Sirmione on Lake Garda - Excursions to Venice, Verona, Milan & Malcesine by rail

Picture-perfect Sirmione is perched on the tip of a peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Known as the 'Pearl of the Lake', the town is dominated by its fairytale castle and ruined Roman villa and has cafes and far-reaching lake views.

Tour highlights

• Stopover in Paris
• Verona including a guided tour
• Agriturismo meal in the wine co-operative of Valpolicella
• Venice including a short walking tour
• Milan including a guided tour
• Leonardo da Vinci’s 'Last Supper'
• Malcesine including a guided tour

Day 1 - London to Paris

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris in Standard Premier Class. Relax as we are served a light meal and drinks on board before our arrival in the French capital. We overnight in Paris at the 3-star Hotel Mercure, ideally situated next to Gare de Lyon station. (E)

Day 2 - Into Italy

We leave Paris by train for the journey to Italy. After changing trains in Milan we continue to Desenzano on the southern shores of Lake Garda. On arrival we transfer by coach to the nearby town of Sirmione, which stands on a narrow peninsula jutting out into the lower part of the lake. This beautiful town is bursting with history and is dominated by the imposing 13th century castle. The views over the lake from the castle's battlements are excellent, so it is well worth the climb. Our base here for the next seven nights is the Hotel Continental, overlooking the lake. (B,D)

Day 3 - Verona and Valpolicella

We travel by coach to the walled city of Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's magnum opus, Romeo and Juliet. We enjoy a guided tour of the city which includes a visit to Juliet's balcony and the Arena, the third largest Roman amphitheatre in Italy. You have some free time this afternoon to enjoy the sights at your own pace; the picturesque piazzas and narrow streets make Verona a pleasure to explore. On our return we stop at a local wine cooperative in Valpolicella to enjoy traditional home-made dishes accompanied with wonderful locally produced Valpolicella wine. (B,D)

Day 4 - A day at leisure

Today you are free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take a trip to the mystical Isola del Garda, the lake's largest island. The island is privately-owned by the Borghese Cavazza family, who open up their early 20th century Neogothic Venetian villa to visitors. The villa stands in beautiful English and Italian gardens, and offers you the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of local produce and wine. Alternatively, visit Garda, another popular lakeside town. (B)

Day 5 - Full day excursion to romantic Venice

Our excursion today is by train to Venice, which drops us off near the lagoon at the city's Santa Lucia railway station. A private boat awaits to whisk us into the city, travelling along the Giudecca Canal as we soak up the wonderful atmosphere of this unique city. We arrive at St Mark's Square to meet our local guide. During a guided walking tour we see many of this unique city's famous sights, including St Mark's Basilica. You have a free afternoon in Venice, giving you the opportunity to explore at your own pace. (B,D)

Day 6 - A day at leisure

Today you are free to relax in Sirmione or perhaps take the ferry to one of the lakeside towns nearby, such as Bardolino or Gardone. In Gardone you can visit the hillside estate that was home to the Italian poet and fighter pilot, Gabriele d'Annunzio, from 1922 to 1938. The extravagant gardens cover six acres, all planted according to the poet's exact plans. As well as the impressive gardens, why not visit the Cittadella itself, where d'Annunzio composed his work or the fascinating War Museum. (B)

Day 7 - Excursion to Milan

Today we travel 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 painting 'The Last Supper'. (B,D)

Day 8 - Malcesine

Travelling by coach up Lake Garda's eastern shores, we make our way to Malcesine, home of the 14th century Scaligeri Castle which dominates the town. We take a guided tour of Malcesine and then you have some free time to explore the narrow, cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses at your leisure. You may wish to take this opportunity to take the cable car up to the summit of Monte Baldo, Lake Garda's highest mountain, which rises up behind the town. Our return trip is by boat. (B,D)

Day 9 - To Lausanne

We leave Sirmione and travel back through Italy to Switzerland where we overnight at the 4-star Hotel Continental in the lovely city of Lausanne. After dinner there is time to explore the cobbled streets and admire the Gothic cathedral. (B,D)

Day 10 - To London

We depart Lausanne by train and travel to Paris. Here we join the connecting Eurostar service to 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

Sirmione - Lake Garda - Luxury Escorted Rail Tours - Rail Holidays

Explore beautiful Sirmione On Lake Garda, Enjoy excursions to Venice, Verona, Milan And Malcesine when you take this 10 day Luxury Escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out more.
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