Lake Garda lies surrounded by lofty mountains and its scenery is almost Mediterranean like with olive, orange, and lemon trees, and even palms. It is the largest of the Northern Italian lakes being 52 km (32 miles) long and 19 km (12 miles) at its widest. It is also the Easternmost. . The gossamer like lake is ringed with four cities that cater to the arts: Trent to the northeast, Brescia to the west, Mantua to the south, and Verona to the east.

The lake's eastern side is jagged and less developed the ideal place for the rugged type who can trek and jog in the rough country. But the resort-studded western strip is probably best for thosr who are visiting the lake for the first time. On the western side, a roundabout road skirts the lake through a series of tunnels. A good pastime would be to park your car at any of the several secluded belvederes and take in the panoramic lakeside views. In spring, the scenery is splashed with color as everything from wild poppies to oleander burst into bloom.