Discover Lake Garda Full Day Scenic Tour of its Heart and Gems

5.0 (3 reviews) 7 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

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3 reviews

5.0

Discover Lake Garda Full Day Scenic Tour of its Heart and Gems — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Discover Lake Garda Full Day Scenic Tour of its Heart and Gems, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Immerse yourself in the true essence of Lake Garda, exploring its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and vibrant local life. We’ll start in Desenzano del Garda, stroll through historic streets, and head to Sirmione for a short walk and a private boat ride around the peninsula, soaking in breathtaking lake views.

Continue by boat to Garda, tasting local wines from the renowned Lugana district, before crossing to the western shore to visit Gargnano and its centuries-old Limonaia, a historic lemon grove still cared for by a local family, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive tasting of homemade products.

This tour is a perfect blend of history, scenery, gastronomy, and authentic experiences—designed for curious travelers who want to truly understand the beauty, charm, and spirit of Lake Garda, all in a relaxed and immersive way.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours

At a glance

Duration: 7 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, Swedish, English, Italian
Operated by: Umbrella Tours - Ca'dal Lusciàt

What is included

Included

Included: GUIDE SERVICE - 7,5-HOUR GUIDED TOUR

Not included

Not included: PAY ON SPOT to LOCAL PROVIDER: PRIVATE MOTORBOAT with local licensed captain - Taste of Local Wine
Not included: PAY ON SPOT to LOCAL PROVIDER: FERRY RIDE: 30-minutes Ferry ride from Torri del Benaco to Maderno
Not included: PAY ON SPOT to LOCAL PROVIDER: MINIVAN - LOCAL LICENSED DRIVER from GARGNANO - AT DISPOSAL FOR 4,5 H
Not included: PAY ON SPOT to LOCAL PROVIDER: PRIVATE TOUR OF THE "LIMONAIA" (NO OTHER VISITORS) - TASTING/LUNCH

Itinerary

Desenzano del Garda

45 min

Desenzano del Garda historical center offers a number of beautiful and charming sites.

The ancient Medieval fortress at the top of the hill provides a great view of Lake Garda, a perfect spot to introduce the district. The Venetian Harbour and the tiny alleys of the ancient town will offer a lovely route to our first journey through the fascinating history and the modern life of Lake Garda´s largest centre
Centro Storico Sirmione

45 min

Sirmione is a classic site when visiting Lake Garda. We will be wandering through its charming historic center set on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the waters of Lake Garda. To avoid some of the most crowded and commercial spots, we will reach quiet corners where daily life unfolds. We’ll stroll along cobbled lanes, pass colorful houses and lively little squares, and admire the impressive Scaliger Castle, the more ancient hills and churches from the early Middle ages and get to some of the most charming panoramic views
Castello Scaligero

10 min

Enjoy an outside view of the castle, the perfect opportunity to admire its impressive architecture and learn about the long and layered history of Sirmione. Its symbols and stone carvings reveal stories of the people who lived on the peninsula from the Middle Ages to modern times, offering insight into the town’s evolving identity.
Lake Garda

1 h 15 min

BOAT RIDE & LOCAL WINE "LUGANA"

Time to cruise to the Eastern shores on a private motorboat and enjoy the great ad scenic views over the Northern side of the Lake. On the boat there will be time for a taste of Local wine while reaching the town of Torri del Benaco
Torri del Benaco

20 min

A short stroll through Torri del Benaco town center will be a great way to discover another iconic town on Lake Garda.

It will be a great way to discover the eastern coast line, the Venetian-like district of the region.
Gargnano

45 min

Ferry Ride & Limonaia Experience

We will then cross the lake together on a spectacular 30-minute ferry ride, enjoying wide-open views as we reach the western shore at Toscolano Maderno. From there, we’ll continue to the charming village of Gargnano, where one of Lake Garda’s most authentic and fascinating treasures awaits us: the historic 17th-century Limonaia “La Malora.”
Limonaia La Malora

2 hours Admission not included

You’ll be guided by the site gardener and passionate story teller Fabrizio, through an extraordinary network of terraces and traditional wooden structures where lemons have been cultivated for centuries. The entire site will be reserved for us, allowing you to fully enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.

Amongst the over 7 hundred "Limonaie" located on Lake Garda from the 13th hundreds, this is the only one still active and family owned.

We’ll conclude with a quick lunch consisting of a tasting of local products—liqueurs, cheeses, and cold cuts—served on a panoramic terrace overlooking the majestic peaks of northern Lake Garda.
Rocca di Manerba del Garda

30 min

We will then reach one of the most renowned and ancient sites of Lake Garda: the Rocca di Manerba.

Set on a striking cliff-top promontory, this remarkable location combines fascinating Roman and medieval ruins with truly breathtaking views. From here, you’ll admire the sweeping bays of San Felice del Benaco and Salò, as well as the stunning Isola del Garda rising gracefully from the lake.

It’s a place where history and landscape come together in a powerful and unforgettable way.
Castello di Padenghe

30 min

We will then drive through the gentle rolling hills of southern Lake Garda, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, before reaching our final stop: the unique fortress-village of Padenghe.

This tiny medieval stronghold is one of more than twenty castles scattered around the lake. Still inhabited by local residents, it offers a rare glimpse into the past, where daily life continues within ancient stone walls. Walking through its quiet lanes feels like stepping back to the 14th century, in a place where time seems to have gracefully stood still.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Desenzano del Garda - Train Station:

The train station in Desenzano del Garda is easily reachable with regional, intercity and high speed trains from most of the larger and smaller towns of Northern Italy.

We will be waiting at the arrival platform of your train with an Umbrella Tours sign.

End point

Desenzano del Garda - Train Station:

The train station in Desenzano del Garda is easily reachable with regional, intercity and high speed trains from most of the larger and smaller towns of Northern Italy.

We will be waiting at the arrival platform of your train with an Umbrella Tours sign.