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.
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
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.
Where you could stay
Sina De La Ville
Italian Cities, Milan
Short walk from Teatro alla Scala and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade
Small rooftop pool with Duomo and views
Day 3-4 : Venice
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
Recommended
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
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
Recommended
Hotel Caesius Thermae and Spa Resort
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
Convenient lakeside location
Ideal base for exploring Lake Garda
Hotel Nazionale Desenzano del Garda
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
A contemporary hotel just minutes away from the centre of Desenzano
Ideally placed for exploring Lake Garda
Recommended
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
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
Recommended
Hotel Caesius Thermae and Spa Resort
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
Convenient lakeside location
Ideal base for exploring Lake Garda
Hotel Nazionale Desenzano del Garda
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
A contemporary hotel just minutes away from the centre of Desenzano
Ideally placed for exploring Lake Garda
Recommended
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
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 £1,835 per person
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.
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