Lake Garda & Gardone Riviera - The stunning lakeside location

Unwind in a lakeside hotel, savouring the fresh air and mild climate, with sparkling Lake Garda as a backdrop. Enjoy a flavour of Venice and fabulous Verona on this fantastic holiday packed full of delights. Find Out More »

Tour highlights

• The pretty town of Gardone Riviera
• Isola del Garda
• Il Vittoriale of Gabriele D'Annunzio
• Venice including a guided tour
• A guided tour of Verona
• Lake view rooms with balconies in the fabulous Grand Hotel Gardone Riviera

Day 1 - To Paris

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. On arrival we transfer across the city to the ideally located Mercure Hotel Gare de Lyon for an overnight stay. (E)

Day 2 - To Italy

We leave Paris this morning and travel southwards through France and over the border into Italy. Our journey takes us through the bustling city of Milan to Lake Garda. We arrive at the town of Desenzano on the lake's southern shore, where we are picked up by coach and transferred to picturesque Gardone Riviera and our home for the next seven nights, the fabulous Grand Hotel Gardone Riviera, located right at the lake's edge. After dinner this evening you can take a stroll along the lakefront promenade lined with colourful flowers, or relax with a cocktail in the piano bar, named after Winston Churchill, who spent many of his holidays here after the war enjoying a glass or two of Champagne. (B,D)

Day 4 - Il Vittoriale

This morning we visit the fantastic estate of Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio, set in nine hectares of garden and complete with his legendary aeroplane, which he flew over Vienna, a battleship and various vintage cars. The house itself is well worth a visit, and the gardens are beautiful to relax in. (B,D)

Day 5 - A day at leisure

Today is at leisure to explore Gardone Riviera, or venture further afield. Why not take a cruise round the lake, sailing past pretty villages and beautiful scenery? Catch glimpses of villas and gardens normally hidden from view, and admire houses set against a backdrop of pine-clad hills. Malcesine, positioned at the foot of the dramatic Monte Baldo, has a lot to offer the visitor, including a cable-car which carries passengers up to the top of the mountain for incredible views of the lake and countryside beyond. (B)

Day 6 - Excursion to Venice

We travel by rail today to the world's most famous floating city, Venice. Dominated by the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the venerable Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square is the very heart of Venice, and the ideal place to start our exploration of Venice's delights. We enjoy a guided tour of the city centre, before time to explore under your own steam. (B,D)

Day 7 - A day at leisure

Today is free for exploration - why not visit Sirmione? The historical centre is mostly pedestrianised, with its narrow winding lanes and pretty piazzas. A panoramic walk leads out around the promontory, and on a clear day you can enjoy great views over the lake and towards the mountains in the north. (B)

Day 8 - Excursion to Verona

Today we travel by coach to the beautiful Roman city of Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. We take a tour of the monumental gates of Verona, including those of the Roman period, and pass the imposing castle, built in the 14th century to give protection to the brutal ruling family of the time, the Scaligeri. The legendary house where Romeo proclaimed his love to Juliet is located in the centre of this charming town, surrounded by medieval streets and ancient piazzas. Climb up to the fabled balcony itself, overlooking a courtyard, and imagine the star-crossed lovers as they declared their devotion to each other. (B,D)

Day 9 - Through Italy to Lausanne

We leave Lake Garda this morning, with a coach transfer to Milan, where we join the train to Switzerland, travelling through the lovely Rhône Valley. Our journey takes us to Lake Geneva and our overnight destination of Lausanne. We spend one night at the 4-star Hotel Continental, located opposite the railway station. (B,D)

Day 10 - Homeward bound

We leave Lausanne by high-speed train bound for Paris. We cross Paris by coach to the Gare du Nord, where we pick up our Eurostar service to London. We enjoy a light meal and drinks in our seats before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Lake Garda - Gardone Riviera - Luxury Escorted Rail Tours - Rail Holidays

Relax and Enjoy Beautiful Lake Garda. Expereince Venice when you take this 10 day luxury escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out more.
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