I think I found heaven. Lago di Garda is just wonderful. I don't even know where to start.

I guess Gardaland. Gardaland is the largest amusement park in Italy. It is 15 minutes to the east of Sirmione. The park is huge. I would say larger than Disneyland Paris but not as large as Aneheim. Good rides, very nice people and of course since it is in Italy, the food is much better. It was very hot while we were there (36C) and over the top humidity but the people at Gardaland think of everything. They have cooling mist places throughout the park. They are like huge walkways that have pipes on the top and sides that are constantly spraying out mist. Very smart. The rides are pretty great. Only 4 that our 2 girls (4 and 2) couldn't go on. They loved the log ride down the rapids the best. We spent 3.5 days there. The usual cost is like E20 per day. You can also get 2 consecutive days for around E32 or 3 non consecutive days for E42 (this is what we did). They also have a seasonal pass (192 days) for E70 which I think we will get next time. This are the adult prices. Under 18 and over 1 meter tall pay less. Under 1 meter and they are free. Of course my 4 year old is a giant at 110 cm (43.5 inches) so she had to pay but I saw 5 year olds who didn't pay.

We stayed at a tourist village. This was a lot of fun. You have your own bungalow with a kitchenette, couch bed, bedroom with a double bed and bath. They have 3 swimming pools (1 for adults, 1 for kids and one that is called the river, flowing water and a jacuzzi area), 6 tennis courts, a bar, a minimarket, a restaurant, kids playground, bikes, mini golf, and a stage area where they do shows every night. First they do a show for the kids (hokey pokey etc.)and then the adults. It is kind of like CLub Med. They also do things every day at the pool (bingo, vollyball, etc.). The place is called Garda Village . I saw another place that looks a bit nicer in Peschiera so I think I will check them out. I tat if you have kids think this is a great way to go but if just there are many apartments for rent around. Lots for sale too at prety good prices. The village was mainly people form Denmark, Belgium, Holland and Italy. Was very nice. They say the German invasion comes in AUgust and then it is a bit louder and wilder.

We visited Sirmione and I was in awe. The grottos are amazing. I have pictures and will put them up on a page as soon as I get my main computer back (it crashed the day after we got home). We also visted Salo' and Desenzano. Salo' is very upscale I think. Nice people too. Desenzano we just went for their market. What a shock. It was amazing. Lots of good stuff and a wonderful food section. And the roasted chicken was not a dried out piece of meat like they are here in Tuscany. I was a happy shopper.

Unfortunately, Garda is big and with 2 kids, the youngest and I having the flu for the last 2 days, it was too much to see it all. I wanted to go to Malcesine and take the funicular up to Monte Baldo but we decided that we liked it so much up there that we will probably make it our main vacation spot so would be back to do it another time. Like the Italians have their favorite beach they go to every year, we have our favorite lake. Now to just work out a way to raise E60,000 to buy a vacation apt.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

Thanks for the report, Cristina.

Glad you had a good time.

Best,

Christina,
We stayed for just one night in Peschiera a couple of years ago, thought the town was very nice, and the hotels on the waterfront looked inviting. There seemed to be a heavy German influence - I don't recall exactly why, perhaps restaurant menu items??
Gardaland and Garda Village sound like fun - and perfect for kids. Let us know when you get your apartment ...