If you have three days and want to go home with that “well-spent long weekend” feeling, Verona and Lake Garda are the perfect pairing. The best part is you don’t have to choose: you can enjoy the magic of the city (alleys, squares, romantic views) and the lightness of the lake (lakeside walks, sunsets, villages, aperitifs with a water view).

The secret to not turning your trip into a race? Keep it simple: one full day in Verona and two days dedicated to Lake Garda, choosing villages that are close to each other. That way you move less and enjoy more.

Before you go: two tips that will change your 3 days

If you can, pick seasons like spring or early autumn: gorgeous light, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds. A car helps a lot to manage the lake area, while in Verona you’ll forget you even have it: the historic center is wonderfully walkable.

And above all: leave room for the “unplanned”. One extra coffee, a bench with a view, an alley that calls to you. Those are the little things that make a couple’s trip truly memorable.

Day 1 — Verona: atmosphere, walks, and a sunset to remember

The first day is best devoted to Verona at an easy pace, without stacking too many stops back to back. Start from the most iconic area to get into the mood right away: Piazza Bra with the Arena right in front of you—imposing and almost theatrical. Even seeing it from the outside, with the square opening up around it, already feels like “the trip has begun”.

From there you can stroll down Via Mazzini (yes, the shopping street—but also a natural route into the heart of the city) and reach Piazza delle Erbe, one of those squares where you instinctively slow down: the palaces, the façade details, the buzz… that’s how Verona wins you over.

For lunch, be smart: eat light and stay central, without moving too far. Because the afternoon is best kept “free” for the most romantic part.

As the sun begins to dip, head for one of the best viewpoints: the area around Ponte Pietra and the climb up towards Castel San Pietro. It’s a walk worth a thousand photos, but above all for that moment when you arrive, stop, and take in Verona from above. It’s one of those views that always feels special as a couple.

Keep the evening simple: dinner in the city center (better to book on weekends), then a slow stroll through little squares and alleyways. Verona at night is softer, more intimate—perfect for ending day one on a high note.

Day 2 — Lake Garda: Lazise and Bardolino, between villages and the lakeside

Day two is all about the “real” lake: not so much ticking boxes, but the feeling of simply being well. Start in Lazise, a perfect village for a romantic morning: historic center, pretty corners, and a lakeside promenade that invites you to wander with no destination.

The advice here is: don’t rush. Take your first slow walk, stop for a coffee or an ice cream (yes, even in the morning if you feel like it), and enjoy that distinctive Lake Garda light.

For lunch, choose something simple and pleasant. There’s no need for a “big lunch”: you’ll enjoy the afternoon more.

Then move on to Bardolino, another perfect stop for couples: lakeside strolls, a relaxed atmosphere, a few very photogenic spots, and that holiday feeling that slowly builds.

If you’d like to make the day extra special, this is the perfect time to add a winery tasting in the nearby hills: not too long, without overdoing the distances. It’s an experience that always works for couples: you sit down, taste, chat… and time slows down.

In the evening, treat yourselves: a sunset aperitif by the lake. Pick a place that inspires you, sit down, and watch the sun go down. These are the simple moments that stay with you.

Day 3 — One last highlight (Peschiera or Sirmione) + a relaxing finish

The third day is often when people make a mistake: trying to “do everything else”. Not this time. The trick is to choose one standout destination, enjoy it properly, and leave time to head back at a relaxed pace.

If you want something easy, Peschiera del Garda is perfect: charming, scenic with canals and walkways, but more “straightforward” and manageable. Enjoy a nice walk, a coffee with a view, a few photos, and a calm lunch. It’s the classic finale that leaves you relaxed, not tired.

If you’d rather end with a truly iconic and romantic stop, choose Sirmione. One golden rule applies here: arrive early, because it can get crowded. But if you visit in the morning, with your first steps in the historic center and the lake all around, it really is a “movie-style” ending. And if you want to finish in full “couple relaxation” mode, you can also add a wellness/thermal spa moment: perfect for saying goodbye to Lake Garda the right way.

In the afternoon, don’t force anything else: take one last walk, one last toast, and head off without the feeling of rushing away.

Why choose Relais Forte Benedek?
We are just a few minutes from the wonderful Lake Garda: you can easily reach the villages of Lazise and Bardolino, or head up to the town of Garda. Each of these locations offers breathtaking views and easy access to ancient villages and a wide range of tourist experiences.
Every room in our Relais on Lake Garda is designed to offer maximum comfort and luxury. The suites feature elegant furnishings, king-size beds, private balconies, and spacious bathrooms with a private Turkish bath. Every detail is carefully curated to guarantee a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The rooms also feature artworks by the Veronese painter Antonio Amodio.

Our guests can enjoy a wide range of exclusive services, including:

• À la carte breakfast
• Convenient outdoor parking
• Thalassotherapy pool: an outdoor pool with lake view, perfect for enjoying the sun and the panorama.
• Traditional local cuisine: to delight even the most discerning palates
• Excursions and Activities: possibility to arrange boat trips, food & wine tours inside the castle, and sports activities such as trekking and cycling.

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