Italy - Spectacular Lake Garda, Venice & Verona

Duration: 9 days
Board Basis: Mixed Board
Tour Ref: D2TLEI9815

Holiday Summary

Travel Type: Coach

9 days

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Lake Garda continues to be one of our most popular destinations and if you haven't been yet, we would urge you to give it a try!

Enjoy the rolling landscapes of Europe as you journey down to northern Italy on one of our comfortable and air conditioned coaches. You'll have a hotel stop overnight, so you can be well rested during the journey. Once in Lake Garda, you will stay at the stunning 4* Hotel Splendid Sole in Manerba - a lovely hotel and about an 800 metre walk from the lake's south western shores. The hotel's modern wellness centre includes indoor pool and spa, and the outdoor pool is a gorgeous space to laze aorund after a day's sightseeing. Renowned for its delicious Mediterranean food, the Splendid Sole really is a 'splendid' choice as a base for this holiday.

During your time in Italy, you'll have lots of time to relax and explore on your own whilst having the opportunity to join us on inlcuded local excursions to visit the lakeside towns of Malcesine, Riva del Garda and historic Sirmione. We'll also take you to Verona for a fabulous day of sightseeing in one of Italy's most beautiful cities as well as perhaps Europe's most romantic city, Venice.

This is an ideal choice for:

- First time visitors that are curious to travel beyond the UK
- Couples looking to visit some of the most romantic spots in Italy
- Anyone wanting experience the magic of Venice

Please note valid passport required for travel

£969 per person

PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.

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Plan My Trip

Itinerary

Day 1

Be prepared for a very early morning start today as you join your comfortable coach at any of our convenient local pick up points and start off on your fabulous Italian adventure as you head for Dover and your channel crossing to France. Continue on to your first overnight hotel, stopping en route to pick up some dinner, before arriving and checking in for a good night's sleep in the late evening.

Day 2

We're up early again today for a tasty breakfast and a beautiful drive down through the Alps into northern Italy and Lake Garda. We expect to arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon ready for a first taste of Italy at dinner. Unpack, relax and unwind before dinner and an opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.

Days 3 - 8

Enjoy hearty buffet breakfasts every morning that are guaranteed to set you up for whatever your day holds. Take time to enjoy the hotel's facilities or explore the pretty little town of Manerba but make sure you don't miss out on our INCLUDED excursions. Return to the hotel every evening for great food and an opportunity to share your experiences.

Day 8

After a final tasty breakfast it is time to bid farewell to Lake Garda and Italy as you board your coach and head back through the mountains to your overnight hotel, once again stopping en route for you to grab supper. Check in to your comfortable hotel and enjoy a final night in Europe before the final leg of your journey home.

Day 9

Enjoy another breakfast before heading back to Calais and your return crossing to the UK. As you the head back perhaps take time to reflect on the holiday memories you are bringing home with you - and maybe a few souvenirs?

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is probably the best known and largest of all the northern Italian Lakes.

Set against the backdrop of the magnificent mountains of the Dolomites, Lake Garda has long been a favourite with holidaymakers - and it is not hard to see why! Lake Garda is rich with historical monuments, castles and fortresses, all of which provide a unique insight into its history. That is one of the reasons that famous writers and painters have chosen Lake Garda for centuries as a favourite holiday destination that feeds and inspires some of their best work.

The shores of lake Garda provide stunningly beautiful vistas for you to enjoy along with an amazing range of lakeside towns and villages on all sides. Imagine crystal-clear waters reflecting the majestic surrounding mountains, and you have a picturesque escape that captivates the soul. The climate is wonderfully mild all year making anytime a great time to visit - perhaps before or after the school holidays when the place has a more relaxed feel to it?

Needless to say, the beauty of the region is complimented by the fabulous food and drink that you can enjoy along with the warm welcome that Garda is renowned for.

Verona

Verona is best known as the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet - and yes, you can go and visit 'that famous balcony'!

The city is a magnet for tourists from across the world and offers some of the pretties and most impressive sights in all of northern Italy. Stroll through its network of charming lanes and pretty piazzas, all lined with a fabulous choice of boutiques, shop and places to grab something to eat or drink. This is Italy at its best - and its most romantic. In the heart of the bustling centre of Verona is the incredible and remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre which dates back to the 1st century and doubles up as the venue for the city's annual summer opera festival. This is a day out that will live long in your memory!

Venice

Experience the magic of Venice, Italy, a city of canals, romance, and timeless beauty. Glide through the serene waterways on a gondola, admiring the stunning architecture of centuries-old palaces and churches. Stroll through the bustling Piazza San Marco, home to the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and the iconic Campanile. Explore the artistic treasures of the Doge's Palace and the enchanting Bridge of Sighs. Indulge in Venetian cuisine at charming trattorias, and get lost in the maze of narrow streets and hidden squares. Venice’s unique charm and rich history make it an unforgettable destination for travellers seeking culture and romance.

Sirmione

Sirmione is one of the most popular towns on Lake Garda and it is not hard to see why. Set on a picturesque peninsula, history plays a larger role in Sirmione than in many other lakeside resorts through its prominent fortress. It also boasts a wonderful grotto and even its own thermal baths. The castle is flanked by ancient Roman ruins at the entrance to the old town and gives Sirmione a very unique atmosphere. Naturally, the town also has a fabulous range of bars, trattorias and restaurant plus gelaterias boasting every type of ice cream you could ever think of. We know you're going to love it.

Malcesine & Riva del Garda

This fabulous excursion will take you up to the north of the lake, where the mountain backdrop is even more stunning. Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic drive that is a real feast for all the senses.

Our first stop is Malcesine, one of the larger towns set on the narrow strip of flatter land on the eastern shore of Lake Garda running south from Riva del Garda through Torbole to Garda itself. With its historic old town crowned by the Castello Scaligero it is one of the most attractive settlements on the entire Garda lake shoreline and has attracted writers and artists through the centuries who come to admire the panoramic lake views. The medieval town with its cobbled streets is not just a historic location however. It is one of the centres for sailing and windsurfing on Lake Garda and the Monte Baldo cable car offers a stunning lake view from the top station,

Moving on, we visit Riva del Garda, often also referred to as “the jewel of Lake Garda”. Lemon trees, palm trees as well as bay trees are very characteristic for this village at the lake shore. Riva del Garda represents the junction between north and south of Lake Garda. This is also where the Gruppo di Brenta, a mountain massif, begins. Boasting a number of lovely bays and ports, Lovers of culture can look forward to the historical palazzi in the inner city, dating back to a time when the Venetians were reigning the area. The “Rocca di Riva” castle originates in the year 1124 and is completely surrounded by water. Today it houses the urban museum and a picture gallery called “pinacoteca”. This is a great place to simply wander, gelato in hand, and soak up the atmosphere...

Tour Includes

2 nights bed & breakfast at overnight hotels
6 nights dinner bed & breakfast in Italy inlcuding Gala Dinner Night
Welcome drink on arrival in Lake Garda
Free use of outdoor pool (access to indoor pool & spa at extra charge)
Venice full day excursion
Verona full day excursion
Sirmione, Malcesine & Riva Del Garda full day excursion
Return ferry crossings
Direct Coach Travel & Net Zero Carbon
Tourist Taxes Included Throughout!

Valid passport required for travel. Deposit £75.

Accommodation

Hotel Splendid Sole Manerba del Garda

This delightful 4* hotel is set in a stunning location in the town of Manerba del Garda. The hotel has a delightful outdoor swimming pool and terrace for guests to use along with an indoor pool and spa (additional charges apply). The hotel restaurant is well known for its excellent cuisine and they are proud even make their own bread - which means breakfast is a true delight. All of the rooms are well furnished as you would expect, with balconies and air conditioning available in all rooms. The hotel has a number of ground floor rooms. Single rooms are double for sole occupancy.

Visit the Splendid Hotel Sole website

Please note: the hotel is located around 800 metres from the lake shore, around a 20/30 minute walk down a slight hill and therefore may be unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues

Hotel Location

Overnight Hotels

Your overnight hotels will be comfortable tourist class hotels with facilities to match. You will be advised in advance of where you will be staying but our chosen hotel will be well located for your journey to and from your main resort Back to top

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