Lake Garda Hiking Adventure

Arrive in Riva del Garda at your leisure. (private transfer available on request).
Riva del Garda is a popular town lying at the foot of the most dramatic part of the lake. It's in the north, with mountains rising on either side, creating intense vertical cliffs. Riva is the second largest town and has a festive and outdoorsy atmosphere. A pleasant base where tourists can stroll along winding streets and relax in waterfront squares.

However, Riva isn't just about tourism - it was once an important strategic point at the juncture of the Alps and the Italian plains for many centuries. Today Riva continues to be one of the most popular resorts at Lake Garda. Its neighboring towns of Torbole to the east and Arco to the north are also especially loved by windsurfers, kitesurfers, and rock climbers. Riva boasts superb scenery, elegant parks, and a long lakeside promenade, the perfect starting point to explore Lake Garda.

In the morning, meet your local English-speaking Hiking Guide for a trip briefing and orientation, and begin your exciting adventure at Lake Garda!

The Ponale Trail is the best known and most popular hike in the area of Riva del Garda: easy but at the same time spectacular as it winds steeply above the lake, a classic trek you can't afford to miss.
The line of the Old Ponale Road stands out against the mountainside, and you can see it clearly from the beaches in Riva and Torbole. The Ponale Trail is an iconic hike, much loved by visitors and locals who never tire of the spectacular views at every bend.
The Ponale Road opened to road traffic at the end of the 80s with the new tunnel to Valle di Ledro. It then became a cycle path in 2004. The road is famous for the unequaled panorama of the lake and the military installations you can see along the trail. When you come to the second and third tunnels, you can see remains of the Tagliata del Ponale, imposing fortifications built by the Austro-Hungarians from 1860 onwards, consisting of tunnels excavated into the rock and trenches stretching from lake level to the outposts overlooking the current trail. Today the Tagliata complex is usually closed to the public for safety reasons.
(3-4 hours hiking round trip, 7km/4,2m, 407m/1,335' ascent, and descent)
Dinner is included in a local restaurant.

Enjoy a scenic trip across alpine pastures nestled into the mountains above Lake Ledro in a natural environment of great geological and historical value. Todays' magnificent views will include the mountain ranges above Lake Ledro and Lake Garda. They'll extend as far as the Brenta Dolomites, Cima Presanella 3.558m/11,670' and Monte Care' Alto 3,465m/11,365'.

After breakfast, you'll meet your local English-speaking hiking guide and take a private transfer to Lake Ledro.
From Malga Trat, you'll ascend to the grassy ridge of Mt Tomeabrù (1732m / 5,680') that dominates the flowery meadows of Malga Saval and the underlying Lake Ledro. On the way back, we'll stop for a rest at Pernici Hut before descending again to our starting point at Malga Trat.
(4 hours hiking, 10km / 6 miles, 465m /1,525’ ascent and descent).

In the evening, at 6 pm, you'll take a private transfer to a balsamic vinegar producer, enjoy a guided tour and learn how they make Balsamic Vinegar, followed by a delicious tasting and a 3-course dinner.

Don't miss the chance to explore Lake Garda's most beautiful towns, packed with history and charm, boasting several well-preserved Medieval castles and surrounded by lush green olive groves and mountains. After breakfast, walk to the town's harbor and board your private boat. Navigate across the lake's northern side, dock at the prettiest resorts: Malcesine, with its medieval Scaligery castle and colorful town center, and Limone, with its 1800 Lemonaias (lemon greenhouses).
Roam through the colorful town-centers with their narrow streets lined with cafes and ice-cream parlors, busy market stalls, and live music. Or enjoy a typical Italian aperitif and watch the world go by. This boat trip will allow you plenty of time to walk through Malcesine and Limone at your leisure and return to Riva.

After breakfast, take a 40-minute private transfer to Santa Barbara, at the foot of Monte Stivo.
The imposing Monte Stivo (2,054m / 6,737’) dominates the Sarca Valley to the south, Vallagarina to the west, and the "Busa" (the flat stretch of land surrounding Riva del Garda, Arco, and Torbole).

The locals often look up to the summit to predict the weather. It’s a custom that, throughout centuries, has made its way into the local dialect. They use expressions like, "When Stivo has its hat on, either it's going to rain or the sun's coming out soon.” Or (Quando el Stif el g'ha el capel o che'l piove o che'l fa bel.”) The “hat” refers to the crown of cloud that often covers the peak of the mountain, which indicates variable weather.

The view from the summit is undoubtedly spectacular. It spans the Monte Baldo peaks to the south, towering above Lake Garda, The Ledro Alps to the southwest, Carè Alto (3,465m / 11,365’) and Presanella (3,558m / 11,670’) to the northwest, the Brenta Dolomites (3,173m / 10,407’) to the north, the eastern Dolomites, Lagorai and Pasubio mountain ranges to the east.
(4-5 hours hiking, 8,5km / 5,1 miles, 835m / 2,740’ ascent and descent).

In the evening, take a private transfer to a local wine & olive oil producer and enjoy an informative wine tasting, followed by a tour of the oil mill and wine cellar. Complete the experience with a delicious 3-course dinner. Return to your hotel by private transfer.

In the morning, take a private transfer to Val di Ledro, set to the east of Lake Garda. Meet your local English-speaking UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide, who will provide the equipment necessary, wetsuit, harness, and safety instructions. For the next two hours, you'll descend through an absolute wonderland at one of two rivers located in the area, Palvico and Rio Nero. Your guide will select the most suitable according to daily conditions and water levels. You'll explore the adrenaline rush that canyoning can provide as you hike, slide, and swim your way through the crystal clear water of the canyon, undoubtedly a thrilling experience!
The Rio Nero and Palvico are rivers carved into steep canyons surrounded by high & vertical cliffs. Over centuries, the rivers have sculpted a fairytale landscape of caves, grottos, and spectacular rock formations. It’s ideal for both beginners and experienced canyoners wishing to enjoy an exhilarating descent amongst the stunning scenery, with breathtaking jumps in translucent pools. The gorge's sculpted rocks and adrenaline-fueled jumps will bring you along its entire course.
Return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Enjoy a 4-course degustation dinner at a local restaurant.
Note: don't fancy canyoning? Please do tell us; we can replace this excursion with another great hike in the area.

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).