How to get to Lake Garda on a stylish high-speed Frecciarossa train
The most convenient way to reach and start exploring Lake Garda is to travel to Desenzano del Garda, a picturesque town on the southern shore in the province of Brescia. From Milan, the high-speed Frecciarossa train to Desenzano takes less than an hour, while from Brescia, the journey is a quick 15 minutes.
It’s also easy to reach from the major cities in Veneto; from Venice, it takes about an hour and a half, and from Verona, just 20 minutes. Traveling by Frecciarossa ensures a luxurious experience with perks such as spacious and comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary snacks and beverages in first class, making your journey to Desenzano del Garda not only fast but also highly enjoyable.
Day 1 – Arriving in Desenzano del Garda
Lake Garda, a true natural wonder, is so expansive that it touches three Italian regions: Lombardy to the west, Veneto to the east, and its northern tip reaches the foothills of the Trentino Alps. Each region has its unique charm, attractions, and cultural and gastronomic specialties. Whether you’re passionate about wine traditions and festivals in the south or the popular tourist spots for families and young athletes in the north, Lake Garda has something for everyone.
Once you arrive at Desenzano station, you can walk to the historic center or take the local bus line 2. Our guide will take you through villages, beaches, and attractions, starting with this charming town, perfect for beginning our tour.
First, we recommend visiting the 16th-century historic center, home to an archaeological museum, a Roman Villa adorned with ancient mosaics, an imposing cathedral, and a splendid castle. Don’t miss the Old Port, where you can enjoy lunch and admire the typical portico, the pier with the lighthouse, and the beautiful “Desenzanino” beach just a short walk north. The lake’s vastness unfolds before your eyes, offering a stunning first taste of your visit.
After a refreshing lunch, it’s time to start exploring the surrounding areas, beginning with the Brescia shore. From Desenzano’s center, you can head to Salò and Gardone Riviera, rich in charm and history, accessible in minutes by the LN027 bus.
Salò is a modern city with a lovely lakeside promenade, lush vegetation, and intense floral fragrances, marking the beginning of the “Lemon Coast.” Continue to Gardone Riviera, a must-see for the magnificent Vittoriale degli Italiani, a famous park housing Gabriele D’Annunzio’s house-museum, surrounded by picturesque gardens filled with art. The Vittoriale offers a magical and evocative experience, from exploring the poet’s life and works to wandering through the park’s paths and waterfalls, even boarding a historic naval ship “moored” at its center.
At the end of the first day, return to Desenzano to stay in one of the many well-equipped hotels in this popular destination.
Day 2 – Sirmione and the Verona Shore
On the second day, head to the Veneto shore of the lake, but not before visiting Sirmione, a jewel of Lake Garda on a slender peninsula. It’s easy to reach by taking the LN026 bus from Desenzano station. Sirmione’s car-free center is perfect for strolling and enjoying the lake from a prime viewpoint. At the entrance, you’ll find one of the most picturesque and well-preserved Scaliger castles in Lombardy, guarding the town’s heart.
Sirmione is famous for its thermal waters and the Grotte di Catullo, ancient Roman villa ruins. Spend a few relaxing hours at the thermal baths or exploring the historic center’s alleys.
In the afternoon, take a ferry from Sirmione to the Verona shore to visit beautiful coastal towns. Alternatively, use the convenient and frequent bus 483, which travels north along the coast, stopping at all major towns. At each stop, you can choose to admire the scenery or disembark to explore before continuing your journey.
Start with the ancient village of Lazise, with its castle, then move to Bardolino, a fisherman’s village known for its excellent DOC wine, followed by Garda with its picturesque historic center, and Malcesine, home to another Scaliger castle on a promontory, now a museum. Don’t miss the chance to visit, as the views from here are breathtaking!
In Malcesine, a panoramic cable car operates from March to October, taking you to the foothills of Monte Baldo, where you can enjoy beautiful nature trails. Malcesine is also one of the most beloved and picturesque spots on the lake to watch the sunset and a vibrant tourist town for dining and lodging, making it an ideal place to end your second day.
Day 3 – Riva del Garda and Return to Peschiera
On the third day, after exploring both shores, head to the northern tip of the lake, Trentino, and visit Riva del Garda, a true gem with stunning cliffs and sandy beaches. Take the 484 bus from Malcesine’s center, and in about 30 minutes, you’ll reach your destination.
Riva is beautiful year-round, perfect in spring and summer for relaxing in the sun, swimming, water sports like windsurfing, challenging hiking trails, or leisurely walks along its bike paths. After some relaxation, gastronomic delights, and shopping, prepare for your return.
To reach Peschiera del Garda, the last stop of your journey, you have two options: the quickest is a bus to Rovereto, where a train to Peschiera awaits, changing in Verona. Alternatively, opt for the scenic route with a ferry from Riva to Peschiera, enjoying the lake’s beauty from the water. Once in Peschiera, enjoy an aperitif to conclude your trip and reminisce about the unforgettable moments of your 3-day tour of Lake Garda.
Peschiera is an ideal departure point for returning home, with numerous Frecciarossa trains to Milan, Brescia, and major Veneto cities, including Verona and Venice.
As you travel through this vast lake, you’ll be enchanted by its diverse activities and breathtaking landscapes, leaving you eager to return and discover more in different seasons. The photographs and souvenirs from this journey will always remind you of its beauty. Now you know how to revisit anytime: simply hop on a train and watch Lake Garda appear on the horizon, welcoming you with the same wonder as the first time.