Lake Garda, Venice and Verona

8 days - Escorted Tours

Discover the mountain scenery and pastel-coloured villages of Lake Garda, the architectural jewels of Venice and romantic ambience of Verona on this expertly crafted tour of Italy's most elegant highlights. Italy captivates travellers with its stunning alpine landscapes, rich history and lively cultural scene. From serene lakes and ancient Roman ruins to the enchanting city of Venice, Italy offers a wealth of experiences. Renowned for its classical heritage, art, architecture and gastronomy all contribute to making it a superb destination. The scenic beauty of Lake Garda and the majestic Dolomite Mountains add to its charm. Verona, famously linked to Romeo and Juliet, and Venice, with its iconic canals, are essential stops. The Italian lifestyle, marked by a passion for living, creates an unforgettable atmosphere for visitors.

Highlights

Tailor your guided tours of Venice and Verona. Choose a 'Classic' tour to see the highlights or 'Undiscovered' to uncover its hidden gems - it's the perfect choice if you've visited the city before.
Spend a full day touring the typically Italian towns and villages that lie on the shores of Lake Garda and enjoy another day free to explore independently.
Ascend into the incredible Dolomite Mountains on a tour of its untouched natural beauty and picturesque hamlets.
Taste some of the delicious wines Italy is so famous for on a visit to a local vineyard, with a guided tour of the cellars.
Tour medieval Verona with a local guide and choose between the 'Classic' tour or 'Undiscovered' tour.

Inclusions

The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single rooms and Lake View rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Return flights
Seven nights’ accommodation in a four to four-star superior hotel of your choice
Daily breakfast and dinner (Stays at the Antico Borgo and Portici Hotels are on a bed-and-breakfast basis)
All local taxes and transfers
All tours as mentioned
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
Not included is the optional cable car ride during the Dolomites tour. The approximate cost is €20 which is payable locally.

1

Arrive in Lake Garda - On arrival a coach will take you to the delightful lakeside resort of Riva del Garda, beautifully surrounded by lofty peaks, situated at the more scenic north end of the lake. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish.

2

Lake Garda - Lake Garda first rose to prominence in the late 19th century when visitors were drawn to its clean mountain air. Since then, it has been renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. Today, we will tour the lake, passing through charming, typically Italian villages with tiny harbours nestled along the shoreline, backed by majestic mountains. We will also see lush groves of olive and citrus trees, as well as vineyards used to produce the famous Bardolino wines. Scenically the shore varies, from the rich vegetation of the middle reaches to the more rugged north, covered with pine trees whose unmistakable scent hangs heavy in the air.

3

The Dolomites - Today we head north to the stunning Dolomite Mountains, formed by geological activity around 230 million years ago, which gives them their distinctive pink and lime hues. The foothills are lush pastures dotted with the occasional shepherd’s house, a few sheep and goats, and pine forests stretching into the distance. Autonomous since the 12th century, today the region feels like another country. The houses in its picturesque hamlets resemble Swiss or Austrian-style chalets, low structures with gently sloping roofs and enormous window boxes overflowing with colourful flowers. The people are different, too: taller than Italians, speaking a German dialect. We will make several stops today, including the opportunity to ascend by cable car (subject to seasonal operation) for panoramic views of the entire area. Words can hardly capture the awe-inspiring splendour of this rugged landscape and its clean, crisp, invigorating mountain air — it truly will take your breath away. Due to its remote location, the Dolomites are home to a wealth of rare, unique wildlife. With luck, you may spot chamois, ibex, golden eagles and various species of deer. In the event of severe weather conditions (such as snow or storms) that could disrupt our itinerary and prevent us from visiting the Dolomites, we will instead include a visit to the charming town of Mantova. If this change is required, your Tour Manager will provide more details while in resort.

4

Free day - Today is a free day to explore at your leisure. Riva del Garda has been welcoming visitors since the 19th century and today the old town is a collection of typically Italian buildings painted the enticing pastel shades of cream, peach, magenta and ochre so reminiscent of Mediterranean countries. It has several harbours with boats rising and falling with the gentle waves and is dominated by a medieval fortress. Nearby is a most attractive square, beautifully lined with pavement cafés which all blends together to make Riva one of the most attractive towns on the lake.

5

Venice - After an early breakfast, we head to Venice, a city steeped in timeless charm and cultural richness. Venice flourished after gaining independence from Byzantium in the 10th century, reaching its peak in the 15th century as a Mediterranean powerhouse. Its wealth from trade is reflected in the stunning architecture and art that still define the city today. St Mark’s Basilica, built to house the saint’s relics, dazzles with over 40,000 square feet of colourful mosaics. Next door, the Doge’s Palace showcases opulent wood carvings, Tintorettos and exotic inlaid floors. St Mark’s Square remains the city’s vibrant heart, perfect for enjoying a coffee and soaking up the atmosphere. For panoramic views, ascend the Campanile, once a lighthouse and the site of Galileo’s telescope demonstration. Art lovers can explore the Accademia for Renaissance masterpieces or the Guggenheim for modern works. Surprisingly, Venice offers affordable dining away from the main square, and no visit is complete without a peaceful gondola ride through its quiet canals. Our walking tour includes iconic landmarks such as St Mark’s Square, the Basilica, the Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace. For returning visitors, our guided tour reveals hidden gems: the Santa Maria della Pietà church where Vivaldi taught, a quaint Greek Orthodox church, and Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, home to a majestic Dominican church and the Scuola Grande di San Marco, rich with Tintoretto’s works. Signature Experience (2025 only) - No visit to this city of canals is complete without experiencing it from the water. After our guided tour, immerse yourself in one of the world’s most romantic and inspiring locations, as you drift along Venice’s iconic waterways aboard a traditional gondola, capturing the mesmerising views at every turn that so inspired countless artists, poets, and writers through the ages.

6

Free morning & vineyard visit - This morning you’re free to explore your surroundings as you wish. So, what’s it to be? A stroll around the port is a charming way to spend your time, perhaps indulging in a little shopping or simply relax. Vineyards abound in this area thanks to the favourable climate, so this afternoon we will visit a small family run wine estate located in the fertile valley of the Trentino region, where we will have a guided tour of the cellars, followed by a tasting of some of the wines produced by the family. Signature experience (2025 only) - Sample some of the finest wines of the region, savouring the flavours of a selection of superb produce on this enhanced wine tasting experience. Sit down to a hearty rustic lunch lovingly created from the finest local produce, in the delightful authentic ambience of the owner’s traditional restaurant where you’ll be made to feel like one of the family.

7

Verona - Verona is one of the most beautiful and pleasant cities in Italy and today we have a guided walking tour in order to appreciate it at its best, discovering its hidden side too. We approach through the centuries-old city walls – when you enter the old town you cannot help but admire! Medieval pink-hued buildings complete with contrasting frescoes underneath archways unchanged for centuries. Typical pavement cafés abound, some with violinists serenading their clients whilst they take a refreshing drink, enjoying the shade from the warm sunshine. It has tiny narrow streets, complete with the tasteful shops, so typical of Italy, and then there is the marketplace dating from Roman times, with interesting reminders of the city’s past. The tragic story of Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona and when you experience the atmosphere here you can see why. The two great lovers from rival families have inspired countless films, poems and dramas. You can actually see the balcony where the immortal words “O Romeo, Romeo” were reputedly spoken. The Roman arena is awe inspiring but there are also countless medieval and Renaissance squares and courtyards to explore, as well as a superb 12th century cathedral which houses a work by Titian. The Roman Theatre is a must too, as is one of the Renaissance’s finest gardens with clipped box hedges and a dazzling display of colour. Another interesting site is San Zeno – arguably the finest Romanesque church in northern Italy. One of the most delightful things about Verona is that although being close to Venice it receives fewer visitors. This afternoon is free so you can explore as you wish, or you could go shopping. Italy is inextricably linked with fashion, style and chic, and Verona has some lovely shops with prices not nearly as expensive as you may imagine, with leather ware being particularly good value. For those who have been to Verona before, our ‘undiscovered’ tour is the best way of seeing a different side of this city, including many hidden cultural and architectural gems that most visitors never see. Signature Experience (2025 only) - After our guided tour of Verona, take stock and reflect on this legendary city’s ethereal beauty over a refreshing aperitivo just like a local. Soak up the atmosphere and views of its magnificent architecture and Roman amphitheatre as the echoes of history ring out over the exquisite domes and spires of this magical place.

8

Return home

Hotel Antico Borgo

A tasteful conversion from two townhouses, this hotel emanates old-world ambience and recently renovated to a very high standard, the spacious welcoming reception and bar area offers comfortable seating and just off this is the restaurant. The rooms themselves are of course, modern with the simple yet imaginative decoration at which the Italian’s excel so well. The roof top terrace offers really spectacular views across terracotta roof tops and the church spire over the lake to the mountains beyond and with no modern development to ‘blot’ the view, this is picture postcard standard. Coach access is difficult of course due to the historic situation, so a five-minute walk is necessary from the collection point, but luggage is transferred for you. Please note: * Stays at this hotel include daily breakfast only, so you have the flexibility to enjoy the local cuisine at the town's fine restaurants. * Due to the nature of the hotel building, there is no lift access to some areas of the hotel. This means that you will need to manage your luggage from reception to your hotel room. * The use of air conditioning is at the discretion of the hotel.

Hotel Europa

The hotel offers a modern lobby and comfortable lounge to relax in after a day of sightseeing. Best of all though is the superb terrace overlooking the harbour and colourful main piazza, with probably the best views in the whole of Riva. In the evenings you will dine in the hotel’s restaurant serving local specialities and typical Italian dishes. The air-conditioned rooms are very well appointed with private facilities, satellite TV, phone and safe, and have been recently renovated. There is a small roof top swimming pool and sun terrace with great views over the sparkling waters of the lake. Lake view rooms available on request, supplements apply. Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.

Hotel Portici

The four-star Hotel Portici is one of Riva’s most delightful hotels, professionally managed to a high standard it is beautifully located in the old town. It was once a historic manor house and thus boasts a wealth of period features, stonework and vaulted ceilings creating a wonderful genteel ambience throughout the hotel. The rooms themselves are thoroughly contemporary in the true tradition of imaginative Italian design, plus there is a convivial bar and atmospheric restaurant featuring tradition local cuisine. Of course, the hotel is entirely air-conditioned. Please note the use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. Local charges may be applicable for spa and wellness facilities. *Stays at this hotel include daily breakfast only, so you have the flexibility to enjoy the local cuisine at the town's fine restaurants.*

Hotel Savoy Palace

A hotel exuding elegance and refinement, superbly managed by its third-generation family owners. The lounge and bar create a convivial ambience while the restaurant, which enjoys an excellent reputation, serves both regional and international dishes and prides itself on its level of service. There’s a small indoor swimming pool and in the grounds you’ll find an extensive heated pool and hydro-massage tub surrounded by an attractive sun terrace with flowers and hanging baskets adding colour. The hotel also features a spa and wellness centre (local charges may be applicable). The spacious, air-conditioned rooms, which have balcony views, are extremely well-appointed and stylishly furnished, with Wi-Fi, satellite TV, safe, minibar (local charges apply) and hairdryer. Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.

Hotel Kristal Palace

The four-star superior boutique Hotel Kristal Palace is arguably one of the lake's finest hotels and is extremely proud of its many accreditations. On arriving you will instantly recognise everything about this luxurious property exudes comfort and the utmost good taste in a modern style. Opened in 2011, the lobby makes extensive use of warm pastel coloured marble, leather settees and tinted glass whilst fine art adorn the walls. The rooms themselves are a real quality statement feature hardwoods, marble, superb fabrics the finest bed linen and leather headboards, they scream craftsmanship. The bathrooms feature the most contemporary fittings, powerful invigorating showers and quality bathroom cosmetics. Food is a real passion here and in the restaurant, with views into the kitchen, talented chefs will truly exceed your expectations. Imaginative fine dining and fresh seasonal produce is the theme with classic Italian cuisine presented with a modern twist to really excite your palate. The atmosphere is enhanced by exquisite glass and tableware, fresh flowers, even the bread is baked on site, the whole concept is a quality restaurant in its own right and an unobtrusive pianist completes the atmosphere. On the roof is a real gem, the heated swimming pool surrounded by a roof terrace with sun-loungers, affording an amazing 360 panoramic view of the stunning lake surrounded by its majestic mountains. Weather permitting you can enjoy breakfast here, plus there is a bar which is a wonderful place to unwind after a day's sightseeing whilst enjoying the view. Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotel.