DESCOVERING THE "ALTO GARDA" PARK 

DESCRIPTION 

LAKE GARDA
It is difficult to find an original way to describe such a well-known area with such special and unique features as Lake Garda: clear waters and a mild climate, rolling hills as opposed to steep-sided cliffs overlooking the water, small villages and churches, and lemon groves, olive groves, bougainvillea and oleanders. The villages overlooking the waters, certainly the best known, are magnets for beach tourism, but there is more than the lakeside basin to discover. Garda invites the traveller to get lost among the paths, to walk down offbeat paths that lead to isolated monasteries, to sit at a table and rediscover the flavours of a time when genuine products enhance the Italian culinary tradition, to walk among the olive trees, to breathe in the fresh air while admiring a clear landscape. The Western Gardesana (state road 45 bis) is the path to discovering the area: a mythical, sometimes inaccessible road which skirts the banks of the lake and runs from Sirmione to Riva del Garda. The unique Alto Garda Natural Park, characterised by contrasts: the area is one that runs from Limone to Salò where it passes quickly by the waters of the lake to the rugged peaks of the Alpine region. 
In the Park between the peaks and water is the best way to discover and appreciate all aspects of the landscape. You can follow paths and dirt trails that reward you with unexpected glimpses on foot, by bicycle or on horseback from every village. 
The plateau of Tremosine is among the most spectacular for admiring the Garda basin: a stage on the lake resting on steep rocks overlooking the water and the towering peaks of Monte Baldo. Returning to Gardesana, the town of Gargnano, besides being known for launching the famous Centomiglia regatta, entered the history books for being home to the offices of government and administration of the then new Social Republic between 1943 and 1945, the most famous palaces including Palazzo Bettoni and Villa Feltrinelli, which was the residence of the Duce and his family.
The slow path to discovery of Garda leads the mind to the words written in the literature of the author including Stendhal, who described Garda as "the most beautiful landscape in the world", DH Lawrence "a lake as beautiful as the beginning of creation", and finally the invitation of W. Goethe, "how much I wished to have my friends for a moment near me in order that they might rejoice over the view which lies before me."

    

ITINERARY

Day 1  
Once in Salò accommodation is provided at one of the charming B&Bs in the heart of the village or in the surrounding area. A walk in the beautiful little town to get lost in the streets full of ancient historical evidence is unmissable: from the spectacular cathedral to the town hall.
Dinner will be served in a traditional restaurant with a seasonal menu using local products from the land and the lake.
Day 2
After breakfast, we leave the B&B and head towards the centre of Salò to go by public transport from Toscolano Maderno. Once in Toscolano you will be accommodated in one of the Bed and Breakfasts in the historic centre.
The day goes by slowly amongst beautiful landscapes and narrow streets or discovering the Toscolano countryside that offers many opportunities for walks. 
The dinner made up of traditional dishes will be served in one of the many original Toscolano restaurants.
Day 3
After breakfast we start, still using public transport, in the direction of Limone del Garda where, housed in a downtown hotel, you will be right in the heart of Limone del Garda. In the afternoon a visit is planned to Limonaia Castell, one of the oldest and most characteristic citrus gardens in Garda. Evening free to explore the excellence of the cuisine of Limone in one of the many restaurants.
Day 4 
After breakfast, return to Salò on public transport again; should you wish, it is also possible and very charming to return to Salò by boat on the scheduled service.

LOCATION

Lake Garda - Salò, Toscolano Maderno, Limone.