Four kinds of excursion are worth it on Lake Garda: on the water (ferry, boat tour), up high (Monte Baldo), with children (Gardaland) and beyond the lake (Verona, the Dolomites, Venice). Most combine well with a beach day.
Our top pick: Speedboat tour of the south
The excursions at a glance
Top-rated boat tours
Speedboat tour of the south
Two hours with a skipper around Sirmione. 4.6/5 from almost 200 reviews.
Historic sailing boat from Malcesine
Panoramic cruise on the north shore to a waterfall. 4.3/5 from over 350 reviews.
4-hour boat trip with a stop in Sirmione
Guided cruise with time ashore. 4.3/5 from over 170 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
Day tours beyond the lake
For rainy days or a change of scene: Verona is about an hour by car from the south shore, and the Dolomites and Venice can be booked as organised day tours with pick-up at the lake.
Dolomites day tour from Lake Garda
Mountain passes and lakes of the Dolomites in one day. 4.7/5 from almost 800 reviews.
Verona day tour from Lake Garda
Old town, Arena and Juliet's House with transfer from the lake. 4.5/5 from over 600 reviews.
Madonna della Corona pilgrimage church
The church set into the cliff face above the Adige valley. 5.0/5 from almost 200 reviews.
Food, without the alcohol
On the west shore you can book olive oil tastings with regional food. Lake Garda olive oil is among the most northerly in Italy.
The excursions in detail
Frequently asked questions
What should you not miss on Lake Garda?
A boat trip between the towns, the Monte Baldo cable car in Malcesine and an evening in Sirmione or Limone. With children, add Gardaland.
What can you do on Lake Garda when it rains?
The SEA LIFE Aquarium at Gardaland, a day tour to Verona, or the old towns of Riva and Malcesine with their castles.
Gardaland
Gardaland 2026: season March to early November, online day tickets from about €40, children under 90 cm free. Opening hours, saving tips and nearby hotels.
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Grottoes of Catullus
Grottoes of Catullus in Sirmione: what remains of the Roman villa, how to walk there, how long a visit takes and which tickets and boat trips are available.
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Boat trips
Lake Garda ferries 2026: whole-lake day ticket €39.50, family ticket €79, Desenzano to Riva by fast boat in about 2¼ hours. Timetable, car ferry and tips.
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Hiking
Hiking at Lake Garda: the Ponale trail, Busatte-Tempesta near Torbole, Monte Baldo and Rocca di Garda. Best time, gear and a via ferrata option at a glance.
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With kids
Lake Garda with kids: Gardaland, Movieland and Parco Natura Viva compared, the best children's beaches on the south shore, rainy days and suitable family hotels.
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Monte Baldo
Monte Baldo cable car from Malcesine 2026: return €30 (€28 online), season April to 1 November, about 20 minutes. Tips for beating the long queues.
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Varone Waterfall
Varone Waterfall near Riva del Garda: what the gorge looks like, how to get there, how long a visit takes and what to combine it with on the north shore.
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