Lake Garda is situated 30km (18 miles) to the west of Verona, and it is a jewel among Italy's many lakes. Lots of charming villages and small towns with a port dot the shoreline, and the landscape surrounding the lake is extremely varied, from the gentle, Mediterranean-like slopes in the south to the more dramatic steep hills and mountain sides further north.

There is plenty to do for tourists visiting the lake, from sightseeing and nature walks to fishing and taking a trip on one of the Navigarda ferries (tel: 800 551 801; website: www.navigazionelaghi.it/ita/gar). At Malcesine, the rotating cable car to Tratto Spine (tel: (045) 592434; website: www.funiviedelbaldo.it) takes visitors to a height of 1,760m (5,774ft), from where the view of the lake is amazing.

Explore the Valpolicella (tel: (045) 683 9146; website: www.valpolicella.it) district. A gentle, hilly landscape with several small valleys north of Verona, it is famous for its fine wines - the Valpolicella, the Amarone and the Recioto. The landscape is dotted with charming Romanesque churches, impressive Palladian villas, wine cellars, fortresses and parks. The region is justly famous for its cuisine - where boiled meat is an essential ingredient.