Italy

Venice

We love coming back to Venice – from Lake Garda you can drive here comfortably in about an hour and a half. You can either park on the mainland in Mestre and take a bus across the bridge (the cheaper option), or right on the edge of Venice in the garages at Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma (pricier, but next to the centre). We always make a point of three things here: tasting the local cicchetti (Venetian tapas to go with wine), strolling across St Mark’s Square, and every now and then popping into the famous Caffè Florian – one of the oldest continuously operating cafés in the world, open since 1720.

On to the lake

On day two we head back to Lake Garda and check in at Sirmione. The fastest route is along the A4/E70 motorway and takes about an hour and a half. Alternatively you can take the A22/E45 to the Affi – Lago di Garda Sud exit, but that route is about 20 km longer and takes roughly 30 minutes more.

Lake Garda

At the lake we have three things we never skip:

• Gardaland – an amusement park for thrill-seekers and families with kids (buy tickets online).
• Monte Baldo in Malcesine – a rotating cable car high above the lake with stunning views; up top you can also do some easy hikes.
• Sirmione – a walk through the historic centre to Castello Scaligero castle and a scenic boat trip around the peninsula (tickets from various providers).

Heading home

On your last day before leaving, we recommend stopping at a local supermarket to stock up – besides water, mainly Italian pasta, wine and something tasty for the road. Don’t forget the toll: if your payment doesn’t go through at the exit and the machine only prints a “receipt”, you’ll find a link on it to easily pay the toll online. Never reverse at toll gates or get out of your car – you risk a hefty fine.