Great Rail Journeys
Lake Garda Tour & Montenegro, Croatia Cruise
Lake Garda escorted tour plus nine-night Adriatic cruise from Venice to Athens
14 daysfrom $6,297
25% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Classic Tour & Ocean Cruise
Lake Garda Tour & Venice, Sicily, Amalfi Cruise
Lake Garda tour and 11-night Adriatic cruise from Venice to Rome
Great Rail Journeys operates this 16-day journey that merges an Italian lakeside escorted tour with a Mediterranean luxury cruise. The adventure begins in London with Eurostar Plus to Paris, then First Class rail through the Alps to Turin and Lake Garda. For four days, a Tour Manager leads a small group through northern Italy: a boat excursion to Isola del Garda's historic villa, a guided Verona tour featuring Juliet's balcony and the Roman Arena, and a wine tasting and traditional dinner at a Valpolicella winery overlooking the vineyards. On Day 5, the group boards the five-star Azamara Onward in Venice for an 11-night cruise through the Adriatic and around Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, calling at Ravenna, Ancona, Kotor, Taranto, Crotone, Syracuse, Trapani, Amalfi and Sorrento before returning to Rome. The package includes all meals and complimentary beverages throughout, a Tour Manager during the land leg, and the services of the cruise line's staff during the sea portion.
What to know before you look closer
- The package price excludes optional offshore excursions at each cruise port, payable locally onboard.
- Only one departure is currently listed: May 2027.
- The land portion ends when guests board the cruise at Venice on Day 5; the Tour Manager does not continue to Italy's southern ports.
- Premium cabin upgrades (Veranda Plus, Continent Suite) and speciality dining are available at additional cost.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Turin
London to Turin by First Class rail
Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager and group before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris in Plus class, enjoying a light meal at your seats. From the French capital, we continue by First Class rail to Turin. Transferring to our hotel, we check in for the night and get to know each other over dinner this evening.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Lake Garda
Arrival in Lake Garda
This morning after breakfast, there's time at leisure to explore Turin. Nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps, the city's elegant squares and boulevards are dotted with inviting cafés and bars. Later, we travel by rail to Desenzano, continuing to our base on the shores of Lake Garda. We settle into our hotel and soak up the relaxed atmosphere, with time to unwind and enjoy the views before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Lake Garda
Sailing to Isola del Garda
After breakfast, there is free time this morning to relax at the hotel or discover more of the local area. This afternoon, we join a cruise across Lake Garda to Isola del Garda. Owned by the Cavazza family for generations, Isola del Garda is the largest island on the lake. We explore the exquisite villa and gardens on an exclusive guided tour before relaxing with a drink on the terrace overlooking the lake. The evening is at leisure to dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4overnight: Lake Garda
Touring Verona & dining in Valpolicella
We visit Verona after breakfast this morning, where a guided tour introduces us to the city's highlights including Juliet's famous balcony and the city's awe-inspiring Roman Arena. With free time over lunch, you might choose to wander into the heart of Verona. This afternoon, we head to a family-run agriturismo in the hills above the city for a tour of the vineyards and cellars, followed by a dinner of traditional dishes paired with wines.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Venice)
Boarding your cruise ship in Venice
We travel as a group to Venice port after breakfast this morning, where you say farewell to the Tour Manager and are transferred to the luxurious Azamara cruise ship. Once settled into your cabin, you can make the most of the enticing facilities onboard, including an outdoor pool, spa and gym, along with a range of dining venues and lounges.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Ravenna)
The historic city of Ravenna
Having sailed across the northern reaches of the Adriatic overnight, your ship docks in Ravenna this morning. Dubbed the 'Mosaic City', Ravenna is renowned for its 1,500-year-old churches decorated with exquisite Byzantine mosaics. You might visit the Basilica di San Vitale or the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Optional excursions are available, payable locally.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Ancona)
Exploring Ancona
Docking in the capital of Italy's Marche region, you can discover Ancona, a city steeped in more than 2,400 years of history. Set between rolling hills and the Adriatic Sea, Ancona blends ancient landmarks with sweeping sea views. You might visit the Arch of Trajan or the Cathedral of San Ciriaco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Kotor)
Beautiful Kotor
Sailing into the Bay of Kotor this morning, you're met with one of the Adriatic's most striking sights - a medieval city tucked between dramatic mountains and fjord-like waters. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kotor is known for its well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture. For panoramic views, take the winding path up the Castle of San Giovanni.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (at sea)
At sea towards southern Italy
Relax onboard today as we spend the day sailing, giving you time to enjoy the ship's excellent facilities. You might choose to indulge in a treatment at the spa or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. In the evening, dine at one of the speciality restaurants - Aqualina or Prime C - before enjoying a varied programme of onboard entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Taranto)
Taranto, 'the city of two seas'
Arriving in Taranto today, you'll discover the city's proud history set against a countryside of gentle hills, beautiful beaches and sapphire-blue waters. Founded by Spartan settlers in 706 BC, Taranto blends ancient heritage with a relaxed, sun-soaked charm. You might stroll along the Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III or visit the imposing Castello Aragonese.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 11overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Crotone)
Discovering Crotone in Calabria
Bathed in the golden Mediterranean sun, Crotone awaits today with its ancient allure. Delve into the local culture by visiting the Archaeological Park of Capo Colonna, where the iconic Temple of Hera Lacinia stands as a reminder of the city's Greek past. Nearby, the National Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 12overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Syracuse)
Ancient Syracuse
This morning, your ship arrives in the historic Sicilian port of Syracuse, once a major power in the Mediterranean during the 5th century BC. You might like to visit some of Ortigia's best sights, such as the Baroque cathedral built on the site of the Greek Temple of Athena. The Arethusa Spring is an ancient freshwater pond near the sea, bedecked with papyrus plants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 13overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Trapani)
Sicilian history in Trapani
Docking in the port city of Trapani today, you'll find a charming Sicilian town where medieval streets meet sweeping sea views. Once a major trading centre for the Phoenicians, Trapani's Old Town brims with medieval treasures. For panoramic views, take the cable car to nearby Erice - a hilltop village rich in history and charm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 14overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Amalfi)
At leisure in elegant Amalfi
Your ship arrives in the breathtaking town of Amalfi today, set between dramatic cliffs and the glistening waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Wedged into the mouth of a ravine, Amalfi enchants with its whitewashed buildings, sun-lit piazzas and terraced hillsides awash with lemon groves. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Andrea or browse shops selling locally made ceramics and limoncello.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 15overnight: Onboard Azamara Onward (Sorrento)
A day in glorious Sorrento
Perched above the Bay of Naples, Sorrento welcomes you today with its Italian charm and sweeping sea views. Wander through the cobbled streets among beautiful Renaissance buildings, discover charming boutiques or enjoy people-watching in Piazza Tasso, the town's central square.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 16
Homeward bound
Arriving in your final port of Rome today, you disembark the cruise ship and are transferred to the airport for your flight home. Landing in London Heathrow or at your regional airport, your holiday comes to an end and you are free to make your own way home.
Meals: Breakfast
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Day 1: Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Paris, then First Class rail to Turin for overnight.
- Day 3Day 3: Boat cruise across Lake Garda to Isola del Garda for a guided tour of the Cavazza family's Venetian villa and gardens.
- Day 4Day 4: Guided tour of Verona including Juliet's balcony and the Roman Arena, followed by a wine tasting and traditional dinner at a family-run agriturismo in Valpolicella.
- Day 8Day 8: Azamara Onward sails into the Bay of Kotor, where a UNESCO World Heritage medieval city sits between dramatic mountains and fjord-like waters.
- Day 14Day 14: The ship arrives in Amalfi, set between dramatic cliffs and the Tyrrhenian Sea, with whitewashed buildings and lemon groves on the terraced hillsides.
Included
- Expertise of a GRJ Tour Manager from London to Venice
- 4 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- 11-night cruise onboard Azamara Onward
- Five-star service onboard Azamara Onward
- Eurostar Plus (first class) rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Flight from Rome to London Heathrow (regional departures available)
- 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 in the package?
- Yes. The package includes Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Paris, First Class rail from Paris to Turin, rail from Turin to Desenzano on Lake Garda, and coach or rail transfers to Venice.
- Is this an escorted tour?
- The first portion is escorted: a Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager accompanies the group from London through the Lake Garda stay until embarkation in Venice on Day 5. The 11-night cruise portion is unescorted; guests explore ports independently or book optional excursions.
- What is included in the cruise portion?
- The 11-night cruise on Azamara Onward includes the cabin, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), complimentary beer, wine, selected spirits and soft drinks, onboard entertainment, tips and gratuities, self-service laundry, and complimentary AzAmazing Experiences at ports.
- What hotels are named in the package?
- The evidence lists a 1-night hotel stay in Turin and a 4-star hotel on Lake Garda for 3 nights, but does not name the properties. Confirm the specific hotel names with Great Rail Journeys before booking.
- What is the physical demand?
- The tour includes guided walking tours in Verona and exploration of port cities with historic town centres; expect city walking, stairs and cobbled streets. No hikes or high-altitude activities are mentioned.
- What is not included?
- Offshore excursions at cruise ports are payable locally onboard. The flight from Rome to a London or regional airport is included in the base price.
