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Lake Garda
A journey from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean climes
Back to Routes
Pieve di Tremonsine
The Santuary of Montecastello
Reconstructed Bronze Age building at Lake Ledro
The summit of Monte Bestone
Springtime view towards Monte Baldo
Add a visit to Verona - Ponte Scaligero
The Tremosine plateau
Lakeside Gargnano
The Sanctuary of Montecastello
Valle delle Cartiere - Valley of the Paper Mills
Add a visit to Verona - Juliet's balcony
Clifftop path near Tignale
Waterfall near Tignale
Lakeside limonaia (lemon house)
Add a visit to Verona - the Roman arena
Walk round scenic Lake Ledro
At a glance
Lake Garda 7 night option (the full walk). See 'Prices' tab for what's included.
Suggested route pairing: Ligurian Hills, Dolomites, Southern Tuscany or Classic Slovenia
How much walking?
Full days: 10½-20 km per day, 3½-7 hrs walking
Using shortening options: Some shortening options. The walk from Ledro to Vesio can be shortened using public transport (missing the whole day's walk).
A journey from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean climes
Lake Garda has been attracting travellers since the Grand Tour era of the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was seen as a rite of passage for the wealthy elite wishing to experience the Mediterranean. Today the charabancs have long gone and we think the best way to explore the spectacular landscapes is by Shanks’ pony.
Start at Lake Ledro, Garda’s pristine, little cousin, celebrated for its emerald waters and recognised as one of the cleanest lakes in Trentino. Swimming is definitely on the cards from one of four public beaches, but save some time also to explore the lake’s eastern shore, home to an important UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of Bronze Age pile dwellings.
A sustained climb from Ledro to Passo Nota is rewarded by some truly lovely alpine vistas over the verdant Tremosine Plateau as you make your way to Vesio. Then the climate begins to change as evidenced by olive and lemon trees and even vineyards replacing the evergreens.
We travel along Lake Garda’s west coast, with the towering massif of Monte Baldo a constant companion across the water. Bond fans will love seeking out filming locations for the opening sequences of ‘Quantum of Solace’ in the dramatically-sited cliff-top village of Pieve di Tremosine, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.
The walking is gentler now, guided by the ever-present shimmering of Lake Garda, a long way below as you make your way first to Tignale and the precariously-sited Santuario di Montecastello before finally descending to the lake edge at Gargnano. Discover the history of paper making in the Valle delle Cartiere before spending time on the lake itself from your comfortable accommodation in Gargnano.
And while so close, save some time for Verona, which beautifully blends dramatic Roman and medieval history with stunning architecture, world-class opera and, of course, Romeo and Juliet!
Walked by On Foot staff: Mary
Consider pairing this route with Ligurian Hills (3 hrs by taxi and train), Dolomites (6 hrs by taxi and train), Southern Tuscany (6.5 hrs by train with recommended overnight stop at Florence) or Classic Slovenia (9.5 hrs by train with recommended overnight stop at Lienz) – for more details click here.
TRAVEL ADVICE: To find the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for UK citizens travelling to Italy, click here. Citizens of other nations will also find it useful, but should always check their appropriate local agency.
Route Highlights
- Lake Ledro – reputedly one of Trentino’s cleanest lakes
- Lake Garda – explore the quiet western side of Italy’s biggest lake
- Pieve di Tremosine, one of Italy’s ‘most beautiful villages’
- Valle delle Cartiere – showcasing the history of paper making
- Tignale – the clifftop Santuario di Montecastello, with spectacular bird’s-eye views over Lake Garda
- Western Garda’s historic ‘limonaia’ – unique stone pavilions where lemons are still cultivated
- Monte Baldo, the ‘Botanical Garden of Europe’ – cross the lake and ascend by cable car to the lofty ridge (add-on)
- Verona (add-on) – with a self-guided walking tour to discover the magnificent sights
This route features the following characteristics and interests: Mountains, Birdwatching, Food, Wine
Things you should know
- The climate can vary considerably on this walk, so be properly prepared for everything.
- While so close, make sure you save some time for Verona.
- The accommodation is generally of a very good standard, offering many swimming opportunities.
- If starting in Ledro : There is a sustained climb from Ledro to Vesio over the Passo Nota with a risk of snow in the early season.
- There are a couple of tricky-ish descents.
We Recommend
An extra night in Pieve di Tremosine to really enjoy the accommodation and the extraordinary village itself. Likewise, an extra night in Gargnano to enjoy the lake shore and explore by boat. Combine your holiday with a visit to Verona, or even to Venice.
How much Walking?
Using shortening options: Some shortening options. The walk from Ledro to Vesio can be shortened using public transport (missing the whole day's walk).
Mainly on waymarked paths and tracks, though with occasional quiet asphalt. Two tricky descents with wire handholds to steady you.
Highest point on route 1300m. (Monte Baldo rises to 1760m for those visiting the other side of the lake.)
Medium: Average cumulative uphill stretches (CUSs) 425m (190m – 725m) per day.
This route is graded as Medium but please note two walking days are Medium-hard.
Acrophobia/vertigo warnings: Two tricky descents – the first one is the walk from Pieve di Tremosine to Tignale, and the second from Tignale to Gargnano (both avoidable with a lift at the start of the day).
On Foot Holidays Companion app available for GPS navigation/mapping and all other documentation and advice. Separate GPX files for your own device also available.
Important note: Times given for each day are walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops. “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb. See “Walk Grading” for more information.
When to go?
The best months to walk: May, June, September and early October
Other possible months: April and later October.
The season starts as early as Easter when the hotels begin to open (though there can still be snow on Passo Nota (walk from Pieve di Ledro to Vesio). With this in mind, starting in Vesio is a good option for lower season holidays. A good time to go to the Lakes is May/June and September. We do not sell this holiday during July and August when it can get a little hot and crowded. September to early October is a colourful time to enjoy pleasant walking weather, although September brings a higher chance of rainfall. Late October is also possible, but beware shorter walking days and fewer hotels and restaurants to choose from.
Start Dates
Weather Chart
Rainfall and temperature chart for Vesio
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Pieve di Ledro
Following your journey to Pieve di Ledro, settle into your comfortable hotel and perhaps have a gentle amble around the lake - even a swim if time and temperature allows!
Day 2 - Lake Ledro Circuit
Today’s circuit gives you every opportunity to become well-acquainted with Lake Ledro, reputed to be one of the cleanest lakes in Trentino, which will be music to keen swimmers’ ears as there are a couple of bathing spots to enjoy.
This walk is a fine leg-stretcher and offers flexibility to suit all. It starts across the lower-level wooded slopes of the northern shore, offering splendid views over the shimmering emerald waters that mirror the surrounding mountains. Two optional routes take you to the heart of the Dromaè Valley before heading down to Molina. Here you can visit the (free) Pile Dwelling Museum and enjoy some refreshments. The main route then returns easily enough along the lakefront promenade, making for a pleasant stroll back to your accommodation. (Medium: 4½ hrs walking (allow 6 hrs), 13 km (8 miles), CUSs 400m)
Alternatives: There are lots of options today, including taking the bus back from Molina or even hiring a rowing boat to get you back.
Day 3 - Pieve di Ledro to Vesio di Tremosine
Start the day with a gentle warm-up along the edge of Lake Ledro before embarking on a sustained climb to Passo Nota, with its refuge where you can enjoy a much-deserved pitstop. Explore Passo Nota, celebrated for its strategic military heritage as a major border crossing and frontline fortification during WWI, before a long track brings you down to your comfortable hotel in Vesio, with extensive views of Lake Garda stretching out below. The day is long, but navigation is easy so stretch your legs with a proper alpine walk. (Medium-hard: 7 hrs walking (allow 9¼ hrs), 20 km (12½ miles), CUSs 700m)
Alternatives: None other than to miss the whole day.
Day 4 - Vesio di Tremosine to Pieve di Tremosine
Leave the alpine surrounds behind and head towards more Mediterranean climes, where olive and lemon trees now grow. Pieve di Tremosine is not far from Vesio di Tremosine as the crow flies, but we take you on a mini adventure over Monte Bestone for some of the very best views of Lake Garda and Monte Baldo on its far shore.
The village of Pieve di Tremosine is a delight and classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy. Your accommodation too is rather special so save some time to explore the village (where some of the opening scenes to the Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’ were shot), before enjoying the hotel’s spa (included in the price, but make sure you book a slot). Then seek out dinner, with some surprisingly tasty local wines for such high latitudes. (Medium: 4¼ hrs walking (allow 5¾ hrs), 12 km (7½ miles), CUSs 400m)
Alternatives: In wet weather, head straight to Pieve di Tremosine using the Shortcut Option at the start.
Day 5 - Pieve di Tremosine to Tignale
Leaving lovely Pieve di Tremosine behind, your walk today takes you first to the Mezzema Caves, used initially for defence in WWI and then for shelter for local families in WWII. There follows some easy walking through quaint villages and rural landscapes, until a tricky little path descends to a bridge across the San Michele gorge. From there, it’s an easier walk to the village of Prabione (seek out Bar Lilly for great coffee).
Spare some time for the magnificently sited Sanctuary Montecastello, which comes next; recently restored and with a rich, frescoed interior, it is now one of Garda’s most well-known sacred places.
It is then a short walk to Gardola, a picturesque hamlet of Tignale, known for its pastel houses and cobbled streets and where you will spend the night. (Medium: 5 hrs walking (allow 6¾ hrs), 11½ km (7 miles), CUSs 725m)
Alternatives: Lift to Prabione and then quick walk to Tignale.
Day 6 - Tignale to Gargnano
Having been so tantalisingly close to the lake for such a long time, today’s journey finally takes you down to the lake’s edge at Gargnano. Pass through the settlements of Aer and Piovere before descending (quite steeply at times) to a pretty waterfall with two pools that are large enough for a dip.
Gorgeous lake vistas accompany you for most of the day. Gargnano itself is a charming town known for its historic lemon houses (‘limonaia’), impressive architecture and 13th century Franciscan monastery. (Medium: 3½ hrs walking (allow 4¾ hrs), 11¼ km (7 miles), CUSs 190m)
Alternatives: Lift to Piovere at the start to avoid the tricky descent to the waterfall.
Day 7 - Gargnano to Tosc0lano Maderno - The Valle delle Cartiere
Today’s walk takes you deep into the Valle delle Cartiere, one of the most important industrial archaeology sites in Northern Italy, hidden in a beautiful natural valley.
The valley was already famous by the 14th Century for the production of paper, made possible by the strength of the Toscolano Torrent. Explore the open-air museum before reaching the extensive Paper Museum, which explains the processes in detail. The track then leads easily alongside the gorge to the pretty town of Toscolano Maderno, rich in history. When ready, take a ferry across the shimmering lake back to your accommodation in Gargnano. (Easy-medium: 4¼ hrs walking (allow 5¾ hrs), 10½ km (6½ miles), CUSs 240m)
Alternatives: Enjoy a day on Lake Garda, using the ferry service to explore the other towns on the lake, or rest at your comfortable hotel.
Depart for home
Depart for home – or spend a night in Verona where you can follow our trail of discovery around this lovely city.
Travel Information
ARRIVING BY TRAIN
Nearest railway stations:
Start: Rovereto
Finish: Desenzano (for Verona or Venice) or Brescia (if heading west, e.g. Milan).
Sample rail journey via Paris:
TGV from Paris to either Stuttgart or Munich for an overnight stop before travelling on to Rovereto the following day.
We suggest thetrainline.com for times, ticket booking and other information or raileurope.co.uk for times, prices and booking. Deutsche Bahn also shows full timetables.
ARRIVING BY CAR
Not recommended if starting in Pieve di Ledro.
ARRIVING BY AIR
Verona is the best option, followed by Venice (for more intercontinental options). Milan Bergamo and Milan Linate are possible for return flights only.
Land by: 15:00 at Verona or 14:00 at Venice for public transport connections to Rovereto. Later flights to Verona are possible with a pre-booked taxi transfer (supplement).
Return flight earliest: 13:00 (Verona), 14:30 (Venice) for connections from Desenzano (see transfer information below). Return flights from Milan Bergamo (earliest 15:00) or Milan Linate (earliest 15:00) are also possible.
Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.
For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner.
See “getting to the start of the walk” below for transfer information.
Getting to the start of the walk
The first accommodation is in Pieve di Ledro. The last hotel is in Gargnano. Transfer times and methods are suggested for train stations and Verona and Venice airports below.
Transfers from train stations:
Outwards: Your driver will meet you at Rovereto train station and take you to your first night’s accommodation in Pieve di Ledro (c. 1 hr).
Return: Your driver will take you to Desenzano train station* for trains to either Verona or Venice (c. 1 hr) or to Brescia for trains to Milan (c. 1¼ hr, supplement).
* It is possible to take the ferry from Gargnano to Desenzano and then walk 2 km to the station – a good option if you’re not in a hurry. Discount off the basic holiday price applies.
Transfers from airports:
Outwards: Bus/taxi from Verona airport to Verona Puerto Nuevo and the train to Rovereto. OR Pre-bookable taxi transfer (1½ hrs) from Verona airport to Pieve di Ledro.
Bus from Venice Marco Polo airport to Venice Mestre (or from Venice Treviso airport to Treviso rail station) then train to Rovereto.
Return: Taxi to Desenzano for onward travel to either Verona or Venice airports, OR taxi to Brescia for either coach or train to Milan. OR Pre-bookable taxi transfer from Gargnano to Verona airport (c. 1¼ hrs) or city (c. 1½ hrs).
For pre-bookable taxi costs, contact On Foot.
Full transfer advice, including timetables, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack. Contact us if you would like additional pre-booking information.
Where You'll Stay
There’s a lovely choice of family run accommodations on this route. Many have their own pools, some have spa facilities, and all have en-suite facilities and are comfortable.
Night 1 & 2
Pieve di Ledro – Hotel Lido Ledro (B&B)
Lovely 3* hotel celebrating 100 years in 2026. Right on the lake edge with restaurant.
Night 3
Vesio – Hotel Sole la Fenice (B&B)
Family-run hotel in the heart of the village. Spectacular views. Restaurant. Spa.
Night 4
Pieve di Tremosine – Locanda al Castelletto (B&B)
Gloriously-sited hotel overlooking the lake, set in several newly renovated village houses. Spa.
Night 6 & 7
Lovely, little family run hotel right on the lake edge. Restaurant.
Pieve di Ledro – Hotel Lido Ledro (B&B)
Lovely 3* hotel celebrating 100 years in 2026. Right on the lake edge with restaurant.
Website
Pieve di Ledro – Hotel Garden (B&B)
Very comfortable hotel set in glorious gardens and close to the lake. Pool in season.
Website
Vesio – Hotel Sole la Fenice (B&B)
Family-run hotel in the heart of the village. Spectacular views. Restaurant. Spa.
Website
Pieve di Tremosine – Locanda al Castelletto (B&B)
Gloriously-sited hotel overlooking the lake, set in several newly renovated village houses. Spa.
Website
Gargnano – Hotel du Lac (B&B)
Lovely, little family run hotel right on the lake edge. Restaurant.
Website
Gargnano – Hotel Gardenia (B&B) – alternative
A historic, boutique hotel situated right on the lake's edge. Pretty gardens, solarium and beach.
Website
Prices
Price includes: 7 nights in double/twin room, all breakfasts; luggage transfers between all hotels on walking route, taxi from Rovereto to Pieve di Ledro at the start, taxi from Gargnano to Desenzano at the end; full Walkers’ Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support; local tourist tax unless otherwise specified below.
Also included: On Foot Holidays Companion app, providing navigation/mapping and digital version of the Walkers’ Pack as above. Separate GPX files for your own device also available. If choosing to walk with app only (no printed materials): discount of £40 per pack (based on one pack per room).
Other charges:
Sending Walkers’ Packs to addresses outside the UK: supplement payable per pack, location dependent
And any applicable supplements listed below:
Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £415
Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £240
Large Party Saving: Groups of more than 2 people (on an identical itinerary, on the same booking and booked at the same time) – discount of at least £20 per person
Maximum party size: 8 (in twin/double rooms)
All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in May. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit.
Add Ons
Extra nights in any hotel: Contact On Foot Holidays (seasonal pricing)
Taxi from Verona Airport to Pieve di Ledro: Contact On Foot Holidays
Taxi from Gargnano to Verona Airport (supplement): From £52 1-2 pers.
Taxi from Gargnano to Verona City (supplement): From £63 1-2 pers,
Possible supplements for larger groups or to other destinations.
Our local team
Paul Rickard
A self-employed activity travel specialist who’s been living and working across Italy since the 1990s, now settled on Lake Garda as a long term resident.
