Toscolano-Maderno holiday farmhouse: Toscolano

We stayed here as part of our 10 day road trip to Italy. After 2 one nights stops in France and Switzerland it was the perfect place to chill out for 3 nights before heading off to Venice.

The double room and en-suite was a great size for two people, clean, comfortable and simply furnished. The door opened out directly to views of the owners grape vines and beyond to Lake Garda, the mountains, and lakeside villages.

A single track winding road leads yuo up to the property, and takes you up to the tranquil mountain side - half way up there is a pizza restaurant (a good selection of great Italian dishes too), we can recommend a glass of grappa before walking back!

We enjoyed wandering around the local towns of Toscalono/Maderno, Boliaco. Salo is a great place for shopping and eating out.

There are ferry crossing from Toscalano (5 mins drive), which we used to get to Sirmione - which had a lot of historic buildings (the Roman baths were closed as it was a Monday), however we found there too many tourists there for our liking. We also drove up the coast to Riva and although the drive was beautiful, Riva seems to be geared up for watersports and lounging on the beach - but we couldn't find the shops!!!

The owner of this property makes wine and olive oil from the vines and trees covering the moutainside, and as we write this review we are drinking a bottle of the his wine. The owner is welcoming, helpful and also considered also our privacy. Breakfasts on the terrace were a nice way to start the day.

So we raise a glass to Giulio for being a great host, and for the perfect start to our holiday before heading off to the madness of Venice.
We would highly recommend staying here if you are looking for an authentic Italian, rustic retreat. Hope to go back one day.