Lake Garda, Venice & Verona

Day 1 – Travel to Italy – Transfer to Lake Garda

Upon arrival in Italy, you will be met in the arrivals area of the airport by a local representative who will accompany you to your hotel. As you travel to your hotel, your guide will share some information about the local region, suggest activities for you to enjoy and answer any questions you may have. 

Day 2 – Boat Trip On Lake Garda 

After breakfast, join your guide for a short walking tour of Riva. Following this, you will board a private boat for a unique sightseeing tour. Your first stop will be at Limone, a small village backed by lemon groves, with waterside cafes and cobbled streets lined with shops. Afterwards, with fantastic panoramas and a spectacular mountain backdrop, travel onwards for a visit to picturesque Malcesine, famed for its medieval Scaligero Castle.

The boat will then return to Riva del Garda, but if you wish to stay on, you may return by public bus or boat later in the afternoon (this will be at your own expense). If remaining in Malcesine, we recommend a trip in the cable car which will take you 1,800 metres above sea level, with spectacular views.

Please note that this schedule refers to summer season only, and is weather-dependent. During winter months, there will be an excursion to Bolzano, in the scenic southern Tyrol.

Please Note that for holidays based in Limone or Malcesine, a coach transfer has been arranged from your hotel to Riva del Garda, where there will be a short walking tour and some free time before beginning your boat tour.

Day 3 – At Leisure or Optional Excursion To The Italian Alps

Free Time in Lake Garda

Today, you will have a full day to relax and enjoy Lake Garda's charms. Shop, sightsee at your own pace or sit by the lake and take in the incredible views. You can take a water taxi across the lake to explore at your leisure and your local guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your interests and advise which highlights are a must see.

Optional Excursion – The Italian Alps with wine tasting

Embrace the beauty and charm of the Italian Alps on this delightful optional tour. You will feast your eyes on green, unspoiled mountainsides, dotted with tiny villages that are unchanged since medieval times. A highlight of the afternoon is the included wine tasting among the vineyards, where a warm local welcome awaits you.

Please note that optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers. Booking pre departure is advised.

Day 4 – Excursion to Venice

On today's full day excursion you will explore the enchanting warren of canals, alleys and squares that make up the fascinating city of Venice. Known as 'La Serenissima' or The most Serene, Venice is a prized jewel in Italy's glorious crown. Witness its famous landmarks such as St. Mark's Square, the stunning Gothic building of Ca’ d’Oro and the imposing Palazzo Ducale. Admire 16th and 17th century art in the Galleria Franchetti and take a photograph on the Ponte di Rialto. You will have free time to admire the piazzas, bridges and ornate dwellings that adorn the quaysides of Venice's extensive network of canals, before returning to your hotel in Lake Garda.

Please note that for holidays departing in July and August, this excursion will depart your hotel in the late morning, stopping for a light lunch (included) en route, before travelling onwards to Venice in the afternoon and returning to Lake Garda in the evening.

Day 5 – At Leisure – Explore Lake Garda at Your Own Pace

Today, you will have the day at leisure. In the heart of Riva del Garda is the Piazza III Novembre, surrounded by 14th century porticos and the Apponale Tower, a former defence tower and World War I prison. This square is a beautiful place to explore during your free time. Don't forget to check with your local guide who will be delighted to suggest further activities to suit your interests.

Day 6 – Trip to Verona

Following breakfast, you will depart by coach for Verona, via the east side of the lake or the motorway. Either way, the journey time is generally about 60 minutes. Verona is very popular among tourists as well as being a significant commercial hub, given its position half way between Venice and Milan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the importance of its historical buildings and is probably best known today for the Roman amphitheatre, now home to the world famous Verona Opera festival, which runs from late June to early September. Also of interest is Juliet's balcony – the fact that the balcony was added to the house in the 20th century doesn't deter the hundreds of thousands of visitors that flock to see and photograph it every year.

Day 7 – Free Time in Lake Garda

Spend your last day enjoying the beautiful lakeside setting, shopping for last minute souvenirs or enjoying a coffee, gelato or glass of wine at a local cafe.

Day 8 – Return Home

You will be transferred to the airport with guide assistance for your flight home.

The price for this travel package is from €1,149 per person* sharing.

A single supplement is applicable if you are travelling alone with prices varying depending on departure date.

A non-refundable deposit of €500 per person is due at time of booking, plus any optional supplements. The balance is due 12 weeks prior to travel. 

*Prices may vary depending on departure date 

What's Included:

• Return international flights to Italy, including checked luggage allowance

• Airport transfers in Italy, with assistance from local representatives

• 7 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels in Lake Garda

• Daily breakfast included

• All travel and transportation for scheduled sightseeing by comfortable, air-conditioned coach or boat

• Expert local Tour Guide services throughout the tour

Included Sightseeing & Experiences:

1. Private boat tour on Lake Garda, with visits to:

   • Limone sul Garda – charming lakeside village backed by lemon groves

   • Malcesine – picturesque town with medieval Scaligero Castle

   • Riva del Garda – short walking tour included
     (Winter alternative: Excursion to Bolzano in the Southern Tyrol)

2. Free days in Lake Garda to explore local highlights at your own pace, including:

   • Piazza III Novembre and Apponale Tower in Riva del Garda

3. Optional excursion to the Italian Alps, featuring:

   • Scenic alpine landscapes

   • Traditional mountain villages

   • Wine tasting among the vineyards
     (Subject to minimum numbers – pre-booking recommended)

4. Full-day excursion to Venice, with time to see:

   • St. Mark’s Square

   • Ca’ d’Oro and Palazzo Ducale

   • Galleria Franchetti

   • Ponte di Rialto and Venice’s iconic canals
     (Includes light lunch for July & August departures)

5. Excursion to Verona, including:

   • The Roman Amphitheatre (Arena di Verona)

   • Juliet’s Balcony and other UNESCO-listed landmarks

Please Note:

• Holidays departing from November to March will include an excursion to the town of Bolzano instead of the boat tour.
• Holidays departing in July & August will include lunch on the Venice excursion day.
• There may also be a separate visitor fee for Venice on certain days, to be paid locally.
• Stays in the Hotel Le Palme, Hotel Centrale, Grand Hotel Riva and Garda Hotels Italia will be on a Bed & Breakfast basis. (Please note Christmas and New Year stays at Garda Hotels Italia are on Half Board basis)

What's not Included:

• Travel insurance – this is a mandatory condition of the booking.

• Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff (at your discretion).