Lake Garda: Between Sirmione and Desenzano Del Garda

Lake Garda’s captivating blend of history and natural beauty draws visitors to the enchanting towns of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda. While Sirmione enchants with its thermal springs and medieval castle, Desenzano del Garda boasts charming streets and impressive Roman heritage. Exploring these destinations offers a picturesque experience on one of Italy’s largest and most stunning lakes. What uncovers the hidden gems and unique experiences awaiting visitors here?

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Key Points

Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda are two popular destinations located on the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy.
Sirmione is renowned for its thermal treatments, historical attractions like the Scaliger Castle, and the ancient Roman ruins of the Grottoes of Catullus.
Desenzano del Garda is an ancient town with Roman heritage, featuring a charming lakefront promenade, historic town center, and the well-preserved Roman Villa.
Visitors can take a 20-minute ferry ride to travel between the two towns and explore their unique attractions.
The tour package includes public boat tickets, entrance fees, and 24/7 assistance, but does not include a tour guide, lunch, or wheelchair accessibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

Travelers can discover two destinations on Lake Garda: Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione. The activity is priced from $53.52 per person and valid for 1 day with free cancellation up to 7 days in advance. A private group option is available. The itinerary may change.

The tour starts at Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, where visitors can explore the castle and Grottoes of Catullus before taking a ferry to Desenzano del Garda for a self-guided tour. The tour then returns to Sirmione.

The activity highlights Desenzano’s Roman heritage and Sirmione’s thermal treatments, beaches, and historical sites.

Looking for more options in Sirmione? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, where visitors can spend 2 hours exploring the historic castle through a self-guided tour.

Visitors can spend 2 hours exploring the historic Castello Scaligero di Sirmione through a self-guided tour.

Next, they’ll discover the Grottoes of Catullus, learning about the ancient Roman ruins during another 2-hour self-guided exploration.

Afterwards, a 20-minute ferry ride takes them to Desenzano del Garda, where they’ll have 2 hours to freely explore the ancient town.

Finally, the tour returns to Sirmione via a 20-minute ferry ride.

Throughout the day, participants can enjoy the stunning views and rich history of these two charming Lake Garda destinations.

Highlights of Desenzano Del Garda

Desenzano del Garda is an ancient town dating back to Roman times. It boasts a charming lakefront promenade, historic town center, and vibrant piazzas.

Visitors can explore the Roman Villa, a well-preserved archaeological site showcasing mosaics and other artifacts. The town’s bustling market square, Piazza Malvezzi, is lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants.

For panoramic views, one can climb the clock tower. Desenzano’s harbor is a popular spot to enjoy the lakeside ambiance, relax, and board ferries to other Lake Garda destinations.

The town’s strategic location and Roman heritage make it an intriguing stop on any Lake Garda itinerary.

Highlights of Sirmione

Sirmione is renowned for its thermal treatments, beautiful beaches, and historical sites. This picturesque town offers visitors a diverse array of attractions:

Sirmione is renowned for its thermal treatments, beautiful beaches, and historical sites, offering visitors a diverse array of attractions.

Thermal Treatments: Sirmione is home to a number of therapeutic thermal springs, making it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and wellness.
Beaches: The town boasts beautiful, sandy beaches along the shores of Lake Garda, providing the perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning natural scenery.
Scaliger Castle: This impressive medieval castle, dating back to the 13th century, offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s rich history.
Grottoes of Catullus: These ancient Roman ruins, located on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula, provide a fascinating archaeological site for history enthusiasts to explore.

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Sunday Variations in Sirmione and Desenzano Del Garda

On Sundays, visitors to Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda should note a few key changes to the itinerary.

In Sirmione, the Scaliger Castle opens at 8:30 am and closes at 12:45 pm.

In Desenzano, the Villa Romana opens at 2:10 pm and closes at 7:30 pm, with the cash desk closing at 7:00 pm.

The Grottoes of Catullus also operate with different hours, opening at 2:00 pm and closing at 7:30 pm, with the cash desk closing at 6:40 pm.

Visitors should plan their Sunday visit accordingly to ensure they can fully experience these attractions.

There's plenty more to explore in Sirmione

Inclusions and Important Information

The package includes public boat tickets, entrance fees for the Scaliger Castle, Grottoes of Catullus, and Villa Romana, as well as 24/7 assistance, taxes, and service fees.

However, the tour guide, lunch, tips, and wheelchair accessibility aren’t included.

To make the most of this experience, the following is recommended:

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Bring sun protection and water.
Be prepared for a full day of self-guided exploration.
Arrive at the meeting point, Castello Scaligero, on time.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for this experience is Castello Scaligero, located at P.za Castello, 34, 25019 Sirmione BS.

This iconic medieval castle serves as the starting point for the self-guided tours through Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda.

Visitors will meet here to collect their ferry tickets and entrance passes before embarking on their exploration of the region’s historical sites and charming lakeside towns.

The castle’s central location makes it an easily accessible and convenient meeting spot.

Participants should arrive punctually to ensure they don’t miss any part of the day’s activities.

Private Group Option

Alongside the standard group option, a private group experience is available for those seeking a more tailored and exclusive itinerary.

The private group option offers:

Customized scheduling, dedicated guide service, flexible itinerary, and enhanced privacy for a memorable and hassle-free group experience.

Customized scheduling to fit your group’s preferences and timeline.
Dedicated guide service to provide a personalized experience.
Flexibility to adjust the itinerary to your group’s interests and needs.
Enhanced privacy and exclusivity as you explore the enchanting destinations of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda on Lake Garda.

The private group experience ensures a memorable and hassle-free journey tailored to your group’s unique requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Other Nearby Towns?

While the tour focuses on Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda, travelers can extend the experience by visiting other nearby lakeside towns along Lake Garda, though additional costs and logistics may apply. The flexibility to customize the itinerary is worth exploring.

Is There an Option to Join a Guided Group Tour?

Yes, there’s a private group option available for this self-guided tour. Prices start from $53.52 per person and the tour can be customized to include a guided component if preferred.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

Yes, the activity offers a private group option that allows customers to customize the itinerary to suit their interests. Plus, the standard itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on individual preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Students?

Discounts may be available for seniors and students, though they’re not explicitly mentioned. It’s best to inquire with the activity provider directly about any applicable discounts before booking to ensure you get the best deal.

Can I Purchase Food and Drinks During the Ferry Rides?

The activity details don’t mention any food or drink options during the ferry rides. Passengers can likely purchase refreshments at the departure points in Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda before and after the boat trips.

The Sum Up

Lake Garda’s charming towns of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda offer a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and lively attractions. Visitors can explore ancient Roman ruins, stroll through picturesque streets, and indulge in the region’s thermal springs and vibrant cafe culture. Whether seeking a relaxing day trip or a longer stay, this stunning Italian destination provides an unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: