Will be travelling to Italy Sept2 out of London...need to fill 3 days before joining friends in Vicenza on Sept 5. Am interested in Lake Garda. It appears that the train from Milan doesn't actually pass far enough north . I'm not comfortable with renting a car in Italy...any suggestions on how to get to Salo from whatever trainstop would be closest? Any ideas on hotels(midrange with A/C) on the lake? Any info on the area and transport options would be appreciated.
The Milan - Verona train will stop in Peschiera del Garda which is on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Check out trans on www.trenitalia.com. (click on english)
There are several lovely spots on Lake Garda. We have always liked Sirmione and Riva del Garda is also nice.
You could take the train from Milan to either Desenzano del Garda or Pescheria and then take one of the boats to Salo or elsewhere.
Train schedules at www.trenitalia.it
Boat schedules at http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/gar/nlg_ora.html
Good suggestions above. Train to Pescheria de Garda and then take a boat to your desired town. We love the upper end of the lake and particularly Malcesine.
Thank you all, i appreciate the feedback
Try www.venere.com for hotels.
We like Sirmione in the old town center.
Torri del Benaco also looks lovely although we have never been there. Basically across the lake from Salo.
Riva del Garda at the north end is also a popular destination.
If coming from Milan, you could also get off the train in Brescia, then take the half-hourly bus directly to Salo'.
If coming from Venice/Padova/Vicenza/Verona, you can get off the train at Desenzano del Garda, then proceed to Salo' either by boat or bus (bus service is much reduced outside of the summer).
If you need the schedules, let me know and I'll post the hyperlinks.
Don't fail to visit D'Annunzio's Vittoriale in nearly Gardone Riviera, a few kilometers up the lake from Salo'.
Any ideas for hotels anywhere on Lake Garda?
I have checked several on the lower end around Sirmione and Desenzano area, many are already full, or more than we want to pay. Our range will be about $170/night tops. I have an inquiry into Hotel Eden in Sirmione, but would welcome any ideas. Thanks again to all.