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Great Rail Journeys · Classic Tour & Ocean Cruise

Lake Garda Tour & Montenegro, Croatia Cruise

Lake Garda escorted tour plus nine-night Adriatic cruise from Venice to Athens

Illustration of Lake Garda Tour & Montenegro, Croatia Cruise

Great Rail Journeys combines a four-night escorted Lake Garda tour with a nine-night luxury cruise aboard the Azamara Onward, spanning 14 days from London to Athens. The journey opens with First Class rail travel: Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras through Paris to Turin, then regional rail to the shores of Lake Garda. Over four days on the lake, you enjoy a guided tour of Verona's Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony, a wine tasting and traditional dinner at a family-run Valpolicella winery, and an exclusive tour of the neo-Gothic villa and gardens on Isola del Garda. On Day 5, you board the Azamara Onward in Venice and sail through the Adriatic, calling at historic Croatian ports including Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Korčula, and Dubrovnik, plus Montenegro's dramatic Bay of Kotor. Throughout, all meals, beverages, onboard entertainment, and gratuities are included. This trip suits luxury-focused couples and groups who value guided cultural experiences combined with the ease of small-ship cruising.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 4,499 (USD 6,008) covers the escorted tour portion and cruise; the international flight from Athens to London Heathrow is included, but regional airport flights and flight upgrades are optional extras.
  • Hotels on the Lake Garda portion are described as 4-star but not named individually; confirm the specific property when booking.
  • Offshore excursions at cruise ports are payable onboard and not included in the base price.
  • Only one departure is listed: September 2027.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Turin

    London to Turin by First Class rail

    Your holiday begins at London St Pancras as you meet the Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager and group before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Travelling in spacious Plus class, enjoy a light meal at your seats en route. From the French capital, continue by First Class rail through France to the Italian city of Turin. Transfer to the hotel, check in for the night and get to know each other over dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lake Garda

    Arrival in Lake Garda

    After breakfast, there's time at leisure to explore Turin. Later, travel by rail to Desenzano, continuing to your base on the shores of Lake Garda. Settle into the hotel, ideally located for exploring the area and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Lake Garda

    Sailing to Isola del Garda

    After breakfast, free time to relax at the hotel or discover more of the surroundings. This afternoon, join a cruise across Lake Garda to Isola del Garda. Explore the exquisite neo-Gothic villa and gardens on an exclusive guided tour before relaxing with a drink on the terrace overlooking the lake. The evening is at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Lake Garda

    Touring Verona & dining in Valpolicella

    Visit Verona for a guided tour including Juliet's famous balcony and the Roman Arena. Free time over lunch to explore Piazza delle Erbe or the main shopping street. This afternoon, head to a family-run agriturismo in the hills above the city for a wine tasting followed by a dinner of traditional dishes paired with wines.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Venice)

    Boarding your cruise ship in Venice

    Travel as a group to Venice port after breakfast, where you say farewell to the Tour Manager and are transferred to the Azamara cruise ship. Settle into your cabin and make the most of the onboard facilities including an outdoor pool, spa, gym, dining venues and lounges.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward

    Opatija, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'

    The Croatian coastal town of Opatija is your first port of call, showcasing imperial glamour from its days as a popular resort for Habsburg emperors and nobility. Stroll along the promenade or seek out the graceful Maiden with the Seagull statue. Optional excursions are available payable locally.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward

    Uncovering the spirit of Zadar

    Formerly the capital of the Byzantine province of Dalmatia, Zadar's cobblestone Old Town reveals its Venetian heritage. Explore the promenade and discover artworks including the Sea Organ, with views of nearby islands such as Ugljan.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward

    Exploring Šibenik, Croatia's oldest coastal town

    Traversing the narrow St Anthony Channel, dock in the historic harbour town of Šibenik. Wander down narrow alleys to uncover the medieval Cathedral of St James or the 14th-century Prince's Palace. The area is a major wine-producing region known for the local red babić.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward

    A day in Split, Diocletian's ancient capital

    Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Split and the sprawling Diocletian's Palace, a 4th-century structure that forms the beating heart of the city. Optional: walk through the Basement Halls, recognisable to Game of Thrones fans.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward

    Medieval island town of Korčula

    Dock at the Dalmatian island of Korčula and explore historic streets laid out in an enchanting herringbone pattern. Visit the 15th-century cathedral or the rumoured birthplace of Marco Polo. Sample traditional Dalmatian cuisine at a local konoba.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward

    The walled city of Dubrovnik

    Dock in Dubrovnik, a beautifully preserved walled city set against turquoise waters. Stroll ancient stone streets, explore landmarks like the Rector's Palace and Dubrovnik Cathedral, walk the iconic city walls, or take the cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic views.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward

    Kotor and its scenic bay

    Sail into the Bay of Kotor, welcomed by towering mountains and fjord-like waters. Explore Kotor's old town, a maze of cobbled streets and hidden squares. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon or climb the old city walls to the Castle of San Giovanni for breathtaking views.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. Day 13overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward

    At sea towards Athens

    A full day at sea as you sail out of the Adriatic towards Greece. Relax on the sundeck, take a dip in the outdoor pool, indulge in a spa treatment (payable onboard), or enjoy the range of dining options. Evening programme of onboard entertainment.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  14. Day 14

    Homeward bound

    Arrive at the final port of Piraeus. Disembark the cruise ship and transfer to Athens airport for your flight home to London Heathrow or your regional airport.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Depart London St Pancras on Eurostar Plus First Class, travel through France by First Class rail to Turin, and settle in for dinner at the hotel.
  • Day 3Day 3: Cruise across Lake Garda to Isola del Garda for a guided tour of the neo-Gothic villa and gardens, then relax with a drink on the terrace overlooking the lake.
  • Day 4Day 4: Tour Verona including Juliet's famous balcony and the Roman Arena, then dine at a traditional winery in Valpolicella's hills with local wine pairings.
  • Day 11Day 11: Dock in Dubrovnik and walk its ancient stone streets, explore the Rector's Palace and Cathedral, or ascend the city walls for views over the turquoise Adriatic.
  • Day 12Day 12: Sail into the Bay of Kotor surrounded by towering mountains and fjord-like waters; explore the old town's maze of cobbled streets and climb to the Castle of San Giovanni.

Included

  • Expertise of a GRJ UK Tour Manager from London to Venice
  • 4 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Regional departures available
  • 9-night cruise onboard Azamara Onward
  • Five-star service onboard Azamara Onward
  • Eurostar Plus First Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flight from Athens to London Heathrow
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day of the escorted tour
  • 3 dinners during the escorted tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise
  • Complimentary beer, wine, selected standard spirits and soft drinks throughout the cruise
  • A superb choice of excursions during the guided tour
  • Onboard entertainment each evening on Azamara Onward
  • Complimentary AzAmazing Experiences
  • Tips and gratuities included onboard Azamara Onward
  • Self-service laundry onboard
  • Onboard gratuities

Not included

  • Offshore excursions payable onboard Azamara Onward

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Plus First Class from London St Pancras to Paris, First Class rail from Paris to Turin, and regional rail from Turin to Desenzano on Lake Garda. All other transport (coach, cruise, and the return flight) is also included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
The Lake Garda portion (Days 1-5) is fully escorted by a Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager who accompanies the group. Once you board the Azamara Onward in Venice (Day 5), you are on an independent cruise; the Tour Manager departs.
What meals are included?
During the escorted tour: breakfast each day, plus three dinners. During the nine-night cruise: all breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, plus complimentary beer, wine, selected spirits, and soft drinks throughout.
Which cruise ship is this?
The Azamara Onward, a small-ship cruise vessel offering five-star service, outdoor pool, spa, gym, multiple dining venues, lounges, and nightly onboard entertainment.
What is not included?
Offshore excursions at cruise ports, spa treatments onboard, premium drinks package upgrade, speciality dining, and flight upgrades are payable extras.
When does this trip run?
One departure is confirmed for September 2027. Great Rail Journeys may offer regional departures from UK stations; enquire when booking.

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