Lake Garda and surrounding area
Lake Garda, in northern Italy, is known for its crystal clear water. At the south end, the town of Sirmione is dominated by the Rocca Scaligera, a fortress with harbor views. The nearby Grotte di Catullo archaeological site includes a Roman villa. On the lake's western shore, in Gardone Riviera, is Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, former home of poet d’Annunzio. The Dolomites frame Riva del Garda, a resort in the north.
Mantova
Mantova is a short distance from Garda and the city is perfect for a walk around. There is the Palazzo Ducale, where once lived the Gonzaga family, a great man of Mantova and merchant. The most famous place in Mantova is that of the ‘camera picta’, the bridal room which was decorated by Andrea Mantegna.
The palazzo is a wonderful example of bringing the old back to life, built from an original structure with natural defenses.
Also to visit in Mantova there is the ‘Palazzo Te’ with it’s decor by Giulio Romano and student of Raffaello. It ‘s located in the historic centre and there is a walking trail that takes you beside the lake and has interactive scientific experiments along the way, that make this an ideal past times with the kids.
For a recommendation on where to eat, the Osteria Piazza Sordello, in front of the Palazzo Ducale, is one for the list with it’s fantastic plate of ‘tortelli di zucca’.
Garda
Around the lake are fantastic towns to visit such as Pescheria del Garda,
Riva sul Garda, Bardolino and many many more but one that is good for venturing to the surrounding activities in the area, is that of Lazise, a beautiful town and was the first ‘comune’ council area of Italy and became reknowned in 983 due to the Emperor of . It has a beautiful historic town centre and again you can walk beside the lake and it has many restaurants, bars and cafes to while away the hours in the warm autumn sunshine.
Close to Lazise, there is the theme park, Gardaland, for those, big and small, who appreciate the fast, twirling and adrenaline that roller coasters provide. Definitely a place for the whole family to enjoy.
There is also the Safari Park, allowing everyone to appreciate nature, it’s biodiversity and of course it’s animals.
Enjoying Lake Garda and its magnificent towns, can be experienced by walking or cycling the trails around the lake and one fantastic trail is that of the ‘Grande Giro’. It can be a complete walk of 193km, starting and finishing in Pescheria del Garda or you can just jump in and out of the trail, doing shorter walks for example, Pecheria del Garda to Garda for 18km or trekking to Sirmione from Dezanzano del Garda, 11km. More information of this trails can be found by visiting
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