Lake Garda by train - 9 days from £1199

Accommodation

Hotel Villa Luisa (4-star)
6 nights. Hotel Villa Luisa is situated in the resort of San Felice del Benaco near to the south west of the lake and beyond the picturesque village of Portese with it’s pretty views over the lake. The hotel enjoys an elevated position and is surrounded by beautiful countryside of olives and vineyards. Opened in 2011, the hotel is stylish and modern with a restaurant, stunning pool, pretty gardens and terraces. All rooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning, telephone and TV. The hotel provides a minibus service to nearby villages and the lake shore for a small charge.

Please note: Details of your confirmed hotels will be advised in your final documentation, which will arrive approximately two weeks before departure.

Stopover hotels in Lausanne and Strasbourg are normally chosen for their convenient location in relation to the railway stations and are typically 3-star accommodation.

Itinerary

Day 1: UK/Lausanne

Join your fellow travellers on board Eurostar for your journey to Paris – enjoy a meal and drinks served at your seat if you choose standard premier. Transfer to the high-speed TGV service to Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva, where you’ll stay overnight on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 2: Lake Garda

Your journey continues on board the ultra-modern Cisalpino service as it speeds across northern Italy, arriving at the Hotel Villa Luisa, in San Felice del Benaco, in the afternoon. You will stay here for the next six nights. Your hotel is set in beautiful countryside, why not take a stroll or have a cooling dip in its lovely swimming pool.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Days 3 - 7: Lake Garda

Largest of the Italian Lakes, Lake Garda plays host to numerous attractive towns, each with their own charms. Desenzano is one of the most attractive resorts on the southern shores. Winding lanes lead from the shore to its hilltop castle, where you will be rewarded with delightful views over the lake and surrounding countryside. Hotel Villa Luisa is situated close to the charming village of Portese, why not take a leisurely walk before dinner this evening.

Join your Tour Manager to explore the area on these two included excursions:

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Lake Garda (3/4 day)

The clear waters of the lake are backed by the dramatic Dolomite Mountains in the north and gentle, fertile plains swathed in groves of olives, citrus trees and vines to the South. Charming lakeside resorts of pastel-painted houses, shady squares and fine churches dot the shoreline, many linked by the regular boat services that cross the waters. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of the lake’s highlights as you travel by both coach and boat.

Venice (full day)

Venice is truly the jewel in northern Italy’s crown. Arriving in the city by train, you’ll arrive in St. Mark’s Square by boat, perhaps the best way to familiarise yourself with this city of canals and waterways. Many of the city’s highlights are just a short walk from the square, including, of course, the magnificent Basilica and Doges’ Palace. Perhaps explore some of the quiet side streets and squares, where historic churches, palaces and buildings are to be found with every turn. Or take a boat trip on the lagoon to the Venetian islands, including Murano, where you’ll find workshops making the distinctive coloured glass the city is known for.

Further optional sightseeing opportunities will also be available to enhance your stay.

Verona (optional 3/4 day)

Visit the ancient city of Verona, home to countless medieval buildings of rose-tinged limestone. Be sure to see the well-preserved Roman Arena, a magnificent backdrop for the acclaimed annual Opera Festival, spend some time in lively Piazza del’Erbe, heart of the city, or visit the Castelvecchio, an impressive castle now home to a superb art collection. You’ll also visit a local winery for a tasting.

Dolomites (optional; full day)

Arguably the most beautiful of Italy’s mountains, the Dolomites are characterised by granite peaks soaring from lush forests and pastures. Picturesque towns and villages, sparkling alpine lakes and tumbling waterfalls can all be seen today.

Day 8: Strasbourg

Leaving Lake Garda, travel by train to Milan then through the Swiss scenery to the French border-town of Strasbourg, for an overnight stay which includes breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Strasbourg/UK

Your holiday draws to a close as you travel west through France to Paris to connect with the homeward Eurostar service.