Day 1 (Wednesday): Early hours of the morning departure (approx. 5.00am) from North Wales and travel to Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais. Upon arrival we continue to our overnight hotel, the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Arras, Arras (dinner, bed & breakfast).
Day 2 (Thursday): After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Arras and continue our journey southward across some of France’s most varied landscapes, beginning with the gentle plains of the Hauts‑de‑France before easing into the Champagne region. Passing Reims, the countryside shifts into rolling vineyards and grand chalky hillsides. The route then leads toward Colmar, where timber‑framed houses and Alsatian charm colour the surroundings, before pressing on to Mulhouse, an industrial crossroads close to the Rhine. We cross the border into Switzerland and our next overnight hotel, the 3-star Ibis Luzern Kriens, Kriens (dinner, bed & breakfast).
Day 3 (Friday): Arrive in Garda
Leaving Kriens, the road winds gently away from the foothills of Mount Pilatus and carries you deeper into the heart of Switzerland, where lakes, valleys, and immaculate alpine villages unfold one after another. Crossing into Italy, the scenery softens with Lake Como appearing as a sweeping, serene expanse framed by steep hillsides and elegant villas. Continuing south, we approach Milan, where broad avenues and modern skylines contrast with centuries‑old architecture. From there we journey eastward through Lombardy’s countryside toward the northern edge of Lake Garda, finally arriving in Riva del Garda, where dramatic cliffs, sparkling water, and a distinctly Italian lakeside atmosphere welcome you. Our base for the next 5-nights is the 4-star Hotel Sole, Riva Del Garda (dinner, bed & breakfast). Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, take time to relax before our evening meal.
Day 4 (Saturday): At leisure
Enjoy a free day to explore Riva del Garda. Surrounded by mountains and vineyards, Riva del Garda is the northernmost town on the shores of Lake Garda. Perhaps visit the historical palazzi in the inner city, dating back to a time when the Venetians golden era. 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”.
The more adventurous may want to take a speedboat trip around Lake Garda which sweeps you across the lake’s wide, shimmering surface, darting between towering cliffs and colourful waterfront towns while the warm breeze and dramatic scenery turn the ride into a burst of pure exhilaration (not included).
Day 5 (Sunday): Verona
Visit Verona, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Upon arrival enjoy an included tour of the city by coach with a local guide. Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure, visit ‘Juliet’s House’, a 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard. Close by is Verona Arena, a huge 1st century Roman amphitheatre, continues to host concerts and large-scale opera performances. Discover an array of beautiful churches and Roman ruins across the town and enjoy a drink in the many piazzas – the most famous being the Piazza delle Erbe.
Day 6 (Monday): Venice
Today, have an early start for to enjoy a full day excursion to Venice, the magical city on the water. A private boat transfer takes us from the coach park to St Mark’s Square. Visit some of the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile and the Bridge of Sighs. Explore the narrow streets at your leisure, perhaps take a ride on a gondola along the Grand Canal and visit the Rialto Bridge. We return in the late afternoon to Lake Garda for our evening meal.
Day 7 (Tuesday): Sirmione
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive with beautiful views of Lake Garda as we travel to the enchanting town of Sirmione, a popular residence of international celebrities, located at the southern end of the lake. We return to Rive del Garda, where the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 8 (Wednesday): After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Riva del Garda and travel north along the edge of Lake Garda before rising gently into the foothills that lead back toward the Alps. We cross into Germany, passing through valleys, tunnels, and sweeping alpine vistas that make the journey feel almost cinematic. We turn west toward Saarbrücken, where the wooded hills of the Saarland replace the high peaks behind you. We arrive at our final overnight stop at the 3-star Mercure Hotel Saarbrücken Süd (dinner, bed & breakfast).
Day 9 (Thursday): After breakfast, we make the return journey to Calais for the 2.20pm ferry crossing to Dover. On our arrival, we complete the journey home to North Wales.