Hi - we will be 2 couples traveling through Northern Italy in October. Between Venice and Verona we want to spend 3 nights on Lake Garda. We're looking for beautiful lake views, medieval villages, memorable experiences (good food & wine goes without saying!). We will have a car. Since we'll be going from there to Verona, we wanted someplace maybe further up Garda. I've read about Limone sul Garda, Riva sul Garda, Bardolino, Malcesine, Sirmione - which is the most interesting/beautiful place to stay?

My opinion is on the north end--spectacular.
Riva, Limone, or Malcesine.

I'm at the other end from Bob in Sirmione. Bear in mind that in October the season will be over or nearly over, so some hotels may have closed for the winter, depending on when you go.

If you have a car, you are perfectly placed to go up the East or West coast of the lake and Sirmione will be a lot quieter (as will all the villages). It's a great place to stay if you stay within the walls of the town. Depending on budget, I can recommend the Olivi Hotel or the Villa Cortine, but there are others who will be much more reasonably priced in October.

The smaller villages like Limone may be virtually closed at that time.

Thanks so much. Now, in looking at maps, I'm rethinking...since Verona is so close to Sirmione, would it make sense to just spend the entire period (maybe a week) based solely in Sirmione, with day trips to Verona, Parma, etc. Any idea of driving time between Sirmione & those spots?

Googlemaps.com

Maria,,that would be my choice. It's such a great place to stay with a reallaid back atmosphere. Commuting to other places round the area is easy, especially in October.

Try the Via Michelin website for driving times.

Have done all the lake towns

sirmione.com is the Pearl of Lake Garda

Hotel Eden there fav of Orwell and Pound also my fav

Castles Termes Roman Villa ruins of Poet Catulla

Gardone north of Salo is also very nice.

The north craggier colder not as touristic

Best for me to base in Sirmione.com boats slow

and fast go all over from there just day trip around.

Have fun!

www.booking.com/HotelEdenSirmione