After being on my wish-list for the entirety of my travel career ( 38 years 😂) I have finally made it …

Three nights is rather a whistle stop tour … but completely do-able, and actually once here 2 full ‘non-travelling’ days was perfect.

Our 4* hotel was a short walk from the lakefront & a huge choice of restaurants, and bars… ( all of which were very high quality, generous portions, and excellent value for money.)

Day 1 was spent visiting the long awaited ( for me) small town of Limone … This town is located on the ‘other’ side of the lake - but easily reached by a 20 minute ferry journey across from Malcesine. My fascination with Limone sul Garda began about 10 years ago after reading a Sunday newspaper article about the longevity of the people who live there… I’ve had romantic notions that’s because of lemons, olive oil, seafood & sunshine … but actually there is some science hiding behind this - with a special gene being present - but i would still prefer to believe my former notions ! Limone anyway did not disappoint… although busy we enjoy lunch in the sunshine …. Amongst the lemon trees … there are lemons in abundance.. from lemon soap, and ceramics on sale … to lemon spritz & of course limoncello …

Day 2 was a much calmer affair .. initially we had decided to potter in our own town … but we soon talked ourselves into a gentle bicycle ride to Bardelino … There is a flat and easy cycle path that circles the majority of Lake Garda - the section we rode was about 4km & the route was shared with pedestrians… like many hotels ours had free bicycles to use - even with a lock included & basket too. Bardelino is a very polished lake side resort - with boutique shops & restaurants… a marina, miniature London eye type wheel. After a long lunch, it was time to return back on the path in the wonderful afternoon sunshine.

Boats operate on the lake like buses and work to a timetable taking passengers to the next town & beyond. There is also an extensive timetable for road buses so it’s extremely easy to explore, and you don’t need to hire a car. All in all I rate this short break as relaxing, and easy to reach from the U.K. We were extremely lucky with the weather thus making the lake and the views even more beautiful….. if you yearn for peace, tranquility, natural beauty & a good dose of fine food & great Italian wines ( & ice cream !) … then do definitely consider Lake Garda for your next long weekend away ☺️