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Staying in Brescia vs closer to Lake Garda

Hey all…revving up for booking rooms in September. Had been going to return to Venice, but our fav budget B&B is already booked, and damn when did it get so expensive? (I know, it’s Venice. But it’s really booked up already, and we’ve already been there 5 times, so time for something different.)

Anyhoo, I’ve been wanting to see Lake Garda, so we’ve decided to put our Venice nights there. Will have 4 nights after 6 nights in Bologna (doing day trips). We will not have a car.

I thought Brescia was further away, but come to find out it’s only a 20 min train ride, and the prices seem really good with lots of choice currently. So I’m trying to decide whether it’s worth it to stay in Brescia (if we don’t, we’d do a day trip there) or staying in Desenzano del Garda. (Or maybe some other spot on the lake with good train connections.)

Mostly just want to take the ferry/train to some little towns/villages and relax. Thoughts?

Posted by
16168 posts

I prefer the northern half of Lake Garda (majestic mountains drop into the lake), but I realize the only way there is by bus or ferry (no trains). If you must stay in the flatter south, then Desenzano or Peschiera are better choices because you have ferries and very close to pretty (albeit often crowded) Sirmione. If the focus of your visit is the lake, I wouldn't stay in Brescia. If you are interested in seeing Brescia (like the Castle, Piazza della Loggia, etc.), you can take a day trip from Desenzano or Peschiera.

Posted by
3941 posts

Found a nice hotel in Desenzano - thanks for the replies. Now, to book Bologna!