mountains, absolutely picturesque villages, with colorful houses, vineyards, olive trees, castles and rural houses. To go around and get to know the lake I recommend a minimum of 4 days, although I could stay and live there.
Almost certainly if you arrive at Lago di Garda it is because you have been recommended visit Sirmione, but keep in mind that the lake is much more than this town. Don't forget to go through Torbole, Malcesine, Punta San Vigilio (be careful, because on this beach you have to pay 12 euros to enter) or Limone Sul Garda.
However I'm not going to get confused and I'll tell you about that magnificent ferry crossing on the largest lake in Italy. You have several options of boats and excursions, from those of a single day, which you are sailing for 4 or 5 hours, and then you have different stopping times, to the routes in which they let you stay up late on the boat itself. In practically every town, the information and tourism office will inform you of their schedules and prices.
Apart from the private company tours there is a public boat service offered by the Navigazione Laghi company, they have 23 ships, with different capacities. Their largest ship seats up to 250 people and they have restaurant service on board, dinner may not be the most exquisite in the area, but the views and atmosphere are unbeatable.
And now I do give you some details of the places that you cannot miss.
Sirmione
The town of Sirmione is bathed on three sides by the waters of Lago di Garda. It has many hotels, restaurants, spas and chalets in a beautiful environment ... although I tell you that on a Sunday, by road it is almost impossible to get to the center of as many tourists as there are.
In the villa you will find one medieval citadel, with a small castle which is accessed (as it cannot be otherwise in this fairy environment) by a small drawbridge. From there the landscape is impressive, you can see the entire lake and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.
In the old town you can visit various churches, like that of Santa Maria della Neve, in the Romanesque style, and that of Santa Ana. Crossing Sirmione, at the end of the peninsula, among the pine trees you will find the ruins of a magnificent Roman villa, the Caves of Catullus.
Torbole
From Torbole, also flipping the lago di Garda, you can do one of the most beautiful walking tours of the lake. Aproximately last two and a quarter hours, With three flights of ramps and stairs, the first one is the hardest, but it is worth it. You're going to have Breathtaking views over the entire city and port. Everything is very well signposted. Then, when you arrive in Tempesta, you can return by bus, it is only 25 minutes.
Malcesine
Malcesine has a medieval old town, on which the castle of Scaliero sits, from which there are very beautiful views. If in addition to the castle you want go up in funicular You have to buy the tickets together, these are really privileged views of the lake and the Dolomites. From the port of Malcesine depart the ferries to visit Limone, on the opposite side of Lago di Garda.
Lake Garda beaches
And after so much walking and so many monuments, what is better than going to the beach, yes of fresh water and boulders, but it does not detract in beauty of any paradisiacal of the Caribbean.
- Riva del Garda is a grass and pebble beach with swans and ducks, all very idyllic. If it weren't because in summer there are a lot of people.
- Punta San Vigilio, it is a beautiful beach but with a fee and quite expensive, 12 euros to enter. It has everything from hammocks, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms ...
- From Malcesine to Sirmione is full of areas adapted to the bathroomLet's say they are areas where you can lie down, with stairs that allow you to enter the lake, but there is no beach. On Sirmione Yes there are several beaches, you can even take mud baths. Right next to the castle you will find a very small and beautiful one.
- Tenno Lake, on a different lake than di Garda, but only 20 minutes away. The water is deep blue and with a small island in the center, of course much lonelier than Lago di Garda.
- Ledro Lake, They say it is the most beautiful beach, about 10 minutes by car from Riva di Garda. There are picnic areas.
Well, I hope I have helped you and that your stay at the lake is as magical as the place.