Lake Garda: Between Sirmione and Desenzano Del Garda

Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, captivates visitors with its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the charming towns of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda, this picturesque region offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural wonders. From the majestic Castello Scaligero to the ancient Grottoes of Catullus, the lake’s enchanting sights beckon travelers to explore its captivating landscapes and uncover the hidden treasures that lie within.

Key Points

• The tour explores the lakeside towns of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda, showcasing their natural and historical wonders.
• Highlights include visiting Castello Scaligero, Grottoes of Catullus, and Villa Romana, with ferry rides between the towns.
• Sirmione is known for its thermal treatments and beautiful beaches, while Desenzano del Garda was an ancient Roman town.
• The tour includes entrance tickets and public boat tickets, with free time for lunch in Sirmione.
• On Sundays, the opening and closing times for key attractions are adjusted, but the free time for lunch in Sirmione remains available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This Lake Garda tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the charming lakeside towns of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda.

Priced from Kč 1,222 per person, the tour provides a private group experience with free cancellation up to 7 days prior.

The one-day itinerary includes visits to Castello Scaligero, Grottoes of Catullus, and Villa Romana, as well as ferry rides between the two towns. Guests can enjoy free time for lunch in Sirmione.

On Sundays, the tour operates with adjusted opening times for the attractions.

The package includes entrance tickets and boat transfers, while guide services and meals are excluded.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, where you will spend approximately two hours exploring the historic Scaliger Castle.

Next, visitors will discover the Grottoes of Catullus, spending another two hours at this ancient archaeological site.

After, a 20-minute ferry ride will transport the group to Desenzano del Garda, where they will visit the Villa Romana and Antiquarium for two hours.

The experience concludes with a 20-minute return ferry ride back to Sirmione.

Throughout the day, you will have free time to enjoy lunch in the charming town of Sirmione.

Highlights of the Experience

Exploring the enchanting tourist resort of Desenzano del Garda, an ancient town from Roman times, is a key highlight of this experience.

Visitors will discover the charming Villa Romana and Antiquarium, offering a glimpse into the region’s Roman heritage.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the famous Sirmione, renowned for its thermal treatments, cures, and beautiful beaches. Guests can enjoy free time to explore the town and indulge in local cuisine.

The itinerary also features the impressive Scaliger Castle and the captivating Grottoes of Catullus, providing a comprehensive look at the natural and historical wonders of Lake Garda.

Sunday Variants

On Sundays, the opening and closing times for the key attractions differ slightly. The Scaliger Castle opens at 08:30 and closes at 12:45, while the Villa Romana opens at 14:10 and closes at 19:30 with the cash desk closing at 19:00. The Grottoes of Catullus open at 14:00 and close at 19:30, with the cash desk closing at 18:40. Despite the adjusted hours, visitors can still enjoy free time for lunch in Sirmione.

| Attraction | Opening Time | Closing Time |

| — | — | — |

| Scaliger Castle | 08:30 | 12:45 |

| Villa Romana | 14:10 | 19:30 |

| Cash Desk | N/A | 19:00 |

| Grottoes of Catullus | 14:00 | 19:30 |

| Cash Desk | N/A | 18:40 |

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Inclusions and Important Information

This excursion to Lake Garda includes a public boat ticket for the Sirmione-Desenzano route, as well as entrance tickets to the Scaliger Castle, Grottoes of Catullus, and Villa Romana.

Plus, 24/7 assistance, taxes, and service percentages are covered. However, the tour guide, lunch, and tips are not included.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, so comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended.

Participants will meet at the Castello Scaligero in Sirmione to begin the day’s exploration of the enchanting resort towns along the shores of Lake Garda.

Exploring Sirmione

The enchanting town of Sirmione, known for its thermal treatments, cures, and beautiful beaches, is the first stop on this Lake Garda exploration.

Visitors begin at the iconic Castello Scaligero, a 13th-century castle offering panoramic views. They then explore the Grottoes of Catullus, ancient Roman ruins with impressive remnants.

After the castle and grottoes, a 20-minute ferry ride takes travelers to Desenzano del Garda, an ancient Roman town to discover.

Throughout the day, guests enjoy free time for lunch and independent exploration of Sirmione’s charming streets and lakefront promenade.

Discovering Desenzano Del Garda

Reaching Desenzano del Garda, visitors disembark from the ferry and set out to explore this ancient Roman town. Home to the imposing Villa Romana and Antiquarium, Desenzano offers a glimpse into its storied past.

| Feature | Details |

| — | — |

| Villa Romana | Uncovers the remains of a grand Roman villa, with well-preserved mosaics and frescoes. |

| Antiquarium | Houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, showcasing Desenzano’s rich history. |

| Free Time | Affords visitors the opportunity to stroll the waterfront, dine at local restaurants, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

After experiencing Desenzano’s highlights, the ferry ride returns guests to the enchanting town of Sirmione.

Navigating the Lake Garda Experience

Although the Lake Garda experience promises a captivating blend of historical exploration and scenic delights, navigating the itinerary requires careful planning.

The day-long tour guides visitors through key landmarks, including:

Visitors are guided through key landmarks during the day-long tour, including renowned historical sites and scenic destinations.

• Visiting the iconic Castello Scaligero and the ancient Grottoes of Catullus in Sirmione

• Taking a scenic ferry ride to the Roman-era town of Desenzano del Garda to explore the Villa Romana and Antiquarium

• Enjoying free time in Sirmione for lunch, taking advantage of the town’s thermal treatments and beautiful beaches.

Travelers should note the Sunday schedule variations and plan accordingly for a seamless Lake Garda adventure.

Ask Away

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

The tour operates as a private group, without a minimum group size requirement. Participants can explore the highlights of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda on their own schedule, with the tour inclusions provided.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour appears to be a private group experience that can accommodate individual preferences. However, the provided itinerary and inclusions are fixed, and there is no information on the ability to customize the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking outdoors. No formal attire is required. The focus is on exploring the historic sites and natural beauty of the area.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, visitors should inquire with the tour operator about any available concessions at the time of booking.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can be extended to include additional activities, such as visiting other historical sites or exploring the local cuisine, for an additional cost. Travelers can inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

Final Words

The Lake Garda experience offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and leisurely indulgence. Visitors can explore the rich Roman heritage and medieval architecture of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda, while enjoying scenic ferry rides and tranquil vistas across Italy’s largest lake. This enchanting destination provides a well-rounded cultural and natural immersion, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to enjoy the charm of Northern Italy.

You can check availability for your dates here: