On the Shores of Lake Garda - Picturesque lakeside resort of Desenzano by train

Popular Desenzano, set on the southern shore of beautiful Lake Garda, is the base for this wonderful, relaxed holiday. Combining the laid-back charm of Italy's biggest lake with excursions to Venice, Verona and Milan, this tour is a blend of the very best of Northern Italy.Find Out More »

Tour highlights

• Desenzano, Lake Garda
• Verona including a guided tour
• Cascina Capuzza winery including a traditional meal
• Malcesine
• Relaxing cruise on Lake Garda
• Milan including a guided tour
• Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’
• Venice including a walking tour

Day 1 - To Switzerland

We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier Class, with a complimentary light meal and drinks served at our seats. We cross Paris by coach to join the TGV to Switzerland, arriving at Lake Geneva and the town of Lausanne. We spend tonight at the Hotel Continental, ideally located opposite the railway station. (E,D)

Day 2 - The journey to Italy

From Lausanne we travel by train into Italy to Milan, where we change trains and continue to Desenzano, on Lake Garda's southern shores. On arrival we transfer to our base for the next seven nights, staying at the Hotel Piccola Vela. (B,D)

Day 3 - A day at leisure

Today you are free to relax or explore at your own pace. For those wishing to stay in Desenzano, you could explore its winding streets, medieval castle and picturesque waterfront. Alternatively, you could perhaps make your way to the Old Town, as today is market day and the square is filled with colourful stalls selling locally produced food and crafts. Otherwise you could visit nearby Lonato, with its Roman ruins and 11th century castle. (B)

Day 4 - To Venice

Today we travel by train to romantic Venice where we transfer by boat along the Giudecca Canal to the world-famous St Mark's Square. We have a short walking tour of the centre to get our bearings, on which we see the majestic Doge's Palace and the historic Bridge of Sighs. On completion of the tour you are free to soak up the atmosphere of this truly amazing city. Wander the narrow lanes and explore the hidden piazzas and grand buildings - there is a delightful surprise around every corner. (B,D)

Day 5 - Excursion to Verona

Today we visit Verona, a charming walled city of Roman origin and the setting for Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', situated just 45 minutes away by coach. During our visit we enjoy a guided tour through the city's narrow streets, which are lined with beautiful medieval buildings and Roman monuments. One such structure, the vast Arena, is an incredibly well-preserved amphitheatre built in 30AD. On our return to Desenzano, we enjoy a traditional meal with locally produced wine in the cellars of Cascina Capuzza. One of our customers' favourite evenings, this wine co-operative is idyllically set amongst vineyards. (B,D)

Day 6 - A day at leisure

Spend today at your leisure, possibly relaxing at the hotel, taking a walk along the lakefront or exploring one of the nearby resorts. One enjoyable option is to take a short boat ride to the pretty town of Sirmione, situated on a narrow promontory in the southern waters of the lake. Sirmione's medieval streets are delightful, and here you can visit the 13th century Scaligeri Castle or the Grotte di Catullo, a ruined Roman villa situated at the tip of the headland. The town also has some enticing restaurants and cafés tucked away along narrow side streets. (B)

Day 7 - Excursion to Milan

This morning we journey by coach to stylish Milan with a full day to explore. We enjoy a guided tour of the sights including the magnificent Duomo, the world-renowned opera house 'Teatro alla Scala' and the incredible 19th century glass-roofed shopping arcade, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The highlight of our tour is a visit to the famous church and cloister of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where we see Leonardo da Vinci's world-renowned painting 'The Last Supper'. (B,D)

Day 8 - Malcesine and Lake Garda cruise

We visit Malcesine today by boat, a picturesque resort set between the sparkling waters of the lake and the lofty heights of Monte Baldo, the area's largest mountain ridge. Here you can wander along the narrow medieval lanes to the 14th century castle which dominates the town, or take a stroll past the quaint harbour lined with traditional pastel-painted houses. The more energetic can ascend the nearby peak by cable car for incredible views over the shimmering lake below. We return to Desenzano by coach. (B,D)

Day 9 - To Dijon

We leave Desenzano this morning, travelling by coach to Milan to join our train for Dijon. Our route skirts the shores of sparkling Lake Maggiore and travel up through the stunning scenery of Southern Switzerland, known for its clear mountain streams, lush green forests and lofty mountain peaks. We change trains at Lausanne, set on the shores of charming Lake Geneva and continue over the border to Dijon for an overnight stay at the 4-star Mercure Dijon Clémenceau. (B,D)

Day 10 - Journey home

Today we depart Dijon and travel by high-speed service through France to Paris. Here we cross the city by coach to join our onward connection by Eurostar to London. After a light complimentary meal and drinks served at our seats, we arrive 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 - Luxury Escorted Rail Tours - Rail Holidays - Frequent Departures

Relax on the shores of beautiful Lake Garda, experience Verona, Venice and Milan, when you join this 10 day luxury escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out More.
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