Sirmione by boat and Amarone wine tour from Verona

Roman ruins by boat, then Amarone straight from the cellar

A full-day tour from Verona combines Lake Garda and Valpolicella wine country in one itinerary. You'll take a motorboat around Sirmione peninsula to see Grotte di Catullo, the ancient Roman remains, then explore the medieval town on foot before heading to a winery for tastings of Amarone, Ripasso and other local wines paired with a light lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Garda and Valpolicella wine tour

• Meet at Verona store
• Motorboat ride around Sirmione peninsula
• Discover Grotte di Catullo ruins by boat
• Free time in Sirmione historic center
• Visit Valpolicella winery
• Taste Amarone and local wines
• Enjoy light lunch at vineyard

The experience

The day starts at 9 am from Verona and heads straight to Sirmione, a peninsula jutting into Lake Garda's southern shore. Once there, you board a motorboat to circle the peninsula and view Grotte di Catullo. The remains of a Roman villa from the 1st century. If weather turns, the boat trip swaps for entry to Sirmione's 13th-century castle instead. Either way, you get time to walk through the historic center of the town itself, wandering the narrow streets and waterfront at your own pace.

After Sirmione, the minivan carries you into the Valpolicella hills, where vineyards cover the slopes. At the winery, a sommelier walks you through the full range of local wines: Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone and Recioto, each one tasted and explained. A light lunch comes with the tasting, wine included, eaten in the vineyard itself. The whole experience runs about six hours from start to finish, with an English-speaking guide and sommelier with you throughout.

What’s included

• Motorboat trip around Sirmione peninsula with views of the Roman ruins (or castle entry if weather requires).
• local English-speaking tour leader and sommelier.
• visit and full tasting of Amarone, Ripasso and other Valpolicella wines.
• light Italian lunch in the winery with wine included.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan from Verona.

Options for this experience

4 options

Full-day tour of Sirmione by boat, including AmaroneGuide in English · Available from 1 Apr 2027Sirmione by boat, with Amarone (full day)

Amarone and a boat trip to SirmioneGuide in English · 09:00Amarone and a boat trip to Sirmione

Amarone and a boat trip to SirmioneGuide in English · Available from 1 Mar 2027Amarone and a boat trip to Sirmione

Boat trip to Sirmione and Amarone tastingGuide in English · Available from 3 Aug 2027Boat trip to Sirmione and Amarone tasting

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you check availability.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 8

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Pagus Wine Tours®

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to combine Lake Garda's Roman ruins (explored by motorboat) with Valpolicella winery tastings in one day, traveling as a group with a sommelier guide.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What exactly is Grotte di Catullo and what do you see on the motorboat?

Grotte di Catullo is a Roman villa from the 1st century built on Sirmione peninsula, now visible as ancient ruins. The motorboat circles the peninsula so you can see the remains from the water. If rain forces a change of plans, you visit Sirmione's medieval castle instead.

How much free time do you get to walk around Sirmione town itself?

The itinerary includes free time to explore the historic center of Sirmione on foot after the motorboat ride, so you can wander the medieval streets and waterfront before heading to the winery.

What wines do you taste at the Valpolicella winery?

You taste the entire range of Valpolicella DOC and DOCG wines, including Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone and Recioto, each one explained by a sommelier so you understand their differences and styles.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes, a light Italian lunch is included with the wine tasting and eaten in the vineyard. Wine is part of the meal.

What should you wear or bring for the day?

Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers since you'll walk Sirmione's historic center and may see the vineyards. Bring a sweater or jacket because the winery cellar stays at a constant 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit).