Lake Garda: between Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione

This full-day tour offers an excellent way to experience two of Lake Garda’s most captivating spots: Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione. For just $55.80 per person, visitors enjoy a seamless combination of historical sites, scenic boat rides, and free time to explore at their own pace. The tour features visits to Villa Romana di Desenzano, Castello Scaligero, and Grotte di Catullo. Its thoughtful schedule and inclusion of public boat tickets and entrance fees make it a straightforward and affordable way to see the best of these lakeside towns.

While the tour is designed as a self-guided experience, it benefits from carefully curated stops and the convenience of public transportation, making it ideal for those comfortable with independent exploration. The group size is private, ensuring a more personalized atmosphere, but it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic views, and flexible pacing.

Key Points

• Visiting Desenzano and Sirmione offers a perfect blend of Roman history and lakeside charm.
• Includes public boat tickets for easy transfers between towns.
• Entrance to Castello Scaligero and Grotte di Catullo is covered.
• Flexible schedule allows access to villages, beaches, and castles at your own pace.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, and lunch is not included but can be enjoyed during free time.
• Tour starts either from Villa Romana in Desenzano or the ferry terminal on Sundays.

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Starting Point and Arrival in Desenzano del Garda

The tour begins at Villa Romana di Desenzano, located at Via Crocefisso, 22. Guests arrive on their own means and start the day with a visit to Villa Romana and Antiquarium, where they can explore ancient Roman ruins and learn about the area’s history.

On Sundays, the starting point shifts to the Desenzano del Garda ferry terminal, conveniently located beside the Wellness Hotel Mayer & Splendid. This adjustment helps streamline the experience, especially for those arriving directly by ferry.

Visiting Villa Romana di Desenzano

The Villa Romana is a key highlight at the start of the tour, offering insight into Roman-era life on Lake Garda. The entrance ticket is included, and visitors have time for a self-guided tour to appreciate the ruins and mosaics. The site is about a 7-minute walk from the landing stage, making it easily accessible.

Depending on the day, Villa Romana opens at different times — for example, at 14:10 on Sundays — and closes at 19:30. This flexibility ensures a relaxed visit before heading to the boat transfer.

Scenic Boat Ride from Desenzano to Sirmione

At 11:20, guests walk to the public boat landing in Desenzano, where they board a 20-minute boat ride across Lake Garda. The journey offers stunning water views of the lakeside towns and sets the tone for the day’s exploration.

The boat transfer is included in the ticket price, providing a comfortable and scenic way to reach Sirmione. The ride is straightforward, and the timetable may vary depending on the day, so checking local schedules is advised.

Explore Sirmione’s Historic Castle

Arrival in Sirmione occurs at the historic centre, right at the landing stage. Visitors gain free time for lunch and then visit the Castello Scaligero, a 15th-century fortress that dominates the town’s skyline. The entrance fee is included in the tour, and the guided tour allows visitors to appreciate its defensive features and panoramic views.

On Sundays, the castle is open from 08:30 to 12:45, so early risers can enjoy the site before the main busy period. The fortress’s walkable access makes it an easy highlight during the free time.

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Discovering the Grotte di Catullo

Next on the itinerary are the Grotte di Catullo, located at the tip of Sirmione’s peninsula, near Jamaica Beach. The entrance ticket is included, and visitors can enjoy self-guided visits to the impressive Roman villa ruins.

The timing on Sundays shifts slightly, with the site opening at 14:00 and closing at 19:30, allowing ample time for exploration. The walk from the castle to the Grotte takes about 20 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.

Return Journey to Desenzano del Garda

After visiting the Grotte di Catullo, guests walk back to the Sirmione landing stage for the return boat at approximately 16:20. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes, providing a relaxing end to the sightseeing.

By 18:15, the boat arrives back in Desenzano del Garda, where visitors can enjoy a free visit to Villa Romana and Antiquarium again if time permits, with opening hours extending into the evening on Sundays.

The Pacing and Physical Considerations

The tour’s schedule balances sightseeing with free time, but it involves walking between sites like the castle and caves, often over uneven terrain. The guided visits and free exploration allow flexibility, but it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues. Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended for all participants.

Value and Overall Experience

Priced at $55.80, this tour offers excellent value by providing entrance tickets, boat transfers, and carefully planned stops. The self-guided nature means visitors can tailor their experience to their interests, whether they want to linger at certain sites or explore quickly.

While lunch is not included, local cafes and restaurants in Sirmione offer options during free time. The private group format ensures a more relaxed and personalized experience, away from large tour groups.

Final Thoughts on Lake Garda: between Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione

This tour stands out as a cost-effective way to explore two of Lake Garda’s most beloved towns. It suits those who enjoy history, scenic water views, and independent exploration. The inclusion of key sites like the Castello Scaligero and Grotte di Catullo adds depth to the visit.

The main limitations are the walking requirements and the fact that lunch is not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. Plus, it’s not accessible for wheelchair users, so those with mobility challenges might want to consider other options.

Overall, the combination of boat rides, historical sites, and free time makes this tour a convenient and enjoyable way to experience Lake Garda’s lakeside charm. It offers a good balance of guided access and personal discovery, making it a worthwhile choice for visitors who value flexibility and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat ride included in the tour price?
Yes, the public boat tickets for the transfer between Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione are included.

What sites are included at no extra cost?
The entrance tickets for Villa Romana, Castello Scaligero, and Grotte di Catullo are all included in the tour fee.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since the tour is self-guided, you can spend more or less time at each site during your free periods, but the schedule of boat transfers and site openings is fixed.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are many dining options available in Sirmione during your free time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking over uneven terrain and visiting historic sites, so children should be able to handle walking and be comfortable with sightseeing.

Are there any accessibility limitations?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the walking involved and site layouts.

What is the duration of the boat rides?
Each boat transfer takes about 20 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Villa Romana di Desenzano or the Desenzano del Garda ferry terminal on Sundays.

How long is the total tour time?
The tour spans approximately 8 hours, including transfers, visits, and free time.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended to comfortably walk between sites and enjoy the exploration.

This tour offers a straightforward, flexible way to enjoy Lake Garda’s historic and scenic highlights, perfect for those who prefer independence with guided access to key sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby