Hiking around Lake Garda

Arrival at the elegant northern tip of Lake Garda. Stroll along the lakeside promenade and take in the feeling of the Alps and Mediterranean meeting. Riva's old town center is perfect for a first evening.

A short transfer for you through the mountain tunnels to the starting point of your first panoramic hike. Here awaits the dramatic Sonnensteig, where the trail clings above the turquoise water. You follow a babbling brook up to today's panoramic trail and continue towards charming Limone – the lemon town's alleys and an obligatory gelato al limone.

The day begins with a beautiful boat trip southward. Northern Lake Garda's vertical mountain walls surround you and will likely make your hiking legs tingle with anticipation. From Toscolano you follow historic trails into the valley where waterfalls and mountain streams babble. The hike then goes through forest and over open heights before you reach elegant Gardone Riviera. Here both gardens and a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere by the lake beckon. Overnight in either Gardone Riviera or Saló, where Mussolini once established the short-lived Salò Republic.

Follow the beautiful lakeside promenade at Salò's bay and continue through olive groves and small villages on this quiet side of the lake's southern parts. You pass exclusive bathing coves and reach the mighty cliff promontory Manerba – one of the lake's best viewpoints. The final stretch goes down to the small harbor in Dusano where the boat takes you onward to Desenzano. The small town lies beautifully against the waterfront and invites strolling between colorful houses.

During the boat journey you get a perfect view of Sirmione's famous peninsula that extends far out on a narrow headland. Here the Roman poet Catullus had the good taste to build himself a villa. The hike goes close to the shoreline through cozy lakeside towns like Lazise and Bardolino (also known for its wine). Then awaits a gentle ascent up to Rocca di Garda, a viewpoint over the entire eastern lakeside. Down in little Garda you're met by a lively harbor and small fishing boats.

A short bus ride takes you to today's starting point. Here begins the ascent on historic stone-paved trails up towards the hermitage. You pass the peculiar rock formations "Bügeleisen" and then follow Monte Baldo's alpine slopes with cows and incomparable views to San Michele, at the cable car station. In the distance the Adamello glacier is visible and far below Lake Garda spreads out. Here you can choose to continue up towards the summit or go directly down to Malcesine and its fairytale Scaligeri castle and medieval environment.

The last day offers the panoramic trail from Busatte – one of Lake Garda's most spectacular routes. Metal stairs and bridges take you past steep cliff faces with views over the entire valley. The whole thing is quite entertaining and very memorable. Then you hike through Torbole and continue through olive groves to Nago castle, before returning along the lake's edge to Riva where the journey began.

After breakfast the trip ends or is extended with extra nights. It's easy to continue to further Italian experiences in Verona, Venice or Milan before the journey home.