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View of Torbole Lake Garda Italy Europe
Riva del Garda Lake Garda Italy Europe
Limone Lake Garda Italy Europe
Malcesine Lake Garda Italy Europe

Holidays in Lake Garda

Magnificent Garda is the largest lake in Italy. Our beautiful Lake Garda resorts lie at the northern end, where the lake narrows and rugged mountains give a fjord-like feel. The Lake Garda resorts region is famous for olive and citrus groves (try the local aperitif, limoncello). There’s plenty to do in the Lake Garda resort, including ferry trips and swimming, but on your holiday in Lake Garda you’ll also enjoy just sitting by the lakeshore, watching the world go by...

Our holidays in Lake Garda include Malcesine with its cobbled medieval centre; take a cable car up Monte Baldo for breathtaking views. Limone has rocky cliffs and tiny, winding lanes. Our other favourite Lake Garda resorts are Riva Del Garda, with its moated castle, and pretty Torbole.

RIVA Set amongst beautiful mountain scenery, Riva boasts a 12th Century fortress and clock tower in the centre of its old town. There are narrow streets lined with a variety of shops and restaurants. Boats and pedalos can be hired to take a trip out on the lake.

NAGO-TORBOLE Once a quiet fishing village, Torbole is now a splendid resort offering excellent bathing and windsurfing. Its little harbour, narrow cobbled streets with inviting cafés and bars, bask in a colourful array of bougainvillaea, and a lakeside walk links it with Riva. The little hamlet of Nago is perched on the hill overlooking Torbole.

Transfer time to Lake Garda from Verona: Up to 2 hrs; from Venice: Up to 4hrs.

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Out & About

Places to visit from Garda include the magnificent Dolomites, Bolzano with its 'Iceman' and of course delightful Verona.

Activities

Apart from enjoying the delights of the lake and its surroundings, like swimming and walking (excellent walking can be found at the top of Monte Baldo via the cable car), you can take a boat trip across or around the lake (a daily service goes from top to bottom and vice versa, stopping off at the resorts enroute). You'll find waterskiing and windsurfing are available in Riva and Malcesine, whilst Torbole is a magnet for sailing.

Shopping

Most resorts have the usual tourist-type shops, offering olive oils, ceramics, postcards, leather goods, t-shirts and jewellery, most of which are reasonably priced. Garda itself has the widest choice being the largest town, with Riva probably the next 'best' in terms of variety.

Food & Drink

A marvellous array of food awaits, from deliciously tempting ice-creams (a speciality of Italy) to fresh pasta, seafood and of course pizza. Favourite tipples include Prosecco, a sparkling wine, Limoncello, a sweet aperitif best served chilled, and the local wine of the region, red Bardolino which is very well-known and widely available. You'll also find Valpolicella and Valdadige as red alternatives and the very well respected Soave, if you prefer white.

Beaches

There are no sandy beaches around the lake, but you will find good pebble ones in all the key resorts as well as some grassy areas from which to swim.

Optional Excursions

LIMONE A quaint, colourful town on the west shore of Lake Garda, Limone is known for its olive groves, citrus greenhouses and exotic array of plants and flowers. The narrow cobbled shopping streets of this lovely town and the delightful harbour area, which boasts an excellent choice of bars and restaurants, all combine to make this the perfect lakeside holiday destination.

Weather

There's a marked contrast in temperatures between north and south, with Garda being around 5 degrees hotter than Riva. If you venture up Monte Baldo, it is wise to take a long-sleeved item, as even in the middle of summer, it can be chilly and in the clouds.

Lake Garda

8 days from £555

One of Europe's most breathtaking sights and Italy's largest lake. Colourful citrus and olive groves proliferate in its delightful Mediterranean climate to the south, whilst the grandeur of the Alps forms a backdrop to charming old towns.

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Garda

Our rating:

Ideally positioned to enjoy the full beauties of the lake, this recently refurbished hotel stands back from the main road in pleasant surroundings. The atmosphere is friendly and comfortable with the evenings very much relaxed.

8 days from £555

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Splendid Palace

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Located in an idyllic setting amidst old lemon groves with spectacular views over Limone and across the lake to Malcesine.

8 days from £589

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Panorama

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As the name implies, this beautifully situated hotel offers superb panoramic views over Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains and villages that line the lake. The hotel also offers excellent service and standards for an enjoyable stay on Lake Garda.

8 days from £589

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Savoy Palace

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A popular modern hotel with a sense of spaciousness set in a tranquil location surrounded by bright and colourful gardens. Only a stone's throw away from the lake and promenade into the centre of Riva.

8 days from £599

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Majestic Palace

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This large traditional hotel has a peaceful atmosphere, and is set in beautiful surroundings amidst lush gardens and olive groves. Extensively refurbished, a new wing houses the deluxe rooms.

8 days from £625

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