'Where in the World Would You Like to go Back to?' A Series

This month in our blog series, Brightsun staff member Katie shares details about her favourite travel destination that she’d like to travel back to...

Which travel destination do you find yourself craving to go back to when you’ve been to so many?

Italy! Take me back!

Why is it that after exploring so many destinations, you find yourself wanting to go back to this specific destination? Is it nostalgia, a sense of comfort, familiarity, or something else?

I feel like my husband and I didn’t explore as much as we should have done when we visited. There are so many beautiful destinations in Italy; we travelled to Lake Garda, which is just a train ride away from major cities such as Venice and Verona that we didn’t take advantage of. Also, Lake Garda itself is vast, and we could have ventured out a bit more as there is so much to see there.

As a foodie, I absolutely loved the Italian cuisine and could not get enough of it. From the freshly baked pastries and Italian coffee at breakfast to mouth-watering pizzas, pasta, and sweet treats, I was in culinary heaven in Lake Garda and really want to return to experience this again.

Can you recount a specific moment or experience from this place that truly stands out?
What are your favourite things to do, see, places to eat, other highlights at this destination?

We enjoyed a day trip to the Selva Capuzza vineyard, which was a highlight of our Lake Garda holiday. It was a beautiful, warm, and sunny day in early September, one of the last days of summer, and what better way to spend an afternoon than by sampling delicious Italian wines and nibbles in the North Italian countryside, followed by a stop at a storybook town, exploring cobblestone pathways lined with cute boutiques and cafes. I also enjoyed a little post-booze snooze on the coach back to our hotel which was delightful.

This trip was organised by our hotel who provided the transfers, and I'd recommend it to anyone visiting.

Another highlight for us both was of course the food and drink. Most restaurants we ate out at were family run with warm friendly staff, and most importantly, authentic Italian cuisine. One of our favourite meals was at the end of the trip when we had pretty much run out of spending money, so we went for the cheapest option we could find: a 5-euro pizza from a takeaway joint tucked away in a narrow alley. It turned out to be one of the best pizzas we had ever tasted! We sat on a bench and savoured every bite with a view of the lake in front of us, before heading to the airport for our flight home.

Even when you've covered substantial ground, there's often a desire for more exploration. How do you balance returning to a familiar place with your drive to discover new destinations?

I am one of those holidaymakers that chooses to visit new destinations, especially as I don’t travel often so I do like to tick off different bucket list hotspots, however Italy for sure won me over and I would happily visit here again if I get the chance.

If I did visit again, I would like to re-experience the same type of bed and breakfast accommodation that we opted for last time. Desenzano is home to plenty of boutique style properties within close vicinity of the town’s shops, restaurants, and harbour. Some of them boast stunning outdoor pools to take advantage of, and ours offered an indulgent buffet breakfast each morning that set us up for the day nicely.

While well-known tourist destinations often attract attention, there are hidden gems that hold a special place in our hearts. Could you reveal one such hidden gem in your favourite travel destination and explain its allure?

Lake Garda as a destination overall is a hidden gem, offering an authentic take to Italy without the tourist crowds and chain restaurants. There was no pushing in line to get the best views, and it felt like we had the lake to ourselves at some points. Many travellers rave about their Rome or Venice adventures; I much preferred the slower, laid-back vibes of Desenzano in Lake Garda, a relatively unexplored hotspot where you can just sit back with your Italian wine and pasta, take it all in, and soak it all up.

What are the specific spots you would experience all over again at this destination and why?

I would love to go back to the Porto Vecchio harbour for another lakeside dinner, followed by some people watching, stopping at a gelato shop (still dreaming about the cappuccino gelato 7 years later) and browsing the boutique stores. Watching the street entertainment and spending time with the little ducks that come up close when you sit by the lake was also a joy, and there’s market days here, too.

Another attraction that we had the pleasure of exploring was the Castello Di Desenzano del Garda, a beautifully restored castle that transports you back in time to a bygone era. The castle has an observation deck at its top, offering stunning views of the city and Lake Garda.

What would an ideal itinerary for this destination look like for you / what would you recommend to others?

I would recommend spending at least a long weekend of 3 nights in Lake Garda, basing yourself in the largest city in the region: Desenzano.
You could spend day 1 exploring Desenzano itself, taking in views of Porto Vecchio and the lake, shopping, people-watching, and sightseeing at Castello Di Desenzano del Garda.

On day 2, I'd recommend what I did - a wine tour in one of the surrounding regions, or if this isn't your thing, most hotels offer local excursions including day trips to Venice and Verona so that you can experience a bit of hustle and bustle and tick another destination off your bucket list.
On day 3, you could hire a motorboat for a few hours and explore the lake. We did this and it was a wonderful thrilling experience. End the day with dinner at the harbour and soak up the scenery once more!

We hope you enjoyed this little snippet of Katie’s special trip to Lake Garda, Italy, which won her heart. If you’d like to plan your own Italian adventure, do contact Brightsun who can help you with every element of your travel. Call 0208 819 1111 or become inspired by checking out our latest holiday offers at brightsun.co.uk