Lacise, Bardolino, Garda, Cape San Vigilio, Torri del Benaco
The tour starts in Lacise, the first independent town in Italy. It became autonomous as early as the 10th century. The fortress wall of that time is well preserved and it is still possible to enter the centre through the gates of St Mark, Seat Zeno and Cangrande. This town was an ancient outpost of the Scaligers and then of Venice. In the small harbour is the ancient church of St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The medieval castle will enchant you with its tall tower with its swallow-tailed teeth.
Then you move on to Bardolino, an ancient village on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, famous for its favourable microclimate. It is pleasant to stroll along the lovely wide promenade, on which stands a medieval leaning tower. The main attraction is the church of St Severus, which has the oldest frescoes of the XII-XIV century. Bardolino is surrounded by vineyards, and here they produce the wine of the same name, which is very appreciated not only in Italy, but also all over the world. If you wish, you can visit the museum of wine production with tasting of wines of this area. The olive oil produced here is also of excellent quality, with an intense green-golden colour and a subtle smell (olio extravergine di oliva Garda DOP). There is a museum of the history of olive oil production (visits are possible).
Then transfer to the town of Garda, a village with a picturesque bay and a unique landscape, which gave its name to the lake. One of the busiest and most beautiful places on the lake with beautiful facades of ancient palaces: Palazzo Capitans, Palazzo Cesare Fregoso, Villa Albertini, Villa Canossa.
North of Garda Bay is the San Vigilio promontory with its famous beach and sirens’ cove, with a beautiful holiday park and a famous restaurant on the coast. Russian Tsar Alexander I, Napoleon’s wife Maria Luisa, the painter Sargent, King Ferdinando IV of Naples, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Winston Churchill, Charles, Prince of England, King of Spain and many other celebrities have stayed here.
Then you drive to Torri del Benaco, which will charm you with its small, elegant harbour, the 14th-century Scaliger Castle with its 18th-century lemon tree hothouse, its pedestrian promenade, its tranquillity. It is here that many Veronians prefer to buy villas. Opposite the harbour is the excellent restaurant “Gardesana”, where Maria Callas liked to stay.
