Is Lake Garda too far for a long weekend?

[Whatthespotarethese]

Kids 8 and 12, just looking for some warmth and fresh air without freezing. Thinking of the end of May bank holiday for 3 or 4 nights. I know it’s only a 2 hour flight but would we be able to do it justice in that time? Also any recommendation for a town to aim for, in terms of easily getting to and from Verona airport to cut down on the travel time?

I think it’s doable, you wouldn’t really be doing it justice but you could get a taste.

Peschiera del Garda is very central and there is a train station in town direct to Verona, which is about an hour away. There are frequent ferries across to many of the towns from here too.

Highly recommend a trip to Malcesine and up the cable car. It’s beautiful.

Desenzano and Peschiera are both on the train line from Verona. And both perfectly nice. 3 or 4 nights could be lovely. Some boat trips to different towns. Our last hotel had free bike hire. Sirmione is good for a day out with the roman ruins and the castle. Another alternative is Stresa, Lake Maggiore - 45 min transfer a few times a day from Milan Malpensa. Boat trips, islands, animal park, botanical gardens, Alpi Park at the top of the hill, though the cable car doesn't run anymore.

The first time we visited Lake Garda we stayed for 5 nights - with a 30 hour coach journey there and back ! So I reckon 4 nights with a short flight should be fine! As others have said - Desenzano and Peschiera are both on the rail line from Verona - although I don't know how close the airport is. When we've flown we've gone to Milan Bergamo and hired a car.

May half term week is a lovely time of the year to go.

If your children like theme parks then Gardaland is very close to Peschiera .

The Lake steamer is lovely - but from what I can recall not that cheap. You would certainly want to do it once but buses are cheaper .

Also recommend Peschiera, super close to the airport (20mins by car, 40 by bus and train). Lovely town, you can do boat trips, play on beach (shingles), lots of cafes and restaurants. Gardaland nearby if you want a theme park. I have family in the are and been for 3 nights with kids (flying from London) and think it’s worth it.

You can also easily take a train from Peschiera to Venice or Verona.

Train from Peschiera to Central Verona is 20mins, it’s an hour and 20 to Venice.

Thanks so much for all the info that’s great. It all looks absolutely beautiful.

Sirmione or malcesine are about 45- hour in a taxi from verona. Do it. U won't regret it

I agree it’s definitely doable. One of my kids went last year for 6 days but flew into Venice & spent the night & then a couple of nights in Verona first so 4 days at the lake is fine.