Sirmione is one of the most charming spots around Lake Garda, and it’s no surprise that tours here are popular. Whether you want to see the castle and ancient ruins from the water, explore vineyards with tastings, or wander the historic streets, there’s something for every traveler. We especially like the 25-minute boat cruise for its quick, scenic perspective of the peninsula, and the vineyard tour with wine tastings for a delicious taste of local flavors. If you’re into history, the Grotte di Catullo archeological tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman times.
What makes Sirmione such a great place for tours? It’s the combination of stunning scenery, rich history, and unique experiences like boat rides and wine tastings. The variety of options means you can choose a quick water tour, a relaxing day of wine tasting, or a more comprehensive exploration of the lake and surrounding towns. Here’s a look at the best tours available, each with its own special appeal.
1. Sirmione: 25 Minute Boat Cruise around the Peninsula
At number 1 on our list, this short boat cruise offers an excellent way to see Sirmione’s highlights without taking up your whole day. For just $14 per person, you get 25 minutes of scenic sailing around the peninsula, passing by Grotte di Catullo, Scaliger Castle, and Maria Callas Villa. The boat’s narration by a friendly captain adds an informative touch, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time.
What makes this trip stand out is its value and accessibility—it’s dog-friendly, easy to find, and packed with views. Reviewers love the “great and different way to see Sirmione” and appreciate the informative explanations in both English and Italian. Keep in mind, it’s a quick trip, so if you want a deeper dive into the sights, consider pairing it with a walking tour.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, scenic overview that fits into any schedule and offers a unique water perspective of Sirmione.
2. Sirmione: Vineyard Tour with Lugana Wines and Local Tastings
Ranked second, this vineyard tour is a delightful way to taste the region’s renowned wines. For around $39, you visit a family-run farm just outside Sirmione where you tour the vineyards and cellar, then sample two Lugana wines along with a red Cabernet. The experience also includes local food pairings like cheeses, homemade jams, and olive oil, making it a full sensory experience.
Guests praise the personal touch of the guide Margarita, with comments like “very welcoming and friendly,” and highlight the quality of the wines and local produce. It’s a fantastic choice for wine lovers or those looking to enjoy authentic regional flavors without straying far from Sirmione. This tour is well-suited for those interested in food and drink, and the small, family atmosphere makes it feel intimate and genuine.
Bottom Line: An authentic, flavorful experience that combines wine tasting and local food, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
3. Sirmione: Lake Garda Boat, Grotte di Catullo & Walking Tour
This 3.5-hour tour offers a bit of everything: a scenic boat cruise, walks through the historic streets, and a visit to the Grotte di Catullo archaeological site. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience—viewing Lake Garda from the water, exploring Roman ruins, and soaking in Sirmione’s atmosphere.
The boat cruise provides fantastic views of the peninsula and surrounding lake, while the walk allows for discovering hidden alleys and local corners. The Grotte di Catullo is the highlight for history buffs eager to see where ancient Romans once thrived. Reviewers mention the guide’s engaging storytelling and the chance to sample gelato, adding a fun touch.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, scenery, and local life in one tour.
4. Desenzano: e-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting
Number 4 on our list, this e-bike tour combines cycling through inland towns with a visit to the Famiglia Olivini winery. For about $60, you enjoy a 3.5-hour guided ride through small towns and scenic landscapes, topped with a wine tasting featuring Lugana wines and local foods.
Guests appreciate that the e-bikes make the ride accessible and fun, even for those with less cycling experience. The guide is said to be knowledgeable and friendly, and the experience includes tasting three wines and delicious local snacks. It’s suitable for active travelers eager to combine outdoor activity with a relaxed taste of regional flavors.
Bottom Line: A lively, healthy way to see more of the countryside while sampling excellent wines and foods.
5. Lake Garda: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise with Stop in Sirmione
This 4-hour boat cruise ranks highly for its comprehensive approach—gliding past Punta San Vigilio, Villa Canossa, and stopping in Sirmione for two hours of free time. The tour combines relaxing navigation with sightseeing and exploration.
The guided commentary enriches the experience, highlighting the region’s history and features like the thermal spring Fonte Boiola. Reviewers love the stunning views and the chance to wander Sirmione’s alleyways at leisure. It’s suitable for those who want a full lake experience without the hassle of planning details themselves.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a more leisurely, in-depth lake cruise with plenty of time to explore Sirmione.
6. Sirmione: Village Highlights Walking & Lake Garda Boat Tour
This 2-hour tour pairs a boat ride with a walking tour of Sirmione’s highlights, perfect for those wanting a quick but immersive visit. Reviewers praise guide Serena for her knowledge and humor, making the experience engaging.
The tour includes scenic boat views, visits to castle and castle grounds, and a walk through the charming streets. It’s best suited for travelers who want a snappy, yet enriching overview without committing a whole day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a short but memorable introduction to Sirmione’s key sights and stories.
7. Lake Garda: between Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione
This full-day tour hits two top destinations—Desenzano and Sirmione. For about $55, you explore Roman-era Desenzano and Sirmione’s thermal baths and beaches, with ferry rides linking the sites.
Guests love how this trip combines history and leisure in one day, giving you time to explore at your own pace. It’s great for travelers wanting a comprehensive lake experience that balances sightseeing with relaxing moments.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for exploring Lake Garda’s key towns in one day.
8. Sirmione: Grotte di Catullo Archeological Tour
At number 8, this 1-hour archaeological tour focuses solely on the Grotte di Catullo. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts eager to learn about Roman villas and enjoy panoramic views from the site.
The site is easily accessible, and the tour offers stories behind the ruins. With a focus on archaeology and scenery, it’s a quick, enriching addition to your visit. The reviews mention the “breathtaking panoramas” and clear storytelling.
Bottom Line: A short, focused tour for history lovers wanting to see Roman ruins with fantastic lake vistas.
9. Lake Garda: between Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda
This day-long itinerary includes stops at both Sirmione’s Grottoes of Catullus and Desenzano. For $55.80, you’ll ferry between the towns, seeing the castle, Roman ruins, and lake scenery.
The balance between history, culture, and leisure makes this a good choice for travelers wanting variety. It’s suitable for those comfortable with multiple stops and a flexible schedule.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to combine the highlights of Sirmione and Desenzano in one day.
10. Desenzano: 1-Hour Afternoon Boat Tour to Sirmione
This quick hour-long boat trip offers a relaxing way to see Sirmione from the water. For a low price, you cruise past Grotte di Catullo and Jamaica Beach, with plenty of opportunities for photos.
It’s a short, scenic escape suitable for travelers with limited time or those wanting a peaceful, water-based view of the Pearl of Lake Garda.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, scenic break with views everyone will enjoy.
11. Lake Garda: Boat tour with a stop in Sirmione from Desenzano del Garda
This 2-hour boat tour from Desenzano features a relaxed cruise with a stop in Sirmione, allowing you to explore at your own pace. It’s a good option if you want to combine boat time with some walking and sightseeing.
The tour highlights include views of Grotte di Catullo and the castle, with enough free time to absorb the atmosphere. It works well for those who want an easy, scenic experience.
Bottom Line: A gentle way to enjoy Sirmione’s sights from the lake.
12. Lake Garda: Sunset Boat Ride from Sirmione
This 45-minute sunset cruise offers a romantic way to end the day, with Prosecco in hand and views of Scaliger Castle and Grotte di Catullo. It’s ideal for couples or anyone wanting a peaceful moment on the water.
Guests mention the magical atmosphere and the chance to take memorable photos. It’s a short experience, but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Bottom Line: A perfect, relaxing way to see Sirmione at dusk and enjoy some local wine.
13. Lake Garda & Verona: Sirmione private cruise, viewpoint stop
This 11-hour private tour is for those seeking a luxurious day. It combines a private boat cruise of Lake Garda, with panoramic views and visits to Verona’s romantic streets.
The cruise includes stunning villas and photo opportunities, making it perfect for celebrating a special occasion or indulging in an intimate experience. Reviews highlight the stunning scenery and the flexibility of a private trip.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a tailored, upscale experience with plenty of photo ops.
14. Magic Lake Garda Private Tour: Sirmione and Verona
This private, audio-guided tour covers Sirmione, Limone sul Garda, and Verona. For about 10 hours, you’ll learn about the region’s history and culture through guided commentary, while visiting key sights.
It’s ideal for families or couples wanting a personalized experience, with the flexibility to go at your own pace. The focus on small-group comfort makes it stand out.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private way to see the highlights of Lake Garda and Verona with personalized attention.
15. Private Tour: Milan – Lake Garda with Wine Tasting
Number 15 offers a luxury day trip from Milan, including wine tastings, boat rides, and guided visits of Sirmione. For those seeking a full-day, all-inclusive experience, it’s hard to beat.
Guests rave about the comfort of private transport and the chance to sample local meats and cheeses. It’s best suited for travelers wanting an upscale, stress-free day with a focus on wine and culinary delights.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for wine lovers and those who prefer private, curated experiences.
How to Choose Your Perfect Sirmione Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and time available. If you’re pressed for time, the 25-minute boat cruise offers a quick taste, while the full-day private tour provides a personalized, in-depth experience. For wine lovers, the vineyard tour is hard to beat, and history enthusiasts will enjoy the archaeological or combined lake and Verona trips.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, as popular tours fill quickly. Think about your fitness level—some tours involve walking, biking, or boat rides—and choose accordingly. For a relaxing, scenic overview, the boat cruises are superb, but if you want a deeper appreciation of the local culture, the vineyard or private tours might suit you better.
Final Thoughts
The wide range of tours available in Sirmione caters to every interest—from quick water excursions to full-day private adventures. For a simple introduction, the 25-minute boat cruise or the short walking tour are practical choices. If you want to learn about local flavors, go for the vineyard tour. And for a luxurious experience, consider the private cruise and Verona combo.
No matter which you pick, booking early will ensure you secure your spot in these popular experiences. With so many options, you’re sure to find a tour that makes your visit to Sirmione truly memorable.
