Leaving the Adriatic behind, we traveled north through Italy’s diverse landscape, where olive groves transitioned into vineyards, eventually revealing the first distant glimmers of alpine peaks. Our destination was Lake Garda, where the town of Malcesine lies like a watercolor painting at the foot of the mountains.
We arrived in the late afternoon, with the lake stretching out before us in shades of silver and blue. The medieval Scaliger Castle stood proudly above the town, its tower overlooking the narrow cobbled streets that twist and turn like a secret waiting to be uncovered. From our place near the castle, we could hear the gentle lapping of the water and the soft murmur of voices from the town below.
One morning, we took the ferry across the lake to Limone sul Garda, a village nestled on the cliffs, filled with the scent of lemon trees and basking in sunlight. The crossing was peaceful, with mountains rising steeply from the water, their reflections shimmering with every ripple of the boat. In Limone, we strolled through terraces of old lemon trees, bougainvillea, and geraniums, where stone arches once protected all from winter winds. It was easy to see how this place earned its name — “lemon” in Italian — and even easier to stay awhile.
Evenings in Malcesine were beautifully serene. Couples strolled arm in arm along the waterfront while we enjoyed a lovely dinner beneath the warm glow of the café lights. We watched passersby, feeling as content as they looked. We will stay for three days—enough time to relax our pace, observe the changing light on the castle walls, and experience the tranquility that only small towns can offer.
Tomorrow, we will drive north again, into the Dolomites, where jagged peaks pierce the sky and the clouds rest on their peaks. We have always wanted to spend time in this area. Beyond that lies Slovenia, a new country with a different rhythm and another chapter waiting to unfold. We will be there in just a few days. We are excited to see what unfolds.
As our journey continues, we rediscover that the magic of travel is found not only in the sights we see but also in how each destination gently prepares us for the next. It is a quiet unfolding of beauty, transitioning from the sea to the mountains, and from a rich history to a realm of hope and joy. We are learning so much.
You are loved.
Tom and Nancy’s Journeys 