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Garda Info pack
Garda
Info pack
Find out everything you might want to know about Garda. Your info
pack, written by your Holiday Advisor team includes:
Contact details for your Holiday Advisor - get some advice
on what to do in Garda or let them know if you have any
problems. They're here to help.
Loads of recommendations for days out and things to do.
Details of all the shops and facilities you might need while
you're away.
Top tips for your journey to Garda and getting settled in to
your accommodation.
View your full info pack online, on tablet and on mobile. Available
now at www.thomsonlakes.co.uk/your-account
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YOUR ARRIVAL
Your arrival at Verona Airport
Once you've collected your luggage you’ll find your Thomson team waiting for you. Please let us
know if you’re having any baggage problems, or if you need any special assistance so we can help.
There are luggage trolleys available in the baggage hall, they are £1 or €1 which is refundable.
Our team will tell you where to find your coach or taxi for your transfer to Garda. There may be
customers arriving from other flights on your transfer, so we'll do our best to keep you informed
of any waiting time before your vehicle leaves for the resort.
Transfer to your resort
When your transfer is ready to leave for Garda, we'll let you know an estimated journey time and
explain the route, including any stops or drop-offs along the way.
Generally, the transfer from Verona airport to Garda takes around 60 minutes. To reduce transfer
times, sometimes you may wait for a short while at the airport for additional flights to land. In
these circumstances, your travelling time to your resort will usually be less, as the coach will stop
at fewer resorts along the way.
Just so you know, sometimes our transfer vehicles can’t make it right to the door of your
accommodation, so there might be a short walk, possibly carrying your luggage, to get to the
entrance of your accommodation. For some hotels we will load your luggage into a minibus that is
able to access the front of the hotel, and either transport you in the minibus or walk you over to
the hotel.
If you've booked car hire prior to your departure, please contact a Thomson Holiday Advisor at
the airport - they'll be able to direct you to the car hire office.
If you’re travelling to your resort by car, you’ll find some information waiting for you at your
accommodation reception, so you can arrange to meet your Holiday Advisor.
Check in and settle in
When you arrive at your accommodation, it’s usual for reception to request your passport. This is
to register you with the local authorities, and some hotels will keep it over night, but you will be
able to get it back the following morning at the latest.
At check-in, you will also be required to pay a small tourist tax to your hotel reception, which
must be paid in cash. This can be between €0.50 and €1.50 per person per night, depending on
the star rating of your accommodation.
If you have any dietary requirements this is an ideal time to inform reception. Alternatively, you
can contact us on [email protected] and we’ll let your accommodation know before you
arrive on holiday.
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Please report any issues or requests you have to your accommodation reception. If anything
remains unresolved, please contact your Thomson Holiday Advisor, who will be happy to help.
Safety standards with regards to balconies differ in Italy. You may be staying in a room with a
balcony that is lower than we would expect in the UK. Please take care when on the balcony and
do not lean on or over the railings. Children aged 12 and under must be supervised and not left
unattended on the balcony at any time.
Welcome meeting
Your Holiday Advisor will hold a short welcome meeting at the beginning of your holiday to tell
you about what there is to see and do during your stay. This is the best way to get resort specific
information to ensure you make the most of your time on Lake Garda and don't miss anything.
The Thomson Lakes team all live and work in resort, and are very passionate about the area, so
we will share our local knowledge and personal recommendations with you so that you can have
the best possible holiday.
We'll give you details of exactly where and when this will be when you arrive on holiday.
'Discover Garda' Welcome Walkabout
For most of our accommodations in Garda you will be offered a Welcome Walkabout, where your
Holiday Advisor will meet you in a central point in Garda for a short walking tour around the
town. We'll show you how to get out and about, where the best spots for coffee and ice creams
are, and explain more about some of the fantastic places to explore while you're here. All along
the way we'll give you info and history on the resort, details of days out, our personal
recommendations, and we'll also pop in to meet some locals and sample some of the local
produce.
We'll give you details of exactly where and when this will be when you arrive on holiday.
Info point
Drop in to our info point to meet our Holiday Advisor team in Italy. We'll be on hand to answer
your questions on a one-to-one basis and help you plan your holiday itinerary, so you’re all set to
get exploring on your own terms.
We'll give you details of where and when to find our info point when you arrive on holiday.
The information on this page was last modified on 19 May 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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YOUR HOLIDAY ADVISOR
Join us for the welcome to Garda, to find out more about what there is to do in resort.
Of course you want to have a great trip, so we want to hear about your holiday while you’re there.
If anything’s not right, tell us there and then and we’ll get on with fixing it so you can get on with
enjoying your time away.
24/7 availability
Here are the 24/7 contact details for your Thomson Lakes & Mountains team in Garda, with the
hotels and accommodations that they look after.
Nik - Hotel La Perla - 00393407307267
Simona - Hotel Conca D'Oro, Hotel Terminus, Hotel Astoria and Hotel Roma - 00393497861818
Lauren - Hotel Continental, Hotel Excelsior le Terrazze, Hotel Miralago and Hotel Piccolo
- 00393407306375
Clare - Hotel Sole, Hotel Miravalli, Villa Anthea, Hotel Virginia and Residence Doria
- 00393497861578
Tom - Hotel Imperial, Hotel Eden - 00393497861023
Sophie - Hotel Bisesti, Villa Al Mulino, Hotel Regina Adelaide and Hotel Palme - 00393497861623
Jacob - Poiano Hotel and Apartments - 00393497861711
or follow us on Twitter @garda_sun.You can email us on [email protected]
We’ve gone digital - with our new iPads we can provide an even better service to you. We’ve got
loads of info at our fingertips and we’ll be answering your emails and tweets on the move.
Just so you know, our response times may be slower when we’re at the airport on Saturday and
Wednesday.
We’re really looking forward to meeting you and sharing our local knowledge of Garda.
Your welcome to Garda
You’ll find all the details of your welcome in the envelope handed to you on arrival. Make sure
you come along to get some useful info on the resort and the local area.
Our in-resort service
Being in the right place for you is what our holiday service is all about. Give us a call, send a text
or email, or come to see us wherever is handiest for you - whether you’ve got specific questions
or just want to say hi.
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And you’ll get a speedier response too – we’ve gone digital with our new iPads so we’ve got loads
of useful info at our fingertips and can email or tweet you on the move.
Not only do we visit accommodations around the resort, you can also come and see us at the
Thomson info point. We’re available throughout the week for you to stop by for a chat, or to ask
any specific questions. A schedule of our visit times and info points will be provided when you
arrive on holiday.
And if these times don't fit with your plans, let us know and we can arrange to come to your
accommodation.
Visits to your accommodation
We'll be visiting your accommodations - come and see us throughout the week, we'll be happy to
help. You will receive information on our visit times in your Welcome Pack when you arrive.
If you would prefer to see us at a different time then please do let us know and we can arrange a
time more suitable to you.
Emergency numbers
To call the emergency services dial 112. Ask to be connected to an English-speaking operator.
For our out of hours UK team in the customer operations centre, dial +44 (0)1582 640 045.
Homeward bound
Your departure details will normally be delivered to you two days before you head home. If you
miss our visit, the details will be left at reception.
The information on this page was last modified on 19 June 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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YOUR RESORT
This info is to help you get your bearings. You’ll also find many of these places along with your
accommodation marked on the resort map.
Banks and cash points
Unicredit Banco is located on Corso Italia.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 8.20am to 1.20pm and 2.30pm to 4.00pm.
Benaco Banca is located on Corso Italia.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 8.20am to 1.20pm and 2.45pm to 3.45pm.
Popolare di Verona located on Corso Italia.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 8.20am to 1.20pm and 2.35pm to 4.00pm.
There are also several cash points available in Garda. The easiest ones to find are behind the post
office, at the bus station, or half way along the lake front, all marked on your resort map.
Bus station
The bus station is situated on the main road in Garda (Corso Italia), and is marked on your resort
map with a bus symbol. There is a small office for you to buy your tickets before you get on the
bus.
At the bus station you will also find a pharmacy, a newsagents, a cash point, and a bike hire shop.
Church
The main Catholic parish church in Garda is located opposite the Terminus Hotel near the centre
of Garda, and in marked on your resort map with a cross. All services are held in Italian.
Mass is held weekdays at 7.30am and 6.00pm and on Sundays at 8.00am, 10.00am, 11.15am and
6.00pm.
Doctor
There is a medical centre in Garda, located next to the tourist information on Via Don C. Gnocchi.
There is a €75 fee to see the doctor, and as it is a private medical centre you cannot use your
EHIC card here. English is spoken by most of the doctors. Opening times: 9.00am to 5.30pm every
day except Sunday.
There is also a tourist doctor located next to the bus station, which is marked on your resort map.
English is spoken by all staff, and the EHIC card is accepted. You will however have to pay a
standard fee to see the doctor, which is €23 here.
If you are unwell, please let your Holiday Advisor know so we can offer local assistance.
Internet
One of the best internet connections in town can be found in the Alla Torre Bar, located in the old
town. You will need your own device (laptop, ipad or mobile phone). You will just need to buy a
drink, and ask a member of staff for the password. Opening times: 8.30am to 11.00pm.
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There is also free internet available in the La Meta Cafe in the town centre, just buy a drink or
snack and ask a member of staff for the password. Opening times: 8.00am to 4.00am.
The majority of our hotels also offer WiFi - a code may be needed, just check with reception.
Newsagent
There is a newsagent that sells English newspapers and magazines next to the bus station. There is
a limited selection of English newspapers, so we would recommend getting there early on before
they sell out. Opening times: every day from 8.00am to 7.30pm.
Pharmacy
The main pharmacy is located next to the bus station. You can hire wheelchairs from this
pharmacy, and for repeat medication you won't need a prescription from the doctor, you can just
pay a €5 fee in the pharmacy. Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 12.00pm and 3.30pm
to 7.20pm. Saturday 9.00am to 12.30pm.
There is a smaller pharmacy on Via XX Settembre, near Hotel Bisesti.
There is a rotation system for Sunday opening or for out of hours contact; this is displayed in the
pharmacy windows, or just ask your Thomson Lakes Holiday Advisor for info and assistance.
Post office
The post office is located on Via Michele Abrile, just around the corner from the bus station.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm, then 3.30pm to 7.30pm
Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm.
It's usually closed on Sundays but during high season it will open from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Supermarket
The largest local supermarket in the centre is called Fresco Mio and is opposite the Esso garage on
the main road (Corso Italia). Open every day 8.00am to 8.00pm, it has has a great deli counter for
picnics as they will freshly make sandwiches with your choice of fillings.
There's a small supermarket opposite the Hotel Miravalli, open from 8.00am to 1.00pm and
3.30pm to 6.30pm.
There are many smaller convenience shops throughout the town centre, all selling a variety of
goods.
There's also a large supermarket called D'Piu further out of town located on Via San Bernardo
(facing the bus station, it's the road to the right heading upwards). Open every day from 8.30am
to 8.00pm every day. t's around a 5 minute walk out of town, so we recommend just using the
more convenient supermarkets in town to grab some bits and pieces to keep you going during
your holiday.
Tourist information
The tourist information office is located next to the Hotel Imperial on Via Don C. Gnocchi.
Opening times:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 6.00pm.
Wednesday, Friday and Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm.
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Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 6.00pm.
Discounts in Garda
Your Thomson Lakes Holiday Advisors have worked hard negotiating with some of Garda's best
bars, restaurants and shops to offer you some amazing discounts and special offers. Simply show
your Thomson Lakes discount card or this page of your info pack when you arrive at the
restaurant or shop to receive the discount (if a restaurant has already provided your bill then they
will be unable to adjust this, so please make sure you show your card at the start of your meal).
Many of our favourite restaurants are very popular, so we recommend booking a table if you
have your heart set on a particular place or time. Pop in to do this, or just let your Thomson Lakes
Holiday Advisor know and we'll be happy to arrange this for you.
Restaurants
La Bussola, Via Spagna
With a hidden garden out back or street-side tables in the old town, you're guaranteed a great
atmosphere. We highly recommend the steak, or tagliata.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off at lunch time, or 5% off at dinner time (this includes a free
aperitivo, pizza bread starter, and digestivo).
Miralago, Lungolago
Right on the new harbour, with stunning views across the lake, this is a great place at any time of
day to soak up the atmosphere and fill up your tummy. Our favourite is the seafood risotto.
Thomson Lakes offer: free drinks with your meal if you eat between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, and
10% off any other time.
Bella Venezia, Vicolo Del Pio 12
For a unique dining experience check out this little backstreet restaurant. Whether it’s fresh fish
or carbonara, Gabi's restaurant is sure to impress. No menu is offered as the restaurant serves
different dishes each night depending on which fresh meat or fish they have in that day.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off.
Il Giardino delle Rane, Lungolago
A very popular and renowned restaurant right on the lakefront, with a huge menu. Our favourite
dish is the beef carpaccio. Inside house an unusual frog museum.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off.
Conca D'Oro, Lungolago
Lovely lakeside cafe at the far end of the promenade towards Bardolino. Great for lunchtime
snacks or a rewarding Spritz after a walk to Bardolino and back.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off.
Piccolo Restaurant, Piazza Catullo 11/12
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Enjoy typically homemade Italian food, including delicious regional pasta dishes, with all pasta
made in-house. Indulge in the atmosphere and fantastic food at this family-run restaurant.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off.
Bars
Papillon, Via Antiche Mura 25
A great bar just off the lakeside promenade, where they make fantastic cocktails. There's live
music on selected nights, and Ivano the owner is a great character.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off.
Alle Torre, Piazetta Calderini
A cool and funky bar for any time of day or night, with great snacks and free WiFi. A firm
favourite for a good coffee, too.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off.
Lido Café, Lungolago
Lido is the Italian word for beach. How about an Aperol Spritz, looking over the boats and dipping
your toes in the lake? Sounds perfect to us.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off lunchtime menu.
Tre Corone, Lungalago
This lovely lake view bar and café offers delicious coffee, Aperol and Hugo spritz and lunch time
snacks.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off.
Shops
Piccolo Wine & Oil Store, Lungolago
Head to the Piccolo shop on the lakefront for the best local wines and extra virgin olive oil
like you’ve never tasted before. The shop has been in the family for generations, and Stefano's
expertise will really help you choose the best of the best.
Thomson Lakes offer: Various discounts available, just have a chat with Stefano about your
requirements.
Breaks Candy, Via Vittorio Emanuele 11
Original homemade ice cream and the best prices in Garda. With around 40 different flavours to
choose from, which one will you try next?
Thomson Lakes offer: 1 scoop for €1.30, 2 scoops for €2.00.
Marco's Minimarket, Via Antiche Mura
To continue our support for local businesses, we’ve teamed up with the best place for all your
holiday essentials. Somewhere to head for freshly made sandwiches, too.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off.
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Mon Fresor Bijoux, Via S. Stefano, 12
A huge choice of gifts and jewellery at this beautiful little trinket shop. We’re certain you’ll find a
perfect item to take home with you.
Thomson Lakes offer: 10% off.
The information on this page was last modified on 5 June 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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GETTING AROUND
Here are some basics to help you get around Garda and the surrounding
area.
Just speak to your Holiday Advisor who will be happy to give you advice on getting around the
lake and the surrounding area. We can also provide you with timetables for buses, ferries and
trains.
Buses
When using the local buses it's best to buy your ticket before you get on the bus. They are valid
until you use them, as they are not dated.
The main bus station in Garda is situated next to the pharmacy (please see your resort map).
Tickets can be bought in the ticket office or at the machine (available 24 hours).
When you board the bus validate the ticket by inserting it in the box next to the driver.
There is also a free local bus service that operates around Garda, operating from 9am to 12pm
and 4pm to 7.30pm. Its route starts on the lakefront opposite the Hotel Terminus and it makes
its way around Garda up to the Hotel Poiano. There are several stops around Garda. Look out for
the stops saying Navette and the bus itself is small and burgundy colour with a sign saying
Comune di Garda on the side.
Ferries
To take a local ferry is a relaxing way to experience the lake and enjoy its beauty. Depending on
the route, it might be a steamer or a hydrofoil.
The main ferry port is along the promenade. The ticket office is located here too.
There are reductions available for over 65s and children, which need passports for proof of
identification. Make sure you're at the ferry port around 15 minutes before the ferry departs to
buy your ticket, as the tickets are cheaper if purchased beforehand.
Getting around by ferry is fun but can be quite expensive, and can also take a long time - for
example, a standard ferry to Limone is around 3 and a half hours each way. We would
recommend just using the ferries to travel around the Southern half of the lake, and to really get
value for money you can pick a day to use the ferries, and purchase a hopper ticket. This costs
€23.40 per person and is valid for all resorts South of Gargnano. We appreciate that there's so
much to see here, so we've put together some ideas of how to make the best out of the ticket this means that all the planning is already done for you:
Plan 1 - Sirmione & Salo
Depart Garda 9:10am - Arrive Sirmione 9:55am
Depart Sirmione 1:55pm - Arrive Salo 3:46pm
Depart Salo 4:43pm / 5:56pm - Arrive Garda 5:35pm / 6:50pm
Plan 2 - Peschiera & Sirmione
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Depart Garda 10:20am - Arrive Peschiera 11.20am
Depart Peschiera 1:40pm - Arrive Sirmione 2:21pm
Depart Sirmione 5:15pm - Arrive Garda 6:30pm
Plan 3 - Sirmione & Lazise
Depart Garda 9:10am - Arrive Sirmione 9:55am
Depart Sirmione 2:21pm - Arrive Lazise 3:01pm
Depart Lazise 4:28pm - Arrive Garda 5:00pm
Plan 4 - Descenzano & Sirmione (with an option of including Peschiera too)
We particularly recommend this plan for Tuesday, as Descenzano has its market then, which is the
largest market on the lake.
Depart Garda 9:10am - Arrive Descenzano 10:15am
Depart Descenzano 1:00pm - Arrive Sirmione 1:15pm
Depart Sirmione 5:15pm - Arrive Garda 6:30pm
Or you can add Peschiera in too for extra value for money:
Depart Sirmione 3:07pm - Arrive Peschiera 3:50pm
Depart Peschiera 5:45pm - Arrive Garda 6:45pm
For more information on ferries, timetables and routes, please click here or speak to your
Holiday Advisor.
Trains
The nearest station is in Peschiera del Garda, on the south on the lake. It’s a 30-minute bus ride
or taxi journey away. The train line runs to Verona, Venice and Milan from here.
Train tickets can be bought in some travel agents or at the railway station where there are ticket
offices and machines.
You’ll need to validate your ticket when you travel, so don’t forget to put it in one of the small
yellow machines you see on the platform before you get on the train. If you haven’t done this,
you may be fined on the spot by the inspector on the train.
The information on this page was last modified on 19 May 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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DAYS OUT
Here are suggestions of places to visit during your holiday. All of our excursions run with local
suppliers which you can book through your Holiday Advisor.
Venice - Monday & Friday
Experience this captivating city and its lagoons
Includes a private motorboat trip to St Mark's Square
A city tour taking in all the major sites with our guided tour in English
See three major sights in one square: St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and Torre
dell'Orologio (a historical clock tower)
Optional extras - gondola ride (€20), lagoon mini-cruise (€16)
Full day - €71 adult, €43 child
Venice by night - Tuesday & Thursday
Combine the best of both worlds by seeing Italy's most famous city by day and night
Get on the water and explore the canals, with a private boat ride on the Grand Canal included
Optional extras - gondola ride (€20), lagoon mini-cruise (€16)
Free time to do your own thing: Bellinis in Harry's Bar, or climb St Mark's Campanile for
amazing views across St Mark's Square
Head over to the most famous bridge on the Grand Canal, Ponte di Rialto, and check out the
arcade full of market stalls
Full day - €75 adult, €45 child
Florence - Tuesday
The jewel of Tuscany, packed with culture
Visit Piazzale Michelangelo, the famous square with a magnificent panoramic view of Florence
Your guide will help you beat the crowds and visit the best spots, and will also take you off the
beaten track to show you some of the lesser-known corners of this magnificent city
Full day - €78 adult, €45 child
Milan - Wednesday
Spend a day in the city of history, fashion and shopping
Visit the Duomo Cathedral, the third largest in Europe, and the Sforzesco Castle
Full day - €54 adult, €29.50 child
Verona - Thursday & Saturday
The romantic city of Verona was the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Visit Juliet's famous balcony and the third largest Roman amphitheatre in the world
A guided walking tour taking in the famous piazzas around the city
Full day - €38 adult, €23 child
The Great War - Friday
New for this year, visit famous places of remembrance in Italy
Guided tours of the Asiago War Memorial and the cemeteries of the high plateau
Full day - €53 adult, €28 child
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Lake Tour - Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
There's no better way to discover Lake Garda's highlights all in one day
A guided coach tour of the famous Gardesana road around the lake, plus a boat between
Limone and Riva
Spend time wandering around the charming towns of Sirmione, Limone, Riva and Malcesine
Full day - €49 adult, €28.50 child
Mantova and Sigurta Park - Tuesday
Mantova is rich in art, history and medieval architecture and is known as the 'Sleeping Beauty
City'
Stroll around the city centre with your informative guide
Sigurta Park, in Valeggio, is an ecological area spanning 123 acres
These award-winning gardens house 18 ornamental ponds and lakes, a herb garden, nature
trails and an array of flowers and trees
Full day - €54 adult, €32 child
Wine and Oil Tour - Monday
Sample some of the best wines from the world-famous Bardolino area
Visit a local vineyard with a guided tour of the wine cellar
Tour an olive oil factory, sampling the produce along the way
Half day - €45 adult
Taste of Veneto - Thursday
New for this year, get a true taste of the local produce from the surrounding region of Veneto
Sample local cheeses, wine and cuisine
Have a tour of a traditional cheese dairy
Full day - €47 adult
Dolomites - Monday
The world's most distinctive mountain range with photo opportunities around every corner
Amazing views through charming Tirolean villages to the heights of the Dolomites
Optional extra to take the Pordoi Pass cable car - weather dependent and approx €20
Full day - €55 adult, €27.50 child
Bolzano and Renon - Friday
Visit South Tyrol's capital and the stunning plateau of Renon
Bolzano is famous for its Nordic architecture and Austrian influences
Optional visit (€7) to see the Ötzi – the iceman a well preserved mummy, on display in the
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
Enjoy the splendid plateau of Renon, with dramatic views of the Dolomites
Renon Cable Car journey and a romantic tram ride high in the mountains all included in the
price
Full day - €57 adult, €32 child
Passions from Emilia - Thursday
Discover the tastes and traditions of the Emilia region
A strange but perfect combination - a guided tour of the Ferrari museum, a visit to a balsamic
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vinegar house with a demonstration and taste session, and lunch in a traditional farmhouse
Adult €76 adult €48 child
To find out more, or to book, please come along to the welcome meeting / info point / welcome
walkabout or contact us at any time.
Just so you know, some entrance fees, road tolls, boat crossings and optional extras are not
included in the excursion prices.
Places are limited, so we’d recommend you book early to guarantee you get your spot.
Remember that you can also pre-book excursions by giving us a call on 02089390740. Pre-book
two or three excursions and this qualifies you for discounts on other excursions in resort.
If you have pre-booked excursions then please contact your Holiday Advisor once in resort, or
head to your welcome meeting or walkabout to let us know which days you'd like to go on your
trips so we can get your seats reserved.
Alternatively you can use our excursions as ideas for away days to do under your own steam, with
a bit of planning and some careful organisation.
The information on this page was last modified on 5 June 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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THINGS TO DO
Sightseeing, museums and culture
Garda Museum
Located in the main lakefront piazza next to the Municipio building is the Museum of Garda - a
fascinating insight into the history of Garda, and particularly the fishing traditions. It's all free so
take a look.
Olive Oil Museum
Take a walk or local bus to Cisano, situated between Bardolino and Lazise, and visit the olive oil
museum. From rural handicraft to industrial technology, ancient tools and a reconstruction of a
19th century watermill, the museum offers a celebration of olive trees and the oil they produce.
There's also a shop so you can pick up a bottle to take home with you. Entrance is free and the
museum is open Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 7pm and on Sundays and
public holidays it's open 9am to 12.30pm.
Cisano can be reached by walking along the lakeside promenade, it's around 4km from
Garda. There are plenty of pit stops en route for refreshments or a spot of lunch.
Scaglieri Castles
Sitting guard over Lake Garda are four of the world famous Scaglieri castles, in Sirmione,
Malcesine, Lazise and Torri del Benaco. This creates a medieval atmosphere in these town,
particularly in Lazise where the old castle walls still surround the town, and in Sirmione where
you have to enter the town over the castle's original drawbridge.
You can enter all of the castles apart from Lazise's, as it's still privately occupied, at a fee of €6. If
you're just going to venture inside one of the castles then we'd recommend Malcesine, as there is
an interesting museum about the history of the lake, and the walk to the top of the bell tower
provides unforgettable views.
Local markets
Great for photos, taking in the atmosphere and finding some delicious local produce for picnics.
Monday
Peschiera del Garda and Torri del Benaco
8pm to 2pm
Tuesday
Desenzano
8am to 12pm
Wednesday
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Lazise
8am to 2pm
Thursday
Bardolino
8am to 12.30pm
Friday
Garda
8am to 1pm
Saturday
Malcesine
8am to 2pm
The markets are the same all around the lake as it travels around each day, and sells more tourist
items and souvenirs, rather than a traditional locals market. For a feel of a true Italian market
then ask us about the one in Bolzano.
Events and concerts
There are various open-air concerts and events in Garda centre throughout the summer. There is
often live music on the lakefront on a Sunday evening, so just ask us for the itinerary for your
time in Garda.
Numerous bars around Garda also hold live music a couple of nights a week, such as Alla Torre,
Catullo, Papillon, and Cane e Gatto.
Once you've arrived in resort, your Holiday Advisor can recommend some other events that will
be happening during your holiday.
Walking
A leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade to the neighbouring resort of Bardolino is around
3km; it's a little larger than Garda with lots of shops and cafes, and is home to the famous
Cristallo's gelateria. Why not pop down and sample some of the varieties of ice cream?
You could then extend your walk to Lazise, which is around 8km in total,and is the only town
around the lake that still sits inside its 13th century Scaglieri castle city walls. Take the bus or
ferry back into Garda after you've walked around the town centre.
You can take shade on a bench or under a tree along the lake, but a stroll is perfect early morning
or after dinner when the sun isn't quite as fierce.
If it's a proper hike you are after then head up La Rocca. Enjoy great views from the top of our
local 'Rock', stroll down the other side and reward yourself with an ice cream in Bardolino before
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a leisurely lakefront walk back to Garda.
Take a look at the 'Our recommendations' page for ideas of gentle walks and more strenuous
hikes. Or ask for further details and ideas from your Holiday Advisor.
Cycling
Bikes can be hired from the shop next to the Esso Garage on Corso Italia and there are lots of
local cycle routes to explore.
Head up to Monte Baldo in Malcesine on two wheels and then hop on the cable car to the summit
for some of the most breathtaking views you will ever see. Cycle back down or catch the cable car
- or if you're feeling brave, you can even parapent off the top. Selected buses will take bikes.
We'd recommend you hire a helmet too, whether you're on the road, cycle paths or mountain
trails.
Take a look at 'Our recommendations' for some ideas about exploring by bike. If you want more
ideas of trails contact your Holiday Advisor.
Activities
Gardaland, Movieland, Canevaworld Water Park and Sealife Aquariam are all on your doorstep.
Take the local bus from Garda bus station. See the Families page for more information.
Hire a speedboat, jetski, wakeboard or even a banana boat at the watersports centre along the
promenade to Bardolino.
Take a trip to Malcesine and visit the castle museum. It has some great interactive displays
on lake formation, wildlife and the history of the area - then enjoy an interactive quiz at the end
of the tour.
Eating out
Most of the lakeside bars offer nibbles with an aperitivo to get your tastebuds tingling. Try out
some of our favourite places for some local specialities...
La Meta Cafe: at the edge of the old town, it's a great spot for a reasonably priced pizza or piadina
and has big screens, for watching any important sporting events.
Pegaso: opposite the Hotel Miravalli, Pegaso serves a great variety of pizzas and is also a good
place to come to watch sporting events.
Stafolet: a little way further out of town, but don't worry you can always be picked up in a horse
and cart and be taken up to this fantastic steakhouse and pizzeria.
Bella Venezia: in the very heart of Garda's old town, this is the best place to taste food adored by
the locals and made with local lake fish. The owner Gabi will talk you through all of his dishes,
which change daily depending on what's been caught.
Terre e Mare: situated on the main road opposite the bus station, this is a lively place to come for
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fantastic dishes, and to listen to some live jazz.
Hotel Miralago: an extensive seafood menu with all the atmosphere of the lake front.
Hotel Astoria: a huge menu with a variety of dishes, as well as some weird and wonderful
presentation.
The information on this page was last modified on 19 May 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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