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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

GRJ All Inclusive Lake Garda

Ten-day escorted rail tour from London to Lake Garda with seven nights based there

Illustration of GRJ All Inclusive Lake Garda

Great Rail Journeys operates this ten-day escorted tour that departs London on Eurostar, travels by rail across France and through the Alps to Italy, and spends seven nights based in the four-star Hotel Centrale in Garda town on the shores of Lake Garda. The itinerary balances structured excursions with free time: a guided tour of UNESCO-listed Verona on Day 5, cruises to the medieval hamlet of Malcesine and the castle town of Sirmione, a visit to the 60-hectare Sigurtà Botanical Gardens with its 400-year-old oak and 30,000 roses, and two full days to explore at your own pace. Days 1 and 9 involve rail travel through the Alps; Day 9 passengers return by train to Chambéry and then Eurostar to London on Day 10. Air passengers fly to Verona on Day 2 and return from there on Day 9. All meals, guided tours, excursions, rail travel, ferry crossings and daily drinks tokens are included. The tour suits couples and repeat rail travellers who value a mix of cultural sightseeing and leisurely lakeside time.

What to know before you look closer

  • Rail passengers depart and return via Eurostar; air passengers fly London Gatwick to Verona on Day 2 and return from Verona on Day 9, reducing their itinerary to seven nights in Garda
  • The from-price covers the all-inclusive package; single supplements and optional extras (Eurostar Plus Class, London hotels, UK rail connections) cost extra
  • Days 4 and 6 are free days with no group activity; Day 6 options require independent travel by train or public transport

Day by day

  1. 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)

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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)

  10. 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)

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Ferry crossing Lake Garda's eastern shore to the medieval hamlet of Malcesine, with time to visit the 14th-century castle and explore cobbled streets
  • Day 5Guided tour of Verona includes the Roman Arena, Juliet's balcony, and Piazza delle Erbe
  • Day 7Land train ride through Sigurtà Garden Park, a 60-hectare botanical garden with 30,000 roses, a 400-year-old oak and ornamental lakes
  • Day 8Cruise to Sirmione on a narrow peninsula to explore the 14th-century church, Scaligero Castle and the Grottoes of Catullus, remains of a large Roman villa

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

Questions travellers ask

Is all the rail travel included in the price?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, TGV to Turin, regional rail to Desenzano, and the return Eurostar from Paris. The price covers all rail, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish. Group size is capped at 40 people. Excursions to Verona and Sigurtà are guided.
How many nights are in the main hotel on Lake Garda?
Seven nights in the four-star Hotel Centrale in Garda town (or six nights if travelling by air, as the air option starts on Day 2).
What meals and drinks are included?
Breakfast and dinner daily. Six lunches on excursion days as picnics. Beer, wine and soft drinks each day from 5pm to 10pm in Garda (35 tokens per guest). Cancellation and travel insurance are not included.
When does the tour depart?
Great Rail Journeys offers five departures: April 2027, May 2027, June 2027, July 2027 and August 2027.
How much walking is involved?
Days include walks to the ferry pier, exploration of towns on foot, a guided walking tour of Verona, and castle visits with stairs. A free day (Day 4) allows rest or optional activities such as lakeside walks or swimming at a sister hotel's pool.

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