Lake Garda, itlee

minikin

Hi all,

I'm heading there for a week on tuesday (so long as arse lingers pilots start co-operating). Anyone ever been? Any must see sites? Beautiful villages, unspoilt by the millions of tourists in search of unspoilt villages?

phog

Are you hiring a car? There are lovely villages right around Lake Garda my favourite were Sirmonie, Lazise and Pescheria (spelling on all three?????) these are all on the siuth of the lake. If you want to take lanscape photos try to get to the Dolomites.

Do a search on the travel forum you might more info, I know I posted soem more detail there before.

If you need more info PM me and I'll try to dig out some more for you.

countryjimbo

There's a Revolving cable car that brings you to the top of Monte Baldo which is well worth the trip up. Great views on the way up and the top is fantastic, might be cloudy at the top so better check it first.

http://www.lagodigardamagazine.com/index.asp?Menu=2&Sub=265&Lang=2

I'd second Sermione, its where a lot of the rich Italians hang out, plenty cool boats, cars and people!!

Enjoy your trip, its a lovely spot.

Benster

Yup, was there 3 years ago, a beautiful place spoilt, as you say, by 1000's of tourists like ourselves :rolleyes:

We stayed near Malcesine, which has a great people-watching area, cafes etc, beside a small pier, loads of people shots to be had while sipping wine and munching olives. Usual old-town Italian feeling to be had all round the place.

One of mine from there... This guy is on said pier.


As has been said, Monte Baldo (climbed it - puff!) and the Dolomites are great for views and landscapes. Loads of wee Germanic towns around the Dolomites.

Problem with getting decent pictures of the place is haze. Get up early to get the clear skies (something I find impossible to do).

Enjoy.
B.

Fajitas!

I bloody well hope you're able to go!

minikin

not looking overly promising at the moment... there's a charter flight going to milan malpensa on tuesday afternoon (another half hour away from the accommodation - now looking at a 3 hour bus ride from the airport - i actually emailed an italian chopper charter company for a price but haven't heard back )

I've been badgering the travel agent to get us on it or at least let me know if she can't asap but can't say they've been of any help... at this stage i just feel like chartering a learjet from dublin to verona!

(p.s. no I'm not bono...)

anyway, i've been checking out the area area riva del garda and it looks completely stunning, not to mention the dolomites, which i just have.

phog

Here's a few pics from a few years back - used a Nikon Coolpix 778 (I think).

minikin

what time of year did you go phog?
got good news today, email from travel agent to say we're on the charter flight

phog

minikin wrote:

what time of year did you go phog?
got good news today, email from travel agent to say we're on the charter flight

I went there on our 2 week summer hols mid July I think. We toured Venice & Verona as well but maily around Lake Garda. The dolomites are a long drive but worth it.

Hope you enjoy the break after all the hassle you have had about the strike. Post a few pics on your return.

alowe

We went on our honeymoon there begining of July (had been there before 2 years earlier.) Its such a lovely place - pizza, sun and wine! Anyway, this time we had our 400d (first time on a proper holiday with said digital) - and what fun we had..... We stayed in Malcesine, so could choose what day we popped up Mount Baldo, i.e. when it wasn't cloudy. Best time to go is early in the morning as there are less clouds, and you catch the paragliders. We spent a few hours shooting them getting ready and jumping off - great way to spend a morning. (if you're lucky, some even jump off with their dogs in tow!) Other great place is (I think) Torbole (its to the right of riva). In the morning, upto 11am, and after 2pm you get the wind surfers - and loads of them. On some other parts of the lake you have the kite-surfers, but we were never close enough to photograph them. There are certain times when the surfers are out, as from I remember the morning from 7-11 is when the wind comes from the north, and then it dies, and then picks up again from 2-4 when it comes from the south. A local will be able to tell you the times better. Personally, I prefer the northern part of the lake - its where more water sports take place (more wind), and is more dramatic with mountains on either side. I found Sirminone too touristy and pricy for me. Limone, riva, malcesine, are much better value (only€1 per scoop of ice-cream!). We also drove into the dolomites - worth it for the views, if a bit scary.

Anyway - any questions, just shout! You'll have a great time, and the opportunity to take loads and loads and loads of photos....

thefizz

Yes the Dolomites are a must see.