Sirmione is one of Lake Garda’s most charming towns, packed with historic sights and scenic views that make it ideal for memorable tours and experiences. Whether you’re after a relaxing boat ride, a cultural exploration, or a quick trip from nearby Desenzano, this small town offers options that appeal to different interests and schedules. Our favorites include a boat cruise that combines historic sights with wine tasting, and a short ferry ride that captures the essence of Lake Garda’s beauty. These experiences stand out because they blend natural beauty, local flavor, and authentic encounters that go beyond just walking around.
While Sirmione’s cobblestone streets and thermal springs are wonderful on their own, these tours deepen your understanding and enjoyment of the region. For instance, the Lake Garda: Historic Castle Cruise with Wine Tasting offers a perfect combination of sightseeing and regional flavors, making it a top pick for those who want a relaxed yet immersive experience. Meanwhile, the Desenzano: 1-Hour Afternoon Boat Tour to Sirmione suits travelers looking for a quick, scenic escape from nearby towns. With a variety of options, you can tailor your visit to fit your pace and interests.
1. Lake Garda: Historic Castle Cruise with Wine Tasting
This tour is a fantastic way to see Lake Garda from the water while enjoying some of Italy’s best regional wines. It lasts about four hours and includes a cruise that passes by the historic Scaligero Castle of Sirmione, Grottoes of Catullus, and other scenic spots. The highlight is a Bardolino wine tasting in Bardolino, paired with local snacks, guided by a professional sommelier. The boat stops for a swim in the emerald waters in front of Villa Canossa, giving you a chance to cool off.
What makes this trip stand out is its combination of sightseeing, wine tasting, and swimming — all in a relaxed half-day. The guide, Franko, earns rave reviews for his knowledge and entertainment, making the experience both informative and fun. The boat’s route allows for unique perspectives on Sirmione’s ancient castle and lakeside villages. The reviews consistently praise the trip as a “highlight of the holiday,” with many guests noting the quality of the wine tasting and the friendly skipper.
Bottom line: If you love combining scenic boat rides with local food and wine, this cruise checks all the boxes and offers excellent value for four hours of varied enjoyment.
2. Desenzano: 1-Hour Afternoon Boat Tour to Sirmione
For a quick, no-fuss look at Lake Garda’s beauty, this one-hour boat tour from Desenzano to Sirmione is ideal. It departs in the afternoon, offering a comfortable way to enjoy lakeside views without a full-day commitment. During the trip, you’ll pass by notable sights such as the Grotte di Catullus, the ancient Roman ruins, and Jamaica Beach—a favorite for its clear waters.
This tour is perfect if you’re staying in Desenzano and want a brief escape to see Sirmione from the water. It’s a straightforward experience, with plenty of photo opportunities and a relaxing vibe. The reviews praise it as an easy, scenic way to take in Lake Garda’s shoreline without feeling rushed. It’s especially suitable for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a short, scenic activity over a long tour.
Bottom line: If you’re after a quick scenic cruise with a view of key landmarks and a relaxed atmosphere, this one-hour boat trip delivers excellent value and a memorable snapshot of Sirmione from the water.
3. Magic Lake Garda Private Tour: Sirmione and Verona
This private, 10-hour tour offers a comprehensive look at the region’s highlights, perfect for those who want to explore more than just Sirmione. It includes guided visits to Sirmione’s Scaligero Castle and the Grotte di Catullus, along with stops in Limone sul Garda for its charming streets and natural beauty. The tour also covers Verona, where you can see Juliet’s balcony and the Roman arena.
What sets this tour apart is its flexibility and depth, with an audio guide that shares the region’s stories and history. It’s suited for travelers who want an in-depth experience and personalized attention. However, the reviews show mixed feelings about the rating, partly because of the length and the busy itinerary. Still, for those seeking a full-day culture, this tour delivers a lot of sights and stories.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers eager to combine Sirmione, Verona, and other lakeside towns, this private tour offers a rich experience, but it may be more suited to those who want to see many sights in one day.
4. Train from Milan: Lake Garda between Desenzano and Sirmione
If you’re based in Milan and want to explore Lake Garda’s twin jewels—Desenzano and Sirmione, this train-and-ferry combo gives you a hassle-free day of sightseeing. Starting at Milan Centrale, the train ride takes about an hour, followed by a ferry ride that cuts across the lake to Sirmione. Once there, you can enjoy free time for exploring thermal baths, historic streets, or relaxing on beaches.
The itinerary includes visits to Desenzano’s Roman ruins and Sirmione’s famous thermal springs, making it versatile for different interests. The reviews highlight the convenience and scenic views, especially during the ferry crossing, which offers unique angles of the waterfront villages. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see two major lakeside towns in one day without the hassle of driving.
Bottom line: For budget-conscious travelers seeking a flexible, day-trip experience from Milan, this combination of train and ferry offers a nice balance of ease and scenery.
How to Choose Your Perfect Sirmione Experience
Picking the right tour depends on your time, budget, and interests. If you want a relaxed, scenic afternoon with wine, the Lake Garda: Historic Castle Cruise with Wine Tasting is hard to beat. For a quick water fix, the Desenzano boat tour is perfect for a brief glimpse. If you’re after a deep dive into the region’s towns and history, the private tour to Sirmione, Verona, and Limone offers a comprehensive experience. And if you’re coming from Milan, the train and ferry day trip is both efficient and scenic.
Consider how much time you want to dedicate—half-day, full-day, or just a quick trip—and whether you care most about scenery, history, or local flavors. Booking early is especially wise for popular options in high season, and check availability to align with your travel plans.
Final Thoughts
Sirmione offers a rich mix of lakeside beauty, historic sites, and delicious regional wines, all accessible through these thoughtfully curated tours. If you have limited time, the boat cruise with wine tasting provides a memorable afternoon. For those wanting a broader look at the area, the private tour to Verona and surrounding towns delivers depth and personalization. Meanwhile, travelers based in Milan can enjoy a seamless day trip combining train, ferry, and sightseeing.
No matter your style, booking these experiences in advance ensures you won’t miss out. With so many options, you can tailor your visit to match your interests — whether that’s a relaxed cruise, a quick boat ride, or a full-day cultural exploration. Enjoy Lake Garda’s beauty and history—these tours are a great way to make your trip unforgettable.