Lake Garda, Venice and Verona

Lake Garda, Venice and Verona

Relax on the shores of Lake Garda with its picture-postcard scenery, plus enjoy visits to the ‘floating’ city of Venice and ancient Verona on this popular Italian tour. In Venice you’ll see all the famous sights, including the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square and the Doges’ Palace. Enjoy time in Verona, home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, visit Juliet’s balcony, the 1st century arena which is home to the prestigious Verona Opera Festival, plus fine palaces, churches and monuments. And what better way to unwind after a day of sightseeing than with a glass of wine in a restaurant overlooking beautiful Lake Garda? You can see it all on this incredible holiday in Italy.

What's Included:

• 8 or 11 nights hotel with continental breakfast
• 6 or 9 evening meals
• Convenient local joining points

Day 1:

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Belgium or northern France for an overnight stay.

Day 2:

We depart our overnight hotel early this morning as we begin our journey towards Italy. We arrive late this evening at our hotel on Lake Garda where we will stay for the next six nights.

Includes Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Free Time or Wine Tasting

Today is free for you to relax and explore your new surroundings. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is a popular holiday destination. The northern part of the lake is the narrowest point and is surrounded by mountains, the majority of which belong to the Gruppo del Baldo. After a relaxing morning, why not join our optional afternoon Taste of Italy excursion? We make our way to a Cantina where the wine experts will explain about the different grapes from the area, used in the production of the wine. You will then have the chance to taste both red and white wines as well as sample some of the local produce of the area.

Includes Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4: Venice

Join our included excursion to the 'floating city' of Venice. Venice is renowned for its beauty, architecture and its artwork. It is the world’s only pedestrian city, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Be sure to see some of the famous sights such as the Doge’s Palace, the symbolic seat of Venetian power and the enclosed Bridge of Sighs. A visit to St. Mark’s Square, the principal public square of Venice, is also a must. It is dominated at its eastern end by the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, a superb example of the Romanesque-Byzantine style. Perhaps take a ride on a gondola, with your expert gondolier steering you through the busy waterways of Venice (at own cost) or maybe sit back and relax at Harry’s Bar with one of their famous Bellini cocktails, the choice is yours. To make the most of your visit, why not join an optional Venice lagoon cruise where we view St. Mark’s Square and several of the small islands including San Lazzaro degli Armeni, Sant’Erasmo and Vignole. We also pass Murano Island, famous for its glassmaking, before returning to St. Mark's Square.

Includes Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Lake Garda

Today you have the opportunity to visit some of the other shoreside towns on Lake Garda on our optional tour along the eastern shore of the lake. The lake itself is the largest in Italy and a popular holiday destination. It has numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being Isola del Garda. We visit the towns of Lazise, and Garda, the principal town of the area. Spend time exploring the narrow streets of the old village or relax in one of the many cafés. We also see the ancient fortified town of Sirmione, the gem of the peninsula, located on the south of the lake. During your time in Sirmione we will take to the water and sail along the Sirmione peninsula. Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding area from the lake itself.

Includes Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Free Time or Lake Garda Cruise

Free day today. Alternatively, why not join our optional boat cruise excursion across the lake. We sail first to the charming town of Limone and Malcesine for free time. We board our boat and sail first to the charming town of Limone on the western shore of the lake. There will be free time in Limone where you can meander down the cobbled streets, or maybe sample the delicious Italian ice cream. We continue our journey across Lake Garda to the town of Malcesine, a beautiful town with narrow cobbled streets clustering beneath the thirteenth century turreted Scaligero Castle. There will be free time to explore the town at your leisure or perhaps take the cable car up Mount Baldo (at own cost) for some spectacular views.

Includes Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7: Verona

After breakfast, we have an included excursion to the second largest city in the Veneto region, Verona. This beautiful Roman city is situated alongside the River Adige and is the setting for William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Verona was a Roman city, and many Roman ruins have been preserved, notably the Arena. Most of the historical sights to see today date from the past 800 years. Verona's military importance has also left city fortifications and an excellent castle. To introduce you to the city’s array of spectacular sights, why not join our optional guided walking tour. The many charms of the city will be brought to life as you walk through its streets accompanied by a local guide. Admire the 1st century Arena (entrance included on the walking tour), home to the prestigious Verona Opera Festival, which dominates the main square. Verona boasts an abundance of fine palaces, churches and monuments, which adorn its alleyways and squares. Our informative guide will reveal many of the fascinating stories behind the history of the buildings and personalities that will allow you to appreciate to the full the charming nature of this fine old historic town. You will have time at leisure to browse amongst the shops or take a coffee break in one of the many cafés in Piazza Bra overlooking the Arena.

Includes Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8:

To Belgium or northern France for an overnight stay.

Includes Breakfast

Day 9:

Return home.

Includes Breakfast