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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Grand Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda

Independent 10-day Italian rail trip, Venice to Milan via Lake Garda

Illustration of Grand Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda

Railbookers operates this independent, 10-day rail vacation from Venice to Milan, with three nights each in Venice, Verona and Sirmione on the shore of Lake Garda. Venice opens at your own pace before a walking tour with Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica admission, and a morning gondola tour past the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. A Trenitalia train then covers the direct route to Verona, where a walking tour and skip-the-line Arena entry take in Piazza Bra, Castelvecchio and Casa di Giulietta, with views from Torre dei Lamberti. From Verona, a transfer reaches Sirmione, since the town has no train station of its own, for three nights that include a Lake Garda cruise past castles and Roman ruins, time on the beach, and a walk through the old town to the 15th-century church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The trip ends with a transfer to Desenzano and a train on to Milan.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are chosen from 16 options across price tiers and cities (for example the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice or the Due Torri in Verona), so which property you get depends on the tier and city you pick.
  • Sirmione has no train station of its own; the Verona to Sirmione and Sirmione to Desenzano legs are made by transfer rather than train, with rail resuming from Desenzano to Milan.
  • The evidence gives no current departure dates; confirm availability and pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Your Journey Begins in Venice

    As soon as you arrive in Venice, you'll see why it's a destination that's off the beaten cobblestone. Check into your hotel for a three-night stay and then enjoy the rest of the day exploring the charm of this iconic city at your own pace.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Set out to explore the crowd-pleasing landmarks, museums, and attractions Venice is known for with your included walking tour and admission to two of the most popular attractions in the city, including the Doge's Palace and The Golden Basilica.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Take a gondola tour this morning through the canals, a bucket-list experience for many travelers. See the Rialto Bridge and fish market, the Grand Canal, the Bridge of Sighs, and plenty of other photo-worthy stops.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Verona

    Venice to Verona

    Catch a Trenitalia train directly from Venice to Verona. There are numerous departures, so let us know what time you would like to travel. There's a reason why travelers call Verona Italy's most underrated gem.

  5. Day 5overnight: Verona

    Verona

    Enjoy your included walking tour of the city and skip-the-line admission to the Arena. Visit Piazza Bra, Castelvecchio, Ponte Pietra, and Casa di Giulietta, the supposed home of Shakespeare's Juliet. The top of Torre dei Lamberti offers incredible views.

  6. Day 6overnight: Verona

    Verona

    Get your retail fix along Via Mazzini, which runs from the Arena to Piazza delle Erbe. Shop luxury labels, vintage finds, and goods from local vendors. Stroll through the city's back streets to find a traditional osterie.

  7. Day 7overnight: Sirmione

    Verona to Sirmione

    Travel from Verona to the picturesque town of Sirmione. This serene destination is located in Northern Italy on Lake Garda's southern shore and offers breathtaking views of the Alps.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sirmione

    Sirmione

    Take your included cruise on Lake Garda to soak up the scenery along the Sirmione peninsula, including castles, villas, and Roman ruins. Later, dine at one of the many local restaurants strewn throughout small piazzas.

  9. Day 9overnight: Sirmione

    Sirmione

    Explore the charming streets of the old town, where you'll find Piazza Castello. Walk along a narrow medieval street to the 15th century church of Santa Maria Maggiore, relax on the beach or go for a swim, and stroll the promenade.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Milan

    Check out of your hotel and transfer from Sirmione to Desenzano then catch a Trenitalia train from Desenzano to Milan Centrale station to continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A morning gondola tour passes the Rialto Bridge and fish market, the Grand Canal and the Bridge of Sighs.
  • Day 5A walking tour with skip-the-line admission to the Arena also takes in Piazza Bra, Castelvecchio and Casa di Giulietta, with views from the top of Torre dei Lamberti.
  • Day 8An included Lake Garda cruise from Sirmione passes castles, villas and Roman ruins along the peninsula's shoreline.
  • Day 9A walk through Sirmione's old town reaches the 15th-century church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Verona
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Sirmione
  • Walking tour and admission to Doge's Palace and The Golden Basilica in Venice
  • Gondola tour in Venice
  • Walking tour with skip-the-line admission to the Arena in Verona
  • Lake Garda mini cruise
  • Transfers from Verona to Sirmione; Sirmione to Desenzano

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, Trenitalia rail travel is included for the Venice to Verona and Desenzano to Milan legs. Sirmione has no train station, so the Verona to Sirmione and Sirmione to Desenzano legs are transfers rather than train rides.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's independent, run by Railbookers, with guided walking tours included in Venice and Verona only.
What hotels are used?
A choice of 16 accommodation options across the three main stops, for example the Hotel Metropole Venice or the Due Torri in Verona.
Which cities does the trip visit?
Venice, Verona and Sirmione on Lake Garda, ending with a train to Milan, over 10 days.
What sightseeing is included?
A Venice walking tour with Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica admission plus a gondola tour, a Verona walking tour with skip-the-line Arena entry, and a Lake Garda mini cruise from Sirmione.
How much walking is involved?
Walking tours of Venice and Verona, plus Sirmione's old town streets; no hikes or high-altitude activity are described.

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