Italy, Lake Garda-Lakes, Mountains & Italian Charm

Day 1

An early morning departure as we head to Dover and a morning ferry crossing to Calais. We then continue to our overnight hotel the Intercity at Karlsruhe. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 2

We journey south arriving at out hotel the Portici in Riva Del Garda for a 5 night stay. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 3

Today is at leisure. Enjoy a stroll on the flat lakeside path, spend some time in the beautiful old piazzas surrounded by cafés and bars or take a boat trip on the lake. Dinner at the Hotel.

Day 4

Today's full-day excursion takes us to beautiful Verona, one of Italy's oldest and most romantic cities. Set on the River Adige, Verona is famed for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and boasts a wonderful blend of historic architecture, art and culture. At the heart of the city stands the impressive Roman Arena, a remarkably preserved 1st-century amphitheatre and spectacular setting for Verona's renowned summer opera festival. There will be time to explore elegant Piazza Bra, enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of its cafés and restaurants, or browse the excellent shops. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5

This morning, we visit the charming lakeside town of Malcesine, with its cobbled streets, picturesque harbour and beautiful setting beneath Monte Baldo. Explore the cafés, restaurants, boutiques and gelaterias, or perhaps take the cable car to the summit for spectacular views across Lake Garda and the Dolomites. In the afternoon, we follow the scenic lakeside road to the delightful walled town of Lazise, enjoying its attractive lakefront promenade, historic streets and sandy beach. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6

Enjoy another day at leisure on the lakeside or join our excursion north to the dramatic Dolomites and enjoy a scenic tour. We will travel over the pass at Madonna di Campiglio where we can marvel at the spectacular views of the Brenta Peaks before visiting Lake Molveno. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7

We leave our hosts at the Portici hotel and head back to Karlsruhe and the Intercity hotel, for an overnight stop, dinner in the hotel.

Day 8

Breakfast in the hotel and then north to Calais and a late afternoon ferry to Dover. From Dover its homeward bound.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner