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Introduction
This travellers blog is where you will find many things - latest news, the musings of our experienced staff and much more. We plan also to use it as a pictorial knowledge. Let us know if you would like "how to" instructions and we will put them here.
NEW ROUTE! Lake Garda Back to News
Monday 10th August | Posted by On Foot Staff
The tranquil mountains and shores of western Lake Garda
Lake Garda has been attracting travellers since the Grand Tour era of the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was a rite of passage for the wealthy elite to explore the very best landscapes and culture of the Italian lakes. Today’s visitors are drawn mainly to the eastern side of the lake, while we take the quieter paths through the mountains and lakeside villages of the western shore.
Start at little Lake Ledro, celebrated for its clear, emerald waters. There are public beaches for a cooling swim, but save time for a visit to the Palifitte and Bronze Age Museum and its reconstructions of the lake’s ancient pile dwellings.
As you climb into the mountains the next day, you’ll be rewarded with some truly lovely alpine vistas over the verdant Tremosine Plateau, after which the climate becomes more Mediterranean as you walk between olive and lemon trees.
After a short hike over Monte Bestone, you’ll reach Lake Garda’s west coast, but still high above it as you enter the beautiful village of Pieve di Tremosine – look out for locations from the Bond film Quantum of Solace.
The walking is gentler now as you make your way to Tignale and the precariously-sited Santuario di Montecastello before descending to the shore at Gargnano. Discover the history of paper making in the beautiful Valle delle Cartiere, and get out on the water at last with a ferry ride back to Gargnano.
And while so close, consider adding a visit to Verona, which beautifully blends dramatic Roman and medieval history with stunning architecture, world-class opera and, of course, Romeo and Juliet!
Lake Garda – The Essentials
7 nights / 6 walking days (5 night version also available)
Graded Medium, with 10½-20 km / 3½-7 hrs walking per day
Book now to walk in Sep/Oct 2026, or spring 2027
Price: from £1360 per person for 7 nights, based on two sharing (price correct at July 2026)
Looking for more walking holidays in Italy?
Another walking route in the Italian lakes
