London to Lake Garda by Rail

You’ll take the slow, scenic route on this rail journey from London to Lake Garda. Stop off at Grand Tour favourites such as Paris and Milan, before spending a few days in "La Serenissima" Venice and the natural beauty that is Lake Garda. Verona, the setting of Romeo and Juliet, is the grand finale.

At a glance

  • 8-day suggested rail itinerary
  • Cruise down the Grand Canal in Venice
  • Relax by Lake Garda
  • Travel through the Italian Alps
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Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30
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Suggested Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : London - Paris

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You’ll step on a Eurostar train at London St Pancras and step off in Paris. You’ll spend a night at a hotel in Paris before embarking on your journey to Italy.

Day 2 : Paris - Milan - Venice

Evening scene along the Naviglio Grande canal in Milan, Italy.

The journey takes a scenic turn today. You’ll catch a train south, travelling over the French border and into northern Italy. After a change of trains in Milan, it’s straight on to Venice, where you’ll stay for three nights.

Day 3-4 : Venice

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Make the most of Venice – catch a vaporetto down the Grand Canal, see the glass workshops on Murano island, dig in to squid-ink risotto by the water, or see a show at the gilded Teatro La Fenice. 
The palazzos of St. Mark’s Square are must-sees, too. The Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica bookend the piazza, while centuries-old restaurants occupy the framing arches.

Where you could stay
Hotel Bel Sito
Italian Cities, Venice

  • Short walk from St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal
  • Great value for money
Starhotels Splendid Venice
Italian Cities, Venice

  • Centrally located between St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge
  • Private landing dock on the canal and rooftop terrace with stunning views
Day 5 : Venice - Lake Garda

Fantastic summer vacation place, beautiful Malcesine mediterranean cityscape with colorful buildings view from the hill, lake Garda, Italy, Europe

It’s full speed ahead today as you hop on a fast train to the Lake Garda station of Desenzano del Garda. Check in to your chosen hotel, then head down to the lakefront for a stroll beside the water.

Where you could stay
Hotel Acquaviva del Garda
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda

  • Garden by the lake with use of whirlpools
  • Extensive spa facilities
Hotel Caesius Thermae and Spa Resort
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda

  • Convenient lakeside location
  • Ideal base for exploring Lake Garda
Hotel Savoy Palace
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda

  • Charming hotel in the centre of Gardone, close to the lakefront
  • Elegantly furnished and boasts stunning lake views from the terrace
Day 6-7 : Lake Garda

Morning in Peschiera del Garda, Italy, pastel retro toned

The next two days are yours to explore the biggest lake in Italy. Lake Garda is a holiday hotspot, so expect lots of gelateria-sprinkled towns, waterside castles and theme parks. Boats circuit the lake, putting the mountainous north shore in easy reach. One of our favourite towns is Riva del Garda. It sits right up top, laying out lemon and pink mansions and castles along the shore.

Where you could stay
Hotel Acquaviva del Garda
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda

  • Garden by the lake with use of whirlpools
  • Extensive spa facilities
Hotel Caesius Thermae and Spa Resort
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda

  • Convenient lakeside location
  • Ideal base for exploring Lake Garda
Hotel Savoy Palace
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda

  • Charming hotel in the centre of Gardone, close to the lakefront
  • Elegantly furnished and boasts stunning lake views from the terrace
Day 8 : Lake Garda - Verona

Roman Arena in Verona, Italy.

Grab breakfast at your hotel before hopping on a 20-minute train to Verona. Spend a few hours – or an extra night or two – in this romantic riverside city, before catching a flight back home. 

8 days from £1,779 per person

Price shown includes Eurostar from London to Paris, a one way flight to London, accommodation in each destination for the duration specified and transfers, trains and/or car hire as required. The price shown represents a from price per person based on two people sharing in low season travel unless otherwise stated. Price is subject to availability, Eurostar and flight seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price shown is for guidance only. To obtain a tailored quote specific for your requirements, please contact one of our Italy Experts.

Practical Information

Flight Information

Direct flights to Venice Marco Polo airport (VCE) are available from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and Southend and take approximately 2 hours. Transfers from the airport are by water taxi or water bus and take approximately 40 minutes to reach the centre of Venice.

Direct flights to Venice Treviso airport (TSF) depart from London Stansted, Leeds Bradford, Bristol and East Midlands and take approximately 2 hours.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

Details

Based on 2 adults sharing. Travelling October 2023.

Quote reference number: 53079942

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