What to do and see in Garda, Veneto: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

December 7, 2021 Kiesha Cripe

Discover the best top things to do in Garda, Italy including Land of Venice: Verona, Lake Garda and countryside Small-group Tour, The Wonders of East Lake Garda: Private Half Day Tour with a Local, Private Lake Garda Day Trip: Villages, Wine & Roman Ruins, Venice Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda, Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda, 4-Day Italian Lakes Tour from Milan, 7-Days Italian Lakes and the Dolomites Tour from Milan, 7-Days Italian Lakes and Riviera Tour from Milan, Culture and tastes of northern Italy Self-Drive.
Restaurants in Garda

1. Land of Venice: Verona, Lake Garda and countryside Small-group Tour

Al Vinatier, Ramo Quinto Gallion O del Pezzetto, 463, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy Ways Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

If you are staying in Venice for a few days, you cannot miss a visit to the romantic Verona and the charming Lake Garda. Join this 1-day experience and discover all the things this area has to offer. Visit the elegant hamlet of Sirmione, a beautiful peninsula in the middle of the lake, famous for its thermal baths and amazing villas. Then, relax enjoying a private boat tour and admire the beauty of this stunning place. Right after the boat tour you will discover the old town with your guide and enjoy some free time for a fresh gelato or for shopping. Leave Sirmione to reach one of the most beautiful villages of the area and have lunch with delicious local dishes and fine wine. Next stop? Verona, the romantic Roman city, famous for the amazing Arena amphitheatre and Romeo and Juliet. Meet with our local guide and discover the history, traditions and legends of the city. If you wish, you will have some free time at the end of the tour, before going back to Venice.

Inclusions: Private Van Transport, Expert guide, Lake Garda Boat Tour (optional), Lunch, Verona highlights walking tour

Exclusions: Hotel pick up and drop-off

Reviewed By CarolynL308

Our team did a virtual cooking class together on Zoom! The recipes and instructions were clear and we were ready when the class started. It was so much fun and I can't believe we were able to make an amazing risotto AND a tiramisu to enjoy with our families that evening. Julia, our chef, did a great job of identifying each next step while keeping us calm. She could look at our dishes and let us know if we needed a little something more or, uh oh, a little something less! The food was delicious and we really had a great time all together, despite being in different countries and different kitchens!

2. The Wonders of East Lake Garda: Private Half Day Tour with a Local

►► Withlocals™ - Local Private Tours ????????
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Lake Garda and its picturesque views are waiting, and on this private half-day day trip, it's time to explore the east side where villages, wine regions, and nature are the best! Join your favorite local on a scenic road trip full of beautiful sights and discover why Lake Garda is a must-visit destination. Hop on your local host's car and embark on a journey full of hidden gems. Drive through the country of Valpolicella, known for its wine and its hilly green backgrounds. Visit an ancient villa that has been a source of inspiration and the favorite destination for illustrious historical figures such as Alexander Fleming, Vivien Leigh, the English Royal Family, and Winston Churchill. And how about some wine? A tour to Lake Garda would not be complete without a visit to a winery and of course, some wine tasting. Ciao Lazise! Admire a 13th-century castle and visit the post of Lazise for a picture-perfect ending to your half-day day trip to Lake Garda.

Inclusions: Private tour, Air-conditioned vehicle, Local guide, Wine tasting

Exclusions: Food and beverages not listed as inclusions

Reviewed By ChloeNarcissse10

I booked this tour for me and my husband on a whim just to give us something to do for the weekend...and it was an excellent decision! Our guide Cristina responded to us within an hour to inquire about our food preferences and to also ensure that we didn’t have any allergies which we found to be very helpful and thoughtful. Once we met up at the designated time, she was very informative about each place we went to and she showed us some different restaurants that we may not have ventured into had we visited Verona on our own. At each place, she asked us if we wanted photos and let us take our time to marvel at everything after explaining the history behind it. We even got to see the arena which was sooo beautiful in person. If you want a tour guide that is going to show you more than just the typical tourists routes, book with Cristina. She made our experience worthwhile.

3. Private Lake Garda Day Trip: Villages, Wine & Roman Ruins

►► Withlocals™ - Local Private Tours ????????
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Lake Garda and its cultural gems are waiting, and on this private day trip, it's time to explore the south and west side where villages, wine regions, and nature melt together! Join your favorite local on a scenic road trip full of beautiful sights and discover why Lake Garda is a must-visit destination. What a better way to start your Lake Garda day trip than with some hidden gems? Visit the Excavations of Desenzano, where you can find the most important archeological evidence of the great late antique villas in Northen Italy and admire gorgeous 18th-century historical residence. It's wine time! Make your way to a winery located at the heart of the medieval village of Pratello. This family-run winery is completely underground, and they exclusively use grapes from their family farm. Get a taste of 3 exclusive wines; all served with local cold cuts and cheeses. Visit quiet town with mountainous scenery and fronted by Lake Garda - it is the picture-perfect finale to your day trip!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private tour, Wine tasting, Cold cuts and cheeses, Local guide, Entrance tickets to Roman Villa and Castle

Exclusions: Lunch, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions

Reviewed By ChloeNarcissse10

I booked this tour for me and my husband on a whim just to give us something to do for the weekend...and it was an excellent decision! Our guide Cristina responded to us within an hour to inquire about our food preferences and to also ensure that we didn’t have any allergies which we found to be very helpful and thoughtful. Once we met up at the designated time, she was very informative about each place we went to and she showed us some different restaurants that we may not have ventured into had we visited Verona on our own. At each place, she asked us if we wanted photos and let us take our time to marvel at everything after explaining the history behind it. We even got to see the arena which was sooo beautiful in person. If you want a tour guide that is going to show you more than just the typical tourists routes, book with Cristina. She made our experience worthwhile.

4. Venice Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda

Via IV Novembre, 31, 25010 Limone Sul Garda BS, Italy LikeGarda
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4.5 based on 27 reviews

Enjoy an 11-hour guided tour to discover Venice, the most romantic city in the world, from Lake Garda. Sightsee with a tour escort through the heart of Venice. During this excursion you will be able to see the most famous attractions of the city of the doges, such as the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Cathedral and its square, the bell tower, and the Rialto Bridge. You will take a private boat through Venice's canals and have free time in the afternoon.

Inclusions: Tour guide, Live commentary on board, Private boat from bus to Saint Mark's square, Headphones during the walking tour, Air-conditioned vehicle, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup

Reviewed By J4137THnancya

It was perfectly organized and Francesco was the best guide you could ask for! They picked us up on time and the bus ride was comfortable and fun. We had enough time to discover Venice on our own but also booked the Laguna Tour which was very interesting. I would highly recommend to bring sun screen or a hat if you go during summer.

5. Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda

Largo Faselo Bitinico, 1, 25019 Sirmione BS, Italy LikeGarda
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4.4 based on 39 reviews

Join this wonderful excursion to discover the beauty of the most famous mountains in Europe. An unforgettable day in the middle of nature, history and culture of the Dolomiti valleys.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Tour guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Reviewed By J4137THnancya

It was perfectly organized and Francesco was the best guide you could ask for! They picked us up on time and the bus ride was comfortable and fun. We had enough time to discover Venice on our own but also booked the Laguna Tour which was very interesting. I would highly recommend to bring sun screen or a hat if you go during summer.

6. 4-Day Italian Lakes Tour from Milan

Starhotels Ritz, Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 40, 20129 Milano MI, Italy Europeando Europa
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3.6 based on 7 reviews

Enjoy 4 days and 3 nights Italian lakes departing from Milan. You'll have the chance to discover the most important lakes of the northern Italy: the small Lake Orta, the refined Lake Maggiore, the luxurious Lake Como, the amazing Lake Garda, the picturesque Lake Iseo. You will enjoy trips by boat on the main lakes and visits of beautiful towns such as Como, Bergamo and Verona. Departures on 2021 July 12th, August 2nd and 30th, and October 4th and 2022 May 9th, July 11th, August 1st, September 6th, October 3rd are also available with tour director in Portuguese. Due to the event Vinitaly in Verona, accommodation on day 3 during the departure of 04/11/22 will be in Desenzano at Lake Garda, Hotel Oliveto**** or similar.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 3 nights accommodation, Breakfast, Glass of Prosecco as welcome, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast), All activities, Driver/guide, Walking tour in Como, Bergamo and Verona, Air-conditioned vehicle, Transport by private vehicle, Free Wi-Fi on board, Private tour by boat at Lake Orta, Private tour by boat at Lake Maggiore, 2 hour cruise at Lake Como (from April to October), Private tour by boat at Lake Garda

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, City taxes at the hotel, Porterage, Hotel pick up and drop off

Reviewed By LadyRJ2019

As a family of three, we were excited to go on the 7 day northern lakes and Dolomites tour - especially as it would be very difficult to visit these areas by ourselves (visiting from Australia and not confident driving/getting around to these areas). The tour started well, we were the only English speakers but we had been assured our guide would provide fluent English commentary. Perhaps we expected too much but there was very little information provided about where we were or where we were travelling through. In fact, the first three days we received very limited information in total while the Spanish speakers were provided with much more. We visited some stunning places but too much of the tour focused on lunch breaks and eating rather than seeing the sights. Halfway through the tour more English speakers joined the group bit we still had to seek information rather than being provided with it on some occasions. The bus was too big for navigating city streets and mountain switchbacks - the driver often had to reverse and try multiple times to get around corners and switchbacks. I felt very sorry for him - he did a marvelous job but it would have been so much easier for him and much more enjoyable for us if we weren't concerned about falling off the side of a mountain. The company can't seem to decide whether they are catering to small groups or large and this has a huge impact on the enjoyment of the tour. In Trento we were advised that we would have several hours and could visit the castle. After paying for admission and entering we were then advised that because it was raining some people didn't want to stay so we were cutting the visit short - this should never happen! We then had to get back on the bus only to stop at a truck stop for lunch (instead of staying in lovely Trento). There wasn't really any point to having the guide as he did not provide much "guiding" only very limited information and directions to places he thought we should go and eat. We would have done as well with just the driver. If you can navigate your way around the northern lakes and Dolomites by yourself then I recommend you do that. Otherwise, perhaps a different company would provide a better tour.

7. 7-Days Italian Lakes and the Dolomites Tour from Milan

Starhotels Ritz, Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 40, 20129 Milano MI, Italy Europeando Europa
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2.0 based on 1 reviews

7 days and 6 nights leaving from Milan. You'll have the chance to discover the most important lakes of the northern Italy: the small Lake Orta, the refined Lake Maggiore, the luxurious Lake Como, the amazing Lake Garda. Trip by boat on the main lakes and visits of beautiful towns such as Como, Bergamo and Verona. Then, you'll visit Canazei, Fiemme and Fassa Valleys, Cortina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Alpine lakes, mountain passes, Merano, Bolzano, the route of the wines and Trento. Departures on July 12th and October 4th, 2021 and July 11th and October 3rd, 2022 are also available with tour director in Portuguese. Due to the event Vinitaly in Verona, departure on April, 11th, 2022, the accommodation on day 3 will be at Lake Garda, Hotel Oliveto**** or similar.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 6 nights accommodation, Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), National Park fees, Breakfast, Glass of Prosecco as welcome, Apple and speck tasting in the Dolomites, Driver/guide, Local guide, Walking tour in Como, Bergamo, Verona, Bolzano and Trento, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Transport by private vehicle, Free Wi-Fi on board, Private tour by boat at Lake Orta, Private tour by boat at Lake Maggiore, 2 hour cruise at Lake Como, Private tour by boat at Lake Garda

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, City taxes at the hotel, Porterage, Hotel pick up and drop off

Reviewed By Brendan W

There is a chance that your tour may include a mixture of nationalities (such as English and Spanish-speaking so if you prefer your own language exclusively, we would recommend making this clear to the operator to avoid disappointment. Some of the island visits are fairly brief, otherwise the tour operator has indeed set the tour around each of the major lakes in Northern Italy – we missed some of the spectacular views as it was fairly wet and foggy, so you may wish to cross-check the weather forecast for the time of year you’re thinking of doing the trip – we went late Spring. The operator keeps the tour to a relatively small group which is a nice bonus. This tour seemed suited to an older demographic. Some of the hotels that we stayed in were great – especially the one they chose for Lake Como – it looks like an old convent and has a lot of old-world charm. The Hotel in Verona was centrally located which was convenient, however probably not the best hotel we stayed in during our trip with some maintenance issues related to air-con. We have had a wonderful time in Italy, and Verona was the highlight for us with a walking tour around the city, taking in some of the history and older buildings.

8. 7-Days Italian Lakes and Riviera Tour from Milan

Starhotels Ritz, Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 40, 20129 Milano MI, Italy Europeando Europa

With this 7 day and 6 nights package from Milan you'll have the chance to discover the most important lakes of the northern Italy such as the small Lake Orta, the refined Lake Maggiore, the luxurious Lake Como, the amazing Lake Garda, the pictoresque Lake Iseo. Take a boat trip on the main lakes and visit beautiful towns such as Como, Bergamo and Verona. Then, continue to Genoa discovering the amazing Cinque Terre, the village of Rapallo, the symbol of luxury Portofino and a great place to walk and have lunch, Santa Margherita and finally the west coast of the riviera before coming back to Milan. Departures on 2021, May 10th, August 2nd and 30th and 2022, May 9th, August 1st and September 6th are also available with tour director in Portuguese.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point at Starhotel Ritz, 6 nights accommodation, Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast), Glass of Prosecco as welcome, Focaccia and cheese focaccia tasting in Liguria, Driver/guide, Walking tour in Como, Bergamo, Verona., Transport by private air-conditioned coach, Free WiFi onboard, Private tour by boat at Lake Orta, Private tour by boat at Lake Maggiore, 2 hour cruise at Lake Como (from April to October), Private tour by boat at Lake Garda, 2 hour cruise at Cinque Terre (from April to October and in good weather conditions)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, City taxes at the hotel, Porterage, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By LadyRJ2019

As a family of three, we were excited to go on the 7 day northern lakes and Dolomites tour - especially as it would be very difficult to visit these areas by ourselves (visiting from Australia and not confident driving/getting around to these areas). The tour started well, we were the only English speakers but we had been assured our guide would provide fluent English commentary. Perhaps we expected too much but there was very little information provided about where we were or where we were travelling through. In fact, the first three days we received very limited information in total while the Spanish speakers were provided with much more. We visited some stunning places but too much of the tour focused on lunch breaks and eating rather than seeing the sights. Halfway through the tour more English speakers joined the group bit we still had to seek information rather than being provided with it on some occasions. The bus was too big for navigating city streets and mountain switchbacks - the driver often had to reverse and try multiple times to get around corners and switchbacks. I felt very sorry for him - he did a marvelous job but it would have been so much easier for him and much more enjoyable for us if we weren't concerned about falling off the side of a mountain. The company can't seem to decide whether they are catering to small groups or large and this has a huge impact on the enjoyment of the tour. In Trento we were advised that we would have several hours and could visit the castle. After paying for admission and entering we were then advised that because it was raining some people didn't want to stay so we were cutting the visit short - this should never happen! We then had to get back on the bus only to stop at a truck stop for lunch (instead of staying in lovely Trento). There wasn't really any point to having the guide as he did not provide much "guiding" only very limited information and directions to places he thought we should go and eat. We would have done as well with just the driver. If you can navigate your way around the northern lakes and Dolomites by yourself then I recommend you do that. Otherwise, perhaps a different company would provide a better tour.

9. Culture and tastes of northern Italy Self-Drive

FindYourItaly

Breath the real soul of the fashion capital by sipping a cocktail in the vibrant Navigli district Learn about the ancient art of Violin making from a local artisan in Cremona Discover the most genuine side of the Food valley and visit small villages, castles and food producers of Parma area Meet the local producers of the most excellent Italian products and taste Culatello, Parma ham, Aceto Balsamico, Lambrusco and Valpolicella wines Enjoy the slow life in the beautiful towns of Cremona, Parma, Mantua and Bergamo far from the tourist crowds Visit the hidden corners of Bologna, Verona and Milan thanks to our local buddy guides.

Inclusions: 7 nights accommodation in hotel 3* or B&B/countryhouse in double room (1 night in Milan, 2 nights in Parma, 2 nights in Bologna, 1 night in Verona, 1 night in Bergamo), Breakfasts, Guided tour “Navigli walk with aperitif” in Milan, Visit to a violin maker laboratory in Cremona, Private guided tour of Parma, Visit to Soragna castle, Visit to the Verdi theatre in Busseto, Visit to a ham producer and tasting, Visit to Parmigiano Reggiano diary, Visit to a Balsamic vinegar producer with tasting lunch menu, Private guided tour of Bologna, Private guided tour of Verona, Visit and tasting in Valpolicella winery, Tasting dinner menu in wine shop in Bergamo, Breakfast

Exclusions: City tax (to pay on the spot), Flights and transportation, Entrance tickets to Museums, Castles etc

Reviewed By lanlebui

Summer or Winter, Monterosso displays her beauty in her own seasonal style. I really enjoy the island and would love to spend at least a week there some day.

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