We stayed in Sirmione but personally I found it a bit too big. We took a day trip to Venice by train from Desanzano - very easy journey. Salo was one of our favourite places, as well as Malcesine. We also went into Verona and saw an open air performance of Carmen. Beware you will certainly need something to sit on those stone seats can be red hot in the summer.

Lake Garda is one of the loveliest places i've visited