Springtime Symphony in the Italian Lakes

Day 1

After this morning's departures, we travel to our first overnight hotel.

Day 2

We continue our journey through France and Germany before crossing the border into Austria; here, we travel through the mountains via the breathtaking Fern Pass to our next overnight hotel.

Day 3

After crossing the Italian border this morning, we enjoy a lunchtime stop in beautiful Vipiteno, a medieval settlement best known for colourful houses, a clock tower overlooking the mountains and its unique blend of Austrian and Italian culture. After time to explore, we continue the last leg of our journey into stunning Riva del Garda and the Hotel Centrale, where we enjoy a seven-night stay.

Day 4

Today's full-day excursion explores the eastern side of Lake Garda and its many picturesque settlements. We head to Garda, home to a beautiful palm-tree-laden promenade, and Lazise, a charming thousand-year-old walled town where you'll find the twelfth-century Church of San Nicolo. We also enjoy visits to Peschiera and Sirmione, a beautifully preserved town with an imposing, turreted thirteenth-century castle and maze of narrow, cobbled streets.

Day 5

After breakfast, we travel to the beautiful Roman city of 'fair' Verona. A UNESCO World Heritage city and forever associated with the legend of Romeo and Juliet, there's so much to explore here; as you're surrounded by ancient charm and old-world architecture, enjoy visits to the sites forever associated with the world's greatest love story ever told from Juliet's legendary balcony and her family's mansion to her supposed tomb.

Day 6

Spend a full day at leisure exploring your resort of Riva del Garda, with its winding streets, beautifully coloured buildings, old-town sensibilities and lakeland scenery in a spectacular mountain setting.

Day 7

Cross the calm waters of Lake Garda as we travel by boat to Limone, a picturesque lakeside resort best known for its appearance in James Bond's 'Quantum of Solace' and world-renowned for its Limoncello production. After time to explore, we cross the lake to Malcesine; located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in the shadow of Monte Baldo, it's home to a charming harbour, pretty squares lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as a towering thirteenth-century castle.

Day 8

Experience another day at leisure in Riva Del Garda, or why not join us for an optional excursion to ancient Venice? Known as the City of Water, our day includes a walking tour with a local guide and boat transfers into the city. Explore the incredible architecture and history by visiting the splendid Piazza San Marco, the world-renowned Grand Canal thoroughfare, the Bridge of Sighs and the Palace of the Doges.

Day 9

Our morning excursion takes us to a nearby winery in Arco, where we explore its cellar and taste the many fine wines on offer. We later return to Riva and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 10

After checking out our main hotel, we travel north to tonight's overnight hotel.

Day 11

We continue our journey home and enjoy a stay in another overnight hotel.

Day 12

Today, we complete our return journey home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner