ISOLA BORGHESE (1.30 hours)
https://www.sirmionetaxiboat.it/en/tours/isola-borghese#sigFreeId264e0af334
This course coasts the peninsula of Sirmione, reaching the “Grotte di Catullo” and continues across the lake to the imposing “Rocca di Manerba” , a natural park which culminates in high cliff edge over the lake. From here the first of 2 islands of the tour is reached, called “Isola di San Biagio”. This is a small but picturesque oasis, which once upon a time was a hunting ground for country gentlemen. The tour then continues on the the largest island on the lake “Isola Borghese” or also known as the Garda Island. This island is currently owned and inhabited by the Borghese Cavazza family. The island has had many names, generally linked to its owner at the time: insula Cranie, isola dei Frati, isola Lechi, isola Scotti, isola de Ferrari and then later isola Borghese. Although there are no precise references in Latin scriptures, there is no doubt that the island was inhabited in roman times, and boasts numerous famous visitors, from Saint Francis of Assisi to Napoleon. The tour proceeds all the way around the island before returning to Sirmione.
