Verona isn’t just about Shakespearean lovers and Roman ruins; it’s also a prime spot for exploring Lake Garda and its charming surroundings from the water. The city’s location, with the lake stretching out just beyond its historic walls, makes boat tours an ideal way to see the landscape, relax, and enjoy some local flavor. Whether you’re after a leisurely cruise past ancient Roman ruins, a taste of Italian wines with a scenic boat ride, or a quick trip to the picturesque town of Sirmione, Verona’s water-based excursions offer something for all.
One of our favorite options is the full-day experience that combines a boat tour with a Spritz tasting in Verona—perfect for those who want a taste of both lake and city life. Meanwhile, the Pagus Wine Tours offers an immersive day of lakeside scenery, wine tasting, and exploring Sirmione’s ruins. For travelers seeking a budget-friendly quick escape, the cruise from Peschiera provides a shorter but charming trip along Lake Garda’s southern coast. Below, we’ll walk through each of these exciting options to help you pick the perfect boat adventure.
1. From Verona: Sirmione, Lake Garda with Boat & Spritz Tasting
This 5-hour full-day tour is a hit for travelers who want a balanced mix of scenic lake views and city exploration. Starting from Verona’s Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, you’ll head to Sirmione by bus, then hop aboard a private boat with a captain to cruise around Lake Garda. The highlight is the chance to admire iconic sights like Scaliger Castle and the Grottoes of Catullus from the water, adding a different perspective you can’t get on foot.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of lake scenery, a guided tour of Sirmione, and finally, returning to Verona for a refreshing Spritz tasting. The boat ride offers stunning vistas of the town and the lake, making it perfect for those who love photography or just want to unwind on the water. After exploring Sirmione at your leisure—shopping, visiting the ruins, or just soaking up the atmosphere—you’ll return to Verona for an aperitif.
Guests consistently praise the smoothly run itinerary and the knowledgeable guide who shares insights in both English and Spanish. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace with a dash of city flavor at the end. The price is good for a full day of memorable sights and tastes, with flexible cancellation policies.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a scenic boat experience combined with free time in Sirmione and a relaxing Spritz in Verona.
2. Pagus Wine Tours® – Sirmione by boat and Amarone – Full day tour
For about $249, this 6-hour tour is perfect if you’re into wine, scenery, and a bit of history. It begins with a visit to the Castelvecchio store in Verona, where you can buy wines at cellar prices — a nice bonus for wine lovers. The day then moves to Lake Garda, where a motorboat ride around Sirmione offers views of lakeside villas and the Grotte di Catullus. The boat ride is approximately 30 minutes and is a relaxing way to see the Roman ruins from the water.
After the cruise, you get free time to explore Sirmione’s historic streets, shops, and cafes. The highlight for many is the visit to a Valpolicella winery, where you sample Amarone, Ripasso, and other local wines. The tour includes a delicious light lunch in the vineyard with a perfect wine pairing, making it an excellent value considering the quality of the experience.
Guests rave about the personal attention, the knowledgeable guide, and the chance to combine lake scenery with wine tasting. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy wine, good scenery, and a relaxed pace. The only downside noted was the lack of air conditioning in the van during hot days, but the overall experience more than makes up for it.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive wine and lake day for those who want to combine gastronomy, scenery, and culture in one trip.
3. From Peschiera: Cruise on the southern coast to Sirmione
This 4-hour cruise is great if you’re looking for a quick, affordable escape to Sirmione. Starting from Peschiera del Garda, you’ll enjoy a relaxed sail along the eastern coast of Lake Garda, passing highlights like Jamaica Beach and the Grotte di Catullus. The boat captain provides a brief overview of the main sights, giving you context without rushing.
The real treat is the free time in Sirmione, which lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. You can stroll through the cobbled streets, explore the medieval castle, or just enjoy an ice cream while soaking in the views. There’s also an opportunity to swim from the boat or in the shallow waters after docking, which is perfect for warm days.
Reviews highlight the friendly hosts and the easygoing vibe, with many noting it was a “relaxing cruise” suitable for families or travelers short on time. The price point is attractive, making it a good option for a half-day excursion.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a quick, budget-friendly trip with some free time in Sirmione and scenic views.
4. Lake Garda Cruise from Peschiera
At roughly $68.78 per person, this half-day cruise is a solid choice for those wanting to see Lake Garda’s highlights from the water. The boat glides past towns like Lazise, Bardolino, and Garda, with commentary explaining the sights along the way. The cruise includes a stop to swim, which makes it memorable on hot days, plus a light lunch on board.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on the lake’s landmarks, like Villa Canossa and Punta San Vigilio, with a comfortable onboard experience complete with restroom facilities. The tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and relaxation, suited to travelers who want a comprehensive yet leisurely perspective of Lake Garda.
Guests often comment on the friendly staff, the knowledgeable guide, and the scenic vistas. It’s a relaxed trip that’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a taste of the lake’s beauty without a whole day commitment.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, mid-priced cruise ideal for those wanting to see the lake’s main sights and enjoy a swim, all in a few hours.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Verona
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and what interests you most. If you love wines and scenic lakeside exploration, the Pagus Wine Tours offers a full day of luxury. For a shorter trip with a scenic boat ride and free time in Sirmione, the Peschiera cruise hits the spot. If you want a relaxed, guided experience with city flavor and a Spritz, the From Verona: Sirmione trip is your best bet.
Think about whether you prefer a more immersive day with wine tasting, historical ruins, and lake views, or a quick, scenic cruise with a swim or walking around Sirmione. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your spot. Also, check the weather forecast — sunny days make for the best lake views and swimming experiences.
Final thoughts
From scenic boat rides to combined wine and lake adventures, Verona offers a variety of ways to enjoy its lakeside scenery. For a full-day experience, the Sirmione boat and Spritz tour is hard to beat for its balance of sights and taste. If wine is your passion, the Pagus Wine Tours provide a curated day full of flavor and history. For those short on time, the cruise from Peschiera offers a quick, relaxing trip with plenty of photo opportunities.
No matter which you choose, booking early, checking reviews, and considering your interests will help you make the most of your Verona water experience. Lake Garda’s shimmering waters are waiting—time to hop on a boat and see Italy from a whole new angle.
