Sirmione 617

In the lovely little town of Sirmione, right on Lake Garda, there stands a rather unique building. A rare example of medieval port fortification, Scaliger Castle, or Castello Scaligero, was begun in 1277 by Mastino della Scala and work was continued in three phases into the fifteenth century.

Why not find a vacation villa rental on the Garda lake and spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the grounds of this magnificent structure before descending into the historic centre of Sirmione below and grabbing something to eat in a local restaurant?

Sirmione is a small town with a population of less than 9,000 which is located on Lake Garda. However, despite its relatively small size, it is jam-packed with things to see and do, history and architectural gems. The area has been settled since the Stone Age when it was probably home to fishermen who lived in houses on stilts on the banks of the lake.

One such settlement found nearby at Lugana Vecchia is part of the collection of such sites across a variety of countries in the vicinity of the Alps, including Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland and is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Come on holidays to one of the most popular destinations in Italy; Lake Garda! Located between the regions of Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige and Lombardy, this giant lake is unusually shaped, being quite wide at the south side and growing narrower as it stretches north. Many charming towns and villages were built along the edge so tourists could quite easily spend a week or two enjoying all the sights and attractions on offer around Lake Garda.

Why not stay in a beautiful villa rental near Lake Garda where yo can spend a few glorious days exploring everything this popular tourist destination has to offer?

Italy is beautiful in Spring; the countryside is lush, the cities less full, the queues outside tourist attractions smaller, the temperatures more pleasant, and the prices of things lower. It is a great time to plan a vacation to most parts of the country, however, there are some destinations that are particular lovely in Spring, at their best at this time of year. We began outlining some of these spots in the last post and will continue to in the next but here are two more to keep in mind...

Sitting back with a wine and taking in the distinctly Italian landscape is a must for any person of legal age that appreciates a drink and has found a vacation rental in Italy. Italy is, of course, famous for her cuisine and wine and visiting a winery to taste and learn about local wines is a wonderful way to spend a day. We have compiled a list of some of the country's best and most beloved wineries for you to peruse so all you need to do is get planning your next trip!