Springtime Symphony in the Italian Lakes

Day 1

After departure we travel to Dover to board the ferry to France and onward to our overnight hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast we continue our journey towards Italy and onto our Lake Garda hotel in Riva del Garda

Day 3

A leisurely start for a circular drive via the inland route to visiting the town of Garda, where a tree-lined promenade is dotted with gelaterias and cafes. We continue north along the lake to Malcesine, an attractive town with a harbour and 13th century castle, located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in the shadow of Monte Baldo - picturesque medieval lanes wind up the slope from the lake while pretty squares are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants.

Day 4

We spend the day in the beautiful Roman city of Verona, forever associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, but has much more to offer than the legendary balcony that lovers flock to from all over the world, with chic shops mixing with ancient charm in this romantic town and the Roman amphitheatre reminisent of the Colesium in Rome.

Day 5

Full day at leisure to explore your resort of Riva del Garda, with its winding streets, beautiful coloured buildings, old town gateways and lakeland scenery in a spectacular mountain setting.

Day 6

An excursion by boat to Limone Sul Garda with some free time to explore the picturesque lakeside resort using for filming parts of James Bond Quantum of Solace and famous for its Limoncello production. Old fishermen’s houses and lemon groves give this town a laid-back Mediterranean vibe and the port’s got front row tickets to some of the most enchanting Lake Garda views.

Day 7

Another full day at leisure in resort OR OPTIONAL excursion to Venice (includes boat transfers to/from Tronchetto and 2 hour walking tour with guide) - £45pp. Venice is famed for its network of canals. Just some of the wonderful attractions here include St Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs, the Palace of the Doges and of course the gondolas that meander up and down the waterways

Day 8

A full day excursion along the eastern side of the lake visiting Lazise, a charming 1000 year old walled town with paved lakefront promenade and 12th century Church of San Nicolo known for its frescoes; Peschiera, where you can meander over arched cobble-stoned bridges and gaze up at the decorative cast-iron balconies of the many colourful buildings, and Sirmione, a beautifully-preserved town with an imposing turreted 13th-century castle and maze of narrow, cobbled streets, making it the most beautiful village on the lake.

Day 9

We bid our hosts 'arrivederci' and begin our journey back into France to our overnight hotel.

Day 10

This morning we continue our homeward journey via a return ferry crossing to Dover.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner