Lizise, Malcesine, Riva del Garda, and over the mountains to Valdobbiadene

Me and Augie from on top of Monte Baldo looking out over Lake Garda

We departed Lizise headed north along the east side of Lake Garda. It was a small two lane road, mostly, that would be a great motorcycle road if there was no traffic. Our first stop was in the small town of Malcesine, where we boarded the funivia lift up to the peak of Monte Baldo. I’m still trying to figure out if we were in the foothills of the Dolomites or not, but the scenery really reminded me of the Alps. At the top you are at the 1790 meter level.

We followed a few hiking paths, and I followed a few cows, many wearing large bells you can hear from quite a distance. It was a pleasant temperature at the top and the views spectacular.

http://www.funiviedelbaldo.it/en/

Cows with bells in the mountains

After our brief but relaxing mountain expedition we continued northbound on the narrow winding road, all the while wishing for empty roads. (At least I was wishing for empty roads, but Augie and Teresa may have been happy for the cars impeding my ability to open up that turbo diesel Audi A6 to see what it could do.) It could have been a very fun road in addition to the very scenic road that it was. We had planned all along for a lunch stop in Riva del Garda, the northern most lake town.

Lunch spot in Riva del Garda

Local version of a Caprese Salad using black tomatoes

We were not disappointed when we found a small restaurant and enjoyed a tasty local rendition of a Caprese Salad with black tomatoes and a soft local cheese topped with olives.

Looking south from Riva del Garda onto Lake Garda

Pretty colors on the buildings

Riva del Garda waterfront

The real driving fun started as we headed inland towards Trento. We bravely departed from the main road and pointed the Audi into the hills and onto the back roads. They were single lane and in one spot there were mirrors at every corner to watch for oncoming cars. Luckily, the roads were mostly empty and we could have some fun. It was very beautiful and could only have been better if we’d been in a more sporty vehicle (something like an Aston Martin – which we saw – or maybe a new F-Type Jaguar).

This is NOT a single lane road, this is actually the main road for two cars. But you are lucky if you don't meet anyone coming from the other direction

This is NOT a one way street, but rather the main road for two cars. You are lucky if you don’t meet anyone coming from the other direction

Typical looking road through the mountains

Typical road through the mountains

Our final destination was the small Prosecco area town of Valdobbiadene. We were staying in the Villa Barberina and had arranged to arrive around 5 pm, which worked out well. Annalisa Franco, owner and proprietor, was there to greet us. The Villa Barberina is heaven on earth, a true Venetian Villa surrounded by vines and nestled into the foothills. Annalisa and Primo Franco were the perfect hosts and I couldn’t have been happier with the accommodations.

http://www.villabarberina.it/en/index.html