Hiya Toastedmallow!!

You have picked a great area for your summer holiday - it will be busy but there is a difference between animated and crushed like a grape!

First port of call might be http://www.rivadelgarda.comwhich is the official website of the local tourist board.

As regards train trips, you can look up details on Italian State Railways website, or on my preferred one http://www.db.de. From Desenzano you can travel East-West very easily across the plain of Lombardy ... I would recommend day trips to Milan (Cathedral (Duomo), La Scala Opera House, the shops ....), Verona (the Arena and the quaint centre ... all that Romeo and Juliet mullarky (her balcony etc) is exactly that ... no one really knows where it was!!! .... Padua for it's cathedral and the old university - a medic friend of mine visited the old operating theatres where human knowledge of anatomy was pioneered, and of course Venice. You might however want to spend an extra night there - perhaps the Venice threads might help ... good and cheaper hotels in Mestre and Marghera.

Going up the lake, there's the mountains to enjoy ... although you might get the odd thunderstorm due to the change in air pressure during the afternoon, Bardolino (home to a great tasting wine), Soave is also a close wine-growing area and you can indulge appropriately.

Just a reminder that pick pocketing and petty crime are sadly on the increase in the wealthier parts of Italy so PLEASE take sensible precautions. I would also advise train travel to the big cities rather than hire a car ... not only do the motorways have tolls FAR too frequently, but the standard of driving is creative to say the least and finding a parking place in a town centre is as frequent as winning the lottery!

You will have a wonderful time - but be aware that Lake Garda is much favoured by the Germans, so you may find that the second language is German rather than English, especially on the eastern shore! But all nationalities can mix well on holiday, and I'm sure you will adapt to hearing more German than Italian spoken in the cafes and restaurants!

Hiya Alsacienne!
What would I do without you!! Lots of useful advice.........AGAIN!!
(I happen to be a big fan of Soave!)
I though I'd be spoilt for choice, and you have confirmed it!
I think I might need an extra week.
Had heard about the German invasion & that the locals favour them over the other tourists, but who cares?! ( as long as I'm not ignored!!)

Hi Toastedmallow

Just to say, when we were in Lake Garda we found that the locals really like the British. Wear a red cross and you may find that the folks there are very friendly! Once they realised we were English they let us get on boats first etc etc etc

We're off to Bardolino and then Riva del Garda for 2 weeks in August. We can't wait to return to what is a wonderful part of Italy.

Have a great time

Thanks Presto!
Glad the Germans don't get all the attention! I had heard from a friend that she felt a bit like a 2nd class citizen in Malcesine as the Germans were given preference. Are they big spenders or does it go back to war allegiances??
Anyway really looking forward to the trip & I believe Bardolino is a 45 min walk long the lakeside which sounds bliss.

Hi Toastedmallow

Garda Town,Bardolino and all towns on the south of the lake are split 50-50 between Brits and Germans.It`s towns from Malcesine northwards predominantly German because they drive down from Germany and stop off at the nearest point.

All the major tour operators are in Garda Town so they are well geared up for the Brits.

The walk along the lakeside to Bardolino is lovely but don`t do it in the hottest part of the day and have water with you.Straight after breakfast is nice with the ferry back for lunch (oh heaven).

I`m sure you will love it.

By the way where are you staying?

caio

HI There!
I was thinking of that walk in the evening when we could eat in Bardolino & wander back or get a taxi depending on our stamina! But the ferry sounds even better! Do they run late in the evenings and what price(approx) ?
We're staying in the Palme Royal ( I think), chosen because it was one of the few that had AC. Doesn't look that pretty but got really excellent reviews on Trip Advisor web forum. Do you know it?

Hi Toast--------------

Yeh know Palme Royal. Not stayed there but spoke to someone last year staying there who said it was nice and they loved it.Bit of a walk into town though but I think there is a mini bus picks up on the outskirts and drops off at lakeside if you don`t fancy the walk.

I think the ferries finish round about 7pm but can`t be sure my minds gone blank but no doubt someone might know the appropriate website to find out.

I love the slow ferries.Sit up on top with a cooling breeze and soak up the scenery.Bliss.

Seeya

I was in Bardolino for a week and loved it. The walk along to Garda is beautiful and very enjoyable. My advice is to hop on and off the water transport and see what you can. I can't wait to go back but am going to Pisa and Florence this year.

It's great to read so many positive comments on this area.....can't wait!!