Passionate Italian Journey (3) The Dazzling Pearl of Northern Italy - Lake Garda

Passionate Italian Journey (3) The Dazzling Pearl of Northern Italy - Lake Garda Lake Garda April 22, 2025 (Day 2 continued) Leaving Milan, we drove 130 kilometers to Lake Garda. Lake Garda (Image 1), located at the southern foothills of the Alps, halfway between Milan and Venice, is Italy's largest and cleanest lake. Lake Garda, with its mild climate and unique water temperature (suitable for swimming from May to September), sun-drenched beaches and well-equipped small ports, palm trees and oleanders, olive trees and grapevines, appears like a sea nestled between the Po Valley and the Alps (Image 2). Towns are scattered around the lake, and visitors can take boat trips to enjoy the lake views. In the harbor of Sirmione, many yachts are docked to serve tourists (Image 3). We took a small boat around Sirmione, circling the lake to admire the intoxicating scenery of this beautiful lakeside town from the water (Images 4-5). The town of Sirmione is situated on a very tiny, narrow peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda, extending about 4 kilometers into the lake. Its exceptional location makes Sirmione stand out among the towns around Lake Garda, becoming a leisure destination that still retains the traditional Italian cultural atmosphere (Images 6-7). The town's landmark, Scaliger Castle (Scaligerburg), built in the 13th century, is a must-visit attraction. Standing on the central tower of the ancient castle, you can feel the intertwining of historical richness and natural beauty (Images 8-9). Tonight we're staying in Verona, and tomorrow we'll head to the Dolomites.