• 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

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

Going shopping in Cremona is exciting!

Dai vita al commercio
  • Lifestyle
Going shopping in Cremona is exciting!

10 Good reasons to visit Monza

  • Lifestyle
10 Good reasons to visit Monza

September 2025 Events in Lombardy

September in Lombardy is all about food and wine, feasts and folklore: summer meets autumn in this most convivial month
  • Lifestyle
September 2025 Events in Lombardy

Events in Lombardy in August 2025

In August, Lombardy offers special moments with starry nights, music festivals and lakes and mountain hikes
  • Lifestyle
Events in Lombardy in August 2025

Lodi in a weekend

Sky, nature and relaxation. The touch of Renzo Piano and many little art treasures. Discover Lodi and its surroundings in 48 hours
  • Lifestyle
Lodi in a weekend

Milan, a city in color

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

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

Theatre and music: online events

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

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.

Aperitifs with lakeside views and atmosphere

Five ideas for spending summer evenings on Lombardy’s lakes, in a sensory journey that combines notes and flavours.
  • Lifestyle
@inlombardia

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/)

SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE VIOLIN'S MUSEUM

  • Lifestyle
SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE VIOLIN'S MUSEUM

Ancient knowledge: the pezzotti of Valtellina

  • Lifestyle
Valtellina craft products

Brescia and Lake Iseo itinerary

Nicknamed the "Lioness of Italy", it displays great tourist qualities thanks to its rich artistic and environmental heritage
  • Lifestyle
2 days in Brescia and Lake Iseo

Events in Lombardy in October 2025

Autumn in Lombardy is alight with festivals, feasts and fairs that bring together local traditions, cultures and flavours
  • Lifestyle
Events in Lombardy in October 2025 - inLOMBARDIA

Brera district

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

6 villages for an aperitif with a view

An aperitif in Lombardy is an opportunity to rediscover villages that seem suspended in time, with panoramic views to further enhance the experience.
  • Lifestyle
Ph I Mille

Winter Lombardy

Many initiatives, activities, cultural and sporting proposals that will make you love the cold
  • Lifestyle
Winter in Lombardy, between cities and mountains

Sondrio in a weekend

Millennial traditions, roads to discover on foot or by bike, unique flavors. Sondrio, the gate of Valtellina
  • Lifestyle
Sondrio in a weekend