Italian Lakes Walking Holiday By Rail

Itinerary

10-Day Itinerary

• Day 1

  Make your own way to London St. Pancras International where you will meet your friendly Tour Manager and board the Eurostar to Paris. Here, we change trains and join the high-speed connecting train to Turin in northern Italy for a one-night stay.

• Day 2

  After breakfast, we travel by train to Rovereto. On arrival, we transfer by coach to our hotel in Arco where we enjoy a welcome drink before dinner.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 - Arco Walking Tour

  This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later, we are joined by our local walking guide and embark on a 2-hour guided walking tour of Arco. The town is located to the northern end of Lake Garda, in an attractive setting with sheer cliffs to one side and overlooked by a castle the other. It stands at the southern end of the Sarca River valley which flows on into Lake Garda and the position, protected by the mountains, allows the area to maintain a mild climate.

  According to some sources, the construction of Arco castle originated in the Middle Ages and was erected by the residents of Arco. It only later became the property of the local noble family of the Counts of Arco, who dominated these lands. The castle was abandoned during the 18th century following a siege by French troops in 1703. A careful restoration in 1986 and others in subsequent years have allowed the discovery and recovery of some cycles of frescoes depicting knights and court ladies of medieval times.

  Our guide will walk us to the olive grove where you can admire the historic olive trees and take in the beautiful view. After our walk, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure before dinner this evening.

  Please note: this is an easy walk that will last around two hours. The distance covered will be approximately 3km (1.8 miles), with cobbled streets and slight uphill and downhill gradients of up to 100 metres.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 - Lake Ledro Walk

  After breakfast, we transfer by coach to Riva and begin our walk from Riva to Lake Ledro.

  We walk along the Strada del Ponale which connects Riva del Garda and the Valle di Ledro. Originally built in the second half of the 19th century, it was replaced by a modern tunnel. Since 2004 it has been closed to traffic and limited to cyclists and hikers. Thanks to its position and architecture, the old Strada del Ponale is one of the most beautiful historical panoramic roads in Europe. We return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

  Please note: this is a moderate walk that will last around 4 and a half hours. The distance covered will be approximately 11km (6.8 miles) with a steady incline. The altitude will reach between 67m and 683m above sea level.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 5 - Freud Walk & Bolzano

  This morning, we depart by coach to Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol. From here, we walk from Oberbozen (Soprabolzano) to Collalbo on the Freud Walk route. This well-marked trail leads through the meadows and forests of the Ritten, offering breathtaking views.

  After lunch at leisure, we will have time for a walk around Bolzano and enjoy free time exploring one of the city's many pastry shops and cafes.

  Please note: this is an easy walk lasting around two hours. The distance is approximately 6.5km (4 miles), with a slight incline.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 6 - Verona with Guided Walking Tour

  Today we travel by coach to Verona where we embark on a walking tour with our local guide.

  Verona is one of Italy’s most romantic cities, thanks to the fact that Shakespeare chose this city to set his romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet. While the couple were purely fictional, there are many attractions which claim by local legend to have once set the scene for Romeo and Juliet. For example, there’s Juliet’s House, where we’ll find the balcony Romeo is said to have serenaded his love, as well as the Basilica di San Zeno where the two were supposedly married in secret. There’s also Juliet’s tomb, which is said to be located within San Francesco al Corso church.

  Aside from this, there are many other attractions to enjoy in Verona, such as the Piazza delle Erbe, which was once the site of the Roman Forum in the city, and Lamberti Tower. There’s a Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum to enjoy as well, and the impressive Verona Cathedral.

  After the walking tour, you’ll have free time to explore this beautiful city at your own pace before we return to the hotel.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 7 - Lake Molveno Walk

  After breakfast, we depart by coach and travel north to Lake Molveno. The crystal-clear waters of the lake, surrounded by the Brenta Dolomites, offer a magnificent landscape for our walk today.

  We head to a Roman bridge near to the Roo Ceda waterfall, from where a short climb takes us to the ruins of the trenches. Enjoy your packed lunch with a wonderful backdrop.

  Please note: this is a moderate walk that will last around three hours. The distance covered is approximately 10km (6 miles) on paths or partly unpaved pathways.

  Meals - Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

• Day 8 - Monte Baldo Cable Car, Guided Walk & Malcesine

  Today we transfer by coach from Arco to Malcesine and take the cable car up to the majestic peak of Monte Baldo (1800 metres above sea level). Here, the incredible panoramic views over Lake Garda are breathtaking! Our local guide will then walk us through alpine pastures and mountain landscapes.

  Please note: this is a moderate walk lasting around three hours. The distance covers approximately 6km (4 miles) on well-marked paths, with an elevation gain of 300m.

  You’ll then have some free time for lunch at leisure in Malcesine, one of the most beautiful villages on the lake. From Malcesine, we travel to Riva by boat before joining our coach back to the hotel. This evening, we gather for a 5-course farewell dinner.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 9

  After breakfast, we transfer to Rovereto Railway Station and travel by train to the Italian city of Turin, where we check in to our overnight hotel.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 10

  We travel by train to Paris for our return journey by Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International. After arriving in London, you will make your own way home.

  Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

You will stay for seven nights at the Hotel Olivo in Arco.

You will stay at the Hotel Victoria Torino for your overnight stay in northern Italy on the outbound and return journeys. 

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