Lake Garda Day Trip Itinerary
Your day begins with hotel pick-up in Milan, where you’ll meet your private driver and guide and settle into a Mercedes V-Class for the journey to Lake Garda. Leaving the city behind, the route takes you through the Lombardy countryside before reaching the lake. As you get closer, the scenery begins to change, with wider views, smaller lakeside communities, and glimpses of the water appearing along the way. The drive is relaxed and comfortable, giving you time to enjoy the changing landscape before arriving in Sirmione, your first stop on the lake.
Sirmione: Peninsula Town on Lake Garda
Arrive in Sirmione, one of the most visited towns on Lake Garda.
Set on a narrow peninsula that extends into the lake, Sirmione is surrounded by water on both sides. As you enter, you pass through Scaliger Castle, which sits at the entrance and marks the start of the historic center.
From here, your guide will take you on a walk through the town and along the peninsula, with open views across the lake as you go.
Scaliger Castle: Entrance to the Old Town
Spend time around Scaliger Castle, one of the defining landmarks of Sirmione.
Built as a defensive fortress, it still controls the peninsula’s entrance. Your guide will explain how it was used and why it was positioned here, giving context to the town’s layout.
Lakefront Walk: Views Across Garda
Continue along Sirmione’s waterfront, where the lake surrounds the peninsula on both sides. As you walk with your guide, you’ll follow paths that open onto wide views across the water, with mountains visible in the distance and boats moving between the lakeside towns.
This is one of the best ways to appreciate the setting that has made Sirmione famous. Away from the busier streets, you’ll have time to slow down, enjoy the atmosphere, and take in the views from different points around the peninsula. Your guide will point out places that are easy to overlook, share stories about the town’s history, and explain how Lake Garda developed into one of northern Italy’s most popular destinations.
Lunch Break: Sirmione
Stop for lunch in Sirmione.
You’ll have time to sit down at a restaurant near the water, with your guide recommending a place based on what you’re looking for.
Optional: Grotte di Catullo (Roman Ruins)
If time allows, continue to the Grotte di Catullo.
Located at the far end of the peninsula, these Roman ruins sit above the lake and offer a different perspective of Sirmione, combining history with open views.
Return to Milan
In the afternoon, begin the return journey to Milan.
The route back follows the same direction, giving you time to relax after the day at the lake.
