Day 1: Departure from North Wales during the early hours of the morning and travel to Dover for the ferry crossing to Dunkirk. We continue our journey through France, into Germany and Saarbrucken for our overnight stop.
Day 2: Arrive in Garda
Depart Saarbrucken and travel through Germany, into Austria and on to the Sole Hotel in Riva del Garda. Upon arrival, you will have time to freshen up before settling down for dinner.
Day 3: 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”.
Day 4: Verona
Visit Verona, one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Visit ‘Juliet’s House’, a 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard. Close by is Verona Arena, a huge 1stcentury 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 5: Venice
Today, have an early start for to enjoy a full day excursion to Venice, the magical city on the water. There’s free time to explore the narrow streets at your leisure, perhaps take a ride on a gondola along the Grand Canal and visit the Rialto Bridge. Or perhaps go on a private boat sightseeing tour of the islands of the Lagoon. Return in the late afternoon to Lake Garda for your evening meal.
Day 6: 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 7: At leisure
A free day today to explore the many attractions the lake offers. Perhaps take the purpose-built walkway between Torbole and Rive del Garda, and then take one of the frequent ferries to the delightful little town of Limone, famous for its lemon production, with its houses seemingly clinging on to the side of the lake.
Day 8: After a leisurely breakfast, board the coach as we depart Lake Garda to return through Austria before reaching our overnight stop in Saarbrucken.
Day 9: Make our way northwards back to Dunkirk for the return ferry crossing to Dover. Upon arrival we continue the journey home to North Wales.