Ferrari will return to Rome's villa ruins of Lake Garda (Italy) over time

When planning for this holiday, the Villa ruins of the Sirmione Peninsula and Rome became magnets, and we planned to return a day trip to history and visit an ancient vacation site of a wealthy Roman citizen.

There are airplanes, trains, cars, etc., but the ferry system

About 15 minutes from our hotel there is a Salo & # 39; village with a ferry service dock. The ferry system provides a scenic lake steamboat or a more efficient hydrofoil. All depends on your time constraints and budget.

We select a hydrofoil and catht a noon ship with two other stations in front of our destination. As we moved away from the dock, we began to notice the white hat. And a slight swell began in the water that reminded us once again the vast size of this lake. ... After 1 hour, we were pulling on Sirmione's dock.

History of Sirmione

The peninsula has a very long history, but we spare you ... In summary, from the fishing villages of the stone age to the 1st century vacation, the very rich and affluent family of Verona, the strategic army From a defensive position with a fortress of the 13th century, the fortification of the 15th century fortress advanced, eventually becoming a warehouse in the 19th century.

Lemon tip

After all the turbulence, inmates of Sirmione settled in idyllic agricultural living in olive trees, fruit orchards, lake fishery. However, at the end of the nineteenth century, the individuals of entrepreneurs using metal pipes knew how to use the hot springs on the peninsula.

Let's see ... We are a spa with fountain (158 * F), castle, gathering of old church, land with beautiful view of Italy's biggest lake, ruins of villa / bathroom ... A new tourist spot has been transformed into a peninsula.

Stretch but marketing exceeds accuracy

Their creative and entrepreneurial mind entered overdrive and the main attraction was called "cave in Catulos".

They took a couple of freedoms as they actually had no cave, there was only a series of collapsed buildings with collapsed walls and several caves. In addition, as far as Catulos goes, the villa was made around 150, and the famous Italian poet Cathullus died about 200 years ago. But that did not stop the show.

Again the sightseeing found Sirmione, the crowd returns to this ancient village ... Now it is a medieval castle, three churches, a spa hotel, hot springs, restaurants, shopping areas, and of course ruins of Rome villas / bath houses there is.

The main plaza is right next to the dock area, there are souvenir shops and restaurants with more or less typical sightseeing spots ... But in Italy you find a good pizza and outdoor with red checker tableware It is easy to eat.

Scaliger castle (Rocca Scaligera)

Just a short walk from the square, I found a 13th century Sculiger castle. The castle is surrounded by a moat and can enter by two bridges. Bridges were built for defensive reasons to protect invaders and local residents.

About twenty minutes after 12 euros (about 15 dollars), we watched the castle and walked through the wall ... towards the next landmark ... Because signboards are quite limited, Looking for ruins.

The crowd focused on shopping districts and restaurants in the old town, the Scaliger Castle, three small churches (Sant & # 39; Ana della Rocca, San Pietro of Mavino, Santa Maria Maggiore).

After walking through the crowd, we peeped at the train that provided the ride from the hot springs to the entrance to the ruins. It is good to walk on a hill over 1 kilometer with 1 euro per person in each direction.

The further we are from those places the narrower the crowd. So the extra mile was rewarded as the ruins were considerably free of traffic at the foot.

Cave in Catulos (Grotte di Catullo)

The premises around the old villa ruins are about 5 acres with amazing views in every direction in a park like environment ... Ultimately, we are worth the trouble of coming here I felt that.

The entrance to this area was through a very well-done archaeological museum which had an excellent exhibit on a multi-floor structure. The picture is truly worth 1000 words ... It is needless to say that the intact ruins are very impressive and justify the trip.

Boat to Salo & # 39;

We returned to Salo & # 39 just back to the dock area shortly before the scheduled ferry. It was the last one of the day, so I did not want to miss it. There was an alternative ferry service called "Taxi Boat Sirmione", but it was tagged with a premium price.

The cue forming something in Italy is always an interesting experience. Tourists usually keep things like lines, Italians simply merge at the gate. So, as the ferry approaches the dock, every form of training comes out of the window ... some say chaos ... We just smiled, closed up and shuffled together I will.

In summary

Our adventure at Lake Garda had reached a very positive conclusion. The last dinner at the Hotel Bolson Dimora was a wonderful culinary treatment and it ended our visit perfectly.

We left Sestri Levante in the morning, heading south further toward the Ligurian coastline and the Mediterranean.

Let's continue with "Ultimate European Road Trip Series" (Part 10 - Sestri Levante / Liguria Italy).

After all, what is in a hurry ... I am inspired.

© 2016 Journey schedule with Bob and Janis Corral