Once again, we picked a destination from our list that was just a short drive away.
Today we returned to the old town of Sirmione for a motorboat tour we had spotted two days earlier. After a leisurely breakfast, we packed up and set off.

This time we arrived by car and parked in the large lot near the castle. We chose to drive because after the boat trip, we planned to visit Peschiera del Garda.

Tip: Keep in mind that the town center is closed to traffic, so if you’re arriving by car, you’ll need to park outside the city walls. During peak season, traffic jams are common on the road leading to the historic center, so it might be wise to consider one of the more distant parking areas. From there, it’s just a short and pleasant walk to the old town entrance. We managed to find a spot quite close to the gate without any trouble. Parking fees are paid at a machine, and when we visited, it was €2 per hour.
If you’re staying further away, like we were, or park in an outer lot, you can also use the shuttle bus that runs to the old town. Shuttle schedule: https://brescia.arriva.it/en/shuttlebus-sirmione/

We bought our boat tour tickets at the dock right in front of the old town gate. You can also find plenty of great tour options on platforms like Tiqets, GetYourGuide, where it’s easy to compare different routes and prices in advance. Since we had some time before departure, we decided to take it slow that morning and enjoy a little break. We spent the waiting time on a sunny terrace.

We sat on the terrace of The Bounty Bar Ristorante Pizzeria, just opposite the Scaliger Castle, where we had croissants and coffee. The prices were reasonable by Sirmione standards. The semi-outdoor space was cozy and had heaters, but we still opted for the open terrace because the sunshine was just too lovely to pass up. The coffee and croissants were delicious, the service was quick, and we just soaked in the sun and the atmosphere. It was the perfect moment—one of those little memories that really stays with you. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. After that, we slowly made our way to the boat.

Motorboat Tour

The boat tour was an absolutely fantastic experience! It’s definitely worth booking—the route covers all the main sights from the lake, and the captain shares interesting stories along the way. You can buy tickets on the spot or book in advance via GetYourGuide. Even in the colder season, it wasn’t chilly on board, but they did provide blankets for extra comfort. I still put on a headband just in case 😊 We highly recommend this tour!

Exploring Peschiera del Garda with a Toddler

After disembarking in Sirmione, we lingered a bit in front of the castle to snap some photos with the beautiful backdrop. Then we strolled back to the car. We timed our drive so our daughter, Liny, could nap on the way. The drive wasn’t long—within about half an hour, we arrived in Peschiera del Garda.

Peschiera del Garda: A Touch of Venice on Lake Garda

Located on the southeastern shore of Lake Garda, Peschiera del Garda is in the province of Verona, not far from the popular Gardaland amusement park. Since it hosts one of the region’s main train stations, many travelers first arrive here when visiting Lake Garda. This interview gives you a detailed insight into Gardaland.
What makes Peschiera special is that it’s shaped not only by the lake but also by the Mincio River. The historic town center is built across small islands connected by charming bridges, creating a truly unique atmosphere.

Often referred to as „Little Venice of Lake Garda,” the town enchants visitors with its canals, waterfront promenades, and narrow streets lined with historical buildings. One of its key landmarks is the Venetian fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century. It’s a striking monument that offers fascinating insight into the military history of the Venetian Republic.

Discovering a Charming Historic Town

Arrival and Parking
We left the car in a parking area close to the harbor. From here, boat tours to Sirmione and Lazise depart, and the town’s main attractions are within walking distance. Websites like Tiqets and GetYourGuide are great for exploring activity options in advance, letting you compare routes, reviews, and prices at a glance

First Impressions: The Fortress
As soon as we arrived, we were struck by the sight of the enormous fortress—part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Originally built in Roman times, it was reconstructed in the 15th century by the Republic of Venice and still dominates the skyline today. The fortress features two main gates: Porta Brescia (to the west) and Porta Verona (to the east), both stunning examples of military architecture.

Wandering the Old Town
Once Liny woke up, we headed off on foot to explore the old town. From the parking lot, we passed through Piazza Benacense and continued onto Via Roma, a charming street that leads deep into the town’s heart. At the end of the street stands Porta Brescia, which we admired closely before taking a well-deserved break.

Coffee Break at ArilicBakery
We stopped at ArilicBakery by Torta della Nonna, a place I had read about as a great spot for breakfast, snacks, or a midday treat—and it lived up to the hype! We indulged in a slice of cake and coffee after a lovely lunch. The bakery’s fresh homemade bread was outstanding—soft, warm, and just right. The staff was friendly, and service was quick. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone visiting Peschiera.

Strolling Through the Picturesque Streets
After our break, we continued wandering the charming streets of Peschiera’s old town. Liny didn’t want to get back in the stroller, so we let her walk. The town was full of cozy cafés, restaurants, and little shops, many of which were open despite it being winter. The historic buildings, narrow alleys, and romantic bridges gave the entire walk a unique and heartwarming atmosphere. The old town is full of pastel-colored houses and beautiful old churches.

San Martino Vescovo Church and Winter Fun
We passed by Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia, home to the San Martino Vescovo church—one of the oldest religious buildings in the city, with an important role in the history of the Verona province. At the time, a winter fair was taking place in the square, with an ice-skating rink, small children’s rides, and cozy market stalls. Liny absolutely loved it!

View from Ponte dei Voltoni
We then made our way to the base of Ponte dei Voltoni, one of the town’s most iconic bridges spanning the Mincio River. Before crossing, we watched ducks waddling out of the water and snapped some beautiful photos from beside the bridge—it offers a stunning view of the river. After crossing, the panorama was even more breathtaking.

Porta Verona and the Way Back
Had we continued straight ahead, we would’ve reached Porta Verona, another iconic town gate and a perfect photo spot with its impressive architecture. Instead, we followed the riverbank back on the far side of the bridge, discovering flower-filled terraces and charming restaurants near Piazza della Serenissima. We crossed Ponte di Viale Cordigero to loop back toward our parking spot, but before returning to the car, we walked all the way to the end of the harbor.

A Panoramic View of Lake Garda

From the end of the harbor, we had a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Garda. This is also the departure point for many boat tours, so it’s well worth pausing here to admire the scenery.

Peschiera del Garda is a vibrant and lively town where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Its picturesque streets, historic buildings, inviting cafés, and wide range of activities make it an ideal destination. With its museums, parks, restaurants, and shops open well into the evening, every visitor is sure to find something to love.

After soaking in the lakeside views, we got back in the car and headed to our accommodation (Appartamenti Altea) for our final evening at Lake Garda.