Great Rail Journeys
Iconic Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome
10 daysfrom $4,139
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Lake Garda & Hidden Gems of Northern Italy
Uncover northern Italy from charming surroundings on Lake Garda, exploring hidden gems, historic cities and celebrated wine regions, with visits to Venice, Mantua and Salò
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Turin
London to the Italian city of Turin
Your holiday begins today as you arrive at London St Pancras, meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Travelling in Plus class, enjoy a light meal at your seats as we journey towards the French capital. On arrival, we change trains and continue by First Class rail across France, passing the Italian Alps as we travel to Turin. After checking in to our hotel in the city's historic centre, we enjoy our first group dinner together in a traditional restaurant nearby.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Desenzano
Continuing to our lakeside base in Desenzano
After breakfast this morning, there's free time to explore Turin at your own pace. After exploring, we regroup and walk to the railway station to continue our journey in First Class. Passing through Milan, we arrive in Desenzano on the southern shores of Lake Garda. On arrival, we check in to our hotel, ideally located just one row back from the lake. This evening, we dine together at the hotel restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Desenzano
A free day in Desenzano
Today brings a full day at leisure, providing the perfect opportunity to get to know Desenzano at your own pace. Visit Piazza Malvezzi, the medieval Desenzano castle, the Roman Villa, the archaeological museum or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine for lunch or dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Desenzano
Visiting the 'Floating City' of Venice
Travelling by First Class rail, we arrive in Venice, where a private boat transfers us along its famous waterways to St Mark's Square. Accompanied by a local guide, we embark on a tour of the city's main sights and hidden gems, including the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Once our tour ends, we are free to continue discovering the city at our own pace. Later, we return to Desenzano by rail and dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5overnight: Desenzano
The Renaissance city of Mantua and Mincio Natural Oasis
This morning after breakfast, we travel by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mantua. On arrival, we soak up the sights with a local guide before some free time to explore independently. Later, we take to the water for a relaxing cruise offering a different perspective of Mantua's skyline, continuing into the tranquil Mincio Natural Oasis. Returning to dry land, we make our way back to our hotel for dinner together this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Desenzano
A day at leisure on Lake Garda
Another free day allows you to explore the beautiful Lake Garda region at your own pace. You might choose to take a ferry across the lake to the picturesque peninsula of Sirmione, or travel by rail to Verona in just 20 minutes.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7overnight: Desenzano
The hidden gems of Lake Iseo and Monte Isola
We head out today to explore lesser-known corners of northern Italy. Our first stop is the charming lakeside town of Iseo, then we take a scenic cruise across the lake to Monte Isola for a guided tour. Returning to Iseo, we continue into the renowned Franciacorta wine region for a guided cellar tour and wine tasting. Arriving back at our hotel early this evening, there's time to relax before dinner together in the hotel restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: Desenzano
Vittoriale degli Italiani and picturesque Salò
A coach transfers us to Vittoriale degli Italiani, the elegant hilltop estate of poet Gabriele d'Annunzio. On a guided tour, we explore his former home, gardens, outdoor theatre and museums. Afterwards, we continue to Salò, a charming historic town on Lake Garda's western shore, with a free afternoon to explore. This evening we journey to Pratello Winery for a guided estate tour and a memorable farewell dinner in Italy, with local dishes paired with the estate's finest wines.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9railovernight: Chambéry
Through the Alps to Chambéry
Leaving Desenzano after breakfast, we travel by coach to Milan, then board the train in First Class to France, passing the dramatic Vanoise National Park en route to Chambéry. Arriving in this attractive medieval town, we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. After checking in, we gather for dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10rail
Homeward bound
Checking out of our hotel after breakfast this morning, we begin our journey home. Travelling by First Class rail via Paris, we continue in our Eurostar Plus seats, enjoying a light meal en route to London St Pancras, where your holiday comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 9 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Plus (First Class) travel
- First Class rail travel throughout
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Eurostar light meals (outbound and return)
- Breakfast each day
- 7 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
