Moniga is in the heart of Lake Garda and from there you can reach some of the most beautiful destinations in Northern Italy on a day trip. On this page you will find the itineraries we most often recommend to our guests, with indicative distances and times. Whether you want to stay on the lake or go further afield, you are spoiled for choice.
Lake Garda
The best way to explore the lake is by boat: from Moniga harbour frequent connections leave for the main destinations. Alternatively, by car you can reach everything in 20-40 minutes.
- Sirmione — 15 km, 20 minutes. The Scaliger castle, the spa, the peninsula with its villas. Visit early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the crowds.
- Desenzano del Garda — 10 km, 15 minutes. The harbour, the historic centre, the nightlife. Great for an afternoon of shopping and an aperitif on the lakefront.
- Salò — 20 km, 30 minutes. The most elegant lakefront on Lake Garda, the Cathedral, the MuSa museum. Perfect for a full day.
- Gardone Riviera — 25 km, 35 minutes. D'Annunzio's Vittoriale, the botanical gardens. A unique place in Italy.
- Riva del Garda and Trentino — 60 km, 1 hour. The lake in its alpine version, with mountains plunging into the water. Great for a day of trekking.
Cities of art
From Valtenesi you can quickly reach some of the most beautiful cities in Northern Italy, perfect for a day trip.
- Verona — 40 km, 45 minutes. The Arena, Juliet's House, Piazza delle Erbe, Ponte Pietra. Dedicate at least a full day.
- Brescia — 30 km, 40 minutes. The Roman Capitolium, the castle, Piazza della Loggia, the Mille Miglia Museum. Underrated city, rich in history.
- Mantua — 60 km, 1 hour. UNESCO heritage, with Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Te and extraordinary cuisine.
- Bergamo — 90 km, 1 hour and 30. The Upper City with the Venetian walls, the funicular, Piazza Vecchia. Combine with a food stop.
Longer trips
If you have a full day (or two), from Moniga you can reach some of the most iconic destinations in Italy.
- Venice — 150 km, 2 hours by car (or 1h 30 by train from Desenzano). See in a day trip, leaving early in the morning.
- Dolomites — 150-200 km, 2-3 hours. The most beautiful mountains in Italy, UNESCO heritage. Ideal for a weekend or a trekking day.
- Milan — 100 km, 1h 30. The Duomo, La Scala, the fashion district, the Navigli. Visit in a day trip.
- Lake Iseo — 50 km, 1 hour. Less touristy than Lake Garda, with the village of Lovere and the famous Floating Piers installation (historical memory).
Nature and trekking
For mountain lovers, Valtenesi and the surrounding areas offer trails for all levels.
- Monte Baldo — 40 km, 1 hour. The "garden of Europe", with panoramic trails and lake views from 2,000 metres.
- Valvestino and Lake Idro — 60 km, 1h 30. Alpine lakes, woods, ancient villages. Perfect for a nature day.
- Valtenesi Nature Reserve — a few steps from the Relais. Hills, olive trees, vineyards, easy trails for walking or cycling.
Practical tips
A few things to know to best organise your trips: on summer weekends the lake roads can be busy, especially around Sirmione and Desenzano. In July and August it is better to leave early in the morning. In low season, on the other hand, you can enjoy the same destinations more calmly. If you prefer to avoid the car, the boat from Moniga is a great alternative for lake locations.
At reception you will find maps, boat timetables and personalised advice based on the period and your interests. Ask us also about current events: festivals, markets, concerts, exhibitions. There are always some.
In summary
- Sirmione: 15 km, 20 minutes. Visit early or at sunset
- Verona: 40 km, 45 minutes. A full day to experience it well
- Venice: 150 km, 2 hours. Possible in a day, better with an early start
- Dolomites: 150-200 km. Ideal for a trekking weekend
- Boat from Moniga to Sirmione, Salò, Garda: the car-free alternative
Discover the other experiences Lake Garda offers you.
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