Lake Garda & the Austrian Tirol

Day 1: UK/Riva del Garda
Your two-country holiday begins with a flight to Milan, from where you travel to the charming resort of Riva del Garda, located on the northernmost tip of beautiful Lake Garda.

Day 2: Lake Garda
This pretty resort town is nestled amidst dramatic hills and boasts a historic heart that’s a joy to explore. Wander along its meandering lanes, stopping at a lakeside cafe for a drink, sit and watch the boats sail in and out of the marina, or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings at the water’s edge. To see more of the lake, join your Tour Manager on a full-day included exploration of the lake, discovering the lush olive groves, vines and citrus trees that dot the landscape. With a cruise on the lake and a stop in one of the many pretty resorts that line the shores, this is an excellent way to see more of Lake Garda.

Day 3: Verona
Riva del Garda and its neighbour, Torbole, are havens for sports lovers, with sailing and mountain biking both available here. For those who are a little less adventurous, why not hop aboard a boat to discover more of the lakeside resorts close by such as the pretty town of Limone, famous for its lemons and boasting a lovely beach. Or maybe visit Malcésine, an ancient town which sits in the shadow of Monte Baldo.

Alternatively, join your Tour Manager on an optional three-quarter-day excursion to the historic city of Verona. Your first stop in this Roman city has to be the Juliet Balcony, said to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

As you wander around, keep an eye out for the Roman remains under the streets beneath you – there are exposed sections every now and then that offer a fascinating insight into how the city has grown over the centuries. And of course, no visit to Verona would be complete without seeing the magnificent Roman Arena. Dominating Piazza Bra, the third largest Roman arena in the world is an impressive sight.

And whilst you’re in Verona, make sure you spend a little time wandering around the streets and the market of Piazza Erbe, perhaps stopping to buy a chilled cup of fruit from one of the vendors.

Day 4: Söll
It’s time to bid the shores of Lake Garda farewell as you leave Italy and head to the resort of Söll in the Austrian Tirol, where you will stay for the next four nights. Your journey affords breathtaking scenery as you travel through the stunning Dolomite mountains.

Famous as a ski resort during the winter months, Söll has just as much going for it in the summer. Surrounded by lush green pastures and towering mountains, this typically Tirolean town is a delight to explore.

Day 5: Rattenberg
Spend the morning at leisure, or choose to join your Tour Manager on an optional half-day trip to the medieval town of Rattenberg. Famous for its crystal glass, Rattenberg is home to one of the largest Swarovski crystal outlets in Austria. There’s plenty of free time to browse in one of the many gift shops selling beautiful handmade crafts.

Day 6: Salzburg
Journey with your Tour Manager to the ‘Sound of Music City’, Salzburg on today’s included full-day excursion.

Surrounded by majestic Alpine scenery, the heart of Salzburg has remained almost unchanged since the composer Mozart was born here in 1756. After a tour of the city with a Local Guide, meander around the streets, admiring the baroque domed churches, impressive merchant houses and hidden arcaded courtyards, all watched over by the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Whether you want to discover the locations used in the Julie Andrews’ film, immerse yourself in the musical history of the city, enjoy a little retail therapy in the shops of the Getreidegasse, or simply relax in the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, the choice is yours.

Day 7: Southern Bavaria
You’re sure to enjoy a full day exploring Söll at your own pace today, or if you’d like to head further afield, why not take our full-day optional excursion to Southern Bavaria and the picturesque Berchtesgadener Land. Here you’ll discover some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll find anywhere in Europe – verdant valleys replete with bubbling streams, soaring snow-tipped mountains and picture-perfect Alpine resorts clinging to the mountainsides.

You’ll also visit Adolf Hitler’s retreat, the Eagle’s Nest, and Konigsee – Germany’s highest lake.

Day 8: Söll/UK
Your holiday comes to an end today, and it’s time to fly home from Munich airport.

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 are:

3-star Hotel Bristol on Lake Garda
This friendly, family-run hotel is just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Riva del Garda, amenities at this hotel include a restaurant, bar, garden and swimming pool, as well as a lift. Guest rooms feature en suite facilities, hairdryer and TV.

3-star Hotel Austria in Söll
Also family-run, the Hotel Austria is located in the heart of the resort and features a bar and restaurant. All guest rooms have en suite facilities, hairdryer, TV and balcony.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Lake Garda (full day)
Salzburg (full day)

Optional excursions

Verona (three-quarter day, moderate walking) £42
For full details of this excursion please see page 16 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Rattenberg (three-quarter day, moderate walking) £47
For full details of this excursion please see page 23 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Southern Bavaria (Full Day, moderate walking) £69
For full details of this excursion please see page 23 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
Overseas transfers and other transportation
7 nights’ accommodation
Half-board basis
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

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
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”