Lake Garda Holidays

In a land of lemon and olive groves, Lake Garda holidays are all about harbour hopping to enchanting castles and storybook villages.

Around Lake Garda, blanched green olive groves dot the hillsides and sailboats jangle against each other on glassy blue waters as the promenade springs to life. We love that first glimpse of the magnificent neo-Gothic Venetian villa on Isola del Garda, the rotating cable car ride from Malcesine to the top of Mount Baldo and enchanting ambles through Limone’s lemon groves, gelato in hand.

There’s no better way to enjoy holidays to Lake Garda than to choose your hotel (wellbeing resort, opulent villa or classic luxury) and then harbour hop or drive your days away to ancient fishing villages and medieval towns. South of the lake, Sirmione sizzles with storybook beauty that’s been written about for years. The Romans were a smart bunch, settling here for the lake’s therapeutic mineral waters, and in spa centres along Lake Garda those thermal baths and spring waters can still be enjoyed. Jump on board your boat towards the jagged north-end where hardy adventurists windsurf, kayak and hike the mountains or retreat to hillside wine routes for a taste of Bardolino reds.

For a taste of la dolce vita, give one of our Personal Travel Experts a call and we’ll help craft your perfect Lake Garda holiday.

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Lake Garda Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Lake Garda

Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort

Excellent wellness and sports facilities as well as exemplary service make this hotel a regular f...

Grand Hotel Gardone

Chic and classic, this famed hotel has played host to a number of illustrious guests.

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda

A resort combining exquisite lake views, an unrivalled wellbeing ethos and exemplary service.

Bellevue San Lorenzo

Breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and Lake Garda from every corner.

Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort

A chic property set on Lake Garda’s southern shores.

Hotel Continental Wellness & Spa

A wellness retreat, perfectly positioned to explore historic Sirmione.

Regina Adelaide

Experience “la dolce vita” in this charmingly sophisticated retreat just a short stroll from the...

Hotel Villa del Sogno

Set in a beautiful neoclassical villa, offering romantic charm and stunning panoramas of Lake Ga...

Hotel Savoy Palace

Stay at the heart of Gardone with just a promenade separating the hotel from the lake.

Hotel Gardea Soulfamily Resort

Wholesome, lakeside fun for families without losing that luxury feeling.

Holidays in Lake Garda

hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 4 Star

Excellent wellness and sports facilities as well as exemplary service make this hotel a regular favourite.

From £948 p/p
hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 4 Star

Chic and classic, this famed hotel has played host to a number of illustrious guests.

From £932 p/p
hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 5 Star

A resort combining exquisite lake views, an unrivalled wellbeing ethos and exemplary service.

From £1,523 p/p
hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 4 Star

Breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and Lake Garda from every corner.

From £1,396 p/p
hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 5 Star

A chic property set on Lake Garda’s southern shores.

From £1,008 p/p
hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 4 Star

A wellness retreat, perfectly positioned to explore historic Sirmione.

From £1,153 p/p
hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 4 Star

Experience “la dolce vita” in this charmingly sophisticated retreat just a short stroll from the lake.

From £856 p/p
hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 5 Star

Set in a beautiful neoclassical villa, offering romantic charm and stunning panoramas of Lake Garda.

From £1,297 p/p
hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 4 Star

Stay at the heart of Gardone with just a promenade separating the hotel from the lake.

From £951 p/p
hotel
  • Lake Garda
  • 5 Star

Wholesome, lakeside fun for families without losing that luxury feeling.

From £1,589 p/p

Highlights of Venice from Lake Garda

The City of Bridges is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations and it’s just a couple of hours from Lake Garda. Speed through the countryside as you travel by train and arrive in Venice for a private two-hour tour. Later, there’ll be time to explore on your own, getting lost down charming canalside streets, drifting through the waterways on a gondola or marvelling at the majesty of St Mark’s Square and the busy Grand Canal.

• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
You will need to make your own way to Verona train station. Lunch and any entrance fees for museums and attractions you wish to visit are not included.

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Highlights of Verona

‘Fair Verona’, a city that will forever be associated with Shakespeare’s ill-fated characters, Romeo and Juliet, is a joy to explore. On this short guided tour, you’ll explore the characterful old town, see the riverside Castelvecchio castle, the ancient Arco dei Gavi and Juliet’s house, and wander along narrow streets that wind their way between café-lined squares including the Piazza Brà, home to the iconic Verona Arena.

• Departs Monday-Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

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Verona In Depth

Get to know Verona on a full day visit from the shores of Lake Garda. On arrival, join a private 3-hour tour – the perfect way to get your bearings for the rest of your city explorations. With a local guide, who will pass on their extensive knowledge, walk through the network of streets and squares in the old town and see Juliet’s house and the striking Verona Arena. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace; a VeronaCard, which gives you access to a variety of museums and city attractions, is included so you can pick and choose the spots you’d like to visit.

• Departs Tuesday to Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Lunch and any entrance fees to attractions that are not part of the VeronaCard are not included. The guided tour itinerary may change depending on the guide, the traffic or other conditions. Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone, Desenzano and Sirmione.

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Sunset Canoe Paddle on Lake Garda

Experience the calmness and quietness of the lake and see a stunning sunset on an unforgettable sunset paddle. You’ll make your way under your own steam on a one- or two-person canoe and take in the beauty two of the lakeside gems: Baia del Corno and Punta San Vigilio. Then make your way back to the lively town of Garda and the sun dips below the lake’s western shore.

• Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Operates April to October
• Private experience

Good to know
This canoe trip is suitable for everyone and has a difficulty level of easy. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

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Lake Garda Cooking Class

Learning a skill is a wonderful way of extending your holiday once you’re back home. During this cooking class in Lazise, a town in the south-east corner of the lake, you’ll learn how to make the most classic of Italian staples: pasta. The experience begins as you shop for the fresh ingredients, as well as some wine to complement your creation. You’ll then head to a local kitchen to create your dish under the guidance of a skilled chef.

• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates March to October
• Private experience

Good to know
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday the dishes made will be gnocchi and tagliatelle and on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the dishes will be risotto and ravoli. Includes transfers from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

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Private Lake Garda Cruise

The landscapes of Lake Garda look their best from the water, so we highly recommend spending a relaxing couple of hours on a private boat. You’ll have the services of a local skipper who will create a route that’s unique to you and your wish list of places to see.

• Daily departures from Garda, Bardolino, Desenzano and Sirmone
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

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Lake Garda Sunset Cruise & Prosecco

Sunset is a special time of day on Lake Garda as the sipping sun casts shadows, creates a golden glow over the surrounding landscapes and makes the surface of the water sparkle. Step on board the only remaining two-mast sailing boat on the lake, San Nicolò, cruise along the lake shore and raise a glass of Prosecco or Bardolino Chiaretto to your incredible Italian Lakes adventure.

• Departs Friday and Saturday
• Operates May to October
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

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Lake Garda by Vintage Sailing Ship

There’s nothing quite as fittingly atmospheric and romantic as cruising around Lake Garda on a beautiful antique ketch. Step aboard the two-masted San Nicolò, the last of its type in the region, and let the power of the wind transport you past towns, villages and beautiful lakeside villas.

• Departs Monday to Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

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Art & Wine Tasting in Valpolicella

Winery. You’ll get to explore the winery’s rolling vineyards and the glorious 14th-Century manor house which features rooms that are adorned with faded renaissance frescoes. Finally, you’ll have the change to taste four of the region’s best wines: Valpolicella Classico 2019, Valpolicella Ripasso 2017, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011 and Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2017. Each glass will be served with local delicacies which enhance the aromatic flavours.

• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione. This experience is on a request basis and is subject to itinerary and operating schedule changes that are outside of our control.

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Picnic in The Moraine Hills

Dine al fresco with stunning views at a vineyard in the rolling Moraine Hills to the south of Lake Garda. Make your way to the Monte del Frà winery, which is located near the town of Custoza, and join a knowledgeable guide for a winery tour. Then sit down to your picnic which is packed in a charming wicker basket; the meal includes locally sourced delicacies, wine and water and is perfectly complemented by far-reaching vineyard vistas.

• Departs Wednesday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione. Please let us know if you have any food allergies or intolerances.

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Lake Garda Hills Wine Tasting by E-bike

Combine beautiful vistas, great food and wine and a bit of a workout on a cycling trip through the Moraine Hills. Pick up your e-bike at the meeting point: the beautiful Monte del Frà winery which is located close to the town of Custoza. You and your group will then set off into the rolling hills, passing vineyards and cypress-line lanes on the way to the hamlet of Oliosi where you’ll have a picnic packed with local specialities. Return to Monte del Frà for a tour of the cellar and a tasting of four of their wines.

• Departs Tuesday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

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Explore the Dolomites

To the north of Lake Garda are the towering peaks of the Dolomites, a mountain range in the breathtaking Alps. Join a daytrip from Lake Garda and head up into the hills for a full day Alpine adventure. Follow the scenic winding road between the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys and travel up to the Pordoi Pass where you could take the cable car up to the Sass Pordoi at 2950 metres above sea level (optional and at extra cost). From here, the tour continues to the Gardena Valley, where you’ll pass through typically South Tyrolean villages. There’ll be some free time here to soak up the views, either while sipping on a coffee or enjoying a short walk.

• Departs Monday & Friday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
The tour itinerary may change depending on the traffic and weather conditions. The weather can change quickly so pack suitable clothing and footwear. This experience is not recommended for those with health issues, and particularly those with epilepsy, breathing issues and heart problems. A minimum of 15 guests is required for this excursion to run. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

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Horse Back Wine Tasting

Take to the saddle and see the Italian countryside from a different angle on this great outdoors experience. You’ll mount your horse at Cicco’s Ranch and head into the vine-cloaked Moraine Hills to the south east of Lake Garda. Enjoy the peace as you ride between the vines and in the shadow of cypress trees, taking in the rolling views as you go. A highlight of the experience is the stop at Monte del Frà winery where you’ll try three wine varieties alongside plates of locally sourced and produced cheese and cold cuts of meat.

• Departs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

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Get to know Lake Garda and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +1 hour

CURRENCY

Euro

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

Verona: 2 hours

RELIGION

Christianity (Roman Catholic)

LANGUAGE

Italian

Where is Lake Garda?
In northern Italy between Brescia and Verona at the foot of the Alps, Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian Lakes, surrounded by mountains in the north and wider hills to the south. It covers the three provinces of Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige and the Veneto and has nearly 100 miles of shoreline.

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Lake Garda regions
The largest and most famous of the lakes, Lake Garda is divided into three distinct regions – Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige and the Veneto. The eastern bank in Veneto is where you’ll find the olive groves and the namesake town of Garda. The northern shores of Trentino Alto-Adige are the place to come for watersports and nature hiking, and in Lombardy you’ll find one of the most talked-about towns, Sirmione, renowned for its thermal springs, Roman ruins, medieval narrow winding lanes and the fairytale 13th-Century castle of Rocca Scaligera.

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Gardone
The beautiful village of Gardone, which once welcomed Winston Churchill as a return visitor, is the ideal spot for a relaxing lakeside holiday. Lazy summer afternoons can be spent wandering along the charming promenade, marvelling at breathtaking scenery, visiting the vibrant Heller Botanic Gardens or exploring the village’s small historic centre.

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Malcesine
The small town of Malcesine, located on the lake’s eastern shore, is pretty, atmospheric and charming, with a maze of medieval alleys. Here, you can climb the great towers of the castle and take the cable car to the summit of the Monte Baldo ridge, where the air is fresh and the views are far-reaching.

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Bardolino
The pretty town of Bardolino is the perfect destination if you love Italian wine. It sits between Garda’s south-eastern lakefront and the region’s famous vineyards. Every autumn the town hosts a grape and wine festival to celebrate the year’s harvest, which features delectable cuisine served from food stalls, and classical and modern music concerts.

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Getting around
Hiring a car is a fantastic way to get around Lake Garda but the best way to experience the lifestyle is to hop on board a ferry or boat and harbour hop while catching some rays. Boat timetables work around the clock taking you to hidden gems and major hotspots with ease.

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May - Oct

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