Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) Tours and Activities

Italy’s Amalfi Coast may be the capital of la dolce vita, but Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) has its own brand of effortless elegance that has attracted celebrities and artists for centuries. Ringed by steep alpine foothills, tiny spa towns, and vineyards, the lake offers a heady mix of languid leisure and cosmopolitan flair.
The Basics
Lake Garda has something for everyone. Hikers and landscape lovers can explore the northern reaches of the lake, where peaks rise dramatically from the water and the slopes are thick with trails and picture-perfect towns such as Torbole. Gourmands and sybarites should hang out on the southern shore, home to spas and wineries. If you’re more of a history buff, don’t miss the medieval castle and Roman ruins in Sirmione. And families can head to Gardaland, an amusement park.
To avoid the hassle of getting to Lake Garda on your own, book a tour of the area with round-trip transport included. Boat tours include free time to wander the resort towns, romantic sunset tours are a relaxing way to take in the views, and wine-tasting tours whisk you around to some of the region’s best vineyards. If you’re going to Gardaland, buy tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Lake Garda sits about halfway between Milan and Venice, and is an easy train ride from either direction. Ferries run between some of the towns along the lakeshore.
When to Get There
As Lake Garda is in northern Italy, temperatures drop drastically in winter. Visit from spring through fall if you’re planning to engage in water sports.
Garda’s Waterfall
The landscape north of Riva del Garda is dominated by rugged mountains and glacial lakes and rivers. Stop by and marvel at the striking Cascata del Varone, a theatrical waterfall that has carved a corkscrew-shaped vertical gorge through the cliffside.
The Basics
Lake Garda has something for everyone. Hikers and landscape lovers can explore the northern reaches of the lake, where peaks rise dramatically from the water and the slopes are thick with trails and picture-perfect towns such as Torbole. Gourmands and sybarites should hang out on the southern shore, home to spas and wineries. If you’re more of a history buff, don’t miss the medieval castle and Roman ruins in Sirmione. And families can head to Gardaland, an amusement park.
To avoid the hassle of getting to Lake Garda on your own, book a tour of the area with round-trip transport included. Boat tours include free time to wander the resort towns, romantic sunset tours are a relaxing way to take in the views, and wine-tasting tours whisk you around to some of the region’s best vineyards. If you’re going to Gardaland, buy tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend a lot of time outdoors—dress for the weather.
- Rent equipment or hire instructors for water sports at the beaches along the southern shore.
- For views overlooking the lake and Riva del Garda, ride the gondola to the top of Monte Baldo.
- Take a boat from Salò to the private island of Isola di Garda to tour the neo-Gothic Venetian villa and grounds owned by Contessa Cavazza.
- Fans of the poet Gabriele d’Annunzio can visit his vast Il Vittoriale degli Italiani estate, as eclectic as the writer himself, above Gardone Riviera on the western shore.
How to Get There
Lake Garda sits about halfway between Milan and Venice, and is an easy train ride from either direction. Ferries run between some of the towns along the lakeshore.
When to Get There
As Lake Garda is in northern Italy, temperatures drop drastically in winter. Visit from spring through fall if you’re planning to engage in water sports.
Garda’s Waterfall
The landscape north of Riva del Garda is dominated by rugged mountains and glacial lakes and rivers. Stop by and marvel at the striking Cascata del Varone, a theatrical waterfall that has carved a corkscrew-shaped vertical gorge through the cliffside.
Address: Lake Garda, Italy
Admission Tickets (2)

Garda Thermal Park Entry Ticket
119
Relax in style with this entry ticket to the Garda Thermal Park good for one full day. Enjoy all the amenities of this Thermal Park near Lake Garda, including whirlpools set at different temperatures and the park's incredible thermal lakes in which the temperature is between 84-102 F (29-39 C).
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From
$40.87
From
$40.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Lake Garda (Lago di Garda)
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Garda Thermal Park Entry Ticket
119
Relax in style with this entry ticket to the Garda Thermal Park good for one full day. Enjoy all the amenities of this Thermal Park near Lake Garda, including whirlpools set at different temperatures and the park's incredible thermal lakes in which the temperature is between 84-102 F (29-39 C).
…More
From
$40.87
From
$40.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Transfer from Lake Garda to Verona Arena and Opera Ticket
5
Watch an opera at Verona Arena with this ticket and transport combo from Lake Garda. With pickup and drop-off from all the main lakeside towns, the experience offers a fuss-free way to visit the romantic city for an evening of opera. Travel with a tour leader, take your ticket, then relax as music from classic operas such as Carmen, Aida, and Nabucco sweep you away in the impressive Roman amphitheater.
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From
$96.15
From
$96.15

Venice Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda
27
Make the most of a day in one of the world's most romantic cities with this full-day trip to Venice from Lake Garda. See Venice's most famous attractions, including St Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge. Float through the canals in a private boat, and enjoy free time to explore on your own in the afternoon.
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From
$115.65
From
$115.65

Private Lake Garda Sunset Cruise with Prosecco
45
Watch the sun slip into the hills during a private evening cruise on Lake Garda. After setting off from the lungolago area in Sirmione, you'll glide over the water with a prosecco aperitivo in hand. Sip on your glass of sparkling wine, enjoy appetizers from a local restaurant, and gaze out at the elegant villas that stud the lakeside hills. The experience is perfect for anniversaries or special occasions in Lake Garda.
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From
$280.00
per group
From
$280.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Lake Garda 4-Hour guided Boat Cruise to Isola del Garda and visit Salò
3
Hop on a boat for a guided Lake Garda cruise from Torri del Benaco or Garda to the history-steeped town of Salò and back. After cruising past the pretty lakeside villages of Italy’s largest lake, you’ll raise a glass by Isola del Garda’s Venetian palace then enjoy free time in Salò, ambling along its alleyways and visiting the Renaissance cathedral. It’s a great way to see some highlights of Lake Garda in just one afternoon.
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From
$54.78
From
$54.78
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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