The Contrasts of Lake Garda - Northern and Southern Shores

Day 1 - Lake Garda

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Hotel Du Parc, Sirmione (4-star)

Day 2 - Sirmione

Today is a free day to explore Sirmione under your own steam. Perhaps visit one of Lake Garda’s oldest settlements, with evidence of fishermen living in stilt houses that date back to the Stone Age. The beautiful setting has made this area a popular place ever since. Scaliger Castle is an incredibly well-maintained 13th-century fortification; why not walk the drawbridge and climb the numerous steps to the castle ramparts to view the land and the lake as the medieval guards once did? Or experience a more relaxed side of the town’s history with a visit to the Roman thermal baths. Alternately, visit the Grotto of Catullus to walk amongst the remains of northern Italy’s largest Roman villa.

Hotel Du Parc, Sirmione (4-star)

Day 3 - Venice

Discover an Italian classic today. We board a motorboat for the ultimate travel experience; wind through the waterways to arrive in St Mark’s Square, Venice. Home to a rich history of art and wealth and a wonderland of winding canals, higgledy bridges and backstreets; Venice is iconic, and we start in perhaps one of the most photographed squares country-wide. We take a walk with a guide through the historic centre and get to know the alleys and the canals. You have the rest of the day to make your own discoveries - take a romantic gondola trip through the canals, or maybe take a boat trip to admire the more prominent islands of this intricate archipelago and their significant sights. Explore the city’s cobblestone streets and you’ll find fabulous palaces, or churches decorated with priceless art and the colourful Rialto market. Or climb to the top of St Mark’s iconic Bell Tower for some of the most incredible views over the city.

Hotel Du Parc, Sirmione (4-star)

Day 4 - Lake Garda

This morning, we’ll explore the southern shores of Lake Garda on a guided tour - stopping in characteristic villages and at photogenic spectacles. We visit the beautiful medieval hamlet of Lazise to explore its narrow alleys and picturesque squares; then it’s on to the pretty village of Bardolino where colourful fishing boats frame the waterfront. Reminiscent of the canals of Venice, Peschiera is simply a feast for the eyes - from Roman ruins and bridges to cypress trees - this will be our final stop of the day.

Hotel Du Parc, Sirmione (4-star)

Day 5 - Sirmione - Valeggio sul Mincio

The morning is free. Perhaps relax in one of the local thermal baths or stroll to a nearby shallow beach for a swim. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Valeggio sul Mincio and its small hamlet of Borghetto. Valeggio’s hilltop castle dominates the landscape, and you might choose to go to the award-winning park and learn about 17th-century Villa Sigurtà, once Napoleon’s headquarters. We’ll then step back in time to the fairytale village of Borghetto, where water mills and old stone houses greet you at every turn.

Hotel Du Parc, Sirmione (4-star)

Day 6 - Sirmione

Fill your day as you wish. Perhaps sightseeing in Sirmione or enjoy a lovely stroll along the banks of Lake Garda.

Hotel Du Parc, Sirmione (4-star)

Day 7 - Verona

Verona is best known as the setting of Romeo and Juliet’s love-struck tragedy, but beyond the Renaissance romance Verona is a bustling and beautiful centre. Its heart is dominated not by Juliet’s balcony, but the incredible 1st-century Roman Amphitheatre which still hosts the annual Verona Opera Festival, as well as concerts from world-famous music artists. Entering the centre of Verona, we take a guided walk past numerous Roman and Medieval remains such as Piazza Brá, the main square which is surrounded by magnificent palaces and the Roman Amphitheatre, and holds a statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first ruler of Unified Italy. You may also visit the perfectly preserved Roman Mercato Vecchio and Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s commercial centre in the Middle Ages where souvenirs are still sold, or the Scaliger tombs, where the prominent Scala family rest within impressive monuments of Gothic architecture. We’ll also enjoy some free time before we return to our hotel this afternoon.

Hotel Du Parc, Sirmione (4-star)

Day 8 - Torbole

Today, we leave Sirmione and make our way to the north of Lake Garda. The rest of the day is free to explore spectacular Torbole, framed by the impressive Monte Baldo mountains, or relax by the hotel pool.

Caravel Bike Hotel, Torbole (4-star)

Day 9 - Limone - Riva

It’s time to explore our beautiful surroundings and take to the water. First, we’ll cross the lake by ferry to Limone, arguably the most picturesque village on the lake, that’s forever associated with its old lemon groves. After some time exploring and browsing the quaint shops, we jump back on a boat and head to the bustling town of Riva. Considered the most important town on the lake, Riva has an interesting historic centre with an Austrian flavour, long beaches and a beautiful mountainous backdrop.

Caravel Bike Hotel, Torbole (4-star)

Day 10 - Torbole

The day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to the harbour and lakeside promenade. From getting lost in the hidden lanes to searching out the Piazza Goethe, you’ll also be spoiled for choice with restaurants and trattorias.

Caravel Bike Hotel, Torbole (4-star)

Day 11 - The Dolomites

We journey to stunning Bolzano, where we can take the short cable car over hilly vineyards and valleys to Soprabolzano. We’ll continue exploring the Renon plateau via Ritten’s narrow-gauge railway. Then we're in for a treat as we round off our day with a slice of local apple strudel and a cup of coffee. Before driving back to Torbole, we make our way through the breathtaking narrow gorges of Lake Carezza, a small mountain lake which reflects a rainbow of colours, giving it the second name ‘Lec de Ergobando’.

Caravel Bike Hotel, Torbole (4-star)

Day 12 - Torbole - Malcesine

We'll visit Torbole’s local market and perhaps pick up some souvenirs to take home. In the afternoon we’ll take a ferry across to the pretty village of Malcesine, to explore along its cobbled lanes. If you fancy (own expense), there’ll be time to visit its 13th-century castle or take the Monte Baldo cable car to enjoy exceptional views over the lake. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel by ferry.

Caravel Bike Hotel, Torbole (4-star)

Day 13 - Trento

Today, we head to Trento and travel along the Valle dei Laghi, a sub-alpine lake district between Lake Garda and Trento where you will enjoy an incredible journey through an enchanting watery landscape. In Trento, a guided tour will give an insight into the cultural highlights of this fascinating city. We’ll grab a photo by the Fountain of Neptune and the cathedral, as well as admire Renaissance frescoes. The trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop for some wine tasting.

Caravel Bike Hotel, Torbole (4-star)

Day 14 - Torbole

Today is free. Perhaps you’ll head to the lakeside to watch windsurfers or choose a quiet spot for lunch in town.

Caravel Bike Hotel, Torbole (4-star)

Day 15 - Torbole

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Torbole