Overlooking the Lake
Lago di Garda is one of northern Italy’s great natural treasures
Seven Day Mountain Break in Italy
Largo Di Garda
Experience rustic charm, mountain adventure, and timeless Italian hospitality — all overlooking the most beautiful lake in the Alps. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Lago di Garda is one of northern Italy’s great natural treasures. This vast, shimmering lake stretches between dramatic mountains and charming villages, taking over two hours to cross from one end to the other. On the eastern shore, the lively town of Garda sits beneath Monte Baldo (8,000 ft), the first great peak of the Alps, offering panoramic views and a bustling waterfront. In contrast, the western side of the lake is wild and rugged — a cliff-lined route carved with tunnels that once carried the ancient Roman road from Rome to Zurich. The wooded slopes and secret valleys here are steeped in legend, where traces of pagan rituals and offerings to forgotten gods can still be found. By evening, the pace softens: dinner is taken al fresco as the lights of lakeside towns glitter below and the air carries the scent of olive groves and lemon trees. Days are for discovery, threading quiet forest paths to First World War lookouts, following a safe via ferrata to a castle perch, or freewheeling on e-bikes through vineyard country to a long, lazy lunch. When the legs need a gentler day, swim in clear, refreshing water or simply linger over a gelato in a sunlit piazza. Guided by a local Italian mountain guide, with Ken Hames’s 25+ years of Garda know-how and Samantha Armstrong’s Mountain Leader support and logistics, you are in expert hands throughout.
Scuderia Castello
Offers an authentic taste of rural Italian life
Stay at Scuderia Castello
Toscolano Maderno
Perched 1,000 feet above the lakeside town of Toscolano Maderno, the Scuderia Castello offers an authentic taste of rural Italian life. Set amid the mountains of Monte Castello and Monte Pizzocolo, this working stable and agriturismo is run by Giovanni Zambiesi and his wife, Filomina, who bring warmth and character to every stay. Guests dine al fresco on the veranda each evening, overlooking the glittering lake below. As dusk falls, the horizon comes alive with the twinkling lights of distant villages — a truly unforgettable sight.
Lago di Garda
Big landscapes and small pleasures in perfect balance
Activities and Adventures
A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lago di Garda is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding hills and mountain trails are ideal for walkers and trekkers seeking a challenge. Many routes follow paths built by military engineers during the First World War, offering both history and breathtaking scenery. For those who would like to explore on horseback, guided rides are available from Scuderia Castello, typically lasting around two hours. Walks are fairly arduous but not dangerous — expect 6 to 8 hours per day — but reward hikers with panoramic views, alpine air, and glimpses into Italy’s remarkable past. Here you will find big landscapes and small pleasures in perfect balance: ancient trails, welcoming tables, and a horizon that seems to go on forever.
Summits, ridges, history, and vineyard valleys
An optional e-MTB vineyard loop with winery lunch.
Seven Days in Garda – What’s on Offer
Itinerary – Lake Garda: Peaks, Ridges & Vineyard Valleys
A flexible week combining summits, ridges, history, and vineyard landscapes, this Lake Garda adventure adapts to weather and group preferences. Day 1 (Mon, 7th) begins with arrival at Lake Garda, settling into Scuderia Castello, and dinner overlooking the lake. Day 2 (Tue, 8th) climbs Monte Tombea from Cima Rest through forests and waterfalls to alpine meadows near 2,000 m with sweeping views of the Alps. Day 3 (Wed, 9th) tackles Monte Pizzoccolo, a full mountain day with expansive lake panoramas and the option to visit the chapel of San Lorenzo. Day 4 (Thu, 10th) explores Arco, where participants can ascend one of the old military via ferrata routes or take an alternative panoramic hike. Day 5 (Fri, 11th) offers a relaxed e-bike ride through vineyard country near Salò, ending with a winery lunch. Day 6 (Sat, 12th) visits Lago d’Idro and Monte Carena, a historic and scenic route through fortified valleys to a lofty summit and lakeside gelato. Day 7 (Sun, 13th) features a ridge walk to Cima Comer or San Lorenzo, with stunning lake views and optional extensions. The journey concludes on Day 8 (Mon, 14th) with breakfast and departure.
View from the accommodation at night
The Finer Points
How this trip works
We are a guiding provider, not a tour operator. To keep your choices flexible and costs transparent. If group accommodation is arranged (such as a shared house), we will source and coordinate the booking on behalf of all participants. The total cost will then be divided between those staying, and payment will be collected in advance to secure the property collectively. Car hire is paid separately. We provide the guided programme only. This arrangement is intended to fall outside “package holiday” rules because services are not sold or combined by us for one inclusive price and each booking is a separate contract.
What this means
- Separate contracts: o Guiding & programme fee — paid to us.
- Accommodation —We will arrange direct to Scuderia Castello (or your chosen property if they cannot accommodate you for a single room).
- Car hire — booked and paid direct.
- No bundling: We do not sell or arrange multiple services as a single transaction or total price, and we do not pass your personal/payment details to other suppliers to complete bookings.
- Flights: Not included. Arrange independently.
- How to book (simple steps)
- Reserve your place on this trip with us with a non-refundable deposit of £100 contact Samantha Armstrong
- Book car hire — we will suggest the options and typical costs and how many cars we will require. Depending on numbers, only one more car may need to be booked as your Guides will drive one car each.
- Arrange flights & insurance – DO NOT BOOK FLIGHTS UNTIL THIS TRIP IS CONFIRMED. (see below)
- See ‘How to prepare guide’, which is sent separately once booked.
Bespoke Walking trips
Authentic. Scenic. Unforgettable
Prices and Supplements
Costs
• Guiding Price: £ 500 pp
• Management and logistics costs: £300 pp
• Accommodation Price: Based on two sharing, £650
• Car Hire Price: Approx. £150 pp plus fuel
• Single Supplement: We can discuss this rate as bookings are taken and rooms are allocated. It may be that you cannot be accommodated in the main house as a single and have to sleep in alternative accommodation, but we will make a plan that works. Please expect a higher charge for this.
• Ferries & cable cars: £32 (price may vary on the day)
• E-bike hire and guide: £80
• Payment terms – Non-refundable deposit of £100 upon booking. Balance is due 8 weeks prior to the trip.
• Booking contact: WALX Derwent & Dales Samantha Armstrong Email: sam.derwentdales@walx.co.uk Phone: 07860 478409
Optional Horse Riding
And finally
Ken Hames
A note from Ken Hames “I hope you have found these notes useful, and they may well have raised more questions than answers! Having travelled there for over 25 years, I can promise a wonderful experience full of life and colour and of course, beautiful mountain scenery