Holidays in Lake Garda - Italy
It has been a renowned beauty spot since the time of the Roman poet Catullus. And today Italy's largest lake remains a magnet for visitors, drawn by its wonderful, dramatic scenery and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Thirty miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, sparkling Lake Garda sits in no less than three Italian regions: Lombardy, Trentino and Venetia. Hence its rich variety of scenic splendour, which ranges from the rugged, rocky landscapes at its northern tip to the acres of olive and citrus groves carpeting its southern coastline. Imposing castles and elegant villas line its shores, set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Dolomite mountains, which stretch north to the border with Austria.
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Resorts in Lake Garda
The most popular, and many would say most beautiful, of Garda's many delightful resorts is Sirmione, set majestically on a peninsula which extents into shimmering waters of the lake. At its furthest point is a triangle of land known as the Grotte de Catullo, scattered with Roman remains including the ruins of a 2000-year-old villa belonging to the lyric poet Gaius Valerius Catullus. He was a regular visitor to Sirmione, and wrote of his love for the place in one of his most famous works, "Sweet Sirmio! thou, the very eye of all peninsulas and isles….." And he wasn't exaggerating. Sirmione is a strikingly picturesque spot, with magnificent views across the lake to the vineyards of Bardolino in the east and the headland of Manerba in the west.
Lake Garda Scenery
There's no better way to take in the splendid Garda scenery than from the deck of one of the charming steamers which transport tourists and locals in delightfully leisurely fashion up and down the lake. If you've time to spare, a four-and-a-half-hour journey will take you the whole length of the lake - from the lively beach resort of Desenzano in the south right up to Garda's most northerly town, Riva, famous for its 12th century castle and 16th century Venetian watchtower. Known as the 'Southern Pearl' when the region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Riva is a good base for exploring the alpine countryside of the Trentino mountains to the north.
Lovers of colourful history should also take a trip to resort of Garda, where the wicked Count Berenguer imprisoned Queen Adelaide in 960AD, having murdered her husband. The castle where she was held no longer exists, but the rock on which it stood is still there, and as you gaze at this massive, square 294-metre-high edifice you can recall the words of the poet Giosue Carducci, "Above the surface of Garda looms the shadowy castle, telling the tale of ancient buried cities and barbarian queens".
And after a hard day's sightseeing, what better than a relaxing dinner by the lakeside? Fresh Lake Garda trout and a glass of chilled Soave go down a treat as you watch the setting sun dancing on the waters, and plan your next day's pleasures in this charming corner of the world.
Archers Direct Holidays in Lake Garda
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