Activities in Torri del Benaco

Culture

When you begin exploring Torri you are likely to be drawn to the magnificent Scaligero castle. Its Ghibelline roots are to thank for its distinctive swallow tail battlements, locals will tell you they represent an inverted pope’s hat, in its day this was a very bold insult. Nowadays this story seems odd in a staunchly catholic Italy, but when the castle was built the anti-papal feeling was fuelling a series of destructive wars. To find out more about the local area, the museum in the castle is well worth a visit. To avoid disappointment remember it is often shut on Mondays! When heading away from the castle look out for the town walls, these are also built in Ghibelline style. Another must see, in the main square of Torri del Benaco, is Pietro Paolo church. Not only is it a place to contemplate the world and admire the religious iconography but it is also a great place to escape the summer heat.

Why not try -

• Dinner in a few villages up the coast in Casteletto. At the wonderful Osteria al Pescatore the menu changes nightly but the service and wine is always top notch.
• Taking an exhilarating dip in the Baia delle Sirene, famous for legends of mermaids and its naturist swimming beach - no need for bathing costumes!
• Hoping onto the ferry across the lake to Maderno - whiling away an afternoon on the waterfront is an ideal way to recharge, the climate is a bit cooler here too

Venice City 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.

Venice by Night Tour
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.

Padova and Soave
Enjoy your morning with a guided visit to the splendid historical centre of Padua, known as the “Saint’s City”. Follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims and visit the unique Basilica boosting impressive Romanesque-Gothic architecture and housing the remains of Saint Anthony. In the afternoon relax with a short stop in the mediaeval hamlet of Soave, well-known for its wine that you'll sample after a guided visit to the local wine cellar.