3 days at Garda: the perfect itinerary
Three days is the ideal amount of time to discover the gems of Lake Garda: enough time to visit charming villages, take a scenic hike and savor local cuisine without rushing. Here is our tested itinerary that touches on the best of all three shores.
Day 1: the lower lake and Sirmione
Morning: Peschiera and its fortress
Start in Peschiera del Garda, gateway to the lake. The star-shaped UNESCO Venetian Walls are a masterpiece of military engineering. Stroll the ramparts for a panoramic view, then explore the pedestrian-friendly historic center with its restaurants and stores.
Late morning: Sirmione
Continue on to Sirmione, the Pearl of Lake Garda. Cross the drawbridge of the Scaliger Castle, get lost in the narrow streets of the center, and reach the Grottoes of Catullus at the tip of the peninsula. If you have time, a SUP tour around the peninsula offers a unique perspective with underwater hot springs.
Afternoon: Desenzano
Move on to Desenzano del Garda for lunch at Porto Vecchio and a visit to the Castle with panoramic views. If you are traveling by bike, the Peschiera – Sirmione – Desenzano bike path connects the three towns.
Evening
Dinner and evening walk in Desenzano: the lively lakefront is perfect to end the first day.
Day 2: the Brescian Riviera
Morning: Salò and Gardone
Drive up the Brescian shore to Salò. Stroll along Garda’s most elegant lakefront and visit the Duomo. Continue to Gardone Riviera and the Vittoriale degli Italiani-the house-museum of D’Annunzio is a unique cultural experience.
Lunch: Gargnano
Continue to Gargnano, the most discreet and authentic village on the Riviera. Lunch with fresh lake fish at one of the small harbor restaurants.
Afternoon: Limone and the bike path
Reach Limone sul Garda and ride the suspended bike path to Riva del Garda-the most spectacular experience on the lake. If you don’t want to pedal, ride the Strada della Forra to Tremosine and the Terrazza del Brivido.
Evening
Stay overnight in Riva del Garda or Torbole. Dine on carne salada and canederli – Trentino cuisine is different and tasty.
Day 3: the upper lake and the Veronese shore.
Morning: hike to Ponale
From Riva, tackle the Ponale Trail: the most famous hike on Lake Garda, an old military road carved into the rock with breathtaking views. About 2 hours round trip to the scenic restaurant.
Lunch
At the Ponale Alto Belvedere Restaurant, reachable only on foot – the terrace on the lake is unforgettable.
Afternoon: Malcesine
Drive down the Veronese shore to Malcesine. Visit the Scaliger Castle and, if time permits, ride the cable car up to Monte Baldo for the grandest views of Lake Garda-from the lake to the Dolomites.
Last stop: Bardolino or Lazise
Conclude your trip with an evening stroll in Bardolino-a winery tasting and ice cream on the lakefront-or in Lazise, with its medieval port and Scaliger walls.
Route variants
- With children: replace Ponale with Gardaland or Natura Viva Park
- Sportsmen: add a windsurfing session in Torbole or canyoning at Rio Nero
- Culture: devote more time to the Vittoriale and Catullus Caves
- Relaxation: insert half day at the thermal baths of Sirmione or Lazise
Logistical advice
- Car: the most flexible means. Use the Maderno-Torri ferry to cut across the lake.
- Car-free: Navigarda boats connect all locations. Plan your schedules in advance
- Period: May-June and September-October offer perfect weather and fewer crowds
- Overnight stay: Desenzano (night 1) for convenience, Riva (night 2) for Trentino atmosphere
