The green hills which lie between Desenzano and Salò, on the western shores of Lake Garda, offer a particularly evocative and fascinating landscape. Woodland alternates with vineyards and olive groves, creating an attractive setting within which the spontaneous flora and fauna is undoubtedly a major attraction. Guided archaeological-naturalistic visits to the nature park of Rocca di Manerba and other areas of environmental interest are possible throughout the year. It is possible to obtain more detailed and up-to-date information from the information office of the Valtenesi Association or from other tourist offices in the various towns. The Valtenesi area was originally a religious district depending on the parish church of Santa Maria Manerba. From the discovery of recent findings, demonstrating the presence of lake-dwelling villages in the south-westerly area of the morainic basin of Lake Garda, it is possible to ascertain that this area was inhabited by a population which lived from hunting, fishing and agriculture during the Bronze Age. Many remains of these villages have been found in towns such as Lonato, Polpenazze and Soiano. One of the two names of the Lake -“Benaco” is thought to date back to the Etruscan culture: “Beni-Aco”, sons of Aco, the mythological prince of Etruria. The name of “Valtenesi” is thought to date back to the Greek dominion in the pre-Christian era and to derive from “Valley of the Athenians”. The enchanting Caves of Catullo in Sirmione and the majestic villa in Desenzano  testify to the presence of Roman settlements. The fabulous treasure trove represented by Lake Garda offers, along the length of its banks, treasures of unique beauty such as the Tiepolo altarpiece (in the Duomo in Desenzano), the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta (in Manerba) and the magnificent medieval castles, scattered all over the Valtenesi area. Lake Garda, due to its position, which sees it include part of the Po valley and the foothills of the Alps on both the Verona and the Brescia sides, is one of the most popular destinations in central Europe. The typically Mediterranean vegetation, favoured by the mild climate of the lake, allows the cultivation of vines producing famous wines, such as the Rosso, Rosso Superiore, Bianco, Chiaretto and Groppello, and the cultivation of olive groves which produce an oil with a full-bodied taste, thanks to the use of the typical presses. All this contributes towards and accompanies the creation of a special gastronomic tradition, which incorporates typical dishes such as polenta, fish from the lake and flavoursome soups. Decorating the Valtenesi area we find the fabulous flora, which includes expanses of citrus orchards, tall cypresses and the special palm which is found above all inside the opulent villas present on the hills of the lake. The Valtenesi also offers a wide choice of accommodation for all ages and for every kind of tourism.