Lake Garda at Sunset: Desenzano Walk & Boat around Sirmione

Discover Lake Garda in a unique way: start with a guided walk in Desenzano (max 10 participants), exploring its charming streets, local life with humor and insight. Enter one of northern Italy’s most beautiful Roman villas, famous for its stunning mosaics and enjoy it on a soft and short tour. Then enjoy a scenic boat ride around the Sirmione peninsula, timed for sunset, with music and a drink on board. From the water, you’ll see corners and villas of Sirmione that most tourists miss, while hearing gentle, engaging stories about the sights — all at a relaxed pace. The boat can host up to 25 guests, including other travelers, ensuring comfort and atmosphere. Ideal for curious travelers who love learning, good stories, and memorable lake moments without lectures or crowds.

1. 1

   Desenzano del Garda

   45 min

   We will explore the "Capital" of Lake Garda by walking by the most significant ancient, renaissance and new buildings and sites and give you the best insights as both guides and citizens of Desenzano. We will tell you about the stories and the history of it with a sense of humor and without lecturing you.

2. 2

   Villa Romana ed Antiquarium di Desenzano del Garda

   30 min

   The Roman Villa was built by a Roman merchant and noble man in the 1st century BC. We will access the site and keep the explanation clear and simple. Admiring the ancient mosaics is a memorable experience!

3. 3

   Castello di Desenzano

   15 min

   The Old Medieval defensive tower and castle offer a stunning view over the old town and the lake´s Northern shores. We will reach the very top of it and enjoy the broad view from the Monte Baldo and Sirmione to the Mountain parks of the Brescia district

4. 4

   Porto Vecchio

   15 min

   The Old Harbour and the Venetian district - the best spot to have a perfect picture of town and its glorious past. This is one of the spots where most of the visitors can´t walk by without stopping and admiring its beauty. You will learn the stories of the local fisherman and the great influence of the Venetian Republic on this beautiful town

5. 5

   Duomo Di Santa Maria Maddalena

   10 min

   The main church of Desenzano from the 16th hundreds. Even a smaller town like Desenzano offers great art and architecture, We will access the church and admire its great works of art

6. 6

   Monumento agli Aviatori del Reparto Alta Velocita

   5 min

   The statue dedicated to the Aviators from Desenzano and their speed record. This modern sculpture glorifies the great actions of the local aviation and the world speed record they set many years ago

7. 7

   Lungolago Di Desenzano Del Garda

   30 min

   BOAT RIDE - Here is where we will start our boat tour. We will leave Desenzano from the central pier, in front of the Ancient Venetian Harbour and we will have the chance to enjoy a unique view of this lovely town. The tour will then continue on a slow pace along the shore towards the Lake Town of Padenghe. The sunset light will be with and a nice glass of local wine will make this last part of the tour relaxed and enjoyable.

8. 8

   Sirmione

   20 min

   BOAT RIDE - Once we reach Sirmione, we will be able to admire its world famous peninsula by riding close by the shore and seeing the most beautiful sites away from the crowds

9. 9

   Castello Scaligero

   10 min

   BOAT RIDE We end the section of the tour in Sirmione with the town’s most iconic building, the ancient medieval Castle built by the Scala family in the 12th hundreds and still standing, supported by over 11000 beams underwater. The ride here will show you this spot from an absolutely unique angle that most of the visitors miss from the main land. We will stop by the fortified pier and later ride underneath the low bridges that once connected Sirmione old town with the mainland, a truly unbeaten experience. From here on, it will be time to enjoy the best sunset light. Our way back to Desenzano will be a relaxed ride with a nice glass of local wine and some good music

10. 10

    Grotte di Catullo

    5 min

    BOAT RIDE Once we reach the northern tip of the peninsula we will enjoy a breathtaking sunset view of the mountains surrounding Lake Garda on one side while in the other direction we will see the spectacular ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient and large palace built by the noble senatorial family Valerii here in Sirmione around 2000 years ago. The angle from which we see them makes the view and the moment absolutely memorable

11. 11

    Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino

    5 min

    BOAT RIDE A view of the 1500 years old church of San Pietro in Mavino, placed on the Mavino hill, is a view that most of the tourist are not able to see while in Sirmione. It will give you a different perspective of this very busy place

12. 12

    Palazzo Maria Callas

    5 min

    BOAT RIDE The legendary Opera Singer lived in Sirmione with her husband, local businessman, during the 50´s and left this art-deco palace here in the town center

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.