Sirmione boat tour and Grotte di Catullo: 4.5 hours with guide

Circle the peninsula by boat, then walk back through time in Sirmione's medieval streets

A 4.5-hour tour of Sirmione on Lake Garda combines a scenic boat ride circling the peninsula, a guided walking tour through the medieval town center, and entry to the Grotte di Catullo archaeological site. You'll see Maria Callas' house, have 30 minutes to explore on your own, and finish at the ruins of an ancient Roman villa. The tour runs with a live English-speaking guide and includes all entry tickets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sirmione and Grotte di Catullo

• Boat tour around Sirmione peninsula
• Stroll picturesque village streets
• See Maria Callas’ house and medieval center
• Enjoy 30 minutes free time
• Visit Grotte di Catullo ruins

The Experience

The tour starts with a boat ride that circles the Sirmione peninsula, giving you a water-level view of the coastline and the town's layout before you step ashore. After the boat returns, your guide leads you through the tiny streets of the medieval center—the Scaliger Castle rises above the alleys, and you'll pass Maria Callas' house as you wander through the charming core of the town. The walking portion is unhurried, built around the architecture and the narrow passages that define Sirmione.

You get 30 minutes of free time before the final stop, enough to sit with a gelato, browse the shops, or simply sit by the water. When you reconvene with your guide, you move into the Grotte di Catullo—the remains of a grand Roman villa that once commanded this headland. Your guide walks you through the site, explaining what the ruins reveal about the villa's layout and the people who lived there, so the stones become a story instead of just old walls.

The tour runs rain or shine, though the boat portion may be rerouted or replaced if weather turns severe; your guide will decide the best alternative for the group. Public transit is available nearby if you're traveling from elsewhere on Lake Garda. The minimum group size is two people, and infants can sit on an adult's lap or use a specialized seat if you arrange it ahead of time.

What’s included

• Sirmione boat tour circling the peninsula.
• local licensed guide speaking English.
• entrance ticket to Grotte di Catullo.
• walking tour through the medieval town center and past Maria Callas' house.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ways

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're traveling as a small group or couple and want a guided introduction to Sirmione that combines water views, wandering, and archaeology in a single morning. The fixed schedule and included tickets mean the day holds together without you building it.

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Top questions

What will I see on the boat ride around Sirmione?

The boat circles the Sirmione peninsula, giving you views of the coastline, the town from the water, and the landscape that frames the town. It's a scenic approach before you walk the streets themselves.

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

You get 30 minutes of free time in the town after the walking tour, before the group moves to the Grotte di Catullo. That's enough to shop, grab food, or sit and watch the water.

What are the Grotte di Catullo?

The Grotte di Catullo are the ruins of a large Roman villa that stood on the Sirmione peninsula. Your guide explains the site's history and layout as you walk through the remains.

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

The tour runs rain or shine, but if weather makes the boat unsafe, your guide will arrange an alternative that keeps the day intact for the whole group. You'll still visit Sirmione and the Grotte di Catullo.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Some parts of the tour—particularly the medieval streets and the archaeological site—may be difficult for people with reduced mobility or certain disabilities. Contact the operator before booking if you have specific concerns.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the starting point?

Hotel pickup is not included, so you'll need to get to Sirmione on your own. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're staying elsewhere on Lake Garda.