Discover Sirmione’s hidden gems with a private boat cruise and guided walk, exploring history, culture, and breathtaking views away from the crowds.
Discover Sirmione’s hidden gems with a private boat cruise and guided walk, exploring history, culture, and breathtaking views away from the crowds.
- Castello Scaligero - Take in the stunning exterior of the castle, an ideal chance to appreciate its remarkable architecture and delve into the rich history of Sirmione. The symbols and stone carvings tell tales of the peninsula’s inhabitants from the Middle Ages to the present, providing a glimpse into the town’s evolving identity.
- **Chiesa di…
- Castello Scaligero - Take in the stunning exterior of the castle, an ideal chance to appreciate its remarkable architecture and delve into the rich history of Sirmione. The symbols and stone carvings tell tales of the peninsula’s inhabitants from the Middle Ages to the present, providing a glimpse into the town’s evolving identity.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve - A visit to this historic 13th-century structure, later reconstructed in the 15th century, offers a clear understanding of Sirmione’s wealth and significance in bygone eras.
- Abbazia di San Salvatore - This path leads to a serene area seldom visited by crowds, offering stunning panoramic views of the northern shores of Lake Garda, part of the Cortine Hills, and the charming Abbey of San Salvatore, established in the 8th century.
- Palazzo Maria Callas - In the 1950s, Sirmione was home to the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. She married marble exporter Meneghini and resided in this beautiful building for about seven years. Adjacent to it is a lovely park named in her honor. Visitors will hear anecdotes about her time here and learn about the building’s recent uses.
- Spiaggia Lido Delle Bionde - Close to Maria Callas Park is the captivating Lido delle Bionde, often (and somewhat inaccurately) translated as “The Blondies’ Beach.” In ancient times, this area housed one of the largest necropolises on the peninsula.
Strolling through the lush natural surroundings of the beach, visitors gradually leave the most renowned and bustling part of the town behind, heading towards the over 2,000-year-old ruins of the Roman complex, where Sirmione’s true beauty is unveiled.
- Grotte di Catullo - Grotte di Catullo is the name of the magnificent remains of the largest Roman villa in Northern Italy, constructed between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. Situated at the very tip of the Sirmione peninsula, the site offers breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Garda.
Spanning nearly two hectares, the archaeological site reveals the foundations of a multi-level Roman complex featuring internal gardens, porticoes, lakeside terraces, and a thermal bath area. Although the upper residential floors have collapsed over time, the villa’s scale and layout clearly convey its former grandeur.
The visit here will transport visitors back to over 600 years of Roman rule. Clear reconstructions of the ancient palace will make the experience fascinating and engaging.
- Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino - The final stop is an almost mystical location on the Mavino hill. Often overlooked by less attentive visitors, this charming church is a true hidden gem, with origins dating back to the 6th century. It conveys a strong sense of the many stories and generations of people who have passed through this enchanting place over the centuries.
Reaching this area reveals a quieter and more authentic side of the destination, where the true, lesser-known beauty of the surroundings emerges. In the early 20th century, many affluent families chose this peaceful setting to build their elegant villas, adding another layer to the area’s rich and refined character.
- Sirmione - The experience concludes with an exploration of the Sirmione peninsula from the water aboard a private boat, operated by one of the most experienced companies on the southern shores of Lake Garda.
The boat tour will take visitors along the striking white limestone shores, past the remarkable Jamaica Beach, offering a unique and spectacular perspective of the Roman villa ruins. The journey ends beneath the bridges of Sirmione Castle, where visitors will enjoy an extraordinary view of the tower and the historic harbor, sights that are impossible to appreciate from land.
During this final part of the tour, the guide will also introduce visitors to the broader history and character of Lake Garda, with ample time for questions, recommendations, and personalized tips to help make the most of their stay in this exceptional destination.

- Admission to the “Grotte di Catullo” Archaeological Site
- Bottled water
- 35-minute private boat tour aboard a 25-passenger motorboat
- Admission to the “Grotte di Catullo” Archaeological Site
- Bottled water
- 35-minute private boat tour aboard a 25-passenger motorboat
- Personal Expenses
- Personal Expenses
This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Sirmione away from the crowds and the midday heat. Discover hidden corners and authentic streets where history, culture, and charm come to life, and visit one of Northern Italy’s most captivating sites, the archaeological site “Grotte di Catullo.”
Throughout the tour, instead of lectures, enjoy…
This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Sirmione away from the crowds and the midday heat. Discover hidden corners and authentic streets where history, culture, and charm come to life, and visit one of Northern Italy’s most captivating sites, the archaeological site “Grotte di Catullo.”
Throughout the tour, instead of lectures, enjoy engaging stories and insights delivered with humor and at a leisurely pace.
The tour’s highlight is a private boat ride: glide across the lake, take in the stunning views of Sirmione from the water, and marvel at the Roman ruins, castle, and secluded shores. Our local captains will share insider stories and secrets that are not available on land.
To make the experience even more memorable, a delightful surprise awaits on the boat, ensuring your visit is truly unforgettable.
- Not recommended for travelers with serious mobility issues.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.