Lake Garda: Isola del Garda Boat Tour & Prosecco Views

Summary

Isola del Garda boat ride passing Sirmione’s castle and Roman ruins

You’ll ride a small boat across Lake Garda with a local guide who shares stories about castles and ancient Roman ruins along the way. Sip Prosecco as you pass Maria Callas’ villa and circle Isola del Garda’s palace gardens. Expect laughter, lake breezes, and views you might think about long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t start as planned—our driver called to say he’d be five minutes late because of traffic in Sirmione. I was worried we’d miss the boat, but when we finally got there, our guide Marco just shrugged and grinned, “Lake time is slower,” he said. I liked that. The dock smelled faintly of sunscreen and coffee from the little bar nearby, and honestly, I was still half asleep until we pushed off into the lake. The water was glassy except for our wake, and there were swans drifting near the reeds.

Marco pointed out Maria Callas’ old villa as we cruised past—he told us stories about her concerts echoing over the lake, which made me wish I’d been born decades earlier. We swung close to Castello Scaligero; its towers looked even more dramatic from the water than they do from town. There was a couple taking selfies on the ramparts—tiny figures waving at us like we were celebrities or something. I tried to get a photo but my phone nearly slipped into the lake (Prosecco hadn’t even been served yet). Speaking of which, when Marco popped open the bottle, it sounded louder than expected—maybe it echoed off the stone walls or maybe I just needed breakfast.

The Grotte di Catullo ruins appeared suddenly around a bend—just pale stone against green trees and blue sky. For a second everyone went quiet except for the engine hum. It’s strange how you can feel history in your chest sometimes. Later we drifted by Rocca di Manerba; Marco explained how locals used to light fires up there as signals (I probably misunderstood half of it but he laughed when I tried repeating “Rocca” in Italian). The highlight was definitely circling Isola del Garda itself—the palace gardens looked impossibly neat, like someone had ironed every blade of grass.

I didn’t expect to enjoy just sitting back with a glass of cold Prosecco while watching sunlight scatter on the water, but here we are. If you’re looking for a day trip around Lake Garda that feels relaxed but still packed with stories—and you don’t mind your hair getting a little wild in the wind—this boat tour is probably your kind of thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour around Lake Garda

• Board the boat for tour
• Cruise past Aquaria Thermal spa
• Pass next to Castello Scaligero
• See Grotte of Catullo from lake
• View Rocca di Manerba del Garda
• Admire Isola del Garda
• Enjoy included bottle of Prosecco

Top questions

How long does the Isola del Garda boat tour last?

The boat tour lasts about 1.5 hours from departure to return.

Is Prosecco included during the Lake Garda boat tour?

Yes, a glass of Prosecco is included for each guest during the tour.

Does this day trip around Lake Garda include a local guide?

Yes, your boat trip includes a local guide who shares stories along the route.

Are infants or small children allowed on this boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join and may ride in a pram or stroller.

What landmarks will we see on this Isola del Garda cruise?

You’ll see Castello Scaligero in Sirmione, Grotte di Catullo ruins, Rocca di Manerba, Maria Callas’ villa, San Biagio Island, and Isola del Garda.

If there’s bad weather on Lake Garda will my tour be canceled?

If weather is poor your booking can be moved to another date or refunded if needed.

Are service animals allowed on this Lake Garda day trip?

Yes, service animals are welcome aboard during the tour.

Is public transportation available near where the boat departs?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to departure point.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at an easy-to-reach spot near Sirmione or central Lake Garda towns, all taxes and fees covered up front so there’s no hassle later on, plus a private local guide who also acts as your captain. You’ll get a glass of chilled Prosecco as you cruise past famous villas and castles before returning ashore feeling lighter than when you left.