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THREE DAYS AND TWO LAKES: FROM LAKE IDRO TO LAKE GARDA 

 

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."

 

Sabbia Valley and lake Idro

A succession of woods and rocks that change colour with the changing seasons, streams and waterfalls that seem to belong to a painting: welcome to Sabbia Valley.

The Chiese river, emissary of Lake Idro, crosses the valley and its glacial basin is the ideal destination for sports fans.

The towns in the valley conceal hidden treasures and stories of great historical interest.

The valley has always been known for its carving craftsmanship, passed down from father to son, and particularly visible on the altars and confessionals of the many famous churches, in particular the exemplary testimonies of the Boscaì family of Levrange.

    

ITINERARY

 

Day 1 
Departure from Idro and through the picturesque Valle Serè, the climb to the Lodge begins, through the lush surroundings of ledges and waterfalls and several quaint barns.
Picnic lunch on the way; in the afternoon you arrive at the Lodge where you can relax and then eat a traditional dinner before bed.
Day 2
When you wake up, you start the long walk of the day (about 5 hours); on leaving the Sabbia Valley you enter the territory of the Alto Garda Bresciano Park, with a wild path that runs along the northern slopes of Mount Zingla: an unspoilt and wild landscape! 
Having reached the Cima di Campiglio Lodge, an ancient mountain centre surrounded by green meadows, you can stop for a well deserved lunch break before starting the climb to the panoramic Fobbiola Pass, where for the first time we can see Lake Garda in all its immensity. 
Having circumvented the rocky slopes of Mount Spino and reached the pass, after a short descent you arrive at Pirlo allo Spino Lodge; dinner and accommodation at the Lodge. 
Day 3
Breakfast and departure for the long descent towards Lake Garda following the course of the Barbarano stream, crossing San Michele, and then continuing the descent to reach the coast.

 

 

LOCATION

Lake Garda and Lake Idro