Lake Garda made an ideal base for exploring northern Italy, and we stayed in Bardolino on the eastern shore, a town known for its lakeside promenade, wine routes, and easy ferry links. From here, the northern arc of the lake is straightforward to reach: Riva del Garda offers lakeside fortifications and access to alpine viewpoints, while nearby Torbole is known for its windswept shoreline and sailing culture. Along the western side, Limone sul Garda stands out for its terraced lemon houses and steep lanes, and across the water Malcesine is dominated by the Scaliger Castle and the cable car to Monte Baldo, one of the best vantage points over the lake. Sirmione, at the southern tip, adds Roman ruins and a perfectly preserved castle on a narrow peninsula. From Bardolino, day trips to Verona where simple, with the Roman Arena, Castelvecchio, Ponte Scaligero, and the medieval squares around Piazza delle Erbe forming the core highlights. Venice added final contrast: St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and quieter waterfronts like Fondamente Nove provide a mix of iconic and atmospheric locations without needing to cover the entire city. Together, the holiday combined lakeside landscapes, medieval architecture, the best food and two of Italy’s most significant historic cities in a compact, efficient itinerary
