11 Activities
From Roman Ruins to Ancient Castles: Lake Garda's Sirmione Has It All
Starts from
Milan
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
11
Duration
10 hrs 20 min
Length
43 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Milan
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hrs 20 min
Length
43 mi
- History and Culture
- Unusual Locations
- Gastronomy
- Relaxation
Darcy Tuscano
Travel Expert
- Visit Castello Scaligero, a 13th century fortress.
- Discover one of the best preserved archeological sites in Northern Italy.
- Relax with a cocktail at a lakeside lido beach club.
- Indulge with delicious Italian food and wine.
Looking for the perfect one-day lake getaway? Then look no further!
Lake Garda, only a couple of hours from Milan, is often overlooked in favor of the more famous Lake Como. But can you find Roman ruins and a castle only steps from each other on Lake Como? No, but you can in the picture-perfect, historic town of Sirmione, a long and narrow peninsula jutting out into a lake of impossibly clear aquamarine waters.
This trip has it all from historic churches, an ancient castle, archeological sites and of course, food, glorious food! What are you waiting for? Let's go to Lake Garda!
Due to weather conditions on Lake Garda, this trip is recommended from May - September
Lake Garda, only a couple of hours from Milan, is often overlooked in favor of the more famous Lake Como. But can you find Roman ruins and a castle only steps from each other on Lake Como? No, but you can in the picture-perfect, historic town of Sirmione, a long and narrow peninsula jutting out into a lake of impossibly clear aquamarine waters.
This trip has it all from historic churches, an ancient castle, archeological sites and of course, food, glorious food! What are you waiting for? Let's go to Lake Garda!
Due to weather conditions on Lake Garda, this trip is recommended from May - September
Categories
- History and Culture
- Unusual Locations
- Gastronomy
- Relaxation
Looking for the perfect one-day lake getaway? Then look no further!
Lake Garda, only a couple of hours from Milan, is often overlooked in favor of the more famous Lake Como. But can you find Roman ruins and a castle only steps from each other on Lake Como? No, but you can in the picture-perfect, historic town of Sirmione, a long and narrow peninsula jutting out into a lake of impossibly clear aquamarine waters.
This trip has it all from historic churches, an ancient castle, archeological sites and of course, food, glorious food! What are you waiting for? Let's go to Lake Garda!
Due to weather conditions on Lake Garda, this trip is recommended from May - September
Lake Garda, only a couple of hours from Milan, is often overlooked in favor of the more famous Lake Como. But can you find Roman ruins and a castle only steps from each other on Lake Como? No, but you can in the picture-perfect, historic town of Sirmione, a long and narrow peninsula jutting out into a lake of impossibly clear aquamarine waters.
This trip has it all from historic churches, an ancient castle, archeological sites and of course, food, glorious food! What are you waiting for? Let's go to Lake Garda!
Due to weather conditions on Lake Garda, this trip is recommended from May - September
Darcy Tuscano
Travel Expert
- Visit Castello Scaligero, a 13th century fortress.
- Discover one of the best preserved archeological sites in Northern Italy.
- Relax with a cocktail at a lakeside lido beach club.
- Indulge with delicious Italian food and wine.
Day Itinerary
11 Activities
Day 1
40 mi2 mi
History, Gastronomy, Culture and Relaxation on Lake Garda
Drive from busy Milan today to the calm, peaceful oasis of Lake Garda. The town of Sirmione is the focus today, with its Roman ruins and Castle built directly on the water. But you'll be making a few other stops to see interesting churches and sample a true Italian lakeside "beach bar". Of course, since you are in Italy, there will be amazing food and wine involved in this day as well.
It's better to have an early start to make the most of this one-day trip to Lake Garda.
Be sure to pack a beach bag with swimwear in case you decide to pop into the lake for a quick dip.
It's better to have an early start to make the most of this one-day trip to Lake Garda.
Be sure to pack a beach bag with swimwear in case you decide to pop into the lake for a quick dip.
09:0015 min
Chiesa di Santa Maria di Lovernato
On the way to Lake Garda, only an hour or so from Milan, you'll find the Medieval church "Chiesa di Santa Maria di Lovernato" in Ospitaletto.
Built in the 15th Century, this Catholic Church has many well-preserved and sophisticated frescos decorating the interior walls. The frescoes, thought to have been produced between the years 1479 to 1529, show the Madonna in a state of honour.
Built in the 15th Century, this Catholic Church has many well-preserved and sophisticated frescos decorating the interior walls. The frescoes, thought to have been produced between the years 1479 to 1529, show the Madonna in a state of honour.
32.2 mi
50 min
10:105 min
Car Park
You can park your car here for your time in Sirmione. There will be a pretty long stroll there along its iconic sites.
0.5 mi
10 min
10:3015 min
Villa of Maria Callas
While the privately-owned former villa of Maria Callas is not open to the public, that doesn't mean you can't admire and photograph it from a distance!
The beautiful yellow villa, prior home of the famous opera star Callas and her wealthy businessman husband, was the location of many beautiful memories as it was their summer residence in the 1950's.
The beautiful yellow villa, prior home of the famous opera star Callas and her wealthy businessman husband, was the location of many beautiful memories as it was their summer residence in the 1950's.
0.2 mi
5 min
11:0030 min
Church of San Pietro in Mavino
With its bell tower from 1070, the Church of San Pietro di Mavino is the oldest church in Sirmione.
In a peaceful garden surrounded by a grove of olive trees, the church has an enviable isolated location, so isolated, in fact, that in the 19th century the church was home to a hermit who went without detection for years.
The frescoes from the 12th—16th century were recently restored in 2019 with fresh paint and alters, so do stop in for a look and enjoy the peaceful presence.
In a peaceful garden surrounded by a grove of olive trees, the church has an enviable isolated location, so isolated, in fact, that in the 19th century the church was home to a hermit who went without detection for years.
The frescoes from the 12th—16th century were recently restored in 2019 with fresh paint and alters, so do stop in for a look and enjoy the peaceful presence.
0.2 mi
5 min
12:001 hr
Ristorante Essentia
Essentia Ristorante and Bar, located near the entrance of the archaeological park of Grotte di Catullo, welcomes you to dine in the olive tree-filled garden overlooking a spectacular view of Lake Garda.
Enjoy delicious Italian specialities such as spaghetti alle vongole, tagliatelle al ragù and frittura di calamari as well as many antipasti plates and salads.
If you've got a sweet tooth, save room for dessert, the pistacchio cheesecake can't be missed!
Reservations are recommended.
Enjoy delicious Italian specialities such as spaghetti alle vongole, tagliatelle al ragù and frittura di calamari as well as many antipasti plates and salads.
If you've got a sweet tooth, save room for dessert, the pistacchio cheesecake can't be missed!
Reservations are recommended.
0.4 mi
10 min
13:151 hr
Archaeological Site of Grotte di Catullo
The origins of the archeological site of Grotte di Catullo, are murky but history has revealed clues that place 84 -54 BC as the probable dates.
It is well established that by the second century BC, the lakeside villa belonged to the Roman senator, Caio Erennio Ceciliano, who is also the patron saint of Verona.
While the villa fell into eventual decline with the fall of Rome, despite having changed hands and owners many times, the 5th Century saw its revival.
Today, the site is open for tourism, so everyone can experience the amazing ruins of the Roman excavation.
It is well established that by the second century BC, the lakeside villa belonged to the Roman senator, Caio Erennio Ceciliano, who is also the patron saint of Verona.
While the villa fell into eventual decline with the fall of Rome, despite having changed hands and owners many times, the 5th Century saw its revival.
Today, the site is open for tourism, so everyone can experience the amazing ruins of the Roman excavation.
0.5 mi
10 min
14:301 hr
Jamaica Beach Bar
Kick back and relax at Sirmione's best beach bar lido. In the summertime you'll find plenty of people dancing to the DJ as they enjoy the aquamarine water, groovy vibes and amazing views.
So grab a drink and join in on the fun! This is what it's all about.
So grab a drink and join in on the fun! This is what it's all about.
0.9 mi
20 min
16:001 hr 30 min
Castello Scaligero
Castello Scaligero was built by the once-powerful Veronese Della Scala familia. This family, which ruled over the Veneto in the 13th and 14th centuries, erected this mighty fortress sometimes between 1360 and 1380.
Since this time, the castle has been used as a defensive post, a warehouse for weapons, housing for troops, a prison, a police station and even the town post office.
Today, it's one of the most famous sites in Sirmione and when you climb to the top of the towers and witness the most spectacular view of Lake Garda, you'll understand why.
Since this time, the castle has been used as a defensive post, a warehouse for weapons, housing for troops, a prison, a police station and even the town post office.
Today, it's one of the most famous sites in Sirmione and when you climb to the top of the towers and witness the most spectacular view of Lake Garda, you'll understand why.
0.2 mi
5 min
17:455 min
Car Park
Please collect your car from here.
5.7 mi
20 min
18:1545 min
Tower of San Martino della Battaglia
Dominating the highest hill in San Martino, the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia, a war memorial from 1878, is a reminder of the former battles fought on this land in the name of Italian independence.
Climb to the top of the tower for the most amazing views of the stunning panorama before you.
Climb to the top of the tower for the most amazing views of the stunning panorama before you.
2.5 mi
10 min
19:151 hr 30 min
Trattoria La Goccia
At Trattoria la Goccia, just outside of Brescia, you'll find a small Italian bistro perfect for dinner on the way back to Milan.
Consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in the area, you'll be delighted with dishes such as "crispy octopus with Calabrian broccoli cream" or "pumpkin tortelli with melted butter and sage".
Let the helpful staff pair your meal with the perfect Italian wine for an excellent combination.
Consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in the area, you'll be delighted with dishes such as "crispy octopus with Calabrian broccoli cream" or "pumpkin tortelli with melted butter and sage".
Let the helpful staff pair your meal with the perfect Italian wine for an excellent combination.