Lake Garda, Venice & Verona
Your Guided Holiday To Lake Garda, Venice & Verona
Visit Lake Garda and immerse yourself in an Italian holiday full of relaxation, beauty and culture amid a stunning natural backdrop. While Lake Garda is renowned for its magnificent landscape it also has a rich culture and intriguing past. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the quaint medieval villages that dot the lake and there are many attractions of both historical and cultural significance to visit in the region. On this fantastic 7-night Italy tour, we’ll have plenty of time to soak up the relaxing, tranquil atmosphere of Lake Garda, experiencing the quaint towns of Riva del Garda, Limone and Malcesine. We will also enjoy full day excursions to explore the enchanting warren of canals and squares that make up the city of Venice and the charming UNESCO World Heritage Site of Verona.
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)
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Leisurely
Day
Travel to Italy
Transfer to Lake Garda
Upon arrival in Italy, you will be met in the arrivals area of the airport by our 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.
Boat Trip On Lake Garda
Explore Lake Garda
After breakfast, join your guide for a short walking tour of Riva. Following this, you'll 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
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.
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
Let’s embrace the beauty and charm of the Italian Alps on this delightful optional tour. We’ll feast our 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 us.
Please note that optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers.
Venice
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'll 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
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.
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.
Verona
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.
At Leisure
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.
Return Home
Depart Italy
You will be transferred to the airport with guide assistance for your flight home.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.