Excursions: Places of interest at Lake Garda, Cities of art, Small villages and Museums

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Just for you! We have selected some of the places that we particularly like and that are worth visiting during your stay in Bed & Breakfast Carpe Diem. Of course, you will find many more!

Places of interest and towns on Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy with a circumference of about 159 km. Along the lake there are many charming small towns. Some of them are only a fifteen minute drive from our B&B.

Most tourists only visit the streets with shops, bars and restaurants, but we recommend that you also visit other places of interest on Lake Garda.

Sirmione, the pearl of Lake Garda

Sirmione is called the pearl of Lake Garda and rightly so! This beautiful town and peninsula is definitely worth a visit.
To see and to do: a visit to the castle and the antique Roman ruins of Catullus, the panoramic walk and a boat trip.

Peschiera del Garda, Unesco town

The Venetian walls of Peschiera del Garda, a former fishing village, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To see and to do: a walk between and on the ramparts of the pentagonal fortress, a boat trip on the canals and a visit to the Palazzina Storica (the historical building) and the fishing museum.

Desenzano del Garda, the town with the lighthouse

This is the most populated town on Lake Garda and there is a lot to do all year round. In Desenzano it is nice to walk along the lake and on the pier with the lighthouse.

To see and to do: a visit to the castle, the Roman villa, the Rambotti museum with the world’s oldest plough and the Duomo with Tiepolo’s painting.

Cities of art in Northern Italy

Next to the beauty of Lake Garda there are the well-known and lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage cities. You can reach almost all of them in less than an hours drive.

Also the cities of Bergamo, Milan or Venice are perfect for a day trip.

Verona, the Romantic

Verona is perhaps the most romantic city in northern Italy. It is the city of the legend of Romeo and Juliet, although Verona has much more to offer: centuries-old buildings, the Arena, beautiful squares, many churches and above all beautiful views.

Mantua, the Magnificent

Less known and much less crowded is Mantova or Mantua. This beautiful medieval town is surrounded by water and can easily be visited on foot.

Don’t miss the skyline and the Palazzo Ducale, one of the largest palaces in Europe with more than 500 rooms including the famous Camera degli Sposi or “bridal chamber”. In 2016 Mantua was the Italian Capital of Culture.

Brescia, the Enchanting

Brescia is the city where the Mille Miglia, the most beautiful antique car race in the world starts every year.

For many tourists it is still an unknown destination. Between modern buildings and contemporary boutiques you will find historic squares, monuments and ancient buildings. The Roman archaeological area and the monumental remains of the Lombards have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The most beautiful villages

Just a stone’s throw from Lake Garda there are some beautiful and ancient villages. Some of them belong to “I Borghi più Belli d’Italia” or the “Most beautiful villages in Italy”. It is a label that protects small villages which are often located a little further away from the well-known routes. The aim is to breathe new life into them, making their extraordinary charm known.

Other villages have been awarded with the “Bandiera Arancione” or the Orange Flag.
It is the Italian Touring Club that assigns this recognition to the most welcoming villages.

Solferino

This beautiful village was awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club in 2018. The special value of its many monuments and the naturalistic context of the surrounding Morainic Hills contributed to this prestigious recognition, however Solferino is known above all for the battle of Solferino and San Martino, a battle that was fought right here. This terrible battle gave birth to the unified Italy and the idea of the International Red Cross.

Borghetto sul Mincio

Borghetto is a small village, one of the most beautiful and smallest in Italy. In November 2020 it was also awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club. It is located along the Mincio River and is one of the most romantic and idyllic villages near Lake Garda. The cycle path from Peschiera del Garda to Mantua passes through Borghetto, which is definitely worth a stop.

Castellaro Lagusello

This very quiet village, where time stands still, is not only one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, but also received the Orange flag by the Italian Touring Club. Castellaro Lagusello is also mentioned on Unesco’s World Heritage List. Many years ago there were prehistoric pile dwellings! Reason enough to visit.

Museums

Around Lake Garda and its surroundings you can find many interesting museums where you can learn more about the history, culture and nature of this beautiful area.

Below you can find our three favourites.

Il Vittoriale degli Italiani

Het Vittoriale degli Italiani is the open-air museum par excellence of Lake Garda. It is located in one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy, amidst the green hills of Gardone Riviera, on the western shore of Lake Garda.
You will find many curiosities in this amazing museum, including the prow of a ship that has been placed in the garden. During the summer months it is also possible to attend concerts in the open-air theatre with a beautiful view of the lake.

Museum Mille Miglia

In the Mille Miglia museum you can learn all about the Mille Miglia, the famous historic car race. There are many classic cars to admire, some of them also participate in the race itself.
It is not only a must for classic car enthusiasts but for anyone who wants to immerse themself in the atmosphere of the famous Mille Miglia.

Museum Rocca di Manerba

At the Rocca di Manerba, on the western shore of Lake Garda, there is also a small museum. The ideal start for a holiday on Lake Garda and its surroundings. In addition to the information about the origin of the lake, its fauna and flora, you will also find archaeological finds that belong to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Contact

Bed and Breakfast Carpe Diem
Via Garibaldi, 4/b
46040 Solferino (Mantova)
Italy

Email: info@carpediemsolferino.it
Telephone: +39 331 1116931

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