The Valtenesi Villages - You can discover it along a network of minor roads criss-crossing the gently rolling hills, after leaving the main road that cuts through it north to south and divides it into a fl at strip running along the lakeside and a more varied area on the outer ring of the moraine that seals off the south-west corner of Lake Garda. Valtenesi counts seven main towns, numerous castles, many churches and countless little villages and hamlets dotted all over the landscape. The best part of Valtenesi can be discovered from the roads that wind through the interior with its patchwork of vineyards and olive groves, still fl anked by woods of hazelnut, black hornbeam and pubescent oak, and surviving bogs, wetlands and delightful little lakes. This is the Valtenesi you encounter as you come from Brescia, leaving behind you the church of Morti della Selva on the road leading down to Padenghe. In front of you is the village of Pratello with its medieval layout of houses and roads, portals and old courtyards, and further on Monte with its romantic views and the old millhouse waterwheel. Nearby is the Castle, a fortified village where all the dwellings and roads have been carefully restored and where you can get a magnificent view of the lake and the Sirmione peninsula. From Padenghe you can travel to Soiano with its wetlands, along the road leading to Carzago Riviera, the Castle where events are held throughout the summer, and the wood where you can take a leisurely stroll or follow the Percorso Salute and work out on the equipment provided along the route.
Polpenazze is a pretty little town, where the old square, streets, parish church and panoramic forecourt have been painstakingly restored. Castelletto is concealed in a green hollow along a quiet little road off the main road to Muscoline, and beyond to more hills and more walks. But the surprises offered by Valtenesi do not stop here. There is Puegnago with its outlying ward of Mura, the lakes of Sovenigo and the elliptical castle and a great balcony overlooking the countryside, other villages and farmsteads, right down to the shores of the lake. And on a clear day you can even see right across to the Veronese shore. Valtenesi is the ideal place to get away from it all-on foot or bike, or maybe even on horseback. Leave the car behind and enjoy the natural surroundings, views, landscape, birds twittering, pretty little churches, colourful fields, the tolling of bells, open-air picnics, and a snack or a meal in one of the many local trattorias. From Puegnago you can move on to Monteacuto, down through the countryside to the lake, or up to San Felice on the plateau overlooking the gulf of Saḷ, and Cisano where buildings both ancient and modern stand side by side in unexpected harmony. Palaces, austere-looking buildings, and Palazzo Cominelli the headquarters of a foundation that organises interesting cultural and artistic events in the summer months.
Lastly comes Manerba and all the nearby villages, each with its own church. The lesser known Manerba. If you wish to explore further, take the country road that starts from the parish church which lead you over Rio d'Avigo, where you can admire the vegetation and listen to the birds singing. From there follow the road climbing the hill to Balbiana, vaguely is reminiscent of a village in Tuscany.