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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Treasures of Lake Garda

Ten-day escorted rail journey from London to Lake Garda and Venice

Illustration of Treasures of Lake Garda

Great Rail Journeys' Treasures of Lake Garda is a 10-day escorted journey combining First Class European rail travel with a week-long base in Sirmione, a fortress town on Lake Garda's southern shore. The itinerary begins with Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Paris, continues by TGV to the French Alps foothills, then enters Italy by rail via Milan to reach Sirmione. From this family-run 4-star hotel, where thermal waters feed the spa pool, you make day excursions: a gondola ride and guided tour through Venice's canals and piazzas, a visit to Verona's Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony, a hillside vineyard tour and wine dinner in Valpolicella, and a boat cruise from the medieval hamlet of Malcesine. The final leg travels north by train through the Simplon tunnel into Switzerland, ending with a night in Lausanne on Lake Geneva before Eurostar returns you to London. The tour suits couples and repeat rail travellers seeking guided comfort, history, and Italian wine regions explored at an unhurried pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (GBP 3,699) is significantly higher than half the double price (GBP 1,399.50 per person of the GBP 2,799 base), reflecting premium single-occupancy costs.
  • Lunches are not included except on Day 4 (Verona); seven days require independent meal planning.
  • Day 7 in Sirmione is free with dinner not included, requiring visitors to dine independently.
  • UK rail connections to London St Pancras are available to book separately and are not included in the package price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chambéry

    From London to Chambéry

    Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and group before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris, enjoying a light meal at your seats. From the French capital, you continue by First Class rail to the attractive medieval town of Chambéry, with its backdrop of the French Alps. Officially listed as a Town of Art and History in France, Chambéry has a historic Old Town and a characterful square full of tall, colourful houses. On arrival, you take a short walk from the station to the hotel, where you check in for the night before dinner together.

    Meals: Eurostar light meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Sirmione

    Arrival in the lakeside town of Sirmione

    After breakfast, you take the train from Chambéry to Milan, passing the Vanoise National Park en route. In Milan, you are taken by coach to the picturesque peninsula of Sirmione, on the southern shores of Lake Garda - Italy's largest lake. The town's most distinctive feature is its handsome fortress castle and drawbridge. You arrive at the entrance to the town and get acquainted with the way of life here with a gentle walk, crossing the drawbridge and moat on the way to the hotel. After a welcome drink, you have time to settle in and soak up your idyllic surroundings before dinner in the hotel restaurant overlooking glorious Lake Garda.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Sirmione

    Discovering Sirmione at your leisure

    After breakfast overlooking the lake, a free day stretches out ahead. You could visit the beautifully preserved medieval Scaligero Castle, constructed in the 12th century by the Scaligeri, the ruling family of Verona, with great views across the lake from the top of its fortified walls. Sirmione's Old Town features a maze of medieval churches and interesting buildings such as Palazzo Callas, home of opera singer Maria Callas in the 1950s, along with cafés, ristorantes and traditional gelaterias. This evening, you dine together at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Sirmione

    Touring Verona and dining in rural Valpolicella

    Today starts with a visit to historic Verona and a guided tour. You see Juliet's famous balcony and the city's awe-inspiring Roman Arena, which predates Rome's Colosseum and is now an open-air Opera House. With free time over lunch, you could stroll to the Piazza delle Erbe, the city's oldest square, or wander down the main shopping street. This afternoon, you head to a family-run agriturismo in the hills above the city for a wine tasting experience blending the region's renowned wine culture with authentic Italian hospitality, set against a backdrop of vineyards and olive groves. You then enjoy a dinner of homemade traditional dishes, served with three different wines.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Sirmione

    A free day in Sirmione

    Today you have another opportunity to explore Sirmione at leisure or make the most of the hotel facilities, including the swimming pool, spa, and peaceful garden. You could visit Grotte di Catullo, the remains of one of the largest Roman villas in Italy, or take a boat trip to Isola del Garda, where fragrant acacia and lemon trees frame an extraordinary neo-Gothic style villa. In the evening, you return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Sirmione

    Experiencing the timeless wonders of Venice

    Today starts with a rail journey to Venice. On arrival, you are taken by private boat to St Mark's Square - surrounded by the ornate St Mark's Basilica, the delicate pink Doge's Palace, and historic cafés. From here you are taken on a guided tour through the streets to see Venice's main sights. A standout moment is a private gondola ride, gliding through the luminous canals beneath ancient arched bridges, passing exquisite palazzos and iconic Venetian buildings. With free time after, you could order an aperitif at one of the city's many bars. You return by rail then transfer to Sirmione and dine at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Sirmione

    Discovering spectacular Lake Garda at your leisure

    With a free day and evening ahead, today is an ideal time to discover some of the other picturesque towns, villas and gardens of Lake Garda, or maybe to explore a little further afield. On the western coast of the Lake is Gardone Riviera, a hidden gem featuring the André Heller Botanic Garden. There are frequent trains to a number of towns and cities from Desenzano station. Dining independently this evening, there are many eateries to choose from in Gardone or Sirmione's old town.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Sirmione

    A visit to the medieval hamlet of Malcesine

    This morning, you travel by coach along Lake Garda's eastern shore to the medieval hamlet of Malcesine, which has a striking castle and palace overlooking the fjord-like lake and facing the dramatic mountains of Lake Garda's western shores. With free time from late morning and over lunch, you could visit the impressive 14th-century castle. You make the return journey by boat, cruising the length of the lake back to Sirmione, sailing via the town of Garda. This evening you enjoy a farewell dinner, marking your final night on Lake Garda.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Lausanne

    From Sirmione to Lausanne, Lake Geneva

    You bid farewell to Sirmione and Lake Garda this morning. Your journey continues by train north to Milan, then by rail passing Italy's northern lakes, through the Simplon tunnel connecting Italy to Switzerland. Once through the tunnel, you travel alongside the stunning Swiss Alps, then follow the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva. You arrive in the lakeside city of Lausanne, checking in to the hotel for an overnight stay. There is time to explore this university city - with its cobbled, car-free old town and Gothic cathedral - before gathering for the last dinner of the holiday.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10rail

    Homeward bound

    This morning, you say farewell to the lakeside city of Lausanne and continue by rail to Paris. In the French capital, you join the Eurostar and enjoy a light meal en route to London St Pancras, where your holiday concludes.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar light meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Coach transfer from Milan arrives at Sirmione's handsome fortress castle and drawbridge, the town's most distinctive feature on Lake Garda's southern shore.
  • Day 4Guided tour of Verona includes Juliet's famous balcony and the Roman Arena, an open-air Opera House that predates Rome's Colosseum.
  • Day 6Private gondola ride through Venice's luminous canals beneath ancient arched bridges, passing elegant palazzos and Byzantine churches, departing from St Mark's Square after a private boat transfer.
  • Day 8Coach journey to Malcesine reveals a striking medieval hamlet with castle and Venetian palace overlooking the lake; return by boat cruising the length of Lake Garda.
  • Day 9Train journey north from Milan passes through the Simplon tunnel connecting Italy to Switzerland, then follows the shores of Lake Geneva to Lausanne.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 9 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus travel
  • First Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar light meals (outbound and return)
  • Breakfast each day
  • 8 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Private gondola ride in Venice
  • Private boat transfer to St Mark's Square, Venice
  • Guided tour of Venice
  • Guided tour of Verona
  • Wine tasting and dinner at Valpolicella agriturismo
  • Welcome drink at Sirmione hotel
  • Coach travel from Milan to Sirmione

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Lunches (except where stated)
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional London hotel stays
  • UK rail connections (available to book separately)
  • Door-to-door luggage service (available from £279 per bag)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. First Class rail travel is included throughout the tour on Eurostar Plus (London to Paris), TGV (Paris to Chambéry), and Italian and Swiss rail services. Eurostar light meals are also included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from London St Pancras through to the return to London, providing expertise and managing all transfers and excursions.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar Plus (London to Paris), TGV First Class (Paris to Chambéry), Frecciargento, Frecciarossa, and Trenitalia services (Italian rail), and First Class rail through the Simplon tunnel and along Lake Geneva.
Where do we stay?
The main hotel is the 4-star Hotel Continental Thermae & Spa in Sirmione, where you spend seven nights. Single nights are spent in Chambéry (Day 1) and Lausanne (Day 9); hotel names for these are not specified.
What meals are included?
Breakfast daily, eight dinners, Eurostar light meals (outbound and return), and a wine tasting dinner at an agriturismo in Valpolicella. Lunches are not included except where stated. Day 7 dinner is independent.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys offers eight departures throughout 2027: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.

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