Lake Garda & Sirmione day tour: Walking and boat ride

Medieval streets, Roman ruins, and a boat ride across the lake in one afternoon

A day tour from Verona to Lake Garda combines a guided walking tour of Sirmione's historic old town, a scenic boat ride to Lazise, and free time in both towns. Your guide travels with you by minibus, and you can add a guided visit to the Grotte di Catullo (one of northern Italy's largest Roman villas) if you choose that option at checkout. The tour runs 7.5 hours and returns to Verona in the late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Garda and Sirmione Day Tour

• Travel from Verona by minibus
• Guided walking tour of Sirmione old town
• Optional visit to Grotte di Catullo
• Boat ride from Sirmione to Lazise
• Free time in Lazise
• Return to Verona

The experience

You leave Verona by air-conditioned minibus with your guide, who introduces the day's route as you travel toward Lake Garda. The drive gives you time to settle in before arriving in Sirmione, the historic peninsula town where the walking tour begins. Your guide leads you through the old town's narrow streets and squares, pointing out landmarks that span more than two thousand years, from medieval fortifications to Renaissance architecture. The pace is guided, not rushed, and you have free time afterward to wander the lakeside on your own or explore shops and cafés.

If you booked the Grotte di Catullo option, you'll spend an hour on a guided tour of the Roman villa ruins and reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the lake that most visitors never find. Without that option, you have more free time in Sirmione to move at your own pace. Either way, the day continues with a boat ride across Lake Garda from Sirmione to Lazise. You board the boat at the waterfront and spend the crossing taking in views of both towns and the surrounding landscape from the water. A perspective the minibus cannot offer. Lazise, a medieval town on the opposite shore, is where you have free time to explore narrow streets, browse local shops, or sit by the lake before the minibus returns you to Verona in the late afternoon.

The tour runs rain or shine, though adverse weather can affect the boat ride. If conditions make the crossing unsafe, your guide will arrange an alternative for the whole group. Refunds are not guaranteed for those who decline the alternative. Two departure times are available: 9:00 AM stops in Sirmione first and then Lazise, while 11:00 AM reverses the order. Check the gallery to see which sequence suits your schedule.

What’s included

• Minibus transport from Verona.
• local licensed guide in English.
• guided walking tour of Sirmione's old town.
• boat ride from Sirmione to Lazise.
• free time in Sirmione and Lazise.
• optional guided visit to the Grotte di Catullo (if selected at checkout).

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 14 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ways

Is this one for you?Choose the 9:00 AM departure if you want to start with the walking tour and have more daylight for the boat ride and Lazise. Pick 11:00 AM if you prefer a later start or want to spend more time in Lazise before returning to Verona. Add the Grotte di Catullo if Roman archaeology and a panoramic viewpoint are worth an hour of your free time in Sirmione. Skip it if you'd rather explore the medieval town at your own pace.

Traveler reviews

4.64★★★★★★★★★★

440 verified traveler reviews

5 ★339

4 ★66

3 ★20

2 ★9

1 ★6

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (6 to 13 years); Infant (under 6).

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.

What is the Grotte di Catullo and should I add it to my booking?

The Grotte di Catullo is one of northern Italy's largest Roman villa ruins, located in Sirmione. The guided visit lasts about an hour and includes access to the archaeological site and a panoramic lake viewpoint few travelers reach. It is an optional add-on at checkout, so you can choose it or stick with free time in Sirmione instead.

How much free time do I have to explore Sirmione and Lazise on my own?

Sirmione gives you free time after the guided walking tour: more if you skip the Grotte di Catullo option, less if you add it. Lazise is where you have dedicated free time to wander, shop, and sit by the lake before returning to Verona. The exact duration depends on which departure time you choose and whether you add the Roman villa visit.

What happens if the weather is too bad for the boat ride?

The tour runs rain or shine, but adverse weather can make the boat crossing unsafe. If that happens, your guide will decide on an alternative activity for the whole group. Refunds are not guaranteed for travelers who decline the alternative offered.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Verona, or is it included?

Transport from Verona is included. You travel by private air-conditioned minibus with your guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you'll meet the minibus at an agreed departure point in Verona and return there at the end of the day.

Which departure time should I choose? 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM?

The 9:00 AM tour stops in Sirmione first, then continues to Lazise. The 11:00 AM tour reverses the order, stopping in Lazise first and Sirmione second. Check the gallery to see the difference and choose the sequence that fits your preferences and schedule.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included. You have free time in both Sirmione and Lazise to eat at local restaurants or cafés at your own expense.