Covering an area of approximately 370 square kilometers, the shorelines of lake Garda are divided between the provinces of Brescia, Verona and Trento, making it Italy’s largest lake.
Fascinating and evocative, the landscape on the Verona shoreline offers many natural and cultural itineraries. Peschiera del Garda is by far the most important city to visit. Described by Dante in the Divine Comedy, Peschiera is a true gem nestled in the tall Venetian walls, completely surrounded by water. The city is located in one of the lake’s most strategic sites, where the river Mincio and the Lake meet, creating optimal conditions for communication and commerce. Visitors can paddle their way along this distinctive and unique ecosystem on a kayak up to the Salionze Dam, where the reeds and the tall poplars embellish the landscape.
The bike path that starts from Peschiera and crosses Borgetto and its watermills, ending in Mantua inside the River Mincio Natural Park, is a must for all cycling tourists. This path is appropriate for all levels of experience, since the 48 Kilometers are flat and paved. If you’re worried about the return leg of your hike, there is a bus service available on weekends in spring and summer to take you and your bicycle back from Mantova to Peschiera. The Best Western CTC Hotel Verona offers convenient bicycle storage facilities, indoor and guarded, for guests who prefer to visit the area on two wheels.
Desenzano del Garda is a very popular destination among tourists and outdoors enthusiasts; set in a prime location that offers unparalleled views of the Lake, surrounded by Monte Corno on one side and the peninsula of Sirmione on the other. A bustling town full of bars and shops, Desenzano is a major attraction for sports enthusiasts, offering a large range of activities such as windsurfing, mountain biking or just cycling along the banks of the lake. A visit to the city castle cannot be missed: from the parapet walk visitors can enjoy one of the most stunning views of the lake.
Famous for its thermal waters and its geographical position that extends with the peninsula on the lake Garda, Sirmione is one of the most charming and picturesque towns on the south shore of the lake. In the city, the bond between nature and history is strong and clearly visible. The beautiful Museum and the archeological site ”Grotte di Catullo” (Grottoes of Catullus) are the remains of a Roman villa, which legend says belonged to the poet Catullus and his family. This area is the most impressive archaeological site in northern Italy.
A rare example of a medieval port fortress, the Scaliger castle in Sirmione is a fascinating example of fortification connected on all sides by a drawbridge and provided with a harbor that once sheltered the Scaliger fleet. The main room houses an exhibition on the history of the fortress; visitors can access the parapet walls and the top of the castle’s tower to admire the breathtaking scenery that the lake offers.
For travelers who prefer the mountains over the lake, the Best Western CTC Hotel Verona is located approximately 2 and a half hours drive from the Marmolada and the beautiful Dolomites.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites offer many outdoor alternatives for a day trip: history and culture with its many castles, churches and monuments, adventures for the entire family, discovery of handicrafts and ancient traditions, hikes among waterfalls, rivers and lakes, as well as a wide range of sports, there are plenty of activities to choose from both in winter and in summer.
You will be spoiled for choice!
A day trip to Gardaland is a must fro families traveling with children…. rides, tornados, adventures and fantastic characters. Children and grown ups alike will enjoy an unforgettable experience at the largest theme park in Italy. Let “Prezzemolo” (Parsley) accompany you through the park’s many attractions, or dive into the wonderful world of Sea Life to experience the thrill of a close encounter with sharks, visit the kingdom of sea lions or the turtles’ paradise.
Gardaland is located just 35 minutes drive from the Best Western CTC Hotel Verona and is open throughout spring and summer. During the Christmas season the park is tinged with white for Magic Winter, when myriads of lights and decorations create a spectacular magic show that only Gardaland can offer.