• Lifestyle

Lake Garda and Brescia itinerary

Three days to make you fall in love with Brescia and its beautiful lakeside locations

The variety of landscapes and mild climate make this lake absolutely irresistible.

 

From the water to the surrounding peaks, the historic villages and incredible cuisine, this area is perfect for both a relaxing and active vacation. Stroll through the history and nature among the castles and timeless villages.

After exploring the lake, stop by nearby Brescia to discover its enormous artistic and cultural heritage: cozy piazzas, a castle with battlements, two cathedrals, and a theater created in homage to Napoleone Bonaparte. The city of the Mille Miglia is proud of its Brixia Romana and the UNESCO World Heritage Site title it carries.

 

First Day

Transfer to Desenzano del Garda
The perfect place to start exploring Desenzano is the Castle, rising high over the village below with breathtaking views. 
Take the time to wander the streets and soak in the charm around every corner, from Piazza Malavezzi to the Duomo, an extraordinary Renaissance masterpiece and home to Tiepolo's "The Last Supper". 
Other locations to visit include Porto Vecchio, constructed in 1200, or the 16th century Palazzo Todeschini on the port. Don't forget about Villa Romana, known for its 240 square meters of multicolor mosaics.
Finish the day with the perfect aperitivo with a view of the lake.

 

Second Day

Transfer with a quick boat ride from Desenzano to Sirmione. 
Sirmione boasts a great historic and artistic heritage beyond its stunning historic center, which is easily reached by foot. After a stroll through the narrow alleys, full of history and wonder, you can't miss the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient villa dating back to the Roman Empire. The tour continues with a stop at the Church of San Pietro in Mavino and then it's on to Scaliger Castle. For the afternoon, we suggest a bit of time relaxing in the Terme di Sirmione, whose thermal waters are known to have curing properties. An alternative? Skip the spa and head to the lake for a boat tour to catch the countless hamlets dotting the coast.  

 

Third Day

Transfer to Brescia.
In the morning, head to the Archaeological Park and the Santa Giulia Museum: a voyage through the history, art, and spirituality of Brescia from the prehistoric era to the present. With an exhibition area of around 14,000 square meters in the gorgeous Lombard female monastic complex, there's plenty to see. Dedicate the afternoon to a stroll through the historic center and don't miss out on a few of the bigger attractions: Piazza della Loggia, Teatro Grande, the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi, and the Castle of Brescia.

Return to Milan

Take me here: Lake Garda and Brescia itinerary

On the same topic

Halloween in Lombardy

Ghostly villages and palaces, haunted by the spirits of tormented souls, beckon only the bravest to explore their surreal environments. 
  • Lifestyle
Halloween in Lombardy

Events for the Festive Season in Lombardy

Amidst craft markets, Christmas installations, and fairy lights, the magic of the festive season has arrived in Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
Eventi delle feste in Lombardia

11 free experiences in Lombardy

Palaces, masterpieces, gardens, unusual corners... Discover 11 hints to visit the beauties of Lombardy for free (or almost free)
  • Lifestyle
11 free experiences in Lombardy

10 good reasons to visit Bergamo

Piazza Vecchia, the most beautiful square. The lakes and the mountains. Discover 10 good reasons to visit Bergamo
  • Lifestyle
10 good reasons to visit Bergamo

6 villages for an aperitif with a view

An aperitif in Lombardy is an opportunity to rediscover villages that seem suspended in time, with panoramic views to further enhance the experience.
  • Lifestyle
Ph I Mille

Summer: camping is the thing to do in Lombardy

Camping holidays in Lombardy: discover the 4 trends for Summer
  • Lifestyle
Estate 2021: il camping è di moda in Lombardia

Travelling on historic trains

Vintage trains offer unprecedented views of Lombardy's landscapes, for a priceless experience that combines history and beauty.
  • Lifestyle
In viaggio sui treni storici

Varese in a weekend

From the gardens of Palazzo Estense to the infinite vistas of the Sacro Monte. 48 hours to discover a city on a human scale
  • Lifestyle
Varese in un weekend

Travelling with books

Projects for bookworms
  • Lifestyle
Viaggiare con i libri

Bergamo: shopping and flavours

Shopping in Bergamo is divided between Città Alta and Città Bassa. The promise: artisan shops, historic cafes, fashionable shop windows
  • Lifestyle
Bergamo: shopping and flavours

Tour of the Monza ENI Circuit

Take a tour of the most exclusive areas and the track of the Monza Circuit with the Autodromo guide
  • Lifestyle
Tour autodromo Monza

Historical workshops and artisan traditions in Lombardy

An extraordinary journey back in time
  • Lifestyle
Historical workshops and artisan traditions in Lombardy

Ancient knowledge: the pezzotti of Valtellina

  • Lifestyle
Valtellina craft products

Negozi storici e Liberty a Milano

Un itinerario per negozi storici ospitati dagli edifici Liberty milanesi
  • Lifestyle
Negozi storici e Liberty a Milano - Palazzo Castiglioni

Events in Lombardy in May 2025

May enchants Lombardy, with opportunities to explore the outdoors, festivals and art and flower events
  • Lifestyle
Events in Lombardy in May 2025

Historic and Quality Accommodations

2024 Lombardy Style Award
  • Lifestyle
Historic and Quality Accommodations

Historical activities in Milan

Between tradition and specialty: discover the historical food and wine realities in and around Milan
  • Lifestyle
Historical activities in Milan - in Lombardy

Terraces and breath-taking views in Lombardy

Scopri la lombardia attraverso i suoi meravigliosi panorami.
  • Lifestyle
Terrazze e panorami mozzafiato in Lombardia

A journey through time on Lombardy's historic trains

Steam engines, railcars, electric trains, old Centoporte ("one hundred doors") carriages: board these vintage trains for an unforgettable tour of Lombardy's scenic beauty
  • Lifestyle
A journey through time on Lombardy's historic trains - Ferrovia Basso Sebino - Foto Banfi archivio fbs fti

Via torino milano

The road to reach the port of Milan is lined with ancient pavè. Follow it and you will not get lost!
  • Lifestyle
Via Torino, Milano