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Malcesine Info pack
Malcesine
Info pack
Find out everything you might want to know about Malcesine. Your
info pack, written by your Holiday Advisor team includes:
Contact details for your Holiday Advisor - get some advice
on what to do in Malcesine 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 Malcesine 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.
Our team will tell you where to find your coach or taxi for your transfer to Malcesine. 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 Malcesine, 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 Malcesine takes around 1 hour and 45 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. For some hotels, the transfer coach is not able to access the narrower streets,
and so you will get off of the transfer coach at the Malcesine Bus Station where we will have
arranged for a taxi to take you to your hotel. Occasionally, there might be a short walk, possibly
carrying your luggage, to get to the entrance of your accommodation
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 or train, 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.
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.
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.
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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.
We'll give you details of exactly where and when this will be when you arrive on holiday.
Welcome walkabout
Your Holiday Advisor will meet you in a central point in Malcesine 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.
We'll give you details of exactly where and when this will be when you arrive on holiday.
The information on this page was last modified on 28 April 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 Malcesine, 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 Malcesine
Debbie - 0039 349 786 1939
Claire - 0039 342 578 1786 - Hotel Majestic Palace
Jackie - 0039 348 829 4297 - Hotel Du Lac, Hotel Excelsior Bay, Hotel Vega
Ashlea - 0039 349 786 2153 - Hotel Augusta, Hotel Lago di Garda, Hotel Sirena
Emma - 0039 340 730 7634 - Hotel Capri, Hotel Antonella, Hotel Casa Barca, Hotel Cristallo
Follow us on Twitter @malcesine_sun
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 Wednesday and
Saturday.
You can email us at [email protected].
We’re really looking forward to meeting you and sharing our local knowledge of Malcesine.
Your welcome to Malcesine
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.
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.
Of course we want you to have a great holiday, so we want to hear straight away if anything’s not
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right. We’ll get on with fixing it so you can get on with enjoying your time away.
We’re available throughout the week for you to stop by for a chat, or to ask any specific questions.
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 29 April 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 information 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
Banca Popalare di Verona is adjacent to the ferry terminal. As you’re looking out to the water, it’s
on your left hand side next to Cafe Andreis. There’s a cashpoint outside the building which is easy
to use; simply change the language to English. You’ll also be able to change money inside. The
staff only speak a little English but are very helpful.
Opening times: Monday-Friday 8.20am - 1.20pm and 2.35pm - 4.05pm.
You will also find a cash point on the wall of the yellow Post Office building, opposite the main
Bus Station.
Bus station
The main bus station is located on the main road into Malcesine called Via Gardesana. You can
purchase bus tickets from the bus station bar or from the self service ticket machine. If you want
to visit the resorts in the south you need to be on the opposite side of the road to the Bus station
and wait by the bus stop. If you want to visit the resorts in the North you can wait outside the
main bus station.
Church
The main church called Santa Stefano is located just south of the main bus terminal in town. It’s
above the town hall, which is called the ‘Municipal’. Because of it’s setting just above town, you can
get great views of the church from the lake. A religious building has stood in its position for many
centuries. The current baroque style dates from the 18th century and houses the remains of two
local saints, who were said to have lived in a cave at the bottom of the mountains in Malcesine.
The service is always held in Italian and please ensure that your knees and shoulders are covered
before entering the church. Mass is held on Saturday at 6.30pm, Sunday at 9am, 11am and 6pm,
Monday and Wednesday 6.30pm and Tuesday and Friday 9am.
Doctor
It is best to go to the hospital in Val di Sogno which is cheaper and more English is spoken. The
hospital is easily accessible by local bus or taxi.
If you are unwell, please let you Holiday Advisor know so they can offer local assistance.
Hairdressers
If you are looking to get you're hair done while your here in Malcesine we would recommend
heading to Via Casselunghe, just down from the Piazza Turazza as shown on your town maps.
Watch out for the word “Coiffeur” which is Italian for Hairdressers. It is open from 8.30am-12pm
and 2.30pm-6.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Internet
There is an internet cafe located in Piazza Turazza called Art Cafe open daily from 10am to
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midnight. This is famously the most painted square in Malcesine - hence the Art Cafe.
There is free wifi available at Oasi Bar along the lakefront, and also at the restaurant Alpino.
Newsagent
There is a newsagent which sells English newspapers in one of Malcesine's most happening
squares, ‘Piazza Cavour’. If you enter Malcesine's old town through the tunnelled Medieval
entrance it’s straight ahead of you. It is open daily from 6am - 9pm.
Pharmacy
The main pharmacy is located on the main road (Via Gardesana). It’s on the other side of the
underpass next to De Spar supermarket. You can hire wheelchairs from here at a cost of €3.00
per day, with a deposit of €100.
Opening times: 9am-12.30pm & 3.30pm-7.30pm. Closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
A smaller pharmacy is located next to the roundabout, by the bus station. Opening times:
9.30am-1.30pm 2pm-.5.30pm, Sunday 9.30pm-1.30pm.
Public Toilets
There are two public toilets in Malcesine.
One is located in the underpass by the Bus station and costs €0.50.
The other is located in the centre of town on Viale Roma, at the bottom of the church steps, and
also costs €0.50.
Post office
Located on Via Gardesana (Opposite the bus station)
Opening times are: Monday to Friday 8.20am to 1.55pm and Saturday 8.20am to 12.35pm.
Railway station
There are two train stations on the lake, one in Peschiera and one in Desenzano. They sit on the
east-west train line connecting Venice, Verona and Milan
See ‘Getting around’ for information on timetables.
Senior Citizens
It is advisable if you are over 65 to carry identification with you as you will find you get reductions
on the ferries and local attractions. A photocopy of either a passport or a driving licence would be
perfect
Supermarket
There are two main supermarkets in Malcesine:
Eurospar which is located next to the bus station. Open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 7.30pm
Sunday 8.30am-1pm
Despar which is located next to the pharmacy on the edge of the old town. Open Monday to
Saturday 7.30am-1pm and 3.30pm-7pm and Sunday 7.30am-1pm
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Tourist information
The main Tourist information office is located on Via Capitanata just along the street from the
main ferry port. It is open from 10am-1pm and 2.30pm - 5.30pm. It is closed on a Sunday
There is also a smaller Tourist information office by the main bus station which is open from
Monday 9am - 6pm every day except Tuesday 9am - 3pm and Wednesday 10.30am - 6pm. ,
Tourist card
There is a Tourist card called a ‘Welcome card’ which is available from some hotel receptions. This
entitles you to discounts around on various attractions around the lake, including theme parks and
the cable car. Please see your hotel reception for further information and to see if they offer this
card. They are given out free of charge.
Discount Card
Use your Thomson Lakes and Mountains Discount Card to get extra value for your money when
you eat and drink at some of our favourite bars and restaurants :
Activ Bar/Cafe, Via Gardesana 270, +39 347 340 9216
English breakfast, or ask them to make you a bacon roll on your way to or from the Monte
Baldo cable car
10% off total bill
Al Cervo, Via Navene Vecchia 66, +39 045 740 1222
Ideal meal out for those staying in Majestic Palace Hotel
10% off food
Alpino Pizzeria and Restaurant, Via Statuto 23, +39 045 740 0053
Delicious pizza, tasty grilled meat and traditional dishes
10% off food
La Pace Ristorante, Via Casella 1, +39 045 740 0057
Fresh pasta, grilled meat and fish, in a peaceful setting
10% off food
Oasi Bar, Via Lungolago 1, +39 348 7355453
Popular lake front cocktail bar with free WiFi, open late
Free coffee or ice cream after lunch
Pizzeria Capri, Via D. Turazza 9, +39 045 7401478
Homemade pasta, pizza and seafood a speciality
10% off food
Our personal recommendations
Debbie "Malcesine is full of things to try and I really like paddle boarding you can rent a paddle
board from the easy kite surf school near Oasi bar it gives you the chance to see the lake from a
different angle"
Emma "I really love to hop on the €9 return Amigos boat to Limone, head to the bay and take a
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paddle in the water. Limone has a 'shelf' in the water which, if you swim far enough, drops to a
depth if 300m! After a little swim I head to the burger van for my weekly burger-fix."
Jackie "My favourite thing to do is hop on the cable car, up monte baldo, with my mountain bike
and take the cycling routes down for a thrilling descent."
Ashlea "Highly recommend the lake tour as it gives you a great overview of Lake Garda. I really
enjoyed Salo on the western shore of the lake and particuarly enjoyed visiting the the 15th
century Gothic cathedral."
Claire "I like nothing more than to go around the local market looking for little gems; including
leather handbags and jewellery. When I'm feeling a bit more active I like to be in the water
swimming or trying my hand at something more adventurous- soon to be windsurfing!"
The information on this page was last modified on 12 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 Malcesine and the surrounding area.
We are lucky here in Malcesine, as visiting other resorts around the lake is very easy given the
accessible nature of the transport services detailed below.
Buses
From Malcesine you can take the public bus north towards Riva or South to the resorts of Garda,
Bardolino Lazise and Peschiera.
Tickets can be purchased either in advance or on board the bus, though it is slightly cheaper to
purchase the tickets beforehand. To buy tickets, these must be purchased from the tourist
information centre at the bus station. They can also be purchased from the machine outside the
bus station. You must validate your ticket as you board the bus- to do this simply enter the ticket
in the yellow box (located towards the drivers seat) which will stamp your ticket.
Bus tickets are all single tickets and so instead of buying a return tickets you would need to
purchase two single ones.
As the buses travel along the lakeside road it is not uncommon for them to get stuck in traffic. As
such, they do not always follow the printed timetable and it is not unusual for them to be late.
They can also get quite crowded, though they are a cost effective way to travel.
Tourist bus
A fantastic way to see all Malcesine has to offer is to hop on the Tourist bus travelling in a circuit
throughout the day between Malcesine, Cassone and Navene. It costs €1.20 each time you board
the bus and is free for children under 8. It operates from 8am - 3pm and 5pm -1am. The bus
runs hourly, so please see you Thomson Advisor in resort for a timetable. When catching the bus
heading south, it actually stops by the side of the roundabout next to the main bus stop. If you’re
catching it north it stops right at the bus station.
Ferries
You have two main options when using the ferry in Malcesine. For the main ferry services there
are two types of boats, regular (printed in black on the timetable) and fast service (printed in red).
Note that prices listed on the ferry timetable are for single fares, so if you are working out the
price of a return you simply double it.
There are different prices for adults/children and seniors, just speak to your Holiday Advisor for
more advice.
There is also a north lake ticket available that allows you to hop on and off the ferries as many
times as you like throughout the day.
Don't worry if the ferry timetable seems a little complicated- your Holiday Advisor will give you a
quick lesson on how to read one during your Welcome Walkabout or Welcome Meeting.
For more information on the ferries please visit www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/gar/nlg.html
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Taxis
Taxis can be expensive. If you require one, please ask at your reception or your Holiday Advisor
and they will book one for you.
Local taxi numbers in Malcesine are:
0039 335 6308703
0039 045 7400341
0039 333 7659726
0039 338 3877773
Trains
There are two train stations on the lake, one in Peschiera and one in Desenzano. They sit on the
east-west train line connecting Venice, Verona and Milan. Tickets should be purchased in advance
from kiosks or electronic vendors at the stations. Note that trains are not always air-conditioned
and can sometimes be very crowded in the height of summer
Don’t forget to validate your ticket at one of the small yellow machines located on the platform
before you get on the train. If your train ticket is not validated you may be fined on the spot by
inspectors on the trains.
The information on this page was last modified on 12 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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DAYS OUT
Here are suggestions of places to visit during your holiday. They’re excursions run with local
suppliers which you can book through your Holiday Advisor.
Venice
A melody of history and romance in the unique city of Venice.
Includes a private motor boat to St Marks Square.
Optional extras: Gondola ride (€21per person), lagoon mini-cruise (€14 per person).
To enter St Mark's Basilica shoulders and knees will have to be covered.
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.
Venice by night
Combine the best of both worlds by seeing Italy's most unique City by day and night.
Includes a private motor boat to St Marks Square.
Optional extras: Gondola ride (€21 per person), lagoon mini-cruise (€14 per person).
To enter St Mark's Basilica shoulders and knees will have to be covered.
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.
Venice, Murano & the lagoon
New for 2015, explore more of Venice with an additional visit to the famous Murano Glass
workshop
Optional extras: Gondola ride (€21per person), lagoon mini-cruise (€14 per person).
To enter St Mark's Basilica shoulders and knees will have to be covered.
Free time to do your own thing.
Florence
The jewel of Tuscany, the birth place of renaissance. Art Architecture and more a truly
spectacular City..
Milan
Spend a day in the City of history, music, fashion and shopping.
Visit the mighty Duomo and imposing Sforzesco castle.
Verona
Romantic ancient City which was the setting for Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Visit Juliet's balcony and the world renowned Roman amphitheatre.
Explore the historical network of streets and piazzas, an architctural melting pot
Lake Tour
Discover all the highlights Lake Garda has to offer in one day.
This excursion is mainly a guided coach tour with part of it done by boat.
Three stopping points with ample time to explore
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Local guide will ensure you understand the history of the lake.
Mantova and Sigurta
A cultural city and Italy’s secret garden.
A charming medieval town.
Visit Mantova Palace.
See the crypt of San Andrea.
Enjoy the most beautiful gardens in the world, 125 acres of bursting colour.
Passions from Emilia
Experience the finer things in life
Visit the famous Ferrari Performance Car Museum, with a guided tour by an official Ferrari
guide
Tease your taste buds with the best balsalmic vinegar of Modena, and learn a little of the well
kept secret recipe and production technique
Enjoy a farmhouse lunch at a country vineyard, and sample some local wine.
Wine Tour
Savour the finest local wines.
A walk through the family Grigoletti 'cantina' with the chance to lean how the wines are made.
A visit to the Ferrari Spumante Factory - Italy's answer to champagne
Sample some wines and learn about the different flavours in the tasting.
Dolomites
Europes most distinctive Mountains.
Enjoy panoramic views at 3000m.
The most breathtaking day out.
Optional extra to take the Pordoi Pass cablecar approxmiately €20.
Bolzano and Renon
Visit the South Tyrol's capital Bolzano and the stunning plateau of Renon.
Explore the town with its architecture of both medieval and Tyrolean styles.
Optional visit to the archaeological museum for a view of Ötzi the iceman (€7).
In the afternoon enjoy the splendid plateau of Renon, with dramatic views of the Dolomites.
Thursday Evening Concert
"Opera for Beginners"
Experience the Italian musical culture in the magnificent Scalegeri Castle of Malcesine
Light-hearted and entertaining
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.
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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 12 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
These are all within the town centre or are a short walk.
Monte Baldo – for the best views of the lake
Monte Baldo is our very own mountain, reaching a height of 1,950m. Get the rotating cable car up
to 1,800m (approx) and enjoy the spectacular views of the lake. There are plenty of walks to
complete, which vary in difficulty, however if you'd like a quick way down you can always
paraglide from the top!
Even in July and August, please take a jumper or light rain jacket, as it can be quite cold and the
weather changes quite quickly. Good walking shoes are recommended, either light weight walking
boots or trainers, depending on the walks you are planning. Sunscreen, hat and sun glasses are a
must. Get there early as the queues can be very long in the high season.
Prices:
Adult return: €20
Adult single: €15
Children under 18: €16
Senior citizens (over 65 yrs, proof of age required): €15.
Children under 1m : free
Malcesine Scaligieri Castle – history on your doorstep
This imposing Medieval Scaligieri Castle is the main feature you see on arriving in Malcesine; it
has given hospitality to many famous people including the poet Goethe and modernist writer
Kafka. Malcesine, after being under the rule of the bishop of Verona in 1154, became an
independent commune, with the right to use its own measures and coin its own money (examples
can be seen in the museum inside the castle).
Subsequently Malcesine passed under the Scaligieri rule. The Della Scalla family renovated and
rearranged the castle. During the 13th century they built the inner walls and the keep, these are
the ones with the swallow tail battlements.
The tower was built by the Venetians in 1500s, it is five sided and has no clock but does have an
Irish bell which chimes twice the hour.
Inside the castle there is a museum dedicated to the history of Lake Garda and Malcesine which
was renovated in 2012.
Prices:
Entry into the castle
Adult : €6
Children (6-13 yrs): €2
Children under 5yrs: free
Senior citizens (over 65 yrs, proof of age required): €5
You can purchase a combi ticket for the castle and the cable car from either place. This costs €22
for both and you can use on different days ( gives you a saving of €4). We recommend buying it at
the castle as then you will be able to jump the queues for the cable car!
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Local markets
Great for photos, taking in the atmosphere and finding some delicious local produce for picnics.
Monday
Peschiera del Garda from 8am-2pm
Torri del Benaco from 8am-1.30pm
Tuesday
Desenzano from 8am -12.30pm
Limone from 7am -1pm
Wednesday
Arco on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month 8am -2pm
Riva on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month 8am -2pm
Thursday
Bardolino from 8am -12.30pm
Maderno from 7am -1.30pm
Friday
Garda from 8am-1pm
Saturday
Malcesine from 8am-1pm
Events and concerts
Malcesine is a Mecca for those of you who love live music, with live concerts at Cafe Statuto,
Piazza Turazza and also at the ferry port.
For any night owls, head to the Rock Cafe with a bar, pool table and music. Open until 2am and
located just off Corso Garibaldi.
Enjoy the live concerts in the squares along the lake front and then take in the fantastic view as
you return home to Malcesine by night, this usually runs during high summer season.
Breathtaking concerts will be taking place at the castle and the beautiful Captain's Palace
throughout the season; with natural acoustics as the artists perform wonderful opera under the
night sky. Please see your Thomson Advisor for details of what concert is showing on a
Thursday. There are various concerts throughout the summer that range from piano recitals to
operas. Concerts start at 9pm.
Bar Oasi has a prime lakefront position and on Sunday night where they have a live DJ and a
buffet.
Walking/Cycling
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Malcesine is a great resort to get out and about, either taking in some of the great walks, or by
hiring a bike.
Good quality walking maps for the area can be purchased locally. In the main ferry port and also
in many other newsagents you can buy a Kompass map. It has a 1:25 000 scale and clearly marked
walking and cycling routes. Some editions also have suggested routes in the back.
Bikes can be hired from Bike Extreme (located just before the cable car station). Luciano is very
knowledgeable about cycling in the area and will be happy to advise you. They have a great variety
of bikes on offer, and prices vary depending on how long you are hiring for.
As with every holiday destination, we have our share of local midges etc and would suggest that
you cover your legs are when walking in woodland, or at least ensure you apply a strong insect
repellent to bare skin.
Activities
A fantastic way to see all Malcesine has to offer is to hop on the Tourist Bus travelling in a
circuit throughout the day between Malcesine, Cassone and Navene. It costs €1.20 each time
you board the bus and is free for children under 8. It operates from 8am-3pm and 5pm-1am.
The bus runs hourly, so please see your Holiday Advisor in resort for a timetable. When
catching the bus heading south, it actually stops by the side of the roundabout next to the main
bus stop. If you’re catching it north it stops right at the end of the bus stop, outside the tourist
information office.
Take advantage of the North Lake Ticket operated on local ferries. They allow you to hop on
and off the standard ferries throughout the day, as many times as you like, around the north of
the lake so taking in the resorts of Limone, Riva and Torbole. Use the great value hopper ticket
to get you from resort to resort, and do as much or as little as you like when you arrive. Why
not time it so you catch one of the local markets in Riva or Limone? Or take a pleasant half
hour walk from Torbole to Riva along the lakefront, before catching the ferry back to
Malcesine. We’ll be happy to talk you through the timetable in resort so you can plan when to
hop on and off.
Head up to the top of Monte Baldo on the innovative cable car we have here in Malcesine. The
route is taken on two different cable cars, the second of which gently rotates, offering
incredible panoramic views of the North of the lake.
Take the ferry across to Gardone and visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens or take a look at the
impressive Grand Hotel where Winston Churchill once stayed.
For those of an active persuasion, why not treat yourself to a tandem parapent from the top of
Monte Baldo? there is simply no better way to take in the lakes incredible landscape.
Our Guide to Eating Out
We've tried and tested many of the restaurants in Malcesine. Here are some of our favourites :
For quality dining on a budget:- head to Pedro's, Located in between the Captain's Palace and the
old ferry port, Pedro's has a variety of delicious italian dishes that are easy on the purse strings.
This lovely restaurant also caters for many dietary requirements e.g. Gluten free pizza.
For fine dining:- we would recommend Al Gondolieri. We think this restaurant is a cut above the
rest; with award-winning food including mouth watering home made pasta dishes as well as steak,
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fish dishes and some very tempting desserts.
For a special occasion:- La Pace is situated in the old ferry port. Mohammed and his team will
welcome you with a friendly service and delicious choices from their varied menu. A beautiful
location on the lake front for a wonderful lunch time meal or evening dinner.
For Michelin-Star:- Malcesine Vecchia is the only Michelin-Star restaurant in town. The elaborate
cuisine is highly recommended by visitors but needless to say... it won't come cheaply!
Away from the hustle and bustle:- Al Cervo is situated a little out if town, but it is on the Tourist
Bus route so easy to get to and from. It is also ideally located for those staying in the Majestic
Palace who fancy dinner or lunch out with the hotel. It has a nice, rustic garden setting and a
varied menu including steak, fish and pizza.
For something different:- Speck Stube is at the other end of the market, and for some more
rustic, German style eating, Speck Stube is good fun. It is located a few kilometres out if town, but
is on the Tourist Bus route (which runs till 1am). Sit outside at one of the big wooden benches and
tuck into roast chicken or spare ribs and chunky chips.
For a taste of home:- Bob and Jeannie's cafe on Via Capitano is ideal if you're fancying a piping hot
cottage pie with your pint of John Smiths. This is also where you can get a proper cuppa!
For a quick bite to eat:- If you just fancy a quick sandwich and a coffee, Café del Corso on Corso
Garibaldi has a great selection and a charming atmosphere.
Picnics, cocktails, coffees and ice creams...
Oasi Bar, on the lake front, is our favourite for cocktails! Many of the bars in Malcesine will also
treat you with free tapas when purchasing a cocktail, Oasi is no exception.
Sample some of the traditional homemade Italian ice-cream at La Dolce Vita on Corso
Garibaldi. A wide range of flavours including gorgonzola.
Head to Andrei's Cafe at the Ferry Port for a relaxing coffee with a view of the boats as they
come and go.
Why not pop into one of the local supermarkets and prepare yourselves a picnic and head up
Monte Baldo for breathtaking views of Lake Garda?
Weddings
Malcesine is a fantastic setting for a wedding with the beautiful castle and fantastic scenery. If you
are getting married or are here as part of a wedding group then let us help you make your
special holiday extra special.
Our top tips:
Footwear
Be aware that the streets surrounding the castle are cobbled and it is not possible to get a taxi
right up to the castle. So ladies, think twice about your footwear. Stiletto heels and cobbles are a
recipe for disaster. If you simply can't part with your heels, then consider wearing little flat shoes
to walk to the castle and change into your heels when you get there.
Outerwear
Although the climate around Lake Garda is quite Mediterranean-like, there can be intermittent
rain storms, even in the height of summer. So think about incorporating a light jacket into your
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outfit, or plan to buy an umbrella from one of the many shops who sell them here.
Hairdressers
There are several hairdressers in Malcesine. But in the height of summer they can get busy so it
might be an idea to book any appointments before you leave home. Contact your Holiday Advisor
for any help with this.
Group Activities
Try to get the wedding group together for some fun before the wedding day itself. The Sunday
Evening Cruise to Limone, with on-board Prosecco and live Sunday night-time entertainment in
Limone, is really popular with groups.
Go back to the Castle
The Castle is not just a beautiful wedding venue, but a really interesting town attraction. Make
time to go back and explore the castle properly, with it's two interactive museums, and stairs to
the top of the bell tower.
Make the Most of your visit to Lake Garda
Lake Garda is a spectacular destination with amazing scenery and on the doorstep of places like
Venice, Verona and the world heritage Dolomite Mountains. Don't miss out on this opportunity,
and plan some time in to go exploring.
We can also organise boat cruises or excursions for the wedding party trip to visit the romantic
cities of Venice or Verona which are on your doorstep when staying on the lake.
Another recommendation would be to join us on our Wine Tour. What better way to toast the
special day than with a trip to the world famous Ferrari sparkling wine cantina? A superb
afternoon discovering the history of local vineyards which now produce the drink of choice for
Italy’s rich and famous.
The information on this page was last modified on 12 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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