Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Venice and Lake Garda via the Alps

8-day independent rail trip via the Alps: Geneva, Venice, Lake Garda

Illustration of Venice and Lake Garda via the Alps

Railbookers runs this 8-day independent rail trip from Geneva to Venice and on to Sirmione on Lake Garda, crossing the Alps by train along the way. A night in Geneva includes time to see St. Pierre Cathedral and the city's museums before the train follows the scenic Simplon Pass to Venice for a three-night stay. Venice days include an included gondola tour through the city's canals and a cruise to the lagoon islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, with sightseeing at St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge along the way. A Eurostar Italia service then carries the trip to Desenzano del Garda, with a transfer on to Sirmione for a further three nights. Included there is a sunset cruise around the Sirmione peninsula on Lake Garda, which runs from May to October, alongside free time for the beaches and views of the Alps from across the lake. It suits independent travelers who want a scenic rail route from the Alps to two of northern Italy's classic waterside destinations.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Lake Garda sunset cruise only runs May to October, so travelers outside that window would not get this included activity.
  • The trip's general description lists Milan among the places visited, but the day-by-day itinerary has no Milan stop; the Venice to Sirmione leg goes directly via a Eurostar Italia service to Desenzano del Garda.
  • No hotel names or tiers are listed for this trip.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Your Journey Begins in Geneva

    Welcome to Geneva! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Then, step out into the city for some of the most popular sights and attractions. Visit St. Pierre Cathedral shop some vintage clothes, records, paintings and souvenirs at Plainpalais Flea Market (if you're here on Wednesday or Saturday) or delve into its history in its many museums.

  2. Day 2

    Geneva to Venice

    After breakfast, depart Geneva and travel to Venice on one of the most scenic routes in Europe, the Simplon Pass. When you arrive, check in at your hotel and enjoy a three-night stay. Start your sightseeing at St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) and walk to the famous Rialto Bridge to take in the awesome view of the Grand Canal.

  3. Day 3

    Venice

    You can walk around Venice. You could take a water taxi. But, really, there's only one way to get around La Serenissima, as this city of bridges and canals is nicknamed. And that way is by gondola. Let your gondolier, clad in traditional clothing, cruise you through the wide and narrow, popular and offbeat canals through Venice on this morning's tours. Afterwards why not have a glass of prosecco and do some people watching in one of the sunny squares? In the evening, head to the Dorsodura area for a wonderful night cap.

  4. Day 4

    Venice

    Spend an additional day discovering Venice. with a morning cruise to three of the most enchanting islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration in Murano, see the lace workshops and colorful fishermen's homes in Burano, and set foot on Venice's oldest settlement in Torcello. It's a convenient way to venture off the beaten path without the hassle of navigating Venice's complex public transport.

  5. Day 5rail

    Venice to Sirmione

    After breakfast, check out of the hotel and board a Eurostar Italia service to Desenzano del Garda. Pick up a transfer to Sirmione and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon swimming in the lake before treating yourself to lunch at a traditional trattoria by the harbor.

  6. Day 6

    Sirmione

    Take in the views of Lake Garda and the Alps while relaxing on one of the town's beaches or take a boat trip out on the lake and admire the views of the picturesque villages nestled into the shoreline.

  7. Day 7

    Sirmione

    Treat yourself to an indulgent day exploring the boutique shops and restaurants of Desenzano del Garda or enjoying city views from the Torre di San Martino. Finished off by your sunset cruise on Lake Garda Cruise around the Sirmione peninsula and watch the sun sink behind the hills. After you step aboard your private boat at Sirmione, you'll glide out onto the waters of Lake Garda with a glass of prosecco in hand. Nibble on fresh strawberries as you pass chic lakeside villas and sights such as the Roman ruins at Grotte di Catullo and Scaliger Castle, then return to the harbor at Sirmione.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Sightseeing in Venice begins at St. Mark's Square, walking to the Rialto Bridge for a view of the Grand Canal.
  • Day 3A gondola tour cruises through Venice's wide and narrow canals, with a gondolier in traditional dress.
  • Day 4A morning cruise visits Murano for a glass-blowing demonstration, Burano for its lace workshops and colorful houses, and Torcello, Venice's oldest settlement.
  • Day 6Views of Lake Garda and the Alps from Sirmione's beaches, or a boat trip past picturesque villages on the shoreline.
  • Day 7A sunset cruise around the Sirmione peninsula on Lake Garda, with a glass of prosecco, watching the sun sink behind the hills.

Included

  • Train travel in standard class as specified in itinerary 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Geneva 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Venice 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Sirmione Gondola Tour in Venice Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands tour Sunset Cruise on Lake Garda (May-October only)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Standard-class train travel is included as per the itinerary, including the Simplon Pass route from Geneva to Venice and a Eurostar Italia service from Venice to Desenzano del Garda for Sirmione.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is independent (self-guided), with included tours: a Venice gondola tour, a Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands tour, and a Lake Garda sunset cruise.
What is included?
1 night hotel stay in Geneva, 3 nights' hotel stay in Venice, and 3 nights' hotel stay in Sirmione, all with breakfast, plus a gondola tour, an islands tour, and the Lake Garda sunset cruise.
When does the Lake Garda sunset cruise run?
May to October only, according to the evidence.
Does the trip stop in Milan?
The trip's general description mentions Milan, but the detailed itinerary has no Milan stop; confirm this with Railbookers before booking.

Similar journeys