LAKE GARDA, THE NORTH SIDE

The upper part of Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy and, together with Lake Como, one of the most
frequented by international visitors, is long and narrow, towered by tall mountains, which shelter it from cold winds. The result is that, although it might recall a northern fjord, Lake Garda enjoys a unique microclimate, which incredibly enough allows the growing of olive trees, vineyards, lemons, and other citrus plants.

The north side of Lake Garda is easy to reach from Trento or Rovereto, also comfortable if you come from Verona. The three ‘gems’ we’ll visit are Malcesine – belonging to the Veneto region, Riva del Garda, which is part of Trentino, and Limone sul Garda, owned by Lombardy. Spring and autumn are probably the best seasons for a visit, as summer can be too crowded with tourists, and quite hot. WE’ll also briefly stop at adorable Torri del Benaco for lunch.

A full day tour on a comfortable private motorboat, or, as an alternative, on a sailing boat, is certainly the ideal way to enjoy the spectacular waterscape, with its blue and emerald crystalline waters, always dotted by boats and windsurfers. The severe mountainous skyline makes a breathtaking contrast with the luscious Mediterranean vegetation and the bright sunny beaches. The light changes dramatically, allowing you to take a range of awesome pictures. The breeze your hair, a wine chalice in your hand…

Particularly attractive is the approach from the boat to the fascinating waterfront towns and castles, rising from the waters with their pastel-colored facades, their towers, the lemon houses, the welcoming, picturesque miniature harbors full of cafes, restaurants, and sailing boats. During navigation your guide will introduce Lake Garda’s most important geographic, historical, economic and cultural facts, and will add some notes on local traditions, such as cuisine, and wines.

Riva del Garda – because of its strategic location at the extreme northwest of the lake, Riva is an important economic center, ruled alternatively by the Bishops of Trento, by the Venetian Republic, then by Austria, and became part of Italy only after WWI. Its historic streets and piazzas, with grand architectures and powerful walls, are very attractive and colorful. The shimmering waters, the manicured flowered gardens and beaches, the lively harbor make an unforgettable impression, even more due to the deep contrast with the dark rocky mountain towering on top of the city like a guardian. If available, we’ll use the Panoramic Elevator to enjoy the view from above.

Limone sul Garda – after the visit to Riva, we’ll board our private boat bound to the near small town of Limone sul Garda, one of the most picturesque of the entire lake. During navigation we enjoy the spectacular view of the opposite coast, with majestic Monte Baldo and enchanting Malcesine, rising from the waters. Your guide will mention some of the artists and writers who described these places with the pen or with their brushes and colors: Malcesine seen by Gustav Klimt, Limone’s celebrated lemon houses described by Wolfgang Goethe, Franz Kafka raved by Riva. Limone will greet us with its scenic ensemble of harbors, beaches, Mediterranean vegetation. A stroll along its steep alleyways up to one of the celebrated lemon houses (we might also visit one of them) and a bit of window shopping at the lively old port will end the morning.

Torri del Benaco – back to the boat, we continue south, with a glass of something good in our hands, until the ancient Towers , wherefrom we enjoy a breathtaking open view on the wider part of the Lake. You’ll learn about the lake’s original name, Benacus, and about ancient Roman times.

Torri del Benaco, a cozy, unspoilt medieval village, is a great place where to savor the local cuisine without too much bustle around you. We might have some excellent lake fish and great cheeses and wines, before the proceed northbound to Malcesine.

Malcesine – like Torri del Benaco, it is part of the Veneto and was once a feud to the lords of Verona – the della Scala family. Compared to Riva, which has a more Mitteleuropean allure, Malcesine has a typical Italian atmosphere, somehow reminiscent of Bellagio on Lake Como, and like Bellagio often invaded by tourists! Past the adorable historic center we reach the white Scaligero Castle, from where we admire the great blue lake in all its fantastic beauty.

A few memorable pics at the photogenic harbor, dotted with cafes and looking like a movie location, we finally head back to Riva at sunset. We pass by Torbole, a surfers’ paradise with awesome open views.