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Essentials
Why not try...
- Venice day trip - marvel at the beauty of this charming and romantic floating city. Don't miss the unique Grand Canal, St Mark's Square or the Doge's Palace during your visit
- mouth wateringly good ice cream - we've tried a lot of ice cream and can honestly say that the little gelateria on Corso Garibaldi is one of the best we've found on Lake Garda
- going for the healthy option - hiking back to Malcesine from the mid-station of the gondola will give you a good walk without the startlingly steep sections found at the summit
- exploring the surrounding villages - our top tip is to purchase a combined ferry ticket which lets you take in Riva, Limone and Torbole for a greatly reduced price
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So what's it like?
Walking
Staring up at the majestic Monte Baldo, towering above Malcesine, it is understandable that many people feel unsure about hiking to the summit. If you fall into this category fear not, you don't have to miss out on views to take your breath away, just jump on the cable car and enjoy the ride up. As you ascend your cabin will gently rotate a full 360°, this way everyone gets to take their holiday snaps without it descending into a scrum for a place to stand. At the top some of the best views are found by heading left out of the gondola station, walk along the ridge and turn back to face Malcesine, seeing the village so far below is quite a sight. There are lots of walks to follow before heading back down, either on the gondola or on foot, just don't underestimate the steepness, it can be a tiring end to your already busy day.
Why not try -- opting for the most exclusive route down Monte Baldo and signing up for a tandem paraglide flight back to Malcesine.
- getting some lunch in one of the restaurants at the top, even though you can still see Lake Garda below the cuisine takes on a more mountain style flavour.
- hiking back to Malcesine from the mid-station of the gondola, you'll get a good walk without the perilously steep bits found at the top.
Culture
The streets in Malcesine are like a magical labyrinth, twisting, turning and doubling back on themselves, you just have to remember it's the getting lost that will help you fall head over heels for the place. One of the easiest things to find is the castle, you'll see it standing tall above surrounding houses. Once you get there, dodge past the wedding guests teetering along the cobbles in high heels and head inside to explore. The highlights include beautiful views over the lake and village from the top of the tower, the chance to take a sneak peak at one of the 100s of weddings held in the castle every summer and the excellent exhibition about the lake. Learning about the history, geology and wildlife of Lake Garda is a lot more interesting than you might think and a must see during your castle tour.
Why not try -- ice cream from the gelateria on Corso Garibaldi, if you're in luck they sometimes have Gorgonzola flavour!
- a boat trip to Limone, not only do you get to explore somewhere new but the view of Malcesine castle as you speed across the lake is picture perfect.
- the unique pastry treat called "Palla di Neve". Sold on Via Porta Orientale and shaped like a snowball they are dusted in icing sugar and absolutely delicious.
Venice City Tour
Venice by Night Tour
Enjoy a full day in the floating city of charm and romance. With elegant palaces, the unique Grand Canal and St Mark's Square with its Doge's Palace and renowned Basilica, Venice is a must-see for all visitors.
Experience this amazing Italian floating city at night. Built entirely on canals, magical Venice is best enjoyed on an evening gondola tour. Florence City Tour
The Jewel of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a fantastic city to visit during your Italian holidays. Amongst its vast array of arts and treasures you can visit the pink, white and green marble cathedral, the Duomo, the historic Uffizi Gallery and the ancient Ponte Vecchio. Milan City Tour
Spend a day in Milan, a city of history, music, fashion and shopping. The city is best known for its mighty Duomo and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie housing Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. Also worth a visit are the impressive Sforzesco Castle and La Scala Opera Museum. Grand Dolomites Tour
Europe's most distinctive mountains tower high over the sparkling lakes. Visit the spectacular northern ranges with their quaint villages, breathtaking passes and pretty, flower-strewn meadows. No other excursion takes you to natural scenery as stunning. Bolzano & Renon City Tour
A wonderful trip; part city tour, part scenic drive through the picturesque countryside of the Italian South Tyrol. Visit the city of Bolzano, home of the famous Iceman and the village of Renon reached by the cog railway. Mantua & Sigurta Garden
Enjoy the charm and atmosphere of a medieval town and take a stroll through Mantua's Palace with over 500 elaborate rooms with internal courtyards and gardens. The Parco Giardino Sigurta is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world and a hidden secret in Italy. Lake Tour
Visit the largest of Northern Italy's lakes. Take a short boat ride, sample some wonderful Italian ice cream or just absorb the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Wine Tour
While staying in Bardolino, it would be a shame not to get to know the most famous produce of the area a little better. When this marvellous wine is next served at your table you will be able to say that you have visited the beautiful vineyards that bear its name. Take the opportunity to sample and even take some home with you. Verona and Wine Tasting
Spend the morning in ancient Verona, enjoying the fascinating monuments and beautiful shops. In the afternoon leave the city behind and head to the famous vineyards of Bardolino where you can sample the produce Verona
Spend the day in classical Verona, enjoying the fascinating monuments, beautiful shops and friendly Italian welcome.Active
· lake bathing · windsurfing· mini-golf · taking cable car or hiking up Monte Baldo · exploring the castle and museum