• 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

Made in Brianza

Furnishings, design, textiles, gastronomy. Brianza is - and always has been - synonymous with “know-how”.
  • Lifestyle
Molteni Museum

Pedü

Hand made by the women in Lanzada, Pedü were by far the most common footwear in Valmalenco until the 1950s.
  • Lifestyle
pedu Valmalenco (Foto dal sito http://www.alpinpedu.it/)

Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

  • Lifestyle
Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

Ski Area Valmalenco

50 km of slopes make up the ski area of Alpe Palù, which is the calling card of Valmalenco.
  • Lifestyle
Ski area Valmalenco

Brescia more than just shopping

The streets of the big names. The antiques market. The square for the aperitif. Choose how to spend your free time in Brescia
  • Lifestyle
Brescia more than just shopping

10 places to instagram in Lombardy

Lombardy has so many locations with perfect scenarios to immortalise and share on Instagram. How many do you know?
  • Lifestyle
10 places to instagram in Lombardy

Porta nuova

Visit the most futuristic area of the city, with its glazed skyscrapers and elevated squares
  • Lifestyle
Porta Nuova

10 reasons to visit Brescia

Two cathedrals. The monumental area of the Roman Forum. The lakes of the Iseo and Garda. 10 good reasons to visit Brescia
  • Lifestyle
10 reasons to visit Brescia

Historic and Quality Accommodations

2024 Lombardy Style Award
  • Lifestyle
Historic and Quality Accommodations

Bergamo itinerary

Upper and lower, the city that combines the opposites will satisfy your expectations
  • Lifestyle
Bergamo day trip

Welcome Card

Guided tour every day (also in the week-end) at 2.30 p.m.
  • Lifestyle
Piazza della Pace

By car in Lombardy

Tips and itineraries for getting to know the region by driving through it
  • Lifestyle
By car in Lombardy

Brera district

The artistic heart and the bohemian soul of the city
  • Lifestyle
Brera District

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

June 2025 Events in Lombardy

June marks the start of summer in Lombardy, with art and music festivals, local flavours, and outdoor adventures
  • Lifestyle
June 2025 Events in Lombardy

Train trips in Lombardy

Ideas and suggestions for an out-of-town trip by train
  • Lifestyle
Train trips in Lombardy

Milan from the Top

With its skyscrapers to challenge the dizzy heights of the Duomo and the surrounding mountains ...
  • Lifestyle
Torre Allianz

Corso buenos aires

More than 1 km of shops along Milan's Fifth Avenue
  • Lifestyle
Corso Buenos Aires

9 ideas for a romantic weekend in Lombardy

  • Lifestyle
Skyline Mantua

From Varese to Lake Maggiore

Discovering Varese and Lake Maggiore in 72 hours. A long weekend in the countryside
  • Lifestyle
Da Varese al Lago Maggiore