My husband and I are flying into Venice in September and driving to the Dolomites to hike and sitesee for about a week. After that I thought we would head down to Verona. We aren’t really into history / museums. We like natural beauty. I’m thinking we would enjoy Lake Garda and some wineries. Any suggestions on where to stay or what to do? I also think it would be fun to take a cooking class. Any information would be very must appreciated.
Posted by
Seattle area
29 posts
Posted by
300 posts
Riva del Garda can be a bit much after the peace and quiet of the Dolomites. We did a similar trip a few years ago, staying in Riva. It was nice, but very busy and really geared for vacationing German and Brit tourists.
We really liked the more laid back vibe of the smaller towns of Malcesine (convenient to Verona) and Limone. We regret not making the extra effort to stay in one of these towns. A day spent touring the lake by ferry is a great way to chill out after several days of hiking. There are also some nice hikes along the eastern end of Lago di Garda that are lift accessed.
Posted by
Northern California
111 posts
Re: wineries - some nice areas near Verona …
Sommacampagna for example (le vigne di San Pietro winery is one you might want to check k out). You then would want to look at the bardolino/lazise area to stay near the lake. (The light red wine there is my favorite served chilled. )
Re: nature - if wineries is a focus then a car is best to drive from the bardolino area to see the more dramatic mountainous side of lake.
Posted by
171 posts
Desenzano del Garda is a beautiful lakefront town with a good selection of hotels right near the ferry landing. There are good ferry connections from there to the not-to-be-missed towns of Sirmione, Lazise, Bardolino, and Garda on the southern part of Lake Garda.
Posted by
Minnesota, Wisconsin & Italy
104 posts
Highly recommend taking the Monte Baldo lift in Malcesine. The views of Lake Garda from the top are sensational! It can be chilly on the summit in September so suggest having a jacket in case you need it. You can find details on the lift here: https://funiviedelbaldo.it/en/cable-car/