Itinerary: Affi, Montalto di Gaium, Pazzon, Ferrara di Monte Baldo, Santa Barbara
Scenic drive tour between Mount Baldo and Brentonico Plateau
On this scenic drive tour, you will discover Monte Baldo, Mount Baldo and Altopiano di Brentonico, Brentonico Plateau, located between Lake Garda and Valley of Adige, right along the border between Lombardy and Trentino. It is a charming area that features large meadows covered with flowers, romantic vineyards, ancient and picturesque villages, and fortified castles. This scenic drive will undoubtedly fascinate you with spectacular views over Lake Garda and breathtaking panoramas of Brenta Dolomites, Massiccio del Pasubio and the Small Dolomites.
Your tour will start out from Affi and then you should follow the signs for Montalto di Gaium at first. Then, drive towards Vanzela, Pazzon, and the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona. Have a stop here and leave your car or motorcycle in the parking lot and go down the stairs and reach the Sanctuary, which is nestled on the cliff overhanging the Valley of Adige.
Once you are back, it is time to climb up Monte Baldo, towards Ferrara di Monte Baldo, where you will enter the Trentino region. This is an amazing area spotted by meadows, beautiful carpets of multi-colored flowers, especially during Springtime. Keep on driving while you will enjoy the small lake Pra da Stua on our left until you will reach two small, nice villages: San Valentino and San Giacomo. Your next stop will be in a bigger town, its name is Brentonico, a beautiful winter destination and ski resort.
The tour continues downhill until you get to Mori. Here, just follow the road crossing nice villages such as Pannone, Renzo, Santa Barbara, Bolognano and Vignole di Arco. You will enjoy this stretch full of bends and turns (especially if you are a motorcyclist) surrounded by thick woods and, further down by beautiful vineyards.
Keep on driving until you get to Garniga Nuova. This is a good place where to have another stop and take some beautiful pictures of Monte Bondone and its three impressive peaks.
Then the road will lead you to the last part of this journey: Altopiano di Brentonico (Brentonico Plateau). The area of Mount Baldo and Brentonico Plateau is also known as the "Garden of Italy" because it is particularly rich in rare plants and flowers. It is an extraordinary area not only because of its flora & fauna but also because of the climate that is changing gradually from the Mediterranean climate near the lake to that Alpine one since the altitude varies up to 2070 meters a.s.l. There are also several panoramic points, where you can enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Garda, the Dolomites, or even over the Po Valley.
In Brentonico Plateau you will cross some nice villages such as Covelo Cimon, Castellano, Pedersano, Nogaredo, and Villa Lagarina where this tour comes to end.
At Villa Lagarina you can enter the Highway, that will take you back home after a beautiful scenic drive tour with spectacular mountain views and fresh air.
Starting point: Affi
Ending point: Villa Lagarina
Length: km 176
Some pics during this tour:
1-6: Panoramic views over the peaks, the beautiful landscapes, and Lake Garda during this scenic drive tour.