After a two-day drive through the Czech Republic and Austria, we finally arrived in the hidden village of Raffa, tucked into the hills surrounding Lake Garda. The journey was long but full of scenic surprises, and stepping into this serene corner of Italy felt like uncovering a secret that had been waiting just for us.
One of the highlights of the trip was meeting up with our friend Marco and his family. Their warm welcome immediately made us feel at home, and it was wonderful to share this little slice of Italy with people whose company we cherish. Laughter, stories, and the joy of catching up added a personal richness to the adventure that no scenery alone could match.
Dorota and I wandered the village’s narrow cobbled streets, with Monty trotting happily at our feet, occasionally deciding which path we should take next — or plopping himself down in a sunlit patch to declare a break was in order. The scenery around Raffa is unforgettable. Olive groves and vineyards stretch across the hills, their green leaves glinting in the warm sunlight, while the lake shimmers in the distance, catching the eye at every turn. Every corner holds a story: centuries-old stone houses adorned with flowers, quiet piazzas carrying the scent of freshly baked bread, and hidden trails leading to panoramic viewpoints over the sparkling waters.
Monty, of course, made every walk an adventure. Sometimes he led the way, nose twitching at every scent; other times he stopped abruptly, insisting we explore a different path. And when we reached the Monty Truck — his trusty trailer attached to the bike — he would hop in for a regal survey of the village, ears perked and tail wagging, taking it all in like a tiny guardian of our journey.
We spent hours wandering, pausing to soak in the views, listening to the gentle rustle of leaves, the distant lap of water against the shore, and the soft laughter of locals going about their day. Dorota’s eyes sparkled as she spotted hidden corners and small gardens tucked between the hills, and Monty’s joyful energy reminded us to celebrate the simple pleasures — a patch of sunlight, the scent of wild herbs, or a quiet moment by the lake.
Raffa isn’t just about the scenery — it’s about the feeling of being alive in the moment. From leisurely strolls along hillside trails to quiet afternoons enjoying the warmth of Italian hospitality, every experience is heightened by sharing it with those you love. Here, adventure and serenity coexist: you can explore winding paths, discover hidden viewpoints, and then pause to let the world slip away for a while.
Whether you’re drawn to the shimmering waters of Lake Garda, the fragrant vineyards and olive groves, or the charm of quiet village streets, Raffa invites you to slow down, look closer, and lose yourself in its beauty. With Dorota at my side, Monty leading the way — sometimes gently, sometimes with playful insistence — and the warmth of Marco and his family around us, every step became part of a story, a memory, and a moment of wonder we’ll carry long after leaving this hidden gem of Italy.
Let the waters of Lake Garda whisper to you—sunlit waves, mountains in the distance, and quiet moments waiting to be discovered—explore the full gallery here: Lake Garda.
