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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda

Venice, Verona and Lake Garda by train across northern Italy

Illustration of Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda

Railbookers runs this 7-day independent rail vacation through northern Italy, traveling by Trenitalia from Venice to Verona and on to Desenzano on Lake Garda's southern shore. The trip opens with two nights in Venice, including a gondola ride past the Bridge of Sighs on day 1 and a visit to the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and the islands of Murano and Burano on day 2. Day 3 brings a train to Verona for two nights, with sightseeing at Casa di Giulietta, Piazza delle Erbe, the Arena, and the Ponte di Pietra. On day 5, a train continues to Desenzano, with views of the Alps along the way, for two nights that include a leisurely boat ride on Lake Garda and time to explore the old town, promenade, and castle. The included package covers rail travel and hotel breakfast, leaving sightseeing self-directed. It suits travelers who want a straightforward, lower-cost introduction to Italy's cities and lakes by train.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 17 accommodation options across tiers and cities, so the specific hotel in each city depends on the tier you choose.
  • The included list covers rail travel and hotel accommodation with breakfast only; sightseeing such as the gondola ride, the Doge's Palace visit, and the Lake Garda boat ride is not listed as a booked activity, so confirm what is included versus self-guided before you go.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Visit vibrant St. Mark's square, take a gondola ride past the Bridge of Sighs, and find a waterfront restaurant for dinner.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Admire the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Finish the day on the islands of Murano and Burano to see the glassblowers and colorful houses.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Verona

    Venice to Verona

    Catch a Trenitalia train from Venice to Verona. Visit Casa di Giulietta, Piazza delle Erbe, and the top of Torre dei Lamberti.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Verona

    Verona

    Shop along Via Mazzini, visit the Arena, church of Sant'Anastasia, and the Ponte di Pietra, then find a traditional osterie.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: Desenzano

    Verona to Desenzano

    Board a Trenitalia train to Desenzano, on Lake Garda's southern shore, with views of the Alps.

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Desenzano

    Desenzano

    A leisurely boat ride on the lake, lunch at a local restaurant, then explore the old town, promenade, castle, and Grotte di Catulo.

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Desenzano

    Check out and catch a Trenitalia train to Milan Centrale station to continue with your onward travels.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A gondola ride past the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, ending with dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
  • Day 2Visiting Murano and Burano to see glassblowers and colorful houses.
  • Day 3Sightseeing in Verona at Casa di Giulietta, Piazza delle Erbe, and the top of Torre dei Lamberti.
  • Day 5The train to Desenzano on Lake Garda's southern shore, with views of the Alps.
  • Day 6A leisurely boat ride on Lake Garda, followed by the old town, promenade, castle, and Grotte di Catulo.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Verona
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Desenzano

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel as per the itinerary between Venice, Verona and Desenzano.
Which trains does this trip use?
Trenitalia trains connect Venice to Verona, Verona to Desenzano on Lake Garda, and Desenzano to Milan Centrale at the end of the trip.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. The included list covers rail travel and hotel accommodation with breakfast; sightseeing such as the gondola ride in Venice and the boat ride in Desenzano is not listed as a booked activity.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 17 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including hotels such as the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice and Due Torri in Verona, with the exact hotel depending on the tier chosen.
How many nights does the trip include?
7 days and 6 nights: 2 in Venice, 2 in Verona, and 2 in Desenzano on Lake Garda.

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