Here’s part 2 of Day 11, and this entry is about our trip to the majestic Monte Baldo, a mountain in the Italian Alps. It offers majestic panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. Literally, the image was like a painting, where the lake and the sky and the mountains melt together. The thrilling part was that we took a cable car from the old town of Malcesine to the mountain top, yes, 1800 meters above the ground. Afterwards, we explored the medieval town of Malcesine, with its castles and narrow cobbled streets and colorful houses. It is definitely a must when in Lake Garda!

12:30 PM Funivia Malcesine – Monte Baldo (cable car)

After enjoying our Italian pizza by the town’s marina, we then walked towards the base of the cable car ride. We passed by the City Hall, an big yellow building that shouts “Municipio”, pretty much the same word we use for our municipal halls in the Philippines.

The cable car was built all the way from 1955 to promote and sustain tourism in the area. It was continuously renovated from 1962 to 2001, and in 2002, the new cable car was reopened. The base stations had a modern architectural style, resembling butterflies. We paid 22 euros each for a return ride, and it was all worth it! However, the queue was unbelievable. It was summer, and throngs of people all wanted to try it. We almost gave up, considering the time table for the catamaran boat ride going back to Peschiera del Garda. We also became worried that we would not make the cut off. But fell in line we did, and luckily, we made it! Two precious cable car tickets to the top of the 2218 m high Monte Baldo! (Ticket prices and timetable here: https://funiviedelbaldo.it/en/timetable-rates/)

Well, obtaining the tickets was just the beginning. The line to get into the cable car was endless! It was well organized though, but beverages and a hand-fan proved to be helpful. It was like lining up for enrollment and payment in UPD all over again.  😉

14:30 PM Monte Baldo

In a matter of minutes, we reached the top, and it was amazing! We explored a little bit of the area, and engulped the fresh air the surrounded us. I pictured the moment in my memory, hoping to remember it for a very long time. Just me and my husband ❤

It was also where my current profile photo was taken 😉

15:00 Descending via cable car

15:35 PM Back in Malcesine

Malcesine was like a hamlet touched with good fortune, surrounded by Monte Baldo mountain range and kissed by Lake Garda. The narrow and cobbled streets was teeming with life and colors, as residents try to make a living by inviting tourists to their shops. We bought ice cream and headed towards the Scaliger Castle, a national monument with a long history dating back to the first millenium BC, or even older. Unfortunately, our feet were screaming “tired!”, so we opted not to climb the castle tower and just enjoy the view from the ground. More about the Scaliger Castle here: https://www.visitmalcesine.com/en/castle-scaliger-malcesine-lake-garda/172.

I was pretty sure there are other interesting sites to explore and visit in Malcesine. Sadly, we didn’t get to stay longer because we had to catch the catamaran and sail back to Peschiera before dinner. 😉 I am super glad that Malcesine left me with these beautiful photos to make me remember its beauty.

17:30 Sailing back to Peschiera del Garda

19:00 PM Back in Peschiera del Garda

We made it back to Peschiera, just in time for dinner. We didn’t sweat trying to find a place to eat, and just decided to give the restaurat in Hotel Pilotto a go. It’s actually pretty popular, specially for truck drivers. We ordered authentic Italian dishes and it was a gift to the palate!

I feel really blessed to have had the chance to visit Monte Baldo and Malcesine. Ahh.. there’s just so many wonderful places to visit in the world, and I hope to spend my short life traveling and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation. #spreadlove