
Italy
Italy - Guided hiking tour at Lake Garda
Italy - Guided hiking tour at Lake Garda
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Nago (Lake Garda)
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
Goethe and Rilke already appreciated the mild climate of northern Lake Garda. On five guided hikes you follow panoramic paths and old mule tracks, walk through olive groves to Castello di Arco, along the Ponale road and from the Varone waterfalls to Lake Tenno. A boat trip rounds things off.
Hiking around Lake Garda quickly brings to mind Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: "How I wish my friends were beside me for a moment, so they could rejoice in the view that lies before me," he wrote about the region's beauty during one of his Italian journeys. A hiking holiday on Lake Garda takes us to the northern part of the lake. The shore is framed by high mountains. This sheltered location fosters a mild climate. Goethe and Rilke weren't the only ones who appreciated this; the Austrian imperial family also enjoyed staying at the lake. Here, mountain landscapes blend seamlessly with the Mediterranean lakeside ambiance – a paradise for a relaxing hiking holiday on Lake Garda. The contrasting landscapes make hiking here a unique and varied experience. Sometimes the trails lead through olive groves, vineyards, or lemon plantations, allowing you to enjoy a pure Mediterranean feel despite the exertion. Other times, the path winds gently across alpine meadows, ascending on rocky trails, and you feel as if you're in alpine terrain, especially when you can also enjoy the view of the Monte Baldo massif. And no matter which hike you've completed during the day, later in the evening you can refresh yourself with a dip in the lake and soak in the scenery from the water. Now is also the perfect time for a good wine or an Aperol Spritz. In short: A hiking holiday at Lake Garda will make any hiker's heart beat faster in countless ways.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
Individual arrival at Lake Garda. We recommend traveling by train (e.g., via Munich) to Rovereto. If you have registered for the transfer, you will be picked up at the train station and taken to your hotel in Nago. Those arriving by car can park near the hotel (see "Information"). Your Lake Garda hiking holiday begins with a short welcome meeting with your hiking guide before dinner.
Arrival
Day 1
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
Individual arrival at Lake Garda. We recommend traveling by train (e.g., via Munich) to Rovereto. If you have registered for the transfer, you will be picked up at the train station and taken to your hotel in Nago. Those arriving by car can park near the hotel (see "Information"). Your Lake Garda hiking holiday begins with a short welcome meeting with your hiking guide before dinner.
Day 2
Panoramic trail from Nago – Tempesta
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
On the first day, we start our hike at a leisurely pace from our hotel, overlooking the northern part of Lake Garda. Soon we're walking along the steps clinging to the rock face, as if on a viewing balcony. The steel structure provides secure footing. We enjoy the panoramic views of Riva del Garda and Torbole below. From Tempesta, we hike downhill along a forest path to Torbole. Here, you can stop for a swim or simply admire the windsurfers' skills and activity while enjoying an aperitivo, before we walk back to Nago. Those who don't feel like walking after so much relaxation can take the public bus back up. (Hiking distance approx. 13 km / 5 hours. Ascent: 350 m; Descent: 350 m)
Panoramic trail from Nago – Tempesta
Day 2
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
On the first day, we start our hike at a leisurely pace from our hotel, overlooking the northern part of Lake Garda. Soon we're walking along the steps clinging to the rock face, as if on a viewing balcony. The steel structure provides secure footing. We enjoy the panoramic views of Riva del Garda and Torbole below. From Tempesta, we hike downhill along a forest path to Torbole. Here, you can stop for a swim or simply admire the windsurfers' skills and activity while enjoying an aperitivo, before we walk back to Nago. Those who don't feel like walking after so much relaxation can take the public bus back up. (Hiking distance approx. 13 km / 5 hours. Ascent: 350 m; Descent: 350 m)
Day 3
Olive groves and the Castello di Arco
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
Arco's cityscape is dominated by the ruins of the medieval Castello di Arco, perched on a rock near the old town. The old town, which winds around the castle hill, exudes Mediterranean and Austro-Hungarian charm. We start in the center and hike along the Viale delle Palme to the olive groves above Arco. It's an exceptional spot that combines the mountain landscape with the mild climate of the lake. We cross the Rilke Promenade and discover some of the places Rilke described in his poems. After visiting the Santa Maria di Laghel Church, we continue towards Colodri and up to the summit cross of Monte Colodri. Our next destination is Arco Castle. Afterwards, we descend back into the old town. (approx. 10 km / 4 hours. Ascent: 400 m; Descent: 400 m)
Olive groves and the Castello di Arco
Day 3
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
Arco's cityscape is dominated by the ruins of the medieval Castello di Arco, perched on a rock near the old town. The old town, which winds around the castle hill, exudes Mediterranean and Austro-Hungarian charm. We start in the center and hike along the Viale delle Palme to the olive groves above Arco. It's an exceptional spot that combines the mountain landscape with the mild climate of the lake. We cross the Rilke Promenade and discover some of the places Rilke described in his poems. After visiting the Santa Maria di Laghel Church, we continue towards Colodri and up to the summit cross of Monte Colodri. Our next destination is Arco Castle. Afterwards, we descend back into the old town. (approx. 10 km / 4 hours. Ascent: 400 m; Descent: 400 m)
Day 4
The Ponale Road
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
The “Strada del Ponale” connects Riva with the Ledro Valley. Blasted into the rock in the 19th century, it was converted into a path for hikers and cyclists a few years ago. This path is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic trails in Europe. We drive to Riva. There, we follow the shoreline for a short distance and then head towards Ledro. Soon we find ourselves on the panoramic path, which clings to the cliffs and leads partly through small tunnels. We continue through the Ledro Valley to Lake Ledro. Here we can swim or visit the Pile Dwelling Museum. (approx. 10 km / 4.5 hours, ascent: 600 m)
The Ponale Road
Day 4
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
The “Strada del Ponale” connects Riva with the Ledro Valley. Blasted into the rock in the 19th century, it was converted into a path for hikers and cyclists a few years ago. This path is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic trails in Europe. We drive to Riva. There, we follow the shoreline for a short distance and then head towards Ledro. Soon we find ourselves on the panoramic path, which clings to the cliffs and leads partly through small tunnels. We continue through the Ledro Valley to Lake Ledro. Here we can swim or visit the Pile Dwelling Museum. (approx. 10 km / 4.5 hours, ascent: 600 m)
Day 5
Day off
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
Today we're taking a break from hiking. You can go on hikes on your own, take the cable car up to the Monte Baldo plateau, or simply enjoy the lake with a swim or an Aperol Spritz.
Day off
Day 5
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
Today we're taking a break from hiking. You can go on hikes on your own, take the cable car up to the Monte Baldo plateau, or simply enjoy the lake with a swim or an Aperol Spritz.
Day 6
From the Varone Waterfall to the Tenno Lake
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
From the impressive Varone Waterfalls, we hike through the Val di Gola to the village of Tenno with its castle built on Roman foundations. We visit the village and its Church of San Lorenzo, the most important example of Romanesque art in the region. We continue along the old Roman road to Calvola, where we can take a break at one of the typical restaurants. Next, we hike to the village of Canale di Tenno, an authentic piece of medieval life that has been preserved in its original form. At the edge of the village, the path begins to Lake Tenno, which shimmers a magical turquoise. Here we can have a picnic and relax after the hike. (approx. 11 km / 4.5 hours; Ascent: 650 m; Descent: 150 m)
From the Varone Waterfall to the Tenno Lake
Day 6
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
From the impressive Varone Waterfalls, we hike through the Val di Gola to the village of Tenno with its castle built on Roman foundations. We visit the village and its Church of San Lorenzo, the most important example of Romanesque art in the region. We continue along the old Roman road to Calvola, where we can take a break at one of the typical restaurants. Next, we hike to the village of Canale di Tenno, an authentic piece of medieval life that has been preserved in its original form. At the edge of the village, the path begins to Lake Tenno, which shimmers a magical turquoise. Here we can have a picnic and relax after the hike. (approx. 11 km / 4.5 hours; Ascent: 650 m; Descent: 150 m)
Day 7
Boat trip on Lake Garda
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
Today we'll take a boat to Limone on the western shore. The Church of San Rocco (14th century), the narrow streets, and the charming little harbor in the center make Limone one of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda. From Piazza Garibaldi, we'll take a leisurely uphill walk, passing the former greenhouses "La Limonaia," which now house an interesting exhibition about citrus fruits. We'll continue along a path lined with fragrant pine trees, holm oaks, and cypresses, enjoying the magnificent views of Limone and the lake. (approx. 7 km / 3 hours; ascent: 300 m; descent: 300 m)
Boat trip on Lake Garda
Day 7
Hotel Epoche Zanella, Nago
Today we'll take a boat to Limone on the western shore. The Church of San Rocco (14th century), the narrow streets, and the charming little harbor in the center make Limone one of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda. From Piazza Garibaldi, we'll take a leisurely uphill walk, passing the former greenhouses "La Limonaia," which now house an interesting exhibition about citrus fruits. We'll continue along a path lined with fragrant pine trees, holm oaks, and cypresses, enjoying the magnificent views of Limone and the lake. (approx. 7 km / 3 hours; ascent: 300 m; descent: 300 m)
Day 8
departure
In the morning it's time to say goodbye. We would be happy to arrange an extension of your stay at Lake Garda.
departure
Day 8
In the morning it's time to say goodbye. We would be happy to arrange an extension of your stay at Lake Garda.
Services
What's included
7 nights in a double room
7 breakfasts and 6 dinners (not on the day off)
Transfers to and from the hikes by public bus
boat trip
German-speaking guided hike
Program as described, including 5 guided hikes
Group tour with min. 5 / max. 14 participants
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Tip
Single room supplement €175
Double room for single use €295
Tourist tax (approx. €2/night) is payable upon arrival at the hotel.
Drinks with dinner
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
For this trip, you need a reasonable level of fitness. You can expect five guided hikes with walking times of approximately 3 to 5 hours on panoramic trails, old mule tracks, and through olive groves, some involving longer ascents and descents. Sure-footedness is an advantage.
You'll stay in the same hotel in Nago, above Torbole, for the entire week and hike with just a daypack. You'll travel to the trailheads by public bus, and one day is yours to explore at your leisure.
Dates and prices
Group dates
