Cruisin' round Garda

Another beautiful day, so after a couple of hours at Grotte di Catullo, we took the opportunity to board one of Lago Garda's ferries, our goal was to disembark at Gardone Riviera for a roam around then lunch!.

Sirmione's main Piazza where the Ferry wharf is

Lovely olde hotels line the lakes edge

including our "pink" one below

By this time we have started chatting to an english couple and the 4 of us had climbed up to the ferry's top deck (it had four)

we start cruising north up Garda - she is Italy's largest, 51.9kms in length, and 16.7kms at its widest part.

We called into a couple of towns en route - delightful villas and hotels line this part of Garda

We then cruise past the Isola del Garda - one of the 5 Islands on Garda

In 1180 Francis of Assisi believed it to be an ideal place for his monks, so far from the world, Biemino of Manerba donated a part of the island to him.

Napolean played his part of course, but eventually in the late 1800's the new owners dedicated their time to the elaborate gardens and palace restorations, and it has since been passed down to the Cavazza family, whose 7 children continue to passionately look after the park and the palace they live in today.

We are approaching Gardone Riviera - but alas the four of us forgot we were on the top deck!!!

By the time we descended all those decks stairs, the ferry had already left the Gardone's wharf - heading north to Maderno

When the crew realised we had missed our stop - one just looked at us and said "are you English" we nodded, and he shook his head!!!

This time we stayed on the lowest deck till we reached the Maderno Wharf.

We purchased some more tickets, had a wander then waited for the return ferry to Gardone.

The views on the way back were stunning - gorgeous villas and churches high on the surrounding mountains

We are back at Gardone again

and it's Grande Hotel - a big favourite of Winston Churchill

such a pretty place with so many potted plants

The roses were in bloom

we wandered around the town and botanic gardens

then chose a cafe for a long and relaxing "special of the day" lunch on the waterfront

We then waddled back to Gardone's wharf

and fortunately no extra decks on this ferry back to Sirmione

Sirmione is so lovely to cruise into

passing our little Hotel Pace again

Hotel Sirmione - all in yellow below

Lois and Glenn - is this the Hotel you stayed in - looks nice!