PRIVATE ESCAPE 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
Lake Garda itinerary
A taste of
La Dolce Vita
Chef Simone Zanoni invites you on a journey through Northern Italy, exploring the three regions surrounding Lake Garda: Lombardy, Trentino, and Veneto. Lake Garda, or Lago di Garda in Italian, is the crown jewel of the Italian Lakes. Since antiquity, poets have praised its beautiful weather, and its citrus, laurel, and olive tree-lined pathways have enchanted travelers for centuries.
Today, elegant 19th-century high-society villas have been transformed into luxury hotels, offering stunning views of the lake and evoking the charm of the Belle Époque. The small riva scattered around the lake are perfect for a refreshing swim, especially on a hot summer day.
Visitors are especially drawn to the colorful, picturesque villages like Peschiera del Garda, Lazise, Salò, and Desenzano del Garda. These former fishing towns have become beach havens, with charming streets lined with shops and bustling terraces in the summer. Lake Garda embodies la dolce vita, and even Maria Callas would retreat to her villa in Sirmione, surrounded by its castle and ramparts, to unwind between concerts.
The region is a paradise for wine lovers. Around Brescia, Franciacorta produces some of Italy's finest sparkling wines, gracing the tables of prestigious restaurants worldwide.
The area around Lake Garda is known for its dry and floral white wines from Lugana and the fruity Bardolino reds. In Veneto, Valpolicella stands out as one of the best Italian red wines, with a range of aromas from light to full-bodied, perfect for pairing with pasta.
Lake Garda is dotted with charming restaurants where inventive chefs masterfully cook delicious pasta dishes. Don't miss the local extra virgin olive oil and the lemons grown in the "lemon greenhouses" near Limone sul Garda.
Between Lake Garda and Bergamo, Michelin-starred Chef Simone Zanoni of the Four Seasons Hôtel George V invites you on a sweet, delicious gastronomic tour of the region where he was born and where he often comes to relax with his family.
"Knowst thou the land where the lemon trees bloom. Where the gold orange glows in the deep thicket's gloom. Where a wind ever soft from the blue heaven blows. And the groves are of laurel and myrtle and rose?" Goethe
Lake Garda by
Simone Zanoni
The Michelin-starred Chef invites you to explore his own Lake Garda, the very place where his grandad had a farm and where his grandma taught him to cook! With a deep love for his homeland and an intimate knowledge of every village, vineyard, and producer, he has handpicked his favorite hotels, top restaurants, and hidden gems for you to discover—the same spots he returns to every year to unwind with his family.
DAY 1 - Lake Garda itinerary
. With your private guide, enjoy walking tour of Bergamo, iconic city of Northern Italy: its fortress, followed by the Città Alta with a funicular ride
. Private visit of Palazzo Moroni, with its beautifully decorated interiors and Italian gardens
DAY 2 - Lake Garda itinerary
. In Franciacorta, private tasting of the best sparkling wine in Italy, in a remarkable estate full of modern art pieces
. Visit at leisure of Brescia, the second largest town in Lombardy. Do not miss Piazza della Loggia, a stunning example of Renaissance-style plazas, with its nice terraces and restaurants
. Journey to Lake Garda and settle in your hotel
. Later in the day, cooking class to learn how to make Italian pasta and try out local olive oils of Lake Garda, followed by dinner
DAY 3 - Lake Garda itinerary
. Private visit of Borghese Cavazza Palace, located on the island of Isola del Garda, with a perfect view of the Sermione peninsula
. Take a stroll off the beaten path, in less touristic areas like Peschiera del Garda, Lasize, Densenzano del Garda or even Riva di Garda, north of the lake
. For lunch, we recommend a restaurant serving the best tortellinis in Italy, choice of the Pope (to be paid on site)
. In the afternoon, private tasting of valpolicella in a futuristic wine cellar
. Dinner at Lido 84, Chef Riccardo Camanini’s restaurant, with a Michelin star and a 12th position in the World’s 50 Best Restaurant’s List, and a longtime friend of Simone Zanoni (upon availability, drinks to be paid on site)
DAY 4 - Lake Garda itinerary
. Day at leisure. If the weather allows, enjoy one of Lake Garda’s numerous beaches, like Giamaica in Sirmione – the most popular riva, hence most crowded sadly –, or your hotel’s swimming pool
. To end your weekend on an energetic note, we offer an optional e-bike ride between Bardolino and Punta San Vigilio with a local expert guide (with supplement)
Please drink responsibly