Sirmione and Malcesine - two pearls of the Lower and Upper Garda

Sirmione and Malcesine - two pearls of the Lower and Upper Garda

sirmione

The picturesque island of Sirmione is located in the lowest part of Lake Garda and in shape it resembles a long horn.

This fabulous place has been known since ancient Roman times and it is here that rich Roman patricians will build their first luxury villas. At the very end of the island, there are giant ruins from one Roman villa, which is traditionally called the Grottoes of Catulla, in honor of the famous Latin poet Valery Catulla. The great poet sang Sirmione in his poetry as "the pearl of all islands and peninsulas, seas and lakes."

At the entrance to Sirmione, you will be amazed by the view of the majestic building, in the form of the medieval Scaliger castle, which will build other castles along the entire coast of Lake Garda.

Sirmione's underground hot springs were rightly recognized as Sirmione's blue gold and his true wealth. Following ancient Roman traditions, famous thermal resorts have opened here.

In Sirmione, the famous opera singer Maria Callas loved to spend her free time, who from the windows of her villa, built on the edge of the coast, met dawns and saw off sunsets. Maria Callas Park was named after her name and, walking along the gallery with fragrant lindens, you can still feel the presence of the “Divine”.

Sirmione is rich in different types of southern plants and shrubs, including plane trees, century-old cypresses, olive plantations, magnolias and fragrant rosemary.

In the ancient churches of Sirmione reigns a deep atmosphere of antiquity and an inexhaustible spirit of holiness. On their fresco-painted walls, ancient iconographic images will amaze your imagination.

After visiting Sirmione, the bottomless blue of Lake Garda, the captivating aroma of herbs and the wonderful views down on the blue surface will remain in your memory.

Malchesin

On the shores of Lake Garda, at the foot of the mountain peaks of Monte Baldo is this magical medieval Borgo Malcesine, where you will not leave the feeling that time in this place has stopped forever. Malchesine is the undeniable pearl of the Upper Garda, where the fabulous natural landscape blends harmoniously with history, giving rise to the mysterious atmosphere that surrounds every square meter of this Borg.

Malchesine is rich in various characteristic elements, among which is striking, a labyrinth of numerous curved narrow streets paved with a round cobblestone. These colorful streets are a real emblem of Malcesine.

The Scaliger Castle is considered the undeniable symbol of Malcesine and his throbbing heart. The castle was built on a sharp ledge of rock and when you visit it, you will be carried back in time.

The famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, captivated by the picturesque view, painted this castle on a cardboard sheet and immortalized Malcesine forever in the pages of his diaries.

At the moment, in honor of the poet inside the castle, the Goethe Hall was equipped.

Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, fascinated by the timeless beauty of Malcesine, captured it on his canvas.

Malcesin is also famous for the Palazzo Captains with a garden that overlooks the lake; the Church of Discipline dedicated to Saints Benigno and Caro and the ancient Church of St. Stefano.

For those who love Lake Garda, I advise you to visit the Borgo Malcesine at least once in your life and plunge into its magical atmosphere.

Your guide Christina.

The tour program:

1) Sirmione tour with a visit to Catulla Grottoes (3 hours)

(2) Lunch break in Sirmione (maximum 1.30 hours)

(3) Transfer from Sirmione to Malcesin by car 1 hour

(4) Malcesine tour with a visit to Scaliger Castle (2.5 hours)

(5) Return from Malcesina to Verona by car 1 hour