Lake Garda by Rail

Day 1: UK/Lausanne
Today you will board the Eurostar and travel to Paris. If you have upgraded to Standard Premier, a meal and drinks will be served at your seat. On arrival in the French capital you will transfer to the high-speed TGV service to Lausanne. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is where you’ll spend this evening on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 2: Lake Garda
After breakfast your journey continues via the ultra-modern Cisalpino service. Your train will speed across northern Italy, arriving at Brescia this afternoon. From here a short coach transfer will take you to San Felice del Benaco, where you’ll check in to the Hotel Villa Luisa, for a six-night stay. The hotel is set in beautiful countryside, so why not take a stroll – the lovely village of Portese is within walking distance.

Day 3: Lake Garda
Today’s included three-quarter-day excursion introduces you to the delights of Lake Garda. You will travel by coach and boat as you discover charming lakeside resorts which are home to pastel-coloured houses and pretty churches set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains. More beautiful scenery comes in the shape of lush vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy the views further as you sip a cool drink on your hotel’s terrace before dinner.

Day 4: The Dolomites
Spend today at leisure making your own discoveries or enjoying the facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, join our optional full-day excursion to discover the Dolomites, arguably the most beautiful of Italy’s mountains.

Day 5: Lake Garda
Lake Garda, the largest of the Italian lakes, is close to many attractive towns just perfect for exploring, and we have left today free for you to do just that. If you’re feeling the need to recharge your batteries, simply relax by the inviting swimming pool and revel in your beautiful surroundings.

Day 6: Venice
Join us today on a real highlight of your holiday, a full-day included excursion to the wonderful floating city of Venice. Travelling to the city by train, you’ll arrive at St Mark’s Square by boat. Many of Venice’s highlights are within the square, including the magnificent Basilica and Doge’s Palace. There’s plenty of time to explore some of the quiet side streets and shaded squares. Or why not take a boat trip on the lagoon to the Venetian islands, including Murano, famous for its distinctive coloured glass. Of course, you may choose to step aboard a gondola and explore in true Venetian style.

Day 7: Verona
There’s another chance to relax and do your own thing today. Or you may choose to visit Verona on our optional three-quarter-day excursion. This ancient city is home to countless medieval buildings and a wonderfully preserved Roman Arena. Spend some time in lively Piazza Erbe, the heart of the city, or visit the Castelvecchio, an impressive castle now home to a superb art collection. You’ll also visit a winery where you’ll get to sample the locally produced vintages and buy a bottle or two to take home.

Day 8: Strasbourg
After breakfast it’s time to leave Lake Garda and journey by train to Milan then through the wonderful Swiss scenery to Strasbourg. You stay here this evening on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 9: Strasbourg/UK
Today’s train journey takes you to Paris, where you will board the Eurostar and head back to the UK.

Please note
This holiday includes walking in areas of rough ground, gradients and steps.

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotels you will stay in is:

4-star Hotel Villa Luisa, in the village of San Felice del Benaco
This hotel is southwest of the lake. From its elevated position you will enjoy views over the lake and the surrounding countryside which is dotted with olive groves and vineyards. Opened in 2011, the hotel is stylish and modern with a restaurant, stunning pool, pretty gardens and terraces. All rooms feature en suite facilities, air-conditioning, telephone and TV. The hotel provides a minibus service to nearby villages and the lake shore for a small charge.
Please note: Stopover hotels in Lausanne and Strasbourg are chosen for their convenient location in relation to the railway stations and are typically 3-star accommodation.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Lake Garda (three-quarter day)
Venice tour (full day)

Optional excursions

Verona (three-quarter day, moderate walking) £52
For full details of this excursion please see page 16 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

The Dolomites (full day, minimal walking) £49
For full details of this excursion please see page 16 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Your holiday includes

Standard class return rail travel by Eurostar/European train provider
Overseas transfers and other transportation
8 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, plus 6 dinners
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
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