Step into Italian lakeside life on this week-long tour and discover why the romantic beauty of Italy's northern region has enraptured poets and artists for centuries.
Stretching from the narrow, almost fjord-like landscapes of its mountain-fringed north to the sun-kissed, rolling plains of its southern shores, Lake Garda is one of the country's most picturesque regions, edged by lofty peaks and overflowing with crisp mountain air.
You can choose which lakeside resort town you'll be based at during this trip - please call our friendly reservations team for details. For example, you might choose to stay at the three-star villa-style Hotel Cristina, close to the enchanting town of Limone sul Garda with its oleanders, palms, and olive and lemon trees dotting the mountainside. This lakefront hotel has two swimming pools, an excellent restaurant, and two bars with magnificent views.
Your free days can be spent relaxing at the hotel, or exploring nearby Limone, perhaps shopping in its stylish boutiques or enjoying an aperitif in a lakefront cafe.
From your beautiful hotel base you'll make a trip to Verona - the setting of Romeo and Juliet's ill-fated romance - where centuries-old city walls encircle the pink-hued mediaeval old town of narrow streets and historic architecture.
Your final excursion will be to Venice, a city which needs no introduction. This cultural powerhouse and romantic icon captivates everyone who visits, with iconic landmarks including St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
Limited-time offer: Save up to 15%*
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a superior room, subject to availability and based on 30 April 2025 departure date and LGW flight. Price shown includes savings, discount is capacity controlled. Various departure dates are available, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit £250pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays.
Today you'll arrive in Italy and transfer to your hotel in a lakeside location of your choice. There are a number of arrival and departure airports options to choose from, please call for details.
Today is yours for soaking up the beauty of your lakefront surroundings. Enjoy a relaxing day at your hotel, or start exploring Lake Garda and the surrounding area, perhaps by catching the shuttle bus into nearby Limone to wander its historic lanes and scenic waterfront.
You might also choose to explore Limone's Lemon Houses, a type of historic greenhouse commonly referred to as a 'giardino d'inverno', or 'winter garden'. There are three fascinating Lemon Houses still open to the public, the Limonaia del Castel, the Limonaia del Tesol and the Limonaia of Villa Boghi.
Your tour manager will be happy to suggest other places to visit and more things to do in the local area.
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll set off on a grand tour to discover the delightful scenery surrounding Lake Garda, exploring the lake by boat and coach.
You'll take a circular route around the lake, visiting some of the enchanting lakeside resorts on its shores and discovering the distinctive character of each section of the shoreline. Spot some of the quaint towns dotted around its shores and the verdant Mediterranean-style flora of olive and citrus trees, palms, fruit trees, agave plants and cypresses which surround them.
The Dolomites are one of the most jaw-dropping mountain ranges in Europe, and you'll discover their unique landscapes on today's sightseeing tour. You'll be wowed by the otherworldly forms of these limestone peaks and the tranquil green valleys nestled beneath them.
Your full-day trip will take you to the towering Marmadola and Canazeiv and the vast Adamello Glacier, Val Rendena, the neighbouring Brenta Dolomites and the idyllic Val di Genova.
You'll have another day without organised activities to spend enjoying Lake Garda, your hotel and the nearby area at your own pace. Perhaps you'll make the most of some of the hotel's wonderful facilities today, like the two outdoor pools, ringed with palm trees, and the restaurant and two bars where you can enjoy a drink and soak in magnificent views across the lake.
Today's excursion will take you on an exploration of 'fair Verona', the historic setting for Shakespeare's most famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. You'll see the city's Verona Arena, a large Roman amphitheatre, where the city's famous opera season takes place each year.
To end your day, why not treat yourself to a coffee or aperitif and some people-watching in the famous Piazza Bra at one of its many traditional bars and cafes?
Your last excursion will be to the world-famous Venice, and its labyrinth of historic alleyways and canals. Your day tour will take you to iconic locations like the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and Doge's Palace, St Mark's Square with its famous basilica and bell tower, and the Palace of Prisons.
Bid 'arrivederci' to Lake Garda after a final breakfast and transfer back to your chosen airport for your flight home.
Hotel Cristina in Limone sul Garda is in an unparalleled location for breathtaking views of Lake Garda. The hotel is surrounded by gardens and has several sun-kissed terraces and outdoor areas where you can enjoy views of the lake. You can enjoy the same inspiring views while taking a dip in one of the two outdoor pools. You can walk to the centre of Limone in about 15 minutes, or catch a convenient shuttle bus from the hotel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and many have a balcony with a full or side view of Lake Garda.
For general information, click here.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a superior room, subject to availability and based on 30 April 2025 departure date and LGW flight. Price shown includes savings, discount is capacity controlled. Various departure dates are available, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit £250pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays.