Pagus Wine Tours® – Sirmione by boat and Amarone – Full day tour

Explore Verona’s Countryside and Lake Garda by Boat and Wine

The Pagus Wine Tours® – Sirmione by boat and Amarone – Full day tour offers a comprehensive experience of Italy’s scenic Veneto region. For $249.02 per person, this 6-hour journey combines breathtaking views, historic sites, and excellent wine tastings. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet enriching day, with small-group intimacy and personal attention from guides and sommeliers.

The tour departs from Corso Castelvecchio in Verona at 9:00 am, with a flexible schedule that includes a boat ride on Lake Garda, free time in Sirmione, and a visit to a Valpolicella winery. Despite its busy pace, it offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s natural beauty, history, and wine culture. The limited group size of 8 enhances the experience, ensuring personalized service and detailed explanations.

While the price does not include hotel pickup, the meeting point is easy to find near public transportation in Verona. The tour is especially suited for wine lovers, history buffs, and those wanting a full-day escape with plenty of photo opportunities and delicious food. The tour’s free cancellation policy also offers peace of mind to travelers planning ahead.

Key Points

• Small-group tour with personalized attention in Verona’s countryside
• Six-hour experience combining boat rides, historic sites, and wine tastings
• Includes a light lunch paired with local wines like Amarone and Ripasso
• Motorboat around Lake Garda with views of Sirmione’s villas and Roman ruins
• Visit a Valpolicella winery to taste DOCG and DOC wines in an enchanting vineyard setting
• No hotel pickup, meeting at Corso Castelvecchio in Verona

Starting at Pagus Wine Tours’ Verona Store

The tour begins at Pagus Wine Tours’ shop located at Corso Castelvecchio 3a. Here, guests can purchase regional wines at cellar prices, which is a bonus for wine enthusiasts. The guide welcomes guests with a brief overview before the day’s adventures begin. This location makes it convenient for those staying in Verona city center and provides a comfortable starting point for the day’s activities.

Scenic Boat Ride on Lake Garda and Sirmione’s Roman Ruins

The highlight of the day is a 30-minute motorboat trip around Sirmione’s peninsula, offering spectacular views of lakeside villas and the Grotte di Catullo, the fascinating remains of an ancient Roman villa. This boat ride provides a fresh perspective of the historic town from the water, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and archaeological treasures.

The boat ride is weather-dependent; in case of poor weather, guests may instead visit the Medieval castle in Sirmione. This flexibility ensures a comfortable experience regardless of conditions. The Roman ruins are particularly captivating for history lovers and serve as a scenic backdrop for photos.

Free Time to Explore Sirmione’s Historic Center

After the boat ride, free time in Sirmione gives visitors a chance to wander its charming streets. The compact historic center is perfect for strolling past quaint shops, enjoying lakeside views, or visiting local cafes. While the tour doesn’t include guided sightseeing here, the opportunity to explore at your own pace adds a relaxed element to the day.

Tasting Italy’s Famous Wines at a Valpolicella Winery

The core of the tour is a two-hour visit to a family-owned Valpolicella winery. Here, guests sample Amarone, Ripasso, and other local wines, with a sommelier explaining the nuances of each variety. The wine tasting session offers a deep dive into the region’s DOCG and DOC wines, renowned for their quality and character.

Alongside the tastings, guests enjoy a delightful light lunch in the vineyard, paired with the wines sampled. The setting is enchanting, with beautiful vineyard views that enhance the tasting experience. The lunch is light but satisfying, allowing guests to savor the flavors without feeling overly full.

Transport, Guides, and Additional Inclusions

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan, making the journey comfortable even during warmer days. Guests are accompanied by a local English-speaking tour leader and sommelier, who provide expert insights into the region’s history, sights, and wines.

Throughout the day, the guide ensures a relaxed pace, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery and learn about the area’s cultural heritage. The motorboat trip around Sirmione is included, with entrance to the Medieval castle as an alternative if weather conditions demand.

Practical Tips for Participants

Guests should note the constant temperature of 15°C (59°F) inside the wine cellar, so bringing a sweater or jacket is recommended. Comfortable shoes are advisable, especially if showing vineyards or walking through Sirmione’s historic streets. The group size of up to 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience and more interaction with guides.

The tour waits for late arrivals for a maximum of 15 minutes, but travelers with tight schedules should plan accordingly. The tour is accessible for most, though those with limited mobility should inform the organizers beforehand, as some cellar areas involve stairs.

Considerations and Limitations

While the tour offers an excellent balance of sightseeing, wine tasting, and scenic views, it does not include hotel pickup, which might be a consideration for those staying outside Verona city center. The weather can influence some activities, particularly the boat ride, but the tour’s flexibility ensures a positive experience regardless.

The cost of $249.02 covers all activities, tastings, and lunch, but not personal purchases or additional snacks. The free cancellation policy allows for peace of mind, with full refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience appeals most to wine enthusiasts, history lovers, and scenery seekers who appreciate a personalized, small-group environment. It suits those looking for a relaxed yet full day exploring some of Italy’s best sights and flavors. The tour is also ideal for visitors wanting a combination of outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and gourmet experiences.

Final Words on the Pagus Wine Tours® Full-Day Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Verona’s surrounding region, blending water adventures, historic sites, and wine tastings seamlessly. The expert guides and intimate group size enhance the experience, making it both informative and enjoyable.

While it may not be suitable for those seeking a rigid schedule or hotel pickup, the quality of the wine tastings, stunning views, and authentic atmosphere make it a worthwhile choice for most travelers wanting to deepen their connection with Italy’s Veneto wine country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan from Verona’s city center to the various stops, but hotel pickup is not included.

What should I wear for the wine cellar visit?
Since the cellar maintains a constant temperature of 15°C (59°F), it’s recommended to bring a sweater or jacket. Comfortable shoes are also advised for walking around vineyards and Sirmione.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Guests with limited mobility should inform the organizers in advance, as some cellar areas involve stairs. The tour’s team will do their best to accommodate guests with special needs.

Are meals included in the tour price?
Yes, a light lunch paired with local wines is included at the vineyard. Additional food or drinks are not covered and can be purchased separately.

Is it possible to cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, providing flexibility for changing plans.