I have just spent a beautiful few days on Lake Garda with my friend Amber, her son, and Oliver. Amber is a huge foodie and cooks the most magnificent food, so part of the reason for the trip was to inspire the boys to develop a love of good food, as we have. Alongside that, there was plenty of swimming, snorkelling, fishing, walking, and simply enjoying being outdoors together.
I have travelled extensively over the years, yet somehow had never visited this wonderful region of Italy.
On our first evening, we wandered into the enchanting old town of Peschiera del Garda, nestled on the southern tip of Lake Garda. It almost feels as though the town has been built directly upon the water, with pastel-coloured buildings reflected in the emerald waters below. The River Mincio flows gently from the lake, creating beautiful canals spanned by ancient bridges that meander through the heart of the town.
It is impossible not to notice the vibrant colours of the flowers spilling from hanging baskets and tumbling over old stone walls, their sweet scent drifting through the warm evening air. Everywhere you look, there is beauty.
We took the boys to a rooftop terrace restaurant, climbing a small marble staircase hidden away behind a doorway to the fourth floor. From above, terracotta rooftops stretched out in a higgledy-piggledy patchwork, while the canal glistened below. The joyful hum of conversation drifted upwards from the streets beneath us.
Beautiful local fish dishes arrived on crisp white tablecloths, alongside platters of meats and cheeses displayed on rustic wooden boards. Around us, the melodic chatter of Italian voices filled the air. It is this attention to detail, the atmosphere, the food, the setting, and the people that transform a simple meal into a memory.
One of my greatest joys when I travel is finding a small café, ordering a coffee, opening a good book, and simply watching the world go by. Peschiera del Garda has countless little corners bathed in sunshine, inviting you to slow down and stay awhile.
Early one morning, I found myself sitting beside one of the canals, coffee in hand and a book resting on the table beside me. The waiter switched on the overhead fans, sending a soft breeze through the warm air, while soft music drifted gently in the background. Around me, families chatted, friends laughed, and small birds darted between the tables, scavenging for the crumbs left behind, all mixed with the smell of fresh pastries.
There was nothing particularly remarkable about the moment, yet somehow it felt perfect.
These are the memories I treasure most when I travel. Not necessarily the famous landmarks or the places that appear in guidebooks, but the quiet moments in between. The moments when time slows down just enough for you to notice the details, breathe a little deeper, and simply be present.
They are the stolen moments I carry home with me and hold close to my heart. The moments I reflect upon when the skies back home are grey and sullen, and everyday life feels a little too busy. They remind me that joy is often found in the simplest of things: a good book, a strong coffee, warm sunshine, and the opportunity to sit quietly and watch the world unfold around you.
The following morning, despite our best intentions, we somehow missed the ferry to Sirmione and instead boarded a bus. Sometimes the best adventures begin with a slight change of plans.
Sirmione is famous for its medieval castle, Roman ruins, thermal springs, and breathtaking views across the lake. Yet, if I'm being completely honest, one of the things we had come for was the gelato.
In the afternoon, we headed to Jamaica Beach for snorkelling. I had imagined a long sandy shoreline, but instead discovered smooth white limestone stones stretching beneath crystal-clear water. Shallow pools edged by natural terraces where ducks paddled alongside their babies, and small fish swam. Further out, hidden caves and rocky ledges created an underwater playground perfect for exploration.
We had travelled light to Verona, but tucked inside my backpack was my trusted Tenacious tote bag. It turned out to be one of the most useful things I packed. Spacious enough for towels, a change of clothes, snacks, and Oliver's diving mask. Light enough to fold away when not needed, it accompanied me everywhere. Sometimes it's the simplest things that make travelling easier, leaving more room to enjoy the moments that matter.
I floated in the cool water, watching the boys and Amber explore. I listened to their excited shouts as they discovered large fish swimming in underwater caves. I was reminded that some of life's greatest pleasures are also the simplest. Good food shared with friends. New places waiting to be explored. Children discovering the world around them. And a few days away from the demands of everyday life.
Lake Garda gave us all of that and more.