Are you planning a weekend getaway to Lake Garda and unsure of what to visit? Worried that you won’t have enough time to enjoy the trip? Don’t worry! With this guide, you’ll be able to manage your free time optimally and experience the region without missing a thing.

Here’s how you can spend three days at Lake Garda.

On the first day, I recommend visiting a destination highly appreciated by tourists from all over the world: Malcesine. This splendid city was founded by the Etruscans in 500 BC and later conquered by the Romans. After the fall of Rome, the area was ruled in turn by the Ostrogoths, Alemanni, and then the Lombards.

The most important landmark in Malcesine is the Palazzo dei Capitani, built by the Scala family between the 13th and 14th centuries on ancient Roman and Romanesque ruins. If you’re not a history enthusiast but prefer enjoying a beautiful mountain hike, you can’t miss a great trek on Monte Baldo. To reach it, you’ll need to take the cable car, and don’t forget to take amazing photos since the view over the Garda landscape is breathtaking from there.

After this stop, head further north to the beautiful Riva Del Garda, often called "the pearl of Lake Garda." This city was also founded in Roman times, contested between Trento and Venice, and officially became Italian in 1918. You absolutely must visit the Apponale Tower, a true symbol of the city.

The third stop of the day must be Limone, offering breathtaking views of its lemon groves—not to mention the incredible fragrance. If you’re a cyclist, bring your bike along! You can ride for 7 kilometers right along the lake.

Now, let’s move on to the second day. The first stop: Sirmione, in the province of Brescia. Here you’ll find the area’s most popular nightlife venues. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to take a one-of-a-kind boat tour where you can experience the highlights of Lake Garda. You’ll see the Scaliger Castle with its 13th-century fortifications and a medieval tower in white stone, Maria Callas’ villa, the "Grottoes of Catullus", and much more.

Next, you’ll head to Salò, which served as the seat of the government of the Italian Social Republic from 1943 to 1945, often referred to as the "Republic of Salò."

And because the best is saved for last, this wonderful tour will conclude with the jewel of all jewels: Il Vittoriale degli Italiani. This estate was built in 1921 in Gardone Riviera, on the shores of Lake Garda, by Gabriele d'Annunzio with the help of architect Gian Carlo Maroni to celebrate his "inimitable life" and Italy’s achievements during World War I. Every interior and exterior space reflects the uniqueness and creativity of D'Annunzio’s personality, who collected as many memories as possible: sculptures, military medals, relics, thousands of books, and works of art of every style. It’s truly a house-museum in every sense of the word. Additionally, here’s something you would never expect to find scattered throughout the entire complex: an SVA airplane, a Puglia military ship, and a MAS96 submarine.

If you follow these recommendations, I guarantee you won’t regret it. Set off with a travel companion and you’ll impress everyone! Bon voyage!