Visit Lake Garda from Venice: A Perfect Day Trip or Weekend Getaway

Venice is undoubtedly a dream destination, but if you’re looking to add a scenic escape to your itinerary, Lake Garda is a perfect choice. Just a short journey from Venice, Italy’s largest lake offers stunning landscapes, charming lakeside towns, and outdoor activities that make it an excellent day trip or weekend getaway. Visit Lake Garda from Venice, you won’t regret it!

How to Get to Lake Garda from Venice

Lake Garda is well connected to Venice, making it easy to reach by train, car, or even guided tours.

By Train: The fastest way to reach Lake Garda is by train from Venice Santa Lucia station. Trains to Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda take about 1.5 hours. Both towns are excellent starting points to explore the lake.
By Car: If you prefer flexibility, renting a car allows you to explore multiple lakeside towns at your own pace. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours via the A4 highway.
By Guided Tour: Several operators offer day trips from Venice to Lake Garda, which can be a great option if you want a hassle-free experience with transportation and sightseeing included.

Best Towns to Visit

Lake Garda is dotted with picturesque towns, each with its own unique charm. Here are some must-visit spots:

Sirmione: One of the most famous towns on the lake, Sirmione is known for its medieval Scaliger Castle, thermal baths, and the ancient Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo.
Desenzano del Garda: A lively town with a charming harbor, great shopping, and a beautiful lakeside promenade.
Peschiera del Garda: A UNESCO-listed fortress town, ideal for history lovers and conveniently close to Gardaland, Italy’s most famous amusement park.
Malcesine: If you’re up for adventure, take the Monte Baldo cable car for breathtaking panoramic views.
Bardolino & Lazise: These towns are perfect for wine lovers, as they are surrounded by vineyards producing the famous Bardolino wine.

Things to Do at Lake Garda

Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for the weekend, there’s plenty to see and do:

Relax by the lake: Enjoy a stroll along the promenades, take a boat ride, or simply soak in the views.
Visit a winery: The region is known for its Bardolino and Lugana wines, and several vineyards offer tastings.
Explore castles and ruins: From Scaliger Castle in Sirmione to the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a fascinating historic estate in Gardone Riviera.
Outdoor activities: Hiking, cycling, and even water sports like windsurfing and sailing are popular around the lake.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal times to visit, offering mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is great for swimming and outdoor activities but can be quite busy. Winter offers a quieter experience, with festive Christmas markets in some towns.

A Perfect Itinerary

For a Day Trip:

Morning: Arrive in Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda by train.
Midday: Explore Sirmione, visit Scaliger Castle, and have lunch by the lake.
Afternoon: Relax by the water or take a short boat ride (Click here in an example) before heading back to Venice.

For a Weekend Getaway:

Day 1: Explore Desenzano del Garda, visit Sirmione, and enjoy a wine tasting.
Day 2: Visit Malcesine, take the Monte Baldo cable car (click here for info), and enjoy a lakeside dinner before returning to Venice.

Don’t Miss Out

Lake Garda is a fantastic escape from Venice, whether you have just one day or a full weekend. With its stunning scenery, charming towns, and rich history, it’s a destination that promises relaxation and adventure. So, if you’re looking for a refreshing change of pace from Venice’s canals, Lake Garda is well worth the trip!

And don’t forget to book your perfect boat tour with Vidal Venice Tours while you are in Venice! Click here for more info