• 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

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

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 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

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

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

Theatre and music: online events

Spettacoli da seguire dal divano di casa
  • Lifestyle
Teatro sociale di Como - @aslico.org

48 hours in Milan

Take a map and the timetable of public transports..and we'll let you know the city!
  • Lifestyle
Idee weekend: 48 ore a Milano - Lombardia

Franciacorta outlet village

Sparkling shopping: taste the most important fashion brands and Brescia's wine excellence
  • Lifestyle
Franciacorta Outlet Village

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

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

Street market in Milan

Sounds, colors and traditions in the streets of the city
  • Lifestyle
Street market in Milan

Street art brings a splash of colour to Lombardy

Discovering the most beautiful urban art in the cities of Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
La Street Art colora la Lombardia

Lombardy Belvederes and Vistas

Scene from above. Milan, Upper Bergamo, Brescia, the lakes. Towers, castles, belvederes. Discover the most beautiful views of Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
View from Brunate on Como

inLombardia 杂志

  • Lifestyle
inLombardia 杂志

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

Milan, shopping, fashion & design

Fashion Week and Fuorisalone. Shopping, Fashion & Design. Guide to appointments not to be missed in Milan
  • Lifestyle
Milan, shopping, fashion & design

Fashion district mantova outlet

A small shopping village with big brands and big discounts
  • Lifestyle
Fashion district mantova outlet

The treasures to discover in the province of Varese

From nature to art to cycling, what to see and do in a little-known corner of Lombardy.
  • Lifestyle
Drone view of Lake Varese. View of the Monte Rosa massif.

Villa Invernizzi....in the quadrilateral of silence

In the center of Milan, a villa from another era
  • Lifestyle
Villa Invernizzi....in the quadrilateral of silence

The Milan of the balconies

The railing houses, a Milan a bit retro but not out of fashion
  • Lifestyle
The Milan of the balconies