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Nearby Destinations

Nearby Destinations

Lombardy And The Lakes, Italy

Lake Garda

Accessible Locations: Desenzano del Garda (major transport hub), Sirmione (Roman ruins, thermal baths), Salò (elegant western shore town), Gardone Riviera (Il Vittoriale degli Italiani).

Transportation: Direct regional trains connect Brescia to Desenzano del Garda (approx. 20 minutes) and Peschiera del Garda. Buses link Brescia to lakeside towns. Ferries from Desenzano explore other towns.

Planning Your Visit

  • You can easily visit independently by train, bus, and ferry.
  • Organized bus tours simplify logistics.
  • Time Required: A full day to explore one or two towns and enjoy the lake.
  • Find day trips to Lake Garda.

Extended Horizons

Explore further afield with more day trips and multi-day extensions.

Lake Iseo

Explore Iseo town, a charming lakeside destination, and Monte Isola, Europe's largest car-free lake island.

Getting There & Around

  • Direct regional trains connect Brescia to Iseo town (approx. 30 minutes).
  • Frequent ferries from Iseo connect to Monte Isola and other lakeside villages.
  • Time Required: A full day is ideal to explore Iseo town and Monte Isola.

Franciacorta Wine Region

Discover charming towns like Erbusco, Rovato, and Passirano, nestled amidst vast vineyards.

Wine & Explore

  • Best explored by car for flexibility to visit multiple wineries.
  • Winery tours, guided wine tastings, and dining at agriturismo restaurants are available.
  • Time Required: A half to full day, depending on how many wineries you visit.

Cultural Gems

Cremona

  • World-famous for its violin-making tradition, home to Stradivari.
  • Direct regional trains connect Brescia to Cremona (approx. 40-60 minutes).
  • Explore the Violin Museum and climb the Torrazzo, Italy's tallest brick bell tower.
  • Time Required: A full day to experience the city's highlights.

Mantova Mantua

  • A UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned as a Renaissance jewel.
  • Surrounded by three artificial lakes, adding to its unique charm.
  • Direct regional trains connect Brescia to Mantova (approx. 1 hour).
  • Time Required: A full day to visit its major palaces and explore the city.

Nearby City Connections

  • MilanEasy 36-min train ride
  • VeniceApprox. 1.5-2 hrs by train
  • Dolomites2-4 days, stunning mountains
  • Italian Riviera2-3 days, picturesque coastline
  • Verona30-60 min train, Roman Arena
  • BergamoApprox. 1 hour train, Città Alta
  • Val CamonicaFull day, UNESCO rock carvings
  • Lake Iseo30 min train, island exploration

Smart Travel Tip

When planning day trips, buying train tickets in advance for high-speed services often results in better prices. Regional train tickets remain flexible.

Beyond Brescia

Historic Verona

Famous for its Roman Arena and Juliet's House. An easy 30-60 minute train journey from Brescia.

Charming Bergamo

A beautiful city with a captivating "Città Alta" surrounded by Venetian walls. Approximately 1 hour by regional train.

Ancient Val Camonica

A valley north of Brescia, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage rock carvings (petroglyphs).

Lakes & Cities Tour

Use Brescia as a base for 2-3 days, including day trips to Lake Garda and Franciacorta. Then, take the train to Milan for 2 days. Fly out of Milan Malpensa.

Highlights

  • Brescia as a central base.
  • Day trips to Lake Garda and Franciacorta.
  • Time in Milan for fashion and culture.

Northern Italy Grand Tour

Start in Milan (2 days) then train to Bergamo (1 day), Brescia (2-3 days with day trips), Verona (1 day), and conclude in Venice (2-3 days). Depart from Venice.

Route Flow

  • Begin your journey in Milan.
  • Utilize Italy's efficient rail network for seamless transitions.
  • A well-structured itinerary covering major cultural hubs.

Explore Further

Milan (1-2 days)Fashion & Duomo
Venice (2-3 days)Canals & Gondolas
Dolomites (2-4 days)Hiking & Skiing
Italian Riviera (2-3 days)Cinque Terre
Lakes & Mountains (7-10 days)Brescia, Lakes, Dolomites
Long-Term StayApartment rental, local life

Route Planning Note

  • A rental car greatly enhances exploration for routes focusing on lakes and mountains.
  • Consider an apartment rental for stays over two weeks to immerse in local life.