Trip Extensions

Lake Garda Extension: A Hidden Gem

Discover Italy’s largest and most beautiful – yet least well-known – lake. Intense blue waters and a diverse shoreline create endless holiday options. Choose from a series of enticing itineraries, where you can be active or luxuriate in thermal spa waters – or both!

Trip Overview

Lake Garda is a hidden gem. Tucked into Northern Italy, blessed with beautiful beaches, intense transparent blue water, vertical rocky cliffs, rolling hills, and towering mountains, all are just waiting to be discovered. Just a few hours drive from Milan, Venice, and the Dolomites, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda or Lago Benàco) is the largest, yet least well known of Italy's lakes. The diversity of the landscape here is truly remarkable – the wider southern portion of the lake is surrounded by hills formed by glacial moraines, while the narrow northern part is enclosed by mountains that create beautiful fjords. What’s more, the temperate climate and flourishing vegetation – mainly olive and lemon groves, orange trees, palms, cypresses, and oleanders – combines with the landscape to provide a lush background to the remarkable historical and cultural remains dotting the shoreline. Plus, the Dolomite Mountains are never far away, and can be seen towering above the lake.

The beautiful setting is rivaled by the cultural diversity and activities on offer. Surrounded by three distinct regions – Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige, and the Veneto – the lake attracts an international, cosmopolitan crowd. From poets to politicians, divas to dictators, the famous – and infamous – have long been drawn to these deep blue waters, and locals return here year after year. The history here is ever present, as it is throughout Italy, ranging from villas to Roman ruins, preserved and waiting to be explored. And the active life abounds – from water- to land-based adventure, this lake destination has the potential to keep you very busy! Alas, if you prefer just to relax, there is a thriving spa culture to soothe away your every worry.

Lake Garda is vast, with over 158 kilometers (98 miles) of shoreline. Not only is there ample opportunity for exploration and adventure, but also choices regarding where you stay. We offer a variety of options throughout the region, with accommodations and activities that best exemplify the character of each village. From spa luxury to active days with a soft bed at night, Lake Garda’s beauty is sure to charm you into returning again and again!

Highlights

  • Discover Lake Garda, Italy’s most beautiful, yet least well known lake!
  • Explore Gargnano on foot, by bike, or from the water
  • Spend a day soaking in the Terme di Sirmione, with its healing mineral waters
  • Play with the kids in one of the most famous amusement parks of the world, and live the magic atmosphere of Gardaland!
  • Choose from luxury or standard hotel accommodations, an active adventure, or a spa like retreat!

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Luxury Hotel in Gargnano (B)

  • Day 2

    Luxury Hotel in Gargnano (B)

  • Day 3

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

At Dolomite Mountains, we hand pick accommodations that best reflect the style of each region, to provide you with the most authentic experience of the unique cultures found in the different cities and towns where we travel. We work directly with the owners of each property, forging strong relationships to ensure you receive the best service and care during your stay. Regardless of whether it is a five-star luxury hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast you desire, we choose the best-in-class accommodations within each category, providing you stays at the most sought after hotels in each region. And, we always make sure you have access to inspired, regional cuisine!

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Prices for this trip are on request. Please contact us for a quotation.

High season supplement from July 13th to September 7th: 15% surcharge

Cost Includes:

  • In/Out airport transfers (luxury itinerary only; available on request for Desenzano del Garda itinerary)
  • 2 nights accommodation in Lake Garda
  • All breakfasts
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Area Map