Visiting Italy - Venice & Lake Garda
September 2026
We'll use any excuse we can to spend time in Italy. We love traveling, and Italy has been our European location of choice for the past few years. Sure, we have traveled elsewhere, but Italy keeps drawing us back again and again. We love the food, the culture, the people, the history, and the variety of landscapes and architecture available throughout the country. This time our excuse came with the bonus of meeting good friends in Venice before they depart on an Adriatic cruise, and we decided to add a few days in nearby Lake Garda.
Venice
Storied Venice hasn't changed much since our last visit here in 2005. The crowds centered around Saint Mark's are still thick, the monuments haven't changed except for the occasional restoration, and the buildings are still slowly sinking into the Canals of the Lagoon. Yes, it is still absolutely stunning; life on the waterways and canals is still very charming and unique, but can also be very, very crowded.
Since we have experienced most of the top sites in Venice on previous trips, we decided to focus our visit on areas outside the busiest tourist centers. We stayed in the Dorsoduro district across the Grand Canal from St Mark's, near the Ponte dell'Accademia bridge, an area that is much quieter than San Marco, the tourist heart of Venice, but still very convenient to the main sites.
Our journey started with a flight from Faro to Lisbon, then from Lisbon to Venice. As we approached Venice, we circled above for a while, waiting to land, but were eventually diverted to nearby Bologna, where we refueled and were granted permission to take off and land back in Venice. Who knew a bonus trip to Bologna was in the cards for this trip, I only wish that we saw more than the inside of our plane and the airport tarmac.
Finally landing in Venice, we hired a water taxi to take us to our hotel. Arriving in Venice after dark and boating through the Lagoon at night was an interesting experience; it was a great treat to see the Canals and Venice lit up at night.
Our Hotel was located on a small, quiet canal in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, just across the busy Grand Canal from the San Marco neighborhood. The rooms were good, not large but spacious enough for our needs, and the staff and services were very good. The location was great for us away from the crowds, but a quick walk over the Ponte dell'Accademia bridge or a public gondola ride across the Grand Canal landed us right in the main part of the island.
Venice moves differently than most cities. Here, the Canals are the streets of central Venice: you won't hear the din of horns honking, car alarms, or screeching tires. Instead, you hear the subtle sounds of moving water, boats moving through the liquid streets, and, if quiet enough, the sound of footsteps walking along the walkways adjacent to the canals. Travel around the city is primarily by water vessel. Numerous small ferry boats serve as the region's public bus system; water taxis move people through the smaller canals, small private boats move those privileged enough to have them, and of course the iconic gondolas do their part too. Even the mundane everyday tasks of trash collection, deliveries, and moving household goods are conducted by boat. While the main canals can seem chaotic at times, the smaller ones can be mesmerizing and serene. Being surrounded by water and the slow movement of boats seems to add a special degree of calm to the vibrant city.
Mary and I often found time to wander through the neighborhood near our hotel, whether to catch a sunset, explore the area, or walking to meet friends across the Grand Canal.
We met up with friends on our first full day to walk through the quieter Dorsoduro neighborhood, visiting sites along the way, including Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, the Squero di San Trovaso boat builders, and the Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition,
Later in the day we crossed the Grand Canal on the €2 public group gondola
An amazing view and hydration break at the Gritti Palace Hotel. A trained Cooper's Hawk and his handler were on guard, keeping the famous Venice pigeons at bay.
Late afternoon, we wandered into San Marco to see the sites and crowds around Piazza San Marco
Dinner tonight was Canal-side @ Ristorante ds Raffaele. Not only was the food and the company great, but having a front-row seat to watch the Gondoliers maneuver the canal was priceless.
The next day we ventured out of the city on a day trip by private water taxi to the islands of Murano, Torcello, and Burano to see the colorful famous glassworks of Murano, the beautiful quiet island of Torcello to view its ancient 7th-century mosaics at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, and Burano famous for lace and linens along with its colorful painted buildings along the main canal.
Today we walk through the Castello district (northeast of St. Mark's), Rialto, and San Giorgio Island. From Torre dell'Orologio in St. Mark's Square, walk through the Merceria Orologio, the threshold where St. Mark's monuments transition to commercial Venice. Monuments behind you, and the winding narrow streets of the long retail corridor ahead, which for centuries has connected St. Mark's with the markets of Rialto. We ventured off the path to visit San Francesco della Vigna, then re-joined the bustling shopping streets as we continued toward Ponte di Rialto.
From Mercato Rialto we hopped on a ferry to the S. Marco-San Zaccaria "F" pier near Doge's Palace, then another short ferry ride across the Grand Canal to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Skip the crowded bell towers of St. Mark's and take the lift up San Giorgio's tower for a breathtaking, unhurried panoramic view of the entire basin.
We had the next day to ourselves as the rest of the crew headed to Bologna for the day; we opted not to join them as we had recently visited Bologna and wanted to spend more time exploring Venice.
In the morning, we hopped on a ferry and headed north to the peaceful residential canals of Cannaregio, then walked the Strada Nova where Venetians live, work, and conduct daily business; it's the working-class pulse of the city. Strada Nova was created as a direct walking link between Rialto and the railway station. Today it is a busy pedestrian corridor full of residents, commuters, students, and travelers. We took a slight detour on Fondamenta de la Misericordia, where the streets start to feel unmistakably like a neighborhood. Fondamenta de la Misericordia runs into the residential heart of northern Cannaregio, shaped by local life, old rowing traditions, and food and drink. It is a real, lived-in area rather than a tourist-free secret. Cross the small Canal to walk through the historic Jewish Ghetto and explore its private antique shops and high-end art galleries.
A few random photos from Venice
The food in Venice has been good; we didn't seek out "the best" but chose where we ate based on the look and feel of the restaurant. For the most part, our choices were great; just try to avoid the ones filled with tourists and seek out a spot well off the main tourist path.
Venice has its own version of "Tapas" called Cicchetti. Small bites, generally an open-faced slice of Baguette topped with a variety of foods representative of the region. You'll see the glass cases filled with a beautiful array of pre-made selections.
Lake Garda
Saying goodbye to our friends and to Venice, we boarded a water taxi to the Venezia Santa Lucia train station for our scheduled Italo train to Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione at Lake Garda, our home base for the next few days.
Lake Garda is just east of its better-known (thanks to George Clooney) counterpart, Lake Como. Garda is Italy's largest and most diverse lake. Your experience here can vary depending on where you choose to spend your time. The South, with its olive-grove-lined rolling hills, quaint villages, wine estates, bike paths, and thermal spas, provides a more relaxing experience, or choose the more dramatic north where the lake narrows into a fjord- like gorge surrounded by the towering Dolomites, a perfect place for outdoor life with plenty of hiking, climbing, windsurfing, and biking.
During our visit, we experienced a small part of what Lake Garda offers, spending time in Sirmione, Garda, and Salo in the south, and Malcesine in the north. We used the ferry system for transiting around the lake, which is a great way to see the sights while moving from point to point. If you choose to do this, check the schedules closely, as the lake is large and getting from both ends can take a couple of hours each way. You don't want to miss the return ferry or find out it is sold out, as alternative transit can be very costly or even unavailable. When we return, we will consider a car as long as it's not high season, as traffic around the lake can be slow and parking difficult at most locations. A car would allow more freedom to explore the lake and its numerous villages, each with its own personality.
This trip has certainly piqued our interest in exploring more of Lake Garda, Lago d'Iseo, and Lago Maggiore, the other lakes of Northern Italy, and venturing further into the Dolomites. We have visited Lake Como, and in our opinion, Lake Garda offers a far better experience.
We stayed at the Grand Hotel Terme in Sirmione for the duration of this trip, mainly because of its location at the gate of the village of Sirmione. We were happy that we didn't choose one of the hotels inside the gates, as access looked to be difficult, especially when arriving with luggage, as the narrow streets are pedestrian-only, with only a few authorized vehicles allowed to transit that have a difficult time maneuvering the narrow streets and crowds of visitors.
The hotel was fantastic, just what you would think a modern luxury European spa resort would feel like. The rooms were large, the facilities and services top-notch, and it felt uncrowded and unhurried despite being full during our stay. Yes, it was a bit pricey but well worth the expense. We found many opportunities to enjoy the Thermal spa overlooking the castle walls, and Sirmione’s famous natural thermal mineral waters in the lakeside pool.
Sirmione is known for its quaint walled village on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the lake. Its relaxing Thermal spas, historic Castle, and Roman ruins offer a glimpse of early life at the lake. Gelato shops are a more modern addition and are everywhere, offering passersby the colorful sweet treat in their famous large bowls of frozen concoction. The narrow streets can get crowded with visitors during the day, but at night the pace slows, so those remaining can enjoy the sights.
Walk through the moated Rocca Scaligero Castle, an iconic 14th-century fortress guarding the peninsula. Climb the tower steps for a panoramic view of the lake. Wander north among the ancient olive groves to the Grotte di Catullo, the stunning ruins of a massive Roman villa located at the absolute tip of the peninsula. While you are there, join the locals at the unusual Jamaica beach just below the Roman ruins; this spot stands out for its natural flat stone slabs that form the beach. The pace here is peaceful and scenic.
A short ferry trip today over to the village of Garda, the historic town that gave the lake its modern name. The ferry lines were long, but fortunately those waiting were heading elsewhere. As the ferry left the dock at Sirmione, we were treated to fantastic views of the Sirmione peninsula from the water, panoramas of the lake as we crossed over to Garda, and an amazing waterside view of Garda upon arrival.
The historic center is a maze of narrow, winding cobblestone streets originally built tightly together to shield locals from the intense summer sun and the strong winds coming off the lake. Wandering through the streets toward Palazzo dei Capitani: Located in the town center is a large Venetian Gothic palace was once the residence of Capitano del Lago, who ruled the region during centuries of Venetian domination.
Working our way through the maze of enchanting streets, some of which end at quiet steps along the lake, we discovered Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta: One of the oldest religious sites in the area. While much of the exterior has been updated over time, the original building and the majority of its interior, with beautiful medieval frescoes, date back to the 10th century. We stopped for Gelato (Because that's what you do in Italy) and sat on a bench just outside the historic city hall while the aftermath of a wedding that had just occurred inside suddenly filled the small square with a celebration.
Before boarding the ferry back, we walked the scenic lakeside Promenade, bordered by palm trees, cafés, and historic architecture.
Today we ventured north across the lake to Malcesine and the Funivia Malcesine-Monte Baldo, a modern cable car system. It connects the lakeside town to the high-altitude ridge of Monte Baldo, reaching an elevation of 1,760 meters (5,774 feet) at the Tratto Spino upper station. It is famous for its 360-degree rotating cabins on the second leg of the journey, offering unobstructed panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Alps.
The ascent is split into two stages, taking about 15 to 20 minutes in total. The first (Malcesine to San Michele): Departs from the ground station in Malcesine up to 562 meters in a cabin of about 40 people. You disembark at the San Michele mid-mountain station, where you can choose mid-mountain hiking trails and upscale dining restaurants with spectacular views of the lake, or transfer directly to the second cable car (San Michele to Tratto Spino), which whisks you rapidly to 1,760 meters using a larger, unique cabin holding up to 75 passengers that slowly rotates 360 degrees during the ride, ensuring everyone gets a flawless view of Lake Garda. Advanced tickets are available and required for timed entry as the cable cars get very busy. We bought 10:00 am tickets, which didn't work for the ferry schedule, so we ended up having to hire a very expensive car to get there. Although the car ride was not ideal, arriving early avoided the crowds on the cable cars and on the top of the mountain and provided for clearer views by avoiding the afternoon wind and haze over the lake.
Once at the top (Tratto Spino), you will find open meadows across the ridge with plenty of hiking and biking trails. This is a ski resort in winter; the other winter lifts are not operating, but the ski runs make great hiking and mountain biking trails. Trails range from simple loops along the ridge to more advanced routes heading deeper into the mountain chain. A popular parasailing launch site is located near the top of the north ridge, where we watched the tandem and solo flyers run off the edge of the mountain and soar through the steep cliffs down to the lake. On the North trail, we walked alongside huge cows grazing at high altitude, each with its own cowbell. They are famous in the region for their mountain cheese, which you can buy at the cheese hut here. There is also a small Alpaca and Llama farm that makes and sells clothing from the animals' hair. You can "rent a Llama" to walk with you along the trail, which seemed a bit weird.
Several casual mountain huts, restaurants, and the Skywalk Lounge Bar offer local dishes with outdoor terraces overlooking the lake.
After descending the mountain on the same cable car, we spent a little time exploring the village of Malcesine before catching the Ferry back to Sirmione. Malcesine is famous for its own striking Scaliger Castle on the edge of the Lake. Most visitors are drawn here by the cable car up to Monte Baldo, but Malcesine, with its Castello and well-preserved medieval streets and architecture, is worth visiting.
Castello Scaligero di Malcesine is a 13th-century medieval lakeside castle that dominates the shoreline. Climb the high tower for a panoramic view of the red-roofed town and the lake below. Centro storico is Malcesines' old town, a maze of narrow, cobblestone alleys that drape over the hillside. You can easily get lost in the winding alleys among the pastel-colored buildings, stumbling upon small piazzas and local boutiques selling everything from regional olive oils to leather goods. Stroll along Passeggiata panoramica di Malcesine, a beautiful lakeside promenade running north and south along the waterfront with endless views across Lake Garda toward the dramatic cliffs of the western shore.
The ferry ride back to Sirmione provided Panoramic views from the water as we motored from the North to the south end of the lake.
In the afternoon of our last full day here, we ferried over to the town of Salò, considered the most elegant, sophisticated town on the western shore of Lake Garda. Unlike some of the heavy tourist hotspots in the south, Salò feels like an authentic, refined Italian town where locals actually live, shop, and socialize. We walked along the longest lakeside promenade (lungolago) on Lake Garda, lined with elegant facades, lively cafes, and piazzas, and through the historic center filled with boutique shops, traditional drogherie (specialty grocery stores), and artisan bakeries.
Food from around Lake Garda
Leaving Lake Garda, we boarded a train to Florence for our last night in Italy and our return flight home the next day. Florence remains beautiful at its core but has become an overwhelming commercial tourist mecca. The streets were packed, the monuments were crowded, and street vendors filled every available space selling typical tourist trash. No longer do you see or feel the artisans and shops that made Florence so unique. Anyway, it was only one night in Florence, but it left us with a definitive "we don't need to return." There are many other places to visit in Italy for a more authentic experience.
We truly enjoyed this trip. Spending time reconnecting with friends in Venice was priceless, and Lake Garda was an unexpected gem that we will certainly return to.
Until next time...
Visiting Italy - Venice & Lake Garda (Sirmione) Sept 18-29, 2026
9/18, Fri - Faro to LIS, LIS to Venice
o to reach our hotel from Marco Polo Airport get a private taxi boat directly to our hotel (it takes about 40 minutes; it costs about euro 140,00 in total for up to 4 people, including luggage, during the day) or use the “Alilaguna” water bus service to Zattere boat station (it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and it costs euro 17,00 each including luggage)
o Hotel American Dinesen (5 Nights): Arr 9/18, Dep 9/23 Address: Dorsoduro, 628, 30123 Venezia (VE), Italy, Phone: +39 0415204733, E-mail: info@hotelamerican.com
Your hotel is perfectly situated in Dorsoduro right along the quiet San Vio Canal
o Afternoon: After settling into your classic Venetian room, enjoy a peaceful afternoon
Evening: Take a slow evening stroll along the nearby Zattere promenade. Dine at Ristorante Lineadombra, which offers an upscale, refined terrace suspended over the Giudecca Canal, perfect for a quiet fine-dining experience.
9/19, Sat – Venice - Art & Traditions
o Morning: Walk just a few doors down from your hotel to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Closed Tue) but bypass the main galleries to spend a quiet morning in its peaceful sculpture garden.
o Next, continue east to visit Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Closed 12-3), which sits on the narrow tip of Punta della Dogana, where the Grand Canal meets the San Marco basin.
o Midday: Walk back toward and past the hotel to the Squero di San Trovaso (SW from Guggenheim), Where Gondolas are built, or visit a nearby historic atelier, like Bevilacqua or Orsoni, to see high-end Venetian velvet or gold leaf being crafted by hand.
o Afternoon – walk to Campo Santa Margarita – square – (NW of San Trovaso). Relaxed square filled w/cafes and students.
Nearby visit the Da Vinci museum
o Cross the Canal on the Ponte dell’Accademia, an arched timber bridge, and admire the views of the Canal
o Head toward Piazza San Marco, passing along the canal front to admire Palazzina Selva - Venice Pavilion. As you head toward the gondola
o Hire a Gondola either late afternoon or early evening ?? Best time is roughly an hour before sunset, quieter too. Avoid low tide periods. Best starting location for sunset is Stagio Danieli.
9/20, Sun – Venice - Lagoon and Islands
o All Day: Take the public water bus or charter a private luxury wooden launch for the day to cruise the outer lagoon at your own pace.
o Stop 1: Visit the hauntingly beautiful and silent island of Torcello to view its ancient 7th-century mosaics at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta without the crowds.
o Stop 2: Dock at Mazzorbo or Burano (Famous for brightly colored fishermen's houses, scenic canals, and traditional lacemaking) and walk through Mazzorbo (A Bridge between the two islands). Have a casual Canalside lunch on Burano or a high-end lunch at Venissa on Mazzorbo, a Michelin-starred restaurant set within a peaceful, walled vineyard.
o Evening:
9/21, Mon – Venice - Secret Gardens & Panoramic Vistas
o Morning: Head to Castello (northeast of S. Mark's) to explore the completely tourist-free, serene cloisters of San Francesco della Vigna.
o From Torre dell'Orologio in St. Mark's Square, walk through Merceria Orologio to the threshold where ceremonial Venice hands over to commercial Venice. Passing under the Clock Tower arch is an abrupt swap: monuments behind you, an intimate retail corridor ahead. It is the first link in the Mercerie, the chain of shopping streets that for centuries has connected San Marco with the markets of Rialto.
o Continue north to Ponte di Rialto, a bridge that is both an engineering landmark and evidence of how Venice made its money.
o Continue NW to Mercato di Rialto (Closed Sun) to see the open-air food market
o Afternoon: Take a boat or ferry to S. Marco-San Zaccaria "F" pier near Doge's Palace) Then take another ferry over to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Skip the crowded bell towers of St. Mark's and take the lift up San Giorgio's tower for a breathtaking, unhurried panoramic view of the entire basin.
o Evening: Dinner on Giudecca, the island next to San Giorgio. Enjoy a high-end dinner at Quadri, Oro, or elsewhere.
9/22, Tue - Venice - Venetian Craftsmanship & The Ghetto
o Morning: Head north to the peaceful residential canals of Cannaregio.
o Walk the Strada Nova where you meet the ordinary, working pulse of the city. It was created as a direct walking link between Rialto and the railway station. Today it is a busy pedestrian corridor full of commuters, students, and travelers.
o Continue walking on Fondamenta de la Misericordia. This is where the walk starts to feel unmistakably like a neighborhood. Fondamenta de la Misericordia runs into the residential heart of northern Cannaregio, shaped by local life, old rowing traditions, and food and drink. It is a real, lived-in area rather than a tourist-free secret, and that is its charm.
o Cross the Canal to walk through the historic Jewish Ghetto and explore its private antique shops and high-end art galleries.
o Afternoon: Visit the beautiful Gothic church of Madonna dell'Orto to appreciate Tintoretto’s masterpieces in absolute silence. Take a ferry back to the hotel.
o Evening: Return to Dorsoduro for a relaxed final dinner at Locanda Montin, a historic upscale favorite known for its romantic, vine-covered pergola.
9/23, Wed - Venice to Sirmione/Largo di Garda
o Morning: Enjoy a slow breakfast at your hotel. Take a final, peaceful morning stroll through the Campo San Vio right outside your door.
o Departure from Hotel: A private water taxi from the canal outside your hotel down the Grand Canal, dropping you off right at the steps of the Venezia Santa Lucia train station for a seamless departure. Expect the ride to take 15 to 25 minutes
o Train from Venice Santa Lucia to Desenzano del Garda - ItaloTreno
o Afternoon Arrival: Travel from Venice to Desenzano by train, followed by a private taxi to Grand Hotel Sirmione.
o Stay @ Grand Hotel Terme Sirmione. Wednesday, September 23, departing September 28.
o Evening: Enjoy a gentle stroll through Sirmione’s pedestrian-only historic center as the day-trippers disperse.
o Dinner: Dine at an upscale lakeside veranda like Ristorante Risorgimento. Opt for fresh, locally caught lake fish (such as lavarello or lake trout) prepared with Garda’s signature delicate olive oil.
9/24, Thu - Sirmione Antiquities & Thermal Relaxation
o Morning (10:00 AM): Enjoy a late breakfast. Walk to the Scaligero Castle, the iconic 14th-century fortress guarding the peninsula. Climb the steps for a panoramic view of the lake's sparkling blue waters.
o Mid-Day: Continue wandering north along the olive-fringed paths to the Grotte di Catullo, the stunning ruins of a massive ancient Roman villa located at the absolute tip of the peninsula. The pace here is inherently peaceful and scenic.
o Late Afternoon: Dedicate your afternoon to Lake Garda’s famous wellness heritage. Spend a few hours relaxing at a luxury thermal spa, taking advantage of the warm, healing sulfurous waters, panoramic steam rooms, and lake-view relaxation lounges.
o Dinner: Choose a quiet, upscale restaurant tucked away from the main thoroughfares, focusing on refined regional cuisine and artisan balsamic vinegar pairings.
9/25, Fri – Private Lake Cruise & Isola del Garda
o Morning (10:30 AM): Board an elegant wooden motorboat for a private charter. Cruising the lake at a relaxed pace offers the absolute best views of the surrounding mountains and elegant shoreline villas.
o Highlight Activity: Arrange a private cruise heading toward Isola del Garda. This breathtaking private island features a spectacular Venetian Neo-Gothic villa surrounded by lush, manicured English and Italian gardens.
o Or ferry to Limone 9:10 fast ferry arr 11:05, then to Riva, return from Riva at 13:25 or 16:45 or Limone at 13:45 or 17:10
o Afternoon: Return to Sirmione for a late lunch at a shaded garden terrace. Spend the rest of the day completely unscheduled—perhaps shopping for high-end Italian linens, leather goods, or locally crafted olive oil soaps in the village.
o Dinner: Enjoy an elegant dinner overlooking the water, savoring homemade pasta tossed with fresh lemons and black truffles from the nearby hills.
9/26, Sat – Malcesine, Rotating Cable Car, and Monte Baldo
o Morning Transit (08:30 AM): To maintain your upscale, relaxed pace, hire a private driver for a direct, comfortable ride to Malcesine. Alternatively, pre-book a morning fast ferry from Sirmione’s main pier to enjoy a highly scenic cruise up the spine of the lake. OR about a 1.5-hour drive or a 1.5-to-2-hour fast ferry ride from Sirmione
o The Cable Car (10:30 AM): Arrive at the Funivia Malcesine-Monte Baldo station. Stepping onto the modern, fully rotating cable car cabins, you will gently ascend from lake level to 1,760 meters (5,774 feet) above sea level. The 360-degree rotation provides sweeping views of the entire lake basin and the distant Dolomites.
o Pre-Purchase Tickets Online: The cable car is highly popular. To maintain a premium, low-stress experience, buy your tickets online in advance through the official Funivia website to bypass the primary ticket office queues.
o Pack a Light Layers: Even if late September is warm and sunny at lake level, temperatures at the peak of Monte Baldo are significantly cooler and can be quite breezy. A light sweater or casual upscale jacket is essential.
o At the Summit: Walk along the gentle, grassy ridges of Monte Baldo, often called the "Garden of Europe" due to its rare botanical flora. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy a relaxed lunch or a non-alcoholic refreshment on the panoramic outdoor terrace of Baita dei Forti.
o Afternoon Stroll: Take the cable car back down and spend an hour strolling through Malcesine's medieval old town, exploring its colorful harbor and winding cobblestone paths.
o Evening Return: Head back to Sirmione via ferry boat. Celebrate your final night on the lake with a fine-dining tasting menu highlighting northern Italian flavors.
9/27, Sun – Relaxed Villages or Lakeside Lounging
o Morning & Afternoon: Keep this day highly adaptable to preserve a relaxed pace. You can choose to:
Stay in Sirmione, lounging by a luxury lake-view pool or reading in a quiet garden.
Take a smooth ferry ride to a neighboring village like Bardolino or Lazise purely to stroll their historic lakeside promenades and enjoy a gelato.
o Evening: Celebrate your final night on the lake with a reservation at an upscale, fine-dining establishment. Delight in a multi-course tasting menu focused entirely on the culinary geography of Northern Italy.
9/28, Mon – Departure to Florence
o Morning: Indulge in a final, unhurried breakfast overlooking Lake Garda.
o 12:45 Departure from hotel: Take a private taxi back to the train station to board your train to Florence.
o 13:44 Train from Desenzano del Garda to Florence 15:54 - ItaloTreno
o Overnight in Florence
o Stay @ Floren Luxury Hotel. 6-minute walk from the train station. Monday, September 28, departing Tuesday, September 29. Via Panzani 17 FIRENZE (50123) - Tel: +39 055 0541261
9/29, Tue - Florence to Faro
o 9:00 AM – Taxi - Hotel to Airport 25-30 minutes
o Flight - Dep Florence to LIS, LIS to FAR
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Venice Restaurants
• Ristorante Oniga
• Al Vecio Marangon
•
Sirmoine - Upscale & Fine Dining Restaurant Suggestions
These options emphasize breathtaking views, flawless service, and locally sourced ingredients. They are perfect for an upscale casual evening
• La Rucola 2.0 - 4.6 ⭐ (411) - €100+Fine Dining, Sirmione, Province of Brescia, Italy
o La Rucola 2.0 (Vicolo Strentelle, 3): Tucked discreetly into the historic center near the castle, this Michelin-starred venue is renowned for its elegantly plated Italian tasting menus presented in an intimate, high-end setting featuring warm wood and stone accents.
• Ristorante Tancredi - 4.4 ⭐ (614), €100+Restaurant, Sirmione, Province of Brescia, Italy
o Ristorante Tancredi (Via XXV Aprile, 75): Located just outside the castle gates, this restaurant boasts an exclusive lakeside terrace with panoramic views. It is highly regarded for its sophisticated, contemporary seafood presentation (like Crudo di Mare and rich seafood risottos).
• Ristorante Casa dei Pescatori - 4.3 ⭐ (2.9K), €20–60 Seafood, Sirmione, Province of Brescia, Italy
o Ristorante Casa dei Pescatori (Via XXV Aprile, 71): Offering a more relaxed yet highly fashionable atmosphere, this venue features a stunning lakeside garden. It is ideal for an early evening dinner to watch the sunset over the water while enjoying fresh Mediterranean fish.
• Esplanade - 4.8 ⭐ (1.1K), €100+Fine Dining, Desenzano del Garda, Province of Brescia, Italy
o Esplanade (Via Lario, 3, Desenzano del Garda): If you are willing to take a short, 15-minute private taxi ride off the peninsula, this Michelin-starred jewel provides tables directly on a private pier jutting into the lake. It is widely considered one of the ultimate luxury dining backdrops on Lake Garda.
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