Verona to Sirmione: Lake Garda Boat Tour & Spritz Tasting

4.81

(142 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to look so clear—almost glassy blue—when we first rolled into Sirmione from Verona. Our guide, Chiara, waved us down by the little dock (she had this bright scarf, impossible to miss) and introduced us to our boat captain. There was this faint smell of sunscreen and lake water in the air, and honestly, I felt like I was on holiday for real only once we pushed off from shore.

The boat ride around Lake Garda was quieter than I thought it’d be. Just the low hum of the engine and a bit of wind in my hair. We drifted past Scaliger Castle—Chiara pointed out where the old drawbridge used to be—and then glided by these ancient Roman ruins she called the Grottoes of Catullus. She told us a story about a poet who lived there, but I got distracted by some ducks bobbing near the rocks. The sun kept peeking through clouds; not hot, just that soft Italian spring warmth.

Back on land in Sirmione, we had free time to wander. I got lost (not literally) in those narrow streets—shops selling lemon soaps and postcards with glossy lake views. Sat at a café for an espresso; overheard two locals arguing about football (Inter vs Milan?) and tried to eavesdrop but their accents were fast and thick. Didn’t buy anything but still felt like I took something away—maybe just that feeling of being somewhere old and beautiful without needing to rush.

When we got back to Verona, they set up a little spritz tasting for us—not just Aperol but also this bitter orange one I’d never tried before. Chiara laughed when I made a face at my first sip (“That’s how you know it’s real!” she said). It was simple but good—the kind of drink that tastes better after a day outside. Sometimes I still think about that view from the boat: castle walls behind us, water everywhere ahead.