April & Nicholas
Things To Do
Dolomite Mountain Tour or Hike
The main reason we chose to get married in this area was because of the Unesco World Heritage Site of the Dolomite Mountains. You can drive this yourself, however a day tour is your best option. They drive you around in a nice air conditioned coach so you can enjoy the scenery and not have to worry about maneuvering the roads. They bring you to all the quaint towns in the area as well as the most gorgeous overlooks and picturesque views of the Dolomites. These are full day tours that leave in the morning and don’t get back until the evening. Make sure you allot the time for this unforgettable experience. You won’t regret it! Some amazing Dolomite Mountain Hikes if you wish to be adventurous: Seceda Ridgeline to Rifugio Firenze Adolf Munkel Trail Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Armentara Meadows Trail Baita Segantini and Monte Castellaz Circuit Alpe di Siusi to Monte Pana Path of the Larches Explore the best kept secrets in South Tyrol. Incredible hikes, stunning castles, hidden vineyards and more! https://throneandvine.com/why-visit-south-tyrol/
Lake Garda
Lake Garda, in northern Italy, is known for its crystal clear water & bing the largest lake in Italy. The town of Sirmione is dominated by the Rocca Scaligera, a fortress with harbor views. The nearby Grotte di Catullo archaeological site includes a Roman villa. In Gardone Riviera, tour Il Vittoriale degli Italiani as well as botanical gardens. The Dolomites frame Riva del Garda, an active water sport resort. Malcesine has an amazing castle in the middle of town & Mount Baldo nearby if you wish to take a cable car to the top. Limone sul Garda is a quintessential historic Italian town literally built right into the mountains with crooked buildings & winding cobblestone streets minutes from Riva del Garda. Take a boat tour to Isola del Garda, walk over to Rabbit Island or soak in the healing hot springs in Sirmione. Enjoy a kayak or sail boat out, paragliding or waterfall rappelling or maybe just a refreshing swim or relaxing espresso & gelato at one of the many lakeside restaurants.
Cascate del Varone
Beautiful natural waterfall and grotto only minutes from diwntown Riva del Garda. Open from 9am-6pm in September with individual and family tickets very reasonably priced. A nice nearby activity to do for an hour or so.
Local Glacier Lakes
You do NOT want to miss out exploring these stunning turquoise glacier lakes in the Trentino region. Here are a few of our favorites. Lago di Toblino (Has a castle with a delicious restaurant/cafe and a walking path around the lake) Lago di Molveno (Has a gondola to the top of the mountain, paragliding, hiking and kid's activities in town with a unique view of the Dolomites) Lago Di Tovel (Surrounded by the Brenta Dolomites with a lush forest) Lago Di Levico (A resort area, perfect for a picnic or enjoy one of the many delicious restaurants with breathtaking mountain views...including Prime Rose (our wedding caterer) Laghi Di Colbricon (Located in the middle of a Natural Park is this stunningly beautiful swimmable lake) Lago di Carezza (Sharp Dolomites jutting out of the treeline towering over the emerald green waters of this stunning lake)
Active Adventures
There are many places around the area that offer these since this is a very active lake like Ropes Courses, Rappeling, Caving, Bouldering, Canyoning, Rock Climbing, Via Ferrata, Bellyak, Archery and many more! Here are a few that we will be checking out while we're there. If you like adventure and want to try something really unique with gorgeous scenery then check out a few of these local businesses. https://www.canyonadv.com/ https://www.eliasadventurepark.com/#about http://www.busatteadventure.it/1/il_parco_avventura_3591286.html https://adventurearcherypark.com/ https://www.mmove.net/
Best Local Hikes/Walks
*Cima Larici: Rocky, clifftop outlook accessed by cycling trail or forest hiking paths for mountain & lake views. *Busatte - Tempesta forest path: Easy-going forested path taking in olive groves & lake views, with metal stairs over rocky terrain. * Spiaggia Sabbioni: Walk along this lakeside promenade for stunning views and plenty of activities on the beach including swimming! *Cascata del Ponale: Beautiful trail along the lake and in the woods with a waterfall, great views of the lake and a restaurant on the path. * Torrente San Giovanni: Peaceful countryside path with creek & picnic area that leads down to the beach. *Ciclopedonale Limone: Flat easy walking/cycling path along the water from Limone sul Garda. *Monte Altissimo: Is the highest peak in the northern part of the Monte-Baldo range. *Monte Baldo: "The Garden of Europe" for the rich variety of flora and fauna. A beautiful hike and also has a cable car.
Beaches
Historic Towns & Ancient Villages
There are so many unique and truly ancient villages nearby to explore as you step back in time on the cobblestone streets. Many of these town have 2 names since they were once part of Austria which you see through the architecture and food. Canale di Tenno: 10 minutes from Riva del Garda this 1,000 year old village was taken over by artists in the 60's. Walk the paths untouched by modern civilization and take in the breathtaking views of the valley below. Borghetto sul Mincio: A truly magical village with top notch restaurants and B&B's literally hanging over the Mincio River. Bressanone: Merano: Brunico: Bolzano: Mezzano: Fie allo Sciliar - Vols am Schlern:
Gardens and Islands
Everywhere you turn you'l find beautiful botoantical gardens and colorful arboretums around Lake Garda. There are so some surprising little islands in the lake district as well including Isola del Garda!
National Parks & Preserves
There are many national parks, preserved lands and gorgeous wildlife to discover in this region.
Verona
Verona is a city in northern Italy’s Veneto region, with a medieval old town built between the meandering Adige River not far from Lake Garda. It’s famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet." A 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said be “Juliet’s House." The Verona Arena is a huge 1st-century Roman amphitheater, which currently hosts concerts and large-scale opera performances.
Reggio Emilia
I stayed here the 1st time I came to Italy when I was training for culinary arts. The historic downtown & gorgeous countryside have so much to offer. This is where the modern Italian language originated from the memorable Dante. There’s a light & water show outside of the Romolo Valle Theater as well as stunning architecture in the various churches & throughout the winding cobblestone streets. The hilly countryside is home to Cavazzone, an agritourism restaurant & inn as well as the #1 rated balsamic vinegar in the world. Take a tour, try a cooking class, stay the night or even just for dinner but definitely check it out. You’re in the meat & cheese region of the country so why not try some prosciutto in nearby Bologna, Balsamic in Modena or cheese in Parma in these historic food towns. You’re in the triangle of where Ferrari, Lamborghini & Maserati are made. Stop off at the Ferrari factory/museum while you’re in the area for a once in a lifetime hands on experience.
Venice
Venice,the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small magical islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s red roofs. Only a few hours east of Lake Garda.
Amusements Parks
