Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Swiss Mountains & Italian Lakes
First-Class escorted rail tour of Swiss lakes, mountains and Italy's Lake Como
10 daysfrom $5,608
80% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Treasures of Lake Garda
Picture-perfect Sirmione is perched on the tip of a peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Visit Mantova, the Sigurta Gardens, and Venice.
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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)
