Lake Garda 24.12.24
The good news is that after the slightly dull weather so far the sun is shining this morning and the sky is blue. Additionally it is not cold so no woolly needed – and no special socks which can wait until later in the trip.
Our tour now moves to a slower pace as the initial outward journey has been completed. The small coach returns to take us to our destination today which is the other side of the lake – Sirmione. On arrival we have an additional boat trip around the town – it is disconnected from the remaining land by the former castle defences which we navigate at the end of the journey – our captain implies that the clearances are limited on either side – but experience is in his favour and we slide through without touching anything at all.
Our trip around the headland enables the captain to tell us a little of this history of the town and the somewhat astronomical prices for the residences as they are now. Maria Callas was a long term resident occupying a villa with some superb views over the lake. We are also shown bubbles rising from lake bed. We are told this is the source of prosecco – sadly not true – but in fact the supply of hot thermal waters which is one of the main draws for the tourists.
Once back on dry land we wander into town and make use of the shops for some supplies. Sirmione is a pretty little town. The Romans under Catullus had a construction at the northern end of the island/promontory whilst the more modern castle is at the other end of the island with a tiny land bridge. Sirmione is apparently Italy’s fourth largest tourist destination and I think I am pleased that we have come here at a time when it is much quieter than normal – it is pleasantly busy but not crowded.
Castle Sirmione 24.12.24
When we set out on the boat tour there was no wind as we had been warned that it might not happen. Whilst we were walking around the town centre we were not troubled by the wind but wanting some other photos I ventured to the eastern side of the island adjacent to the castle walls to find that there is now a cold wind whipping along that side – but from which we are completely protected by a small ridge in the town itself. We go into an attractive pottery shop but we are worried about transport home so do not indulge in any purchases – the cases will get thrown about.
Retracing our steps we sit down in a small café and enjoy some sunshine on our backs plus a pizza and salad – welcome sustenance but if anything it is nice to see a bright and sunny sky after the months of grey clouds at home.
After lunch we rejoin the coach for the return trip – I know we take a slightly different route than the one on which we came and it is noticeable that there an awful lot of vineyards on both sides of the road. Not surprisingly I soon doze off – some light exercise, food, warm sun and coach travel – all the ingredients for a quick snooze so it feels we are soon back at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free time, so a welcome rest and some reading.
Continuing with the Great Rail brochure description:
On Christmas Eve morning we travel to the enchanting lakeside town of Sirmione where there’s free time to look around.
Located at the southern end of Lake Garda, where the lakefront is almost sea-like, this medieval town is a pleasure to discover, bursting with history and charm. The town is entered via a drawbridge, over a water-filled moat, which surrounds the imposing Rocca Scaligera, a beautifully preserved 13th-century castle.
We may like to visit the castle for a view from its ramparts, or take a stroll through the lovely old quarter – where we could enjoy a coffee, a glass of wine and a light lunch at one of the characterful cafés or trattorias.
Alternatively, we may like to visit the Grotte di Catullo, the remains of one of the largest Roman villas in Italy.
We return to our hotel in Bardolino in the afternoon, where there is time to relax and maybe enjoy the superb facilities, before we celebrate Christmas Eve with a gala dinner at our hotel in the evening.