Great Rail Journeys
Iconic Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome
10 daysfrom $4,139
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
GRJ All Inclusive Lake Garda
Experience the inimitable charm of Lake Garda on an all inclusive escorted rail tour. Take in the sights of Venice, Verona and Sirmione.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Turin
London to Turin in northern Italy
Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, board the Eurostar to Paris, then continue by rail across France through the Alps to Turin. Check in to the hotel and have dinner. Note: If travelling by air, your holiday starts on Day 2.
Meals: Dinner (Rail departures only)
- Day 2railovernight: Garda
Arriving in the lakeside town of Garda
Time at leisure to explore Turin in the morning. The overnight hotel is located in a former Fiat factory with a rooftop urban garden. In the afternoon, transfer to Turin station and continue by rail to Desenzano, then transfer to the four-star hotel in Garda. If travelling by air, the holiday starts today at London Gatwick, flying to Verona and transferring directly to the hotel in Garda.
Meals: Breakfast (Rail departures only), Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Garda
Cruising along Lake Garda to medieval Malcesine
Walk to Garda's ferry pier for a boat ride along Lake Garda's eastern shore to the medieval hamlet of Malcesine. Free time to visit the 14th-century castle, explore cobbled streets and enjoy a picnic lunch. Return by boat to Garda in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Garda
Enjoying the serenity of Garda
Free day to explore Garda at your own pace. Options include swimming at a nearby sister hotel's pool, walking to the Rocca di Garda, exploring the historic centre, or visiting neighbouring Bardolino by public boat or along the 'lungolago' lakeside walkway.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Garda
Discovering Shakespeare's Verona on a guided tour
Coach excursion to UNESCO-listed Verona. Guided tour taking in Roman ruins, medieval buildings, Juliet's balcony and the Roman Arena. Free time to visit Piazza delle Erbe, Torre dei Lamberti or Castelvecchio bridge. Return to Garda in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Garda
A free day to explore Lake Garda or further afield
Full day at leisure. Options include travelling by train from Peschiera del Garda to Brescia (20 minutes) or Venice. In Venice, explore canals, the Bridge of Sighs, St Mark's Square, or take a gondola or vaporetto to Murano and Burano.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7railovernight: Garda
Sigurtà Gardens and medieval Borghetto
Coach to Sigurtà Garden Park (60 hectares, dating to 1407), featuring a million tulips, 30,000 roses and a 400-year-old oak. Includes a ride on the land train through the grounds with 18 ornamental lakes, follies and a maze. Picnic lunch, then visit Borghetto sul Mincio to explore medieval fortifications, ancient bridges and Scaligeri Castle views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: Garda
Discovering Sirmione, the 'Pearl of Lake Garda'
Short cruise to Sirmione on a narrow peninsula. Free time to explore independently: the 14th-century church, Scaligero Castle, Grottoes of Catullus (remains of one of the largest Roman villas in Italy). Picnic lunch by the lake. Sail back to Garda for a final dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9railovernight: Chambéry (Rail) / Home (Air)
Crossing the Alps to Chambéry or flying home
If returning by air: transfer to Verona airport for flight to London Gatwick. If returning by rail: coach to Milan, then train to France through the Fréjus tunnel, following the Arc River to Chambéry. Chambéry is the former seat of the Dukes of Savoy. Check in to overnight hotel and have dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Rail departures only)
- Day 10rail
Homeward bound by rail
For rail departures: leave Chambéry by train to Paris, then board the Eurostar to London St Pancras International, arriving in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast (Rail departures only)
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 9 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation (7 nights if travelling by air)
- Eurostar Standard Class rail travel
- All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
- Return flights from London Gatwick to Verona (if travelling by air)
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- 6 lunches (picnic lunches on excursion days)
- Beer, wine and soft drinks each day between 5pm–10pm in Garda (35 tokens per guest)
- All guided tours and excursions
- Land train ride at Sigurtà Garden Park
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
