Isola del Garda: guided tour of the island and boat transfer (3h)

A ONE-WAY TICKET TO HEAVEN ON EARTH!

An island where time seems to stand still. An island that is not only beautiful to look at but also has an interesting story to tell. More than one family has contributed to this piece of paradise and it is thanks to the last family who owns the island that it is possible to visit Isola del Garda! Let’s discover in this article how to visit Isola del Garda!

Everyone knows that the sunshine always shines after the storm, and this is exactly what happened on this island. Besides being the largest and most beautiful island in Lake Garda, Isola del Garda has experienced a lot.

Isola del Garda can only be reached by small boats and these tours are organized between April and October. You will not only be taken there and back, but you will also be able to participate in an exclusive tour to get to know the beauties that lie hidden here.

But why did I mention a storm? To tell the origin of this island we have to go back to the year 243 AD, where a sudden earthquake disturbed the entire coast of Manerba del Garda, located on the western coast of Lake Garda. The areas that used to form a single peninsula became two islands surrounded by water. The island of San Biagio, also called the island of rabbits, and the island of Garda.

However, this place to visit on Lake Garda hasn’t always been identified with that name.

Before recognizing it as Isola del Garda, the past owners seemed to have all the same desire: to celebrate the island by giving it their surname. Consequently, after the Latin Insula Cranie and the symbolic Isola dei Frati, followed Isola Lechi and Isola Scotti. Then, Isola de Ferrari and Isola Borghese.

Nowadays the island has finally been opened to the public by the family Cavazza. The location is quite central, on the western side and near San Felice del Benaco. The island is cared for in every detail, both outside and inside. During your visit you will be able to admire English and Italian gardens and many types of flowers. The villa itself is a mix of refined neo-Gothic architecture and I promise you it’s even more beautiful to see in person!

“A place where no evil winds blow”

Written by Nicola Botano in one of his letters, dating back to 1460.

Before him, many others found a safe place here, into the luxuriant flora of the island.  Shelter at first, hermitage after: also, the Saint Francesco d’Assisi walked on this land. However, it was not the only one. The famous Dante Alighieri celebrated the island as a perfect conjunction between Brescia, Verona and Trento. Does it sound familiar? The three provinces surrounding the Lake Garda!

HOW TO VISIT ISOLA DEL GARDA

Tours to Isola del Garda depart comfortably from the main ports of several villages on Lake Garda. Each village has 1 or more fixed days in the week and the available times are both morning and afternoon. Whatever time you choose to visit this beautiful place, the villa on the island is built in such a way that the sun shines constantly on the front during the day!

On arrival you will be welcomed in a small private harbour. Here, an expert guide will take you straight to the garden in front of the villa. From a distance, the garden may seem small, but you will find more than 450 different plantspecies and the mysterious guardians of the garden. The latter are located in every corner of the island to protect and preserve the island and its peaceful atmosphere. Don’t worry, these wooden sculptures are as fascinating as the place they guard.

From the green hedges of the garden, your gaze will no doubt be distracted by the majestic columns of the villa and the climbing flowers that frame the windows. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live as if you were born a prince or princess? Here you will find the answer! The whole island seems to come straight out of a fairy tale and as in many fairy tales, the island has a fairy house; “Casa delle Fate.” No wonder Isola del Garda is a very popular wedding location for those who want to fulfill their prince and princess dream for a day!

The next part of the tour will probably be the best. You will immediately understand why the island is considered one of the best places to visit on Lake Garda.

Finally, the best part: the entrance to the lounges of the villa. It was built at the beginning of the XX century and designed by the architect Luigi Rovelli. The result is amazing, with blending of harmonies and architecture details.

Walking in the footsteps of history, or in those of an important person from the past, you arrive at the terrace. Where the maximum expression of the Venetian Gothic Revival style is showed! Here we will conclude the visit to Isola del Garda with a refreshing aperitif and a dream panorama.

The roundish pillars are the gateway to two different worlds. The first will be right there in front of you, the endless Lake Garda; for the second you have to look up! A fresco full of angels will be staring at you, as soon as you will raise your eyes after the four-leaf clover windows.

Before you leave you have some free time to explore the island on your own. An opportunity to take in those places you would like to see up close! It’s been over an hour and a half, can you believe it? The boat will be waiting to take you back to the departure port, leaving behind a trail of foaming waves and the scent of a fairy tale!

Useful information before booking our tour to Isola del Garda:

• First of all, ticket prices range from 35 to 46 euros, depending on the port of departure you choose.
• Ticket prices are reduced for children between 5 and 12 years old, teenagers between 13 and 17 years old, and seniors 65+ (you can find all the rates on the calendar to the right).
• The visit to Isola del Garda lasts about an hour and a half.
• The boat transfer takes between 20 and 40 minutes each way, depending on the distance.
• Aperitif on the terrace included.

How can you book your visit to Isola del Garda?

• At Tourism Peschiera Infopoint or IAT Tourism Lazise you can choose the day and the starting point in advance and purchase your ticket.
• If you prefer to do everything yourself, you can book online directly from the calendar on the right side or above this article! Here you just have to select the desired date, indicate the number of places and proceed with the payment.
• The trip is only confirmed with good weather.
• Isola del Garda is one of the most requested tours and for this reason we recommend, especially in high season, to book a place at least 3 days in advance.

Do you want to know more about other boat trips on Lake Garda? Click here to see if there is something for you!