{"id":5065,"date":"2013-05-16T21:36:25","date_gmt":"2013-05-16T21:36:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thesojournseries.com\/bavaria\/?p=5065"},"modified":"2015-04-10T14:29:00","modified_gmt":"2015-04-10T14:29:00","slug":"3-days-in-lake-garda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.thesojournseries.com\/bavaria\/3-days-in-lake-garda\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Days in Lake Garda"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"IMG_0389\"<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the things I love the most about living in Bavaria, is the ability to get in the car and escape somewhere else if the weather gets a bit too depressing.\u00a0\u00a0 That and May.\u00a0 I love May here, we get five bank holidays in the month, which makes getting into the car and escaping somewhere else that much easier – and it means we can stay for slightly longer too…<\/p>\n

On this occasion we chose Lake Garda, as we have only been to Como before,<\/a> and it would be rude not to really…<\/p>\n

Leaving directly after school on a Wednesday evening was deemed to be the most sensible idea.\u00a0 Four and a half hours later (and with a blinding\u00a0 headache from listening to The Hobbit – which might be the noisiest CD in the World) we reached The Lake (the biggest in Europe, did you know that?).\u00a0 Thankfully this time (not that we exactly planned it last time with Como), there was no need to go anywhere near the Spuglia pass or (Spewlia Pass<\/a> as it’s now known in our house!), and we safely navigated our way to the tiny village of Tresnico <\/a>where we were staying. The only sad part about the journey was that by the time we got there it was pitch black, and we missed the spectacular views of the Lake that must greet you on what must be one of the loveliest (and at times a little hair-raising) drives in the world.\u00a0 The twinkling boat lights were a good substitute though!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0145\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Quite often the nice thing about arriving somewhere late at night is that you are never sure what to expect the next day.\u00a0\u00a0 The view exceeded all expectations however, and the apartment was particularly lovely.\u00a0\u00a0 Tresnico is around a 20 minute drive from Sal\u00f2\u00a0 itself, and within close proximity to the gorgeous towns of Maderno and Riviera Gardone.\u00a0 May is a great time of year to visit – too early for any summer crowds, and not overly hot, but still hot enough to feel like you’re on holiday!\u00a0\u00a0 At times we felt like we had the place to ourselves, which was fine by me!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0387\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As you might expect for Italy, the food here is exceptional, and we enjoyed some great pizzas (and views of millionaire’s speedboats) over lunch at Tip Tap<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0 By far my most favourite meal of our stay though was at Osteria Di Mezzo<\/a> tucked away in the little winding back streets.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There are lots of local dishes on the menu here, and they make good use of both regional produce and seasonal ingredients.\u00a0 You will find plenty of lake fish on the menu, and\u00a0 I would recommend the asparagus gnocchi for some of the lightest gnocchi in existence.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_9694\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Before dinner though, may I suggest an aperitif or two at Bar Italia (it doesn’t have a website, it doesn’t need to advertise!)?\u00a0 THE place to be seen in town and right on the water’s edge.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 People wait ages for outside tables, but if you are a little more impatient (like me) and don’t mind being slightly further away from the madding crowd, take a seat inside instead.\u00a0 This is where I learned (by watching the incredibly deft barmaid) how to make a mean Aperol Spritz (the drink of choice in these southern parts!), and the exact measurements of another speciality – a Negroni (quite lethal, but nice, especially if you are partial to a Martini!).<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0058\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We loved it in Garda, and could easily have spent a couple of weeks exploring this beautiful location, but this time three days had to suffice.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I have posts lined up about the other specific places we visited, but in the meantime, a couple of further recommendations…<\/p>\n

Where we stayed:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lake Garda Apartments <\/a>– A really lovely light and breezy place which is modern,\u00a0 and incredibly well equipped.\u00a0 Plus it has just the most stunning views and a great pool ( not to mention my ultimate accessory – a washing machine (for yes, that is how sad I have become), because I just find it so depressing taking washing home). \u00a0\u00a0 There are also plenty of toys and DVDs to keep small people occupied should the weather take a turn for the worse…\u00a0 Highly, highly recommended.<\/p>\n

What you can’t miss:\u00a0\u00a0 Artigiani Del Gusto (via Fantoni 58, 25087 Sal\u00f2) – The best ice cream in the entire World, and I do not make this statement lightly. \u00a0 So overwhelmed was I by my panecotta gelato that I told them exactly how much I loved it, and the entire kitchen traipsed out to say thank you.\u00a0\u00a0 I should have asked them for a job…\u00a0 Maybe next time?<\/p>\n

\"IMG_9692\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Share me:<\/h3>