Lake Garda castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting

Savor sommelier-led sips and snacks while drifting past historic shores

A four-hour boat tour on Lake Garda that passes Scaliger Castle, Sirmione's ancient ruins, and two more castles while a sommelier leads a Bardolino wine tasting with nibbles. The boat stops at Punta San Vigilio, where you can swim if you want, and returns past the drawbridge of the final castle. A live guide speaks English or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Garda castles and wine tasting

• Pass by Scaliger Castle
• Pass by SPA
• Pass by ancient Roman ruins at Sirmione
• Pass by Lazise's Scaligero castle
• Stop for Bardolino wine tasting
• Pass by Villa Canossa and swim stop
• Pass by last castle of the tour
• Pass by drawbridge of Scaligero castle

The experience

The boat departs from the boarding point, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, and heads out across Lake Garda toward the first Scaliger Castle. You'll pass the ruins of Sirmione, a Roman settlement that rises from the water's edge, then move on to Lazise's Scaligero castle. The route takes in the lake's landscape and history without needing a car or the parking hassle that comes with reaching Sirmione by road.

Midway through, the boat stops at Punta San Vigilio, a picturesque stretch of shore where you can jump in for a swim if the water appeals to you. The real centerpiece arrives after: a Bardolino wine tasting led by a sommelier, paired with delicious nibbles. The snacks are fixed, no substitutions, but they're chosen to complement the wine. You'll taste while the boat drifts past the third castle and eventually circles back, passing under the drawbridge of the Scaligero castle as the tour winds down.

The tour runs four hours and suits all fitness levels. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and small children sit on an adult's lap. Weather can force last-minute changes or cancellation, and the operator will text you if that happens. Keep your phone accessible and the number you provide active. The boat departs on schedule. If you arrive late, there are no refunds.

What’s included

• Bardolino wine tasting led by a sommelier.
• delicious nibbles paired with the wine.
• the option to swim at Punta San Vigilio.
• a live guide in English or Italian.
• views of Scaliger Castle, Sirmione's Roman ruins, Lazise's Scaligero castle, and the final castle's drawbridge.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 May 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Garda Tours - ​​Motoscafisti Consortium Sirmione

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to swim and taste wine during the same outing: the boat stops for both, so you won't need to choose between them.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim during the Lake Garda castles boat tour?

Yes, the tour stops at Punta San Vigilio, where you have the option to swim. Bring a towel or swimsuit if you want to take the water.

What exactly is included in the Bardolino wine tasting?

The Bardolino wine tasting is led by a sommelier and comes with delicious nibbles. The snacks are set and cannot be changed, but they're paired to match the wine.

How do I get to the boarding point, and is there parking?

Public transportation options are available near the boarding point. The operator notes that reaching Sirmione by car can mean traffic and parking difficulty, which is one reason the boat tour avoids that problem.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

In unfavorable weather, the tour may be subject to variations or last-minute cancellation. You'll be notified by SMS at the phone number you provide during booking, so keep that number active and your phone accessible.

Is there a minimum number of passengers required?

Yes, minimum numbers apply. If there aren't enough passengers after your booking is confirmed, the operator will offer you an alternative tour or a full refund.