Things To Do in Lake Garda

From grape to glass, learn about one of the region’s most popular products. Explore the vineyards, and wine cellar, with the chance to sip, sample, and savour some of the finest wines of this ancient industry.

In the natural shape of a heart, and the setting of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, this is one of Northern Italy’s most romantic cities. Explore the history, sights, and world-renowned tale with a visit to Juliet’s balcony, the Roman amphitheatre and Scaligeri tombs. Stroll along the marbled walkways, people watch in Piazza Brà, and relax with an Italian coffee by the river.

Once a 20,000-seater Roman stadium hosting public games and celebrations, the Verona Arena is now home to annual operatic performances like Aida, Carmen and Nabucco. From late June until the end of August, you can spend a unique evening at the opera, feeling the warm glow of the unreserved stone steps while listening to the melodic echo across the amphitheatre. Available from most resorts.

Take a trip along one of Europe’s most impressive drives as you complete a full loop of Lake Garda, all in one day. Travel through Mussolini tunnels, wind past olive groves and towering cypress trees, and spot all four Scaligeri castles as you go. You’ll also get to stroll, grab some lunch, or treat yourself to an ice-cream in each of the picturesque lakeside villages that you’ll stop in.

Get a completely different perspective on the city once the sun sets over the lagoon. Known to be much cooler, calmer and quieter later in the day, it makes visiting in July and August a more pleasant experience. Arrive into Venice in the early afternoon, still getting the chance to explore the bridges, canals and palaces, then watch Venice light up at nightfall. Hop on board a boat and take in Venice from the water-side - you'll pass along the Giudecca Canal and Venetian Lagoon. Make sure you see St Mark’s Square before you leave, too – performances from the many café orchestras are not to be missed.

Often known as the fashion capital of the world, Milan is also famous for football and its fabulous city sights. Visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, which has 3,400 hand-carved sculptures, or feel like a celebrity on a stroll along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, with shops like Gucci, Armani and Prada lining the cobbled walkways. Take the opportunity to admire the gilded interiors of the La Scala opera house and see Castle Sforzesco, too.

An enjoyable day of contrasting sights, from the city culture of Mantova to the expansive floral gardens of Sigurtà Park. The city is surrounded by three small lakes, fed by Lake Garda, and there’s a vast collection of medieval architecture, art and history to seek out. Afterwards, relax in the peaceful gardens of Sigurtà Park for the afternoon. It’s regularly awarded Italy’s most beautiful park for its manicured lawns, rose avenues, array of fish ponds and collection of plants from across the world. Explore the park on your own buggy and stop as you please to admire the beauty and the views of the valley below.

A maze of canals criss-cross between Venice’s 118 islands, which are all connected by charming bridges. It’s a bucket-list destination that everyone should experience. Spend the day exploring St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, wandering alongside the Grand Canal, and crossing the iconic Rialto Bridge. You could also make your visit that little bit more special with a romantic trip on a gondola.

One of the most distinctive mountain ranges in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage site has some of Italy’s most spectacular views. It's dotted with traditional alpine villages, breathtaking passes and pretty, flower-strewn meadows. Venture between the jagged peaks along the Fiemme, Fassa and Gardena valleys, and the Pordoi and Sella passes, with plenty of photo stops along the way. For 360° views, be sure to head up the Pordoi Pass cable car to the viewing platform.

Get a true taste of the northern region of Italy with a trip to Trentino. Spend the day sampling local cheeses, salami and honey at the Fontanél cheese factory. Stop off at the spectacular Rio Bianco Waterfall, before heading across the Ponte dei Servi - the highest bridge in Trentino - towards Lake Toblino, where you can enjoy wine tasting and snap some photos of the castle and lake.