Lake Garda Sunset Cruise from Sirmione: Prosecco & Roman Ruins

The Grotte di Catullo look different from a boat at sunset.

A 45-minute sunset cruise on Lake Garda from Sirmione with a glass of Prosecco included, passing the Grotte di Catullo (the largest Roman ruins in Northern Italy), Maria Callas's former villa, and Scaliger Castle. The boat departs at a fixed time with a live guide in English or Italian, and you board at least 10 minutes before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise around Sirmione peninsula

• Board the boat in Sirmione
• See Maria Callas' ex-villa
• Pass by the spa area
• View ancient Roman villa ruins
• Enjoy sights of the beautiful beach
• Pass under the bridges of Scaliger Castle
• See the Sulphur Springs of Thermal water
• Drink a glass of Prosecco
• Enjoy the sunset views
• Return to the dock

The Experience

What makes a sunset cruise work is the timing. The boat leaves Sirmione at the hour the light turns gold, and you're holding Prosecco while the peninsula slides past—Maria Callas's villa on one side, the thermal springs and the castle bridges on the other. Forty-five minutes is short enough that the whole thing holds together without anyone getting restless, and long enough that you see the Grotte di Catullo (the largest Roman ruins in Northern Italy) from an angle you can't reach from land. The captain navigates close enough that the scale of the ruins becomes clear, and the light at that hour makes the stone glow.

The boat is private and the Prosecco comes with the ticket. You pass under the two bridges of Scaliger Castle, see the spa and the beach, and watch the water change color as the sun drops. There's no guide narration to tune out and no schedule to keep up with—just the boat, the ruins, the wine and the hour when the lake turns copper. Weather can cancel the cruise (you'll get an SMS if it does), so check your phone the morning of. Show up at the dock at least 10 minutes early; if you're late, there's no rescheduling or refund.

What’s included

• Transport by private boat.
• a glass of Prosecco.
• the captain's presence throughout.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Garda Tours - ​​Motoscafisti Consortium Sirmione

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want live commentary in English or Italian—the guide matches whichever language your group speaks—and prefer a set departure time that syncs the sunset with the ruins viewing.

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Top questions

What are the Grotte di Catullo and why do they matter?

The Grotte di Catullo are the largest Roman ruins in Northern Italy—the remains of a villa built on the Sirmione peninsula in the first century. From the boat you see them from the water, which shows their scale and position on the point in a way the land view doesn't.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the boat, or is pickup included?

You arrange your own transport to the dock in Sirmione. Hotel pickup is not included, but public transportation runs nearby and parking is available in town (parking fees are separate).

Can I bring children or infants on this cruise?

Yes. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and small children travel free. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The cruise suits all fitness levels.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English or Italian live during the cruise, so you hear commentary in one of those languages depending on the group.

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

If weather conditions force a cancellation, the operator sends an SMS to the phone number you provide at booking. Check your phone regularly the morning of your cruise and make sure your number is correct and active.