Lake Garda & the Best of the Veneto

An astonishing blend of spectacular alpine scenery reflected in tranquil lakes, Verona’s Roman remains and the medieval world’s richest city – remarkably unique Venice.

Verona

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrive in Lake Garda

You will be met at the airport before checking in for your flight. On arrival in Italy, transfer to your hotel in delightful Bardolino. This evening, reconvene with your travelling companions and tour manager for a welcome drinks reception. (D)

DAY 2 – Lake Garda

Enjoy a tour of the lake, passing through some lovely, quintessentially Italian villages with tiny harbours clinging to the shoreline against a mountain backdrop. We call at Limone, hemmed in on one side by the steep mountains and on the other by the lake, before continuing to bustling Riva del Garda at the northern end of the lake, where we will stop for lunch with time to wander. We board a ferry for a leisurely cruise back to Bardolino. (B,D) + Included Experiences – Lake Garda cruise with visits to Limone & Riva del Garda

DAY 3 – Venice

During a walking tour we will see St Mark’s Square and its Basilica, Europe’s most exotic cathedral, the Campanile and Doge’s Palace, once home of the most powerful man in Venice, together with countless other places of interest. Venice first came to prominence in the 10th century, reaching its zenith during

As this is a single-centre tour, we stay at the same hand-picked hotel in Bardolini for seven nights, with breakfast and dinner.

Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa,

Bardolino HHHH

Please note: The use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid- September), depending on the temperature. Where hotels feature an outdoor swimming pool, this will be open during the summer months (weather permitting).

the 15th century. It was then that many of the fantastic buildings you see today were built.

To see it all at once, why not take a trip up the imposing Campanile tower, originally built as a lighthouse. For art lovers there is Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Or enjoy the city from the water on an iconic gondola. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided walking tour of Venice

DAY 4 – Free day

Today is a free day to explore at your leisure. Stroll along the lakefront promenade from the hotel or perhaps explore Bardolino’s charming town centre. (B,D)

DAY 5 – Mantova

We journey to the medieval city of Mantova, surrounded by three lakes, with a dramatic skyline of ancient towers, domes and cupolas. During our guided tour of the old town, the reasons for its UNESCO World Heritage status become strikingly evident and though compact in size, Mantova has more than its share of artistic, cultural and architectural treasures. Wander the cobbled streets and relax in the lovely squares, where locals and visitors alike meet for a coffee. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Mantova

DAY 6 – Free day

Today you are free to do as you wish, so what is it to be? Take the ferry to Sirmione, set on a narrow peninsula

SWITZERLAND

ITALY

Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa

rich in history and famed for its thermal water with healing properties. It’s a pleasure to wander the inviting streets lined by pastel-hued buildings adorned with colourful flowers. Or you may choose to relax by the hotel pool or stroll along to a private beach (additional charge), where you can enjoy a dip in the lake itself. (B,D)

DAY 7 – Verona

Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and today we have a guided walking tour to appreciate it at its best. Enter through the centuries-old city walls, admiring the medieval buildings complete with their contrasting frescoes, the marketplace dating from Roman times, tiny narrow streets with tasteful shops and typical pavement cafés, some with violinists serenading their clients, The tragic story of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is set here and the two great lovers from rival families have inspired countless films, poems and dramas. See the balcony where the immortal words ‘O Romeo, Romeo’ were reputedly spoken. The Roman arena is awe-inspiring but there are also countless medieval and Renaissance squares to explore, as well as a superb 12th-century cathedral, Roman Theatre and San Zeno – arguably the finest Romanesque church in northern Italy. This afternoon is free so you can explore the city as you wish. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Verona

DAY 8 – Return flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Milan

Lake Garda Riva Del Garda

Bardolino Verona Venice

Mantova

KEY

Arrive Depart

2022

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2023

Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports with hotel transfers, plus porterage of one item of luggage • Seven nights in four-star accommodation inclusive of all local taxes • A welcome drinks reception to meet your fellow travellers • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 7 Dinners For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 4 guided tours including Venice,

Verona and Mantova • Lake Garda cruise with visits to

Limone and Riva del Garda • Ferry cruise to Bardolino on

Lake Garda

Sirmione

The Grand Canal, Venice

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