Lake Garda - do we really need a car? Recommended places to visit?

[lynniep]

We're flying into Verona and staying at Altomincio family park at the South end of the Lake. Just a week.

We're a family of four (boys are 7, 4) and at home we just couldn't cope without the car as we always seem to go on day trips at the weekend.

However totting up the cost of hiring + petrol + the car seats (I bought some boostapak car seats which I can still return to the shop if I change my mind) I think its going to cost about £500. Which seems a lot really. Same as the flights cost us.

I haven't yet done my research on Lake Garda but I know there are some waterparks nearby which will probably require a visit.

I doubt we'll be roaming around little villages much taking in the scenery. This would suit me and DH, but not the boys.

I'd like to see Venice if possible (is there a train that goes to Venice?) and Verona and I honestly think we won't fit much more in.

However recommendations for visits (and how to get there) are appreciated.

Do you think it would make more sense for us just to use public transport (which scares me a bit LOL but I am a grownup and I will cope!) ?

We have been to Lake Garda twice and never hired a car. For a start driving in Italy is very stressful, secondly the public transport is very good. The best way to visit different towns round the lake is by taking the ferry, which is really easy. Also, you get to see more of the lake from a boat than a car. The buses are very good, although we didn't use them, but loads of other holiday makers did.

I haven't been to Garda yet but we are planning it for next year so I'm watching this thread with interest. Last year we did a twin centre city break though to Venice and Milan with budget flights in and out of Bergamo. I think it's the same train line as we used the trains between the cities and the airport. The line between Venice and Milan definitely stops in Verona. Tickets are much cheaper in advance and the Trenitalia website is ok to use however despite mad driving if we had specific places to see and couldn't get public transport then I would look at car hire for sure.

thank you bunbaker thats helpful. And yes trains from Verona to Venice would be good. I'm not sure I could manage that trip by bus (I get motion sickness in cars and buses!)

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We travelled to Lake Garda by train from the uk! Most places on the lake are accessible by train, boat or bus.

The problem with Altomincino is that you aren't actually on Lake Garda!

I've stayed there twice, you are on a river that leads into Peschiera Del Garda and that is a good ten minute drive away. They have a very limited shop on camp too, so please take that into consideration? The park is quite big, and cars aren't allowed next to chalets so it is a bit of a schlep to get your belongings to your accommodation. They do have guys on golf carts to help though.

I think you can hire bikes to ride down the river bank though - so that may be an option? We don't stay long enough to explore, usually it's a bank holiday weekend trip for us.

It's great fun for kids though, they love the foam parties and the pool is great for boys of your ages. They have some slides etc.

If you were on the Lake I would say no, as there are regular ferries, but to get to the themeparks (I presume you mean Gardaland, Movie Park and Caneva Waterworld) that is a bit of a trek. It might be worth checking if there are any organised transport or trips from Altomincino?

I really wouldn't recommend Caneva Waterworld - it really isn't worth the money. It was full of older teenagers fighting, filming each other fighting, filiming each other snogging etc. The lazy river was hell - more fighting. It was concrete floor and hot as hell to walk, you had to wait an hour for a ring for the ride and then another hour to use the ride. Some of the rides were so unsafe kids were hitting their heads coming down and screaming in pain.

The Jack Sparrow toddler pool was slippery with green slime and broken splintery wood to climb on - most of it was taped off with red tape.

Very few loungers in the shade, food and service awful. There was only one actual swimming pool and that looked like the Municipal one in Bedford!

If you can get out and about to eat I would recommend this restaurant:

www.vecchiomulinobeach.com/ Kids eat free and it's brilliant. The manager organised an evening for me and he was amazing. It does get very busy though so you need to book.

Sorry I meant to say - we didn't stay long enough to explore the bicycle option, not we don't stay long enough!

thank you wallybanters thats very helpful. I will give the waterworld a miss then. I honestly think the kids will be just as happy at the onsite pool/s. I'm currently trawling review sites and getting prices for things.

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The pool is fab. My DS went at 6 yrs and 8 yrs and said it was the best place ever.

We're thinking of Eurocamp Camping del Garda next year. Can we fly to Verona and then take public transport to the site? It is 28km away I've read.