Each day white boats crisscross the lake garda. Some are fast, modern vessels; others date back to the early 20th century, but have been equipped with modern engines. The first boat was built in Desenzano del Garda by the " Società Milanese per la Navigazione a Vapore nei Laghi del Regno Lombardo - Veneto " [Milanese Company for Steamboat Navigation on the Lakes of the Lombardy and Veneto Kingdom].
Back then, in 1824, the boat was baptized "Arciduca Ranieri" in honor of Archduke Ferdinando Ranieri of the Hapsburg dynasty. This marked the beginning of the steamboat era on Lake Garda, with service between Desenzano and Riva del garda.
In the following decades, many boats entered service, including the Zanardelli and Italia which still sail during the summer months. The two boats still have the paddlewheel, and it is easy to see them sailing in the middle of the lake Garda, filled with tourists and dressed with flags. Turn-of-the-century steamboats were replaced with ferryboats and fast hydrofoils.
Starting out from Desenzano for passengers in the lower lake area, or from Riva for passengers from the upper lake region, the entire lake can be crossed in four hours.
On these pleasant trips, you can admire the coasts and villages and discover unique perspectives amidst the cliffs, water and blue mountains dotted with towering cypresses and perennial olive groves.
The boat ride is accompanied by musical entertainment, and tasty local dishes are also served.
The crossing is calm, the sun is hot, and a cool breeze accompanies your gaze towards the banks, amidst solitary beaches and hidden inlets, as you meet up with sailboats and fast windsurfs.
Nighttime cruises are famous, such as the one that starts out from Desenzano and stops at the ports in the southern part of the lake on its Brescian banks to pick up tourists who want to see the fireworks at Maderno.
Each year in August, the boat is full of families and sweethearts who want to enjoy the grandiose, exciting, magical pyrotechnic display under a full moon.
NAVIGATION ON LAKE GARDA
Book your Hotel on lake Garda