Experiences
Lake Garda
Italy’s largest and most beautiful lake has been an important tourist attraction for generations. It has charmed artists and poets over the ages from all over Europe who have marvelled at the beauty of the area. Goethe considered himself ‘splendidly rewarded’ in 1786 upon viewing the lake and both Tennyson and D.H Lawrence have fallen under its spell. Lake Garda really has remained unique up to the present day where Mediterranean influences are wonderfully contrasted by the alpine backdrop, and the flora of palms, cypresses, olive groves and lemon orchards create a lush paradise.
Thanks to the large water surface area, which acts to prevent any drastic swings in temperature, the climate is mild and balanced, and the scenery is characterised by the rich vegetation which flourishes here. Olive trees, cypresses, sessile oaks, and lemon bushes of all kinds co-exist happily providing a happy union of Alpine and Apennine flora. Venice, Verona and Milan are all reachable on day trips and many coach groups undertake tours up into the stunning Dolomites as well in the course of their stay here.
Some sample experiences to enjoy as a private or small group tour:
Lake Garda excursion
On both sides of the lake you can see picturesque towns with medieval castles and narrow streets. A stop is particularly recommended on the Sirmione peninsula. This is where Maria Callas had a long-time love affair with the region. In addition, the castle, the Grottoes of Catullo and the church of Santa Maria Maggiore are well worth seeing. Further stops can be planned in Garda, Riva, Limone or Malcesine.
Malcesine and Limone with boat ride
Look forward to a fascinating boat ride on Lake Garda. You will ride to Malcesine, a picturesque town on the eastern shore of the lake. Nestled between Lake Garda and Monte Baldo, this town is surrounded by cypresses, olives and oleander trees. The imposing Scaliger Castle rises up above the roofs of the historic district. The defiant medieval structure houses a museum of natural history Lake Garda: Malcesine and Limone with boat ride and a room, which resembles Goethe’s quarters in Malcesine. Afterwards travel by boat to Limone, situated idyllically between the lake, gardens, olive groves and citrus orchards. Discover the mazelike streets of the historic district and the many lovingly re stored lemon gardens, in which the tradition of the cultivation of citrus fruits is continued. Return trip by boat to Malcesine.
Southern Lake Garda with boat ride
Look forward to an outing to Sirmione. Visit the Scaliger Castle or stroll at leisure through the narrow streets of this romantic little town. After lunch you will take a boat ride to Garda and enjoy a walk there along the longest lakeside promenade on Lake Garda.
Lake Garda excursion with Sirmione and boat ride
The largest northern Italian pre-alpine lake is the main focus of this tour. The unique, bizarre landscape is characterised by the soaring peak of Monte Baldo, which rises up for more than 2,000 m on the eastern shore, and the mountain chains of the weste
André Heller garden in Gardone and Sigurtà Park
On this outing you will visit the Sigurtà Park in Valeggio sul Mincio. On a parcel of land of the 17th-century villa, which was formerly used for agricultural purposes, an expansive park of 50 ha with picturesque ponds, romantic water lily pools, sumptuous flow ers and trees was designed. The park is recognised as one of the most beautiful nature parks in the world.
You can admire this idyllic place during an extended walk or by electric car. The next stop is planned for GarAndré Heller garden in Gardone and Sigurtà Park done at the magical garden of the Austrian artist André Heller - a hundred-year-old plant paradise, which is said to have magical powers: Sessile oaks, pines, palms, cypresses, magnolias and yew trees create an arboretum, in whose shadows bamboo forests, ferns and moss cushions evoke nature spirits. Botanists rave about the 2,000 species of plants in this park, art lovers about the harmony between nature and the work of man.
