Day 1 - Depart from your local area and travel by ‘First Class’ coach for the crossing to the Continent. Continue to our overnight stopover in France / Germany.
Day 2 – after an early breakfast we continue our journey to Lake Garda, arriving at our hotel during the evening. Accommodation has been reserved for 6 nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3 – we take you to the southern end of Lake Garda and the Sirmione Peninsular. This was a playground for artists including the 20th century opera singer Maria Callas and the ancient Roman poet Catullus. We have included an approximately half hour cruise from here. Afterwards there is free time in Sirmione. We then take you to beautiful Garda, before stopping on our way back at Salo.
Day 4 – we take you on a scenic tour of Lake Garda. We travel around the lake visiting some of the most picturesque villages and towns including Bardolini, Garda and the town of Malcesine – a beautiful town with narrow cobbled streets clustering behind the 13th century, turreted Scaligero Castle. From here you can take an optional boat trip to the beautiful town of Limone, before returning to Malcesine for our return coach trip.
Day 5 – we take you to the wonderful city of Venice. Enjoy the famous sights including the Bridge of Sighs, St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. Take a walk over the Rialto Bridge, the ideal spot to watch the activities of the boats on the Grand Canal below. Please Note: Any admission charges / taxes etc payable for entering Venice are not included. These are payable, in cash, on arrival.
Day 6 – we take you to Verona – one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities. Don’t miss the impressive square – the Piazza Bra with its ornate fountains and delightful pavement cafes dominated by the magnificent Roman Arena – the 3rd largest in the world. Continue to Piazza Erbe – the old Roman Forum where nowadays you will find a large open air market selling an assortment of local produce. As well, browse around the various selection of shops in Via Mazzini or even visit the famous balcony featured in Shakespeare’s ‘ Romeo and Juliet’.
Day 7 – join our optional visit to the island of Garda. We depart on a private boat from Gardone in the early afternoon. There is approximately 2 hours on the island where we visit the palace and included garden visit plus an aperitif on the palace terrace. Return back to Gardone in the late afternoon. Price: Including boat, English speaking guide on the island and an aperitif - £39.95 per person
Day 8 – at leisure. You may wish to visit the Botanical Gardens of Gardone, (admission not included)
Day 9 – after breakfast it is time to bid a fond farewell. We make our way to our hotel in France / Germany where our final overnight stopover has been included on a bed and Continental breakfast basis.
Day 10 – continue our journey home, arriving back later on.