There is never a bad time to visit Sirmione – Lake Garda’s prettiest town, built on a thin stretch of peninsula that gives visitors direct access to the spectacular lake. While summer is (of course) the most natural season to swim in the pristine waters and soak up the charming streets, the other months of the year are just as brilliant because the mix of hot springs, architecture and food can keep one entertained even on cold winter days.
Scaligero Castle is the site you have probably seen featured on travel brochures and filling up Instagram feeds. And while it’s an absolute must-see, there is so much more to this village of 8,000 inhabitants than just the famous fortress. Another ancient structure that will impress all the history-buffs out there is the archeological site of Grotte di Catullo. These Roman ruins paint a picture of what life was like back in the 1st century BC.
Beyond sightseeing the main appeal of Sirmione is getting lost down cute alleyways, and seeing what craft shops and gelatarias you come across. If you come from June – August, the secluded Jamaica Beach is the spot to cool down when the temperature creeps above 30°C. To cap it off, booking one of the best tours in Sirmione with Garda Tours – be it a boat trip to a nearby island or sunset cruise – is something you will cherish forever.
Best Private Tours in Sirmione
1. Sirmione Peninsula Tour
The Sirmione peninsula sticks out beautifully for four kilometers into Lake Garda. With Garda Tours, you will be able to journey around the iconic peninsula to several points of interest. Starting from Terme di Sirmione, the steps you take transport you into the past when poets and writers would visit these shores. Highlights include Terme di Sirmione, Boiola thermal spring, Villa of Maria Callas, Grotte di Catullo and Scaligero Castle.
2. Sirmione at Sunset Tour
We mentioned that poets adored Sirmione and one thing that kept drawing writers like Goethe and Joyce back were the sunsets. On this golden hour experience with Garda Tours guests can witness the calm lapping of the waves bathed in a gorgeous light, as the sun sets over the area. Not only that but the sights such as thermal springs and Scaligero Castle will also be covered, giving you a deeper look into Sirmione.
3. “La Romantica” Coast Tour
This tour is perfect for couples, as together you explore stunning beaches of the lake onboard an exquisite boat from one of Garda Tours’ fleet – which takes you between Sirmione and the nearby resort town of Desenzano. The experience kicks off on the Sirmione peninsula to check out top sights like Villa of Maria Callas (residence of the famous opera singer). Then to Desenzano where the romantic coast unfolds before your eyes.
4. Garda Island Tour
Five islands are to be found on Lake Garda and Isola del Garda is arguably the most beautiful. It’s rich in charm, history and legends – the stuff of fairytales. Indeed, a noble family still lives there and visiting the island feels like you are stepping back in time. On this magical boating tour, travelers can see the magnificent villa owned by the Borghese Cavazza family and take in the picturesque botanical garden that surrounds the property.
5. Garda Island and Gardone Tour
Similar to the tour above but with the additional benefit of visiting Gardone Riviera on the western side of the lake. This municipal town has an enchanting vibe and some impressive architecture to boot. Since Gardone is situated in the province of Brescia, this tour combines the Venetian style of both Sirmione and Garda Island with the Brescian style of Gardone. It makes for an enjoyable few hours out on the lake on a sunny day.
6. Punta San Vigilio Tour
Beginning in Sirmione with an exploration of the peninsula’s highlights, the tour progresses to Punta San Vigilio which is another peninsula albeit not as long as Sirmione. A series of green cypress trees surround the area, and blend with the blue lake, making it the second most attractive peninsula in Lake Garda. Villa Canossa will also be stopped by along the boat trip and it’s here that guests can marvel at a picture perfect English garden.
7. Punta San Vigilio and Garda Tour
From Sirmione to Punta San Vigilio and then to the town of Garda, this tour covers two of the best peninsulas on the lake as well as a brief visit to a hidden gem of Italy. At Garda, guests have half an hour to walk the lakeside promenades and quaint alleyways before returning to the port of Sirmione. The photo opportunities throughout are superb, so make sure you bring your camera to capture the essence of the entire Scaliger Coast.
8. Garda Island with Tasting Tour
If you want to try fine wine on your Sirmione visit then this tour is ideal. This experience pairs top products from the Ca’ Maiol winery with the gorgeous views of South Garda. It starts in the Sirmione peninsula, like all excursions with Garda Tours, and then by boat you cruise to Rocca di Manerba (an epic open-air museum and nature preserve) enroute to Garda Island. Once at the island, a sommelier prepares three lovely wine tastings for you.
