Lake Garda Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Lake Garda tours and things to do at Italy’s largest lake: cruise its sparkling waters, explore the thermal peninsula town of Sirmione, taste Bardolino and Lugana wines, day-trip to romantic Verona, hike the mountains that ring the shore and wander the colourful lakeside villages. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
Explore Lake Garda by interest
Whatever brings you to Lake Garda — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Boat cruises
Across the lake.
ExploreSirmione
Peninsula jewel.
ExploreWine tasting
Bardolino & Lugana.
ExploreVerona day trip
Romeo & Juliet.
ExploreHiking & nature
Mountain views.
ExploreLakeside villages
Malcesine & Limone.
ExploreFrom Milan
Easy day trip.
ExploreLake Garda highlights
Cruise & Sirmione.
ExploreTop attractions in Lake Garda
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Boat Cruises
Across the lake.
Sirmione
Peninsula jewel.
Wine Tasting
Bardolino & Lugana.
Verona
Romeo & Juliet.
Hiking & Nature
Mountain views.
Lakeside Villages
Malcesine & Limone.
From Milan
Easy day trip.
Lake Garda
Italy’s largest lake.
Lake awayBoat Cruises
Across the lake.
Shore awaySirmione
Peninsula jewel.
Hills awayWine Tasting
Bardolino & Lugana.
45 min awayVerona
Romeo & Juliet.
Mountains awayHiking & Nature
Mountain views.
Shore awayLakeside Villages
Malcesine & Limone.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Lake Garda visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm and lively — peak season.
Spring (Apr–May)
Mild and green, with fewer crowds.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Warm days and the grape harvest.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Quiet and mild; some boats pause.
For cruises
Late spring to autumn for full schedules.
Best overall
May, June and September for warm, calm days.
One day
A boat cruise and Sirmione.
Two days
Add wine tasting and Verona.
Three+ days
Add hiking and the lakeside villages.
For the lake
A cruise and Sirmione.
For food & wine
A winery tour by the shore.
For nature
A hike or e-bike in the mountains.
By boat
Ferries and cruises link the lakeside towns.
Tours
Tours reach Verona and the wineries.
By car
A car helps for the shore and villages.
On foot
The historic town centres are walkable.
Where to stay
Sirmione and the southern shore are handy.
Euro
Italy uses the euro; cards widely accepted.
Boat cruises
Try a sunset cruise with a drink.
Sirmione
Visit the castle and the Roman ruins.
Wine tours
Taste Bardolino and Lugana at a winery.
Verona
Book arena tickets for a summer opera.
Villages
Ride the Malcesine cable car for views.
Combos
Some tours pair Sirmione with a cruise.
Boat cruises
Cruises fill up in summer — book ahead.
Sirmione tours
Popular tours fill up — reserve early.
Verona trips
Day trips fill up — book ahead.
Wine tours
Winery tours fill up — reserve early.
Hiking tours
Guided hikes fill up — book ahead.
Summer
Peak summer is busiest — book far ahead.
Boat cruise
Around €15–60 for a Lake Garda cruise.
Sirmione tour
About €59+ for a Sirmione boat and walk.
Wine tour
Roughly €65+ for a winery tour and tasting.
Verona trip
Around €65+ for a Verona day trip.
Hiking tour
About €90+ for a guided hike or e-bike.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Lake Garda through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Green & mild.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
- Best for
- Lake life.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Harvest.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
- Best for
- Quiet shore.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.