Sirmione before the crowds: early private tour & boat ride

Highlights

• Early Private Tour
• Private Boat Tour
• Grotte di Catullo

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Castello Scaligero

   10min

   Enjoy an outside view of the castle, the perfect opportunity to admire its impressive architecture and learn about the long and layered history of Sirmione. Its symbols and stone carvings reveal stories of the people who lived on the peninsula from the Middle Ages to modern times, offering insight into the town’s evolving identity.

2. 2

   Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve

   10min

   Visiting this ancient 13th-century building, later rebuilt in the 15th century, offers a clear insight into the wealth and importance of Sirmione in past centuries.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   This passage leads you into a quiet area rarely visited by the crowds, offering beautiful panoramic views over the northern shores of Lake Garda, part of the Cortine Hills, and the charming Abbey of San Salvatore, founded in the 8th century.

4. 4

   Palazzo Maria Callas

   5min

   In the 50´s Sirmione was home to the greatest lyric Singer of all time, Maria Callas. She married the marble exporter Meneghini and lived in the beautiful building for about 7 years. Next to it, there´s a beautiful park named after her. We will learn some of the anecdotes about her time here and about the building´s recent use

5. 5

   Spiaggia Lido Delle Bionde

   15min

   Near Maria Callas Park lies the enchanting Lido delle Bionde, often (and somewhat wrongly) translated as “The Blondies’ Beach”. In antiquity, this area was home to one of the largest ancient necropolises on the peninsula. Walking through the lush natural surroundings of the beach, we gradually leave the most famous and busy part of the town behind, making our way toward the over 2,000-year-old ruins of the Roman complex, where the true beauty of Sirmione is revealed.

6. 6

   Grotte di Catullo

   45min

   Grotte di Catullo is the name of the spectacular remains of the largest Roman villa in Northern Italy, built between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. Located at the very tip of the Sirmione peninsula, the site offers breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Garda. It covers an area of nearly two hectares, the archaeological site reveals the foundations of a multi-level Roman complex featuring internal gardens, porticoes, lakeside terraces, and a thermal (bath) area. While the upper residential floors have collapsed over time, the scale and layout of the villa clearly convey its former grandeur. Our visit here will be taking us back to the over 600 years of Roman domination. We will use very clear reconstructions of the ancient palace and make te experience fascinating and never boring

7. 7

   Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino

   15min

   The last stop will be an almost mystical spot on the Mavino hill. Another site often overlooked by less attentive visitors, this charming church is a true hidden gem, with origins dating back to the 6th century. It conveys a strong sense of the many stories and generations of people who have passed through this enchanting place over the centuries. Reaching this area reveals a quieter and more authentic side of the destination, where the true, lesser-known beauty of the surroundings emerges. In the early 20th century, many wealthy families chose this peaceful setting to build their elegant villas, adding another layer to the area’s rich and refined character.

8. 8

   Sirmione

   35min

   We will conclude the experience by exploring the Sirmione peninsula from the water aboard a private boat, operated by one of the most experienced companies on the southern shores of Lake Garda. The boat tour will take you along the striking white limestone shores, past the remarkable Jamaica Beach, and will offer a unique and spectacular perspective of the Roman villa ruins. The journey ends beneath the bridges of Sirmione Castle, where you will enjoy an extraordinary view of the tower and the historic harbor, sights that are impossible to appreciate from land. During this final part of the tour, your guide will also introduce you to the wider history and character of Lake Garda, with plenty of time for questions, recommendations, and personalized tips to help you make the most of your stay in this exceptional destination.

Before you go

Location