• 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

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

Terraces and breath-taking views in Lombardy

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

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

Mantua and Cremona

Two towns, two UNESCO heritage sites. Tips for a weekend between Mantua and Cremona
  • Lifestyle
Scorcio Mantova

Cremona’s Guest Book

The emotions of those who decide to visit Cremona
  • Lifestyle
Cremona’s Guest Book

July 2025 Events in Lombardy

The Lombardy summer shines bright in July, with concerts, art events and experiences to reconnect you with nature
  • Lifestyle
July 2025 Events in Lombardy

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

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

5 glamorous experiences in Lombardy

Lombardy offers glamorous experiences that combine the allure of luxury with the discovery of natural and cultural treasures
  • Lifestyle
5 glamorous experiences in Lombardy - Barca a vela Lago di Como

Lecco in a weekend

Discover Lecco in 48 hours, starting from the traces of a timeless novel, “The Betrothed”. A story within the story
  • Lifestyle
Lecco in a weekend

Outings for Halloween

Here are some unmissable destinations in Lombardy where you can spend your Halloween 2022
  • Lifestyle
Gite fuori porta per Halloween - in Lombardia - ph: lakecomotourism.it

Corso como

Where new trends take shape and Milan nightlife enlivens
  • Lifestyle
Corso Como

Navigli milanesi and Darsena

Historical/cultural tour of the Navigli Milanesi
  • Lifestyle
Itinerario della Darsena

Historic cafes and pastry shops in Milan

  • Lifestyle
Historic cafes and pastry shops in Milan

Handcrafted Christmas Gifts

From art to cooking and expert craftsmanship, here are some excellent gift ideas based on traditions from Lombardy.
  • Lifestyle
Handcrafted Christmas Gifts

Milan, a city in color

Let's find out together how colorful Milan is
  • Lifestyle
Milan, city in color - street art in Nolo

A 5 star weekend in lombardy

Wellness centers, swimming pools, boutiques, golf courses: your luxury stay, served and revered
  • Lifestyle
A 5-star weekend in Lombardy

What to see in Lombardy

A remarkable artistic heritage, a variety of landscapes, rich cultural traditions... all waiting to be discovered!
  • Lifestyle
What to see in Lombardy

Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

  • Lifestyle
Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

Zona tortona

The "Cinderella" of the city, turned from industrial area into queen of art, fashion, design and nightlife
  • Lifestyle
Zona Tortona