From Pontile Carducci, in the heart of Sirmione, begins an exclusive tour that combines elegance, nature and breathtaking views. During the first part of the navigation you can see Maria Callas’ former villa, nestled among the greenery of the peninsula, and cruise past the Thermal Baths of Sirmione, where history and wellness meet. Shortly after, the famous Jamaica Beach appears, with its white limestone slabs and turquoise water, and above it the Grottoes of Catullus, the most important Roman villa on Lake Garda.
Leaving the peninsula behind, the route heads toward the Brescia shore, passing the Rocca di Manerba, a natural balcony overlooking the lake, and the Isola dei Conigli, a small paradise immersed in silence.
The heart of the tour is the majestic Isola del Garda, with its Venetian‑style neo‑Gothic villa and terraced gardens descending toward the water. Seen from the lake, the island reveals all its elegance and becomes the most scenic moment of the entire experience.
The navigation continues toward Gardone Riviera, the elegant “salon” of the western shore, where refined villas and lush gardens create a timeless atmosphere.
On the way back to Sirmione, you will see the Boiola Spring, the thermal source that feeds the hot waters of the Sirmione spas, located in front of Baia delle Bionde. The tour ends with a view of the Scaliger Castle, with the possibility of passing under its bridges when lake conditions allow it.
A two‑hour experience, ideal for those who want to discover Lake Garda from an authentic, elegant and panoramic perspective.
What will we visit during the tour?
The starting point of our tours
The lakeside retreat where the “Divine” found inspiration and serenity
As you cruise along the peninsula, Maria Callas’ villa emerges between the lush greenery of its park and the shimmering blue of the lake. This elegant residence was the summer retreat of the legendary soprano during the 1950s, a place where the “Divine” found peace, inspiration, and moments away from the spotlight. Seen from the water, the villa reveals its quiet, refined charm, still echoing the presence of one of the most iconic voices of the twentieth century.
The thermal waters that made Sirmione renowned worldwide
As you cruise along the peninsula, you pass by the renowned Sirmione Thermal Baths, celebrated since ancient times for their sulfur-rich, therapeutic waters. From the lake, the elegant spa complex appears in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape, offering a unique blend of wellness and natural beauty. The warm springs rising from the depths of Lake Garda tell a centuries-old story of healing and relaxation, making Sirmione one of the most charming thermal destinations in Europe.
White rocks, crystal‑clear water, and a view that feels almost tropical
Approaching the tip of Sirmione, Jamaica Beach reveals itself as an almost surreal place. Large slabs of pale rock emerge from the water, creating a unique landscape where the lake turns crystal‑clear and turquoise, reminiscent of tropical scenes. From the boat, you can admire the irregular shapes of the rocks, smoothed by time and arranged like a natural terrace gently descending into the water. The light here is distinctive: it reflects off the white stones and brightens the water with shimmering highlights, making this stretch of coastline one of the most photographed in Sirmione. In the background, the ruins of the Grottoes of Catullus rise above the point, adding a historical presence to an already extraordinary panorama. Seen from the lake, Jamaica Beach feels like a small natural paradise, a place where Lake Garda reveals a brighter, more exotic side of its beauty. Sailing past this spot is always a special moment: calm water, vivid colors, and the pale rock formations create an atmosphere that stays with anyone who passes by.
The timeless charm of the Grotte di Catullo: an archaeological jewel revealed from the lake.
As we cruise along the shoreline, the Grotte di Catullo rise majestically at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula. This ancient Roman villa, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Garda, is one of the area’s most captivating archaeological sites. Viewing it from the lake offers a truly unique perspective: the ruins stretch across the headland, revealing the grandeur of the site and its long history. A striking moment where nature, archaeology, and breathtaking scenery come together.
A breathtaking cliff overlooking the lake from above
As you sail along the Brescia side of the lake, the silhouette of the Rocca di Manerba rises dramatically above the water, perched like a vast natural balcony. This rocky promontory, shaped by time and nature, is one of Lake Garda’s most striking viewpoints. From the boat, its full height becomes clear: cliffs plunging into the water, paths climbing toward the summit, and a profile that shifts with the changing light. The Rocca holds archaeological remains and traces of ancient fortifications, but from the lake it tells above all the story of the landscape’s power — a perfect blend of rock, greenery, and water. It’s a stretch of navigation that always impresses, as the Rocca seems to rise suddenly and dominate the entire gulf with its majestic presence. A natural landmark that has guided sailors for centuries and still offers one of the most iconic views of Lake Garda.
Crystal‑clear waters, wild nature, and a timeless atmosphere
As you sail toward Manerba, Rabbit Island emerges as a small gem set in the turquoise waters of Lake Garda. It is one of the lake’s most charming islands: wild, bright, and surrounded by shallow, crystal‑clear waters that, on calm days, take on almost tropical shades. From the boat, you can admire its slender shape, the smooth rocks shaped by the wind, and the natural vegetation that grows freely, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep blue of the lake. The island takes its name from the rabbits that once lived here, but today it is above all a peaceful spot, perfect for those who love nature and unspoiled landscapes. Sailing past the island is always a special moment: the water becomes clearer, the pace slows down, and the view opens toward the Rocca di Manerba, creating one of the most romantic and photographed scenes on Lake Garda.
A dreamlike villa and gardens that seem to float above the water
As you sail toward the center of the lake, Isola del Garda reveals itself as a place suspended in time — a private world where nature and architecture blend in perfect harmony. Its Venetian‑style neo‑Gothic villa rises gracefully above the island, overlooking terraced gardens that descend toward the water like a floating landscape. From the boat, you can admire the island’s full silhouette: palm trees swaying in the breeze, tall cypresses reaching for the sky, and stone stairways that seem to invite exploration. The water surrounding it is exceptionally clear, reflecting the villa like a mirror and creating an almost fairy‑tale atmosphere. It is one of the most scenic spots on Lake Garda, a place that always impresses with its refined beauty and sense of tranquility. Sailing past the island offers a privileged view, where every detail seems to whisper its own story.
A refined lakeside town of gardens, historic villas, and timeless views
Approaching Gardone Riviera from the lake, the town immediately reveals its refined and elegant character. The shoreline unfolds in a sequence of historic villas overlooking the water, with manicured gardens descending toward the lake and small private docks that evoke the aristocratic charm of the Belle Époque. Liberty‑style façades, terraces hidden among the greenery, and long tree‑lined promenades shape a landscape that feels both harmonious and serene. One of the most distinctive buildings is the Grand Hotel Fasano, standing gracefully by the water with its elegant façade mirrored on the lake’s surface. The lakeside promenade, visible from the boat in its full length, adds a Mediterranean touch with palm trees, flowerbeds, and beautifully maintained details. Stone stairways and private piers scattered along the shore complete a scene that seems to belong to another era. Seen from the water, Gardone Riviera looks like a vast garden resting on the lake, a place where nature and architecture blend seamlessly and where every view conveys a sense of timeless elegance.
A 10,000‑year underground journey before rising from the lakebed
During the boat tour, you reach a stretch of the lake where something truly unique happens: warm, mineral‑rich water rises continuously from the lakebed. This is the same water that feeds the Sirmione Thermal Baths, the result of a long underground journey that began thousands of years ago on the slopes of Mount Baldo. After seeping into the ground, the water slowly descends deep into the Earth, where natural geothermal heat warms it and enriches it with sulfur, bromine, and iodine. As it rises back toward the surface, it emerges from the bottom of Lake Garda at temperatures reaching 69°C, creating a phenomenon that can be observed directly from the boat. The surface of the lake gently ripples, and small bubbles appear as they rise from below — a subtle but captivating sign of the thermal spring “breathing” beneath the water. It’s a simple yet fascinating moment that reveals the origin of the water that has made Sirmione one of Europe’s most renowned thermal destinations.
A unique medieval fortress, surrounded by the lake like an island
Approaching Sirmione from the lake, the Scaligero Castle rises like a vision frozen in time. Its crenellated walls emerge directly from the water, giving the impression of a fortress floating on the surface. Built in the 13th century by the Della Scala family, it once guarded the entrance to the peninsula and protected the inner harbor, which is still remarkably well preserved. From the boat, one of its most striking features becomes clear: the moat entirely filled by the lake itself, a rare characteristic that makes this castle unique in Italy. The towers, mirrored in the water, tell stories of medieval trade, strategic control, and centuries of life along Lake Garda. Sailing alongside the walls reveals the true scale of the fortress, its defensive position, and the deep connection between Sirmione and its waters. It’s one of the most scenic moments of the tour — a close encounter with the history that watches over the entrance to the old town.
A unique experience you can only live from the water
One of the most thrilling moments of the tour is approaching the bridges of the Scaligero Castle. When the lake is calm and conditions allow it, the boat can glide gently beneath the arches of the fortress, offering a perspective impossible to experience from land. The medieval walls rise above the bow, ancient stones hover just above the water, and the echo of the lake beneath the vaults creates an almost theatrical atmosphere. It’s a short but unforgettable passage, allowing you to slip into the very heart of Sirmione’s history and see the castle as the lake’s sailors once did. A moment that always surprises, even those who know Sirmione well — from this close, the castle seems to tell a different story.
FAQ
To book, simply click the “Book” button at the top right of the page and fill out the dedicated form. After submitting your request, you will be contacted to finalize the details and confirm the booking.
You can contact us directly to modify or cancel your booking. Changes are possible up to a certain time before departure; the specific conditions are indicated in the confirmation you received at the time of booking.
Boarding is in Piazza Carducci, unless otherwise specified during booking.
Private tours lasting more than 2 hours include a complimentary bottle of Prosecco.
Yes. All private tours can be fully customized upon request.
If the weather conditions are not suitable for navigation, we will contact you to propose a new time or date. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
Yes. On private tours there are no size restrictions.
Yes. A photo service is available upon request exclusively for private tours. You can indicate your interest during the booking process, and we will provide all the necessary information.
Yes. Swimming is allowed only during private tours, depending on weather and safety conditions.
Passing under the bridges of the Scaligero Castle is possible only if lake conditions allow it. Wind, water level, and navigation safety must be suitable.
To book, simply click the “Book” button at the top right of the page and fill out the dedicated form. After submitting your request, you will be contacted to finalize the details and confirm the booking.
You can contact us directly to modify or cancel your booking. Changes are possible up to a certain time before departure; the specific conditions are indicated in the confirmation you received at the time of booking.
Boarding is in Piazza Carducci, unless otherwise specified during booking.
Private tours lasting more than 2 hours include a complimentary bottle of Prosecco.
Yes. All private tours can be fully customized upon request.
If the weather conditions are not suitable for navigation, we will contact you to propose a new time or date. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
Yes. On private tours there are no size restrictions.
Yes. A photo service is available upon request exclusively for private tours. You can indicate your interest during the booking process, and we will provide all the necessary information.
Yes. Swimming is allowed only during private tours, depending on weather and safety conditions.
Passing under the bridges of the Scaligero Castle is possible only if lake conditions allow it. Wind, water level, and navigation safety must be suitable.
