In the summer of 2020, travel planning was shaped by the Corona pandemic. Which destinations were not risk areas, and where could one travel safely and in a relaxed way? We definitely wanted to see the sea and opted for the Maremma in southern Tuscany. On the way there, we planned an overnight stay in Siena, which we had last visited about 18 years ago. Read more
Just before the ferry from Torri del Benaco across Lake Garda to Maderno departed, two pretty older convertibles rolled onto the deck. Later research revealed that these were a grey Nissan Figaro, a 1990s car with a retro look, and a red and white Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile, which was built from 1957 to 1969. Both vehicles were stylish eye-catchers, especially the Bianchina, which still looks to be in original condition. Based on the chassis of the legendary Fiat 500, designer Fabio Luigi Rapi conjured up an elegant, flowing, and sporty body. Read more
After months of lockdown restrictions to contain the coronavirus pandemic, public life in Verona began to awaken in June 2020. In Italy, leaving one’s home was restricted to only a few exceptions, i.e. valid reasons such as work, shopping, etc. It was therefore understandable that people were drawn outside after the measures were lifted. Especially in Italy, where conversation and exchange in the streets and squares are part of the way of life. Read more
Between Torri del Benaco and Bardolino, precisely where the eastern shore of Lake Garda takes a sharp turn eastwards, lies the small headland of Punta San Vigilio. The ensemble of hotel, restaurant and café, the villa with its Renaissance park, and the adjacent bathing beach form a tranquil and elegant retreat. The humanist Agostino di Brenzone laid the foundation stone as early as 1540, creating an architectural masterpiece based on the existing church, harbour, and gardens. Read more
The last wisps of cloud and patches of mist from the night’s thunderstorms drift weightlessly in the first sunlight over the calm water surface and the massive backdrop of the steeply rising mountains on Lake Garda. The summit of Monte Baldo already reaches into the sunrise, while the western flanks and the northern end of the lake still rest in the dark shadow of the mountain. From this early and delicate twilight, a dazzling, hot summer’s day slowly develops. The popular holiday region awakens. The first isolated dog barks from the surrounding villages. Then comes the commuter traffic. Waste collection, farmers, and tradespeople provide the further soundscape. Everyday life. Read more
After an eventful journey over the Brenner Pass and finally the scenic Monte Baldo panoramic road, we reached our interim destination, Lake Garda, on our short trip to Verona. We looked for a quiet and beautiful spot to spend the night with our roof tent. Near Torri del Benaco, we found a car park in a secluded district that offered plenty of free spaces and a fantastic view of the lake and the sunset. Read more
In June 2020, the initial widespread lockdown and travel restrictions due to the Corona pandemic were temporarily lifted. We discussed the possibility of a trip to Lake Garda and on to Verona, weighing up, for example, health risks against the urge to discover new destinations (such as the Monte Baldo Panoramic High Road). Ultimately, we decided to spend 4 days at Lake Garda and in Verona. Read more
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