Desenzano del Garda was the last place to visit on the southern shore of Lake Garda and, like all the rest except Sirmione, it was quiet, peaceful, almost empty of life. The scorching heat had cremated any living body and scattered their ashes over sun-blasted streets & furniture.

A memorable part of the stay were the many places we found to eat. There were two along the modern front in Salo.

The first menu balanced lake fish & meat – in the end I declined the donkey casserole (bit heavy for a hot, sultry evening).

The second was a handsome pizzeria.

One evening we ate in amongst the vines.

A ‘carne’ restaurant that served no fish was a godsend to those with a seafood allergy.

We shared our last meal with a coach load of German tourists next to asmall funfair; the saving grace was a bottle of excellent red and an exceptionally tasty apple turnover.