Entry fees to museums, boat trips etc not included
Join us for an extra special Italian tour as we take you to the stunning Lake Garda in Italy for a ten day holiday, staying in a fantastic lakeside location in Riva Del Garda!
About our destination
Lake Garda, largest of the Italian lakes, is situated at the bottom of the Dolomite Alps in a beautiful corner of Europe. Surrounded by stunning scenery, the lake and its shores provide the perfect picturesque setting for a relaxing and invigorating Italian holiday.
About our hotel The 4* Hotel Sole is an elegant hotel with a central yet peaceful position directly on the waterfront opposite the small harbour of Riva del Garda.
The hotel has a splendid lake front facade adorned with arches, balconies and decorative ovals, and boasts large lounges, an impressive staircase and a terrace looking out onto the lake. The hotel also has its own private spa*. (*Extra charges apply for use of spa facilities)
Day One
Departing South Wales in the early hours of the morning, we head to the South East of England before taking a lunchtime ferry crossing over to Northern France. From here it's a short drive to our first overnight stop in the city of Arras, where we'll be staying at the Mercure Arras Centre Gare, with breakfast included.
Day Two
Today we continue southwards through France, stopping off at the medieval town of Troyes. This astonishingly complete and beautiful place will take you back to the middle ages,with its cobbled streets, pastel coloured half timber houses and Gothic churches... perfect for your lunchtime break. From here it's on to our next overnight stay at the Mercure Macon Bord de Saone hotel. Our overnight stay here includes a set menu three course evening meal and breakfast the following morning.
Day Three
Today we make the final leg of journey, enjoying some spectacular scenery as we make our way into Switzerland and on to Northern Italy, and arriving at the Hotel Sole, Riva del Garda late in the afternoon, in time to settle in before dinner.
Our five night stay at the Hotel Sole in Riva del Garda includes a three course dinner each evening, and a cold buffet breakfast each morning, plus a typical Trentino dinner on one of the evenings.
*Lake View rooms with balcony available upon request, subject to an additional supplement of £230 per room*
Day Four: Malcesine & Riva del Garda
Today we’ll visit the medieval town of Malcesine, only a short drive from the hotel and perched on the lake’s edge under the shadow of Monte Baldo. If you’d like to take in the full view then you could take the cable car to the summit for spectacular views across the lake and the Dolomites before exploring the cobbled streets of the old town below and its impressive castle.
We'll be returning to Riva del Garda in the afternoon for time at leisure in the resort.
Day Five: Verona
We’ll travel to the beautiful city of Verona, most famous for providing the setting and inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. With a full day to explore Verona’s stunning sights you’ll have the opportunity to wander through the Piazza delle Erbe framed with medieval buildings, visit the impressive Cathedral, the Castelvecchio and the Scaligero bridges, and also the Verona Arena (originally a Roman amphitheatre) at Piazza Bra which is a world renowned opera venue.
Day Six: Garda Town & Sirmione
Today we'll visit the town of Garda, which lies at the southern end of the lake, and from here we'll stop off to explore the historic town of Sirmione, with it's castle at the entrance to the old town and the Roman ruins on the promontory some of its outstanding features.
Day Seven: Free in Riva Del Garda
It’s a free day for you to enjoy as you wish – so you’ll have the opportunity to relax and make the most of some free time at the hotel and surrounding area, with the possibility of an organised boat trip for those who wish to experience a cruise out on the lake.
Day Eight: Arrivederci Italia!
Time to say goodbye to Lake Garda and our hotel, we’ll set off in the morning after breakfast to make our way back for our first overnight stop at the Mercure Macon Bord de Saone Hotel, with a set three course evening meal included, as well as breakfast the following morning.
Day Nine: Reims and Arras
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll make our way north through France, taking a lunchtime stop in the beautiful Champagne city of Reims. The stunning Cathedral Notre-Dames stands proud in the centre flanked with French brasseries and plenty of shops stocked full of the regions favourite export..Champagne!
From here is back to Arras for our final overnight stay at the Mercure Arras Centre Gare, with breakfast included.
Day Ten
Our Italian holiday must sadly end, as we return to Calais and cross back to the UK. Arriving back home late that evening.
***IMPORTANT NOTE: Overnight Accommodation (Stay) Tax on Non-Resident Stays – The Italian Government has given the ability for each municipality in Italy to decide if they wish to introduce a stay tax levied on tourists. This has been implemented sporadically throughout Italy with each municipality deciding how they collect this. The tax broadly ranges from €1-€5 per person per night and is generally collected from each passenger on arrival. Due to the uncertain nature of collection and the decision being made by the municipalities we wish to ensure that all passengers are made aware of this on booking to so that any tax can be paid by individual guests on arrival.
We have a number of pick up points available for this break as shown below...
