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As we have said before, the Roannais, here in central France, is exceptionally convenient for easy access to many different places of interest. A short plane ‘hop’ (45 minutes) from Lyon to Milan, and you are amongst the wonders of Italian culture, countryside, and cuisine. We love it!
Pick up a little Fiat run-around and you instantly become part of the Italian way of life (and driving, of course!!)
A couple of picturesque hours steady motoring, and you can be in the amazing city of Verona – where’s my glass of Valpolicella?!
Verona is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, owing to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows, and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheatre built by the Romans.
The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture.
Our 3-day visit to Verona, including a day out to Lake Garda (only 40 minutes drive away) was excellent.
Warm, sunny Italian weather, beautiful countryside, stunning ancient architecture, and traditional cuisine to die for – what more do you want!
Lake Garda (Italian: Lago di Garda or Benaco) is the largest lake in Italy. It is located in Northern Italy, about half-way between Brescia and Verona, and between Venice and Milan.
Glaciers formed this alpine region at the end of the last Ice Age. The lake and its shoreline are divided between the provinces of Verona (to the southeast), Brescia (southwest), and Trentino (north).
Being easily accessible from the north via the Brenner Pass, the lake is a major tourist destination, including a number of exclusive hotels and resorts along its shore.
The northern part of the lake is narrower, surrounded by mountains, the majority of which belong to the Gruppo del Baldo.
The shape is typical of a moraine valley, probably having been formed under the action of a Paleolithic glacier.
Although traces of the glacier’s actions are evident today, in more recent years it has been hypothesized that the glacier occupied a previously existing depression, created by stream erosion 5 to 6 million years ago.
The lake has numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being Isola del Garda. Nearby to the south is Isola San Biagio, also known as the Isola dei Conigli (“Island of the Rabbits”). Both are offshore of San Felice del Benaco, on the west side.
The three other main islands are Isola dell’Olivo, Isola di Sogno, and Isola di Trimelone, all farther north near the east side.
The main tributary is the Sarca River, while the only outlet is the Mincio River.
The ancient fortified town of Sirmione, located on the south of the lake, is one particularly popular destination, home to the Virgilio & Catullo Spa Complexes, as well as numerous restaurants, bars, hotels, fashion stores and a market.
The picturesque Scaliger castle dates from the 13th century.
Just an absolutely wonderful place for all the family with plenty of opportunities for boat rides and bathing in the cool waters of the lake. A magical place! Great place for petite vacances.