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London to Lake Garda by Rail

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  6. 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

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

01293 765055 Or Request a quote
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Suggested Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : London - Paris
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
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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

Hotel Bel Sito

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

Grand Hotel Gardone

Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
  • Situated in the historic centre of Gardone on the shores of Lake Garda
  • Soak up panoramic lake views from the spacious terrace
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Hotel Caesius Thermae and Spa Resort

Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
  • Convenient lakeside location
  • Ideal base for exploring Lake Garda
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Hotel Nazionale Boutique

Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
  • A contemporary hotel just minutes away from the centre of Desenzano
  • Ideally placed for exploring Lake Garda
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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

Grand Hotel Gardone

Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
  • Situated in the historic centre of Gardone on the shores of Lake Garda
  • Soak up panoramic lake views from the spacious terrace
Find out more

Hotel Caesius Thermae and Spa Resort

Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
  • Convenient lakeside location
  • Ideal base for exploring Lake Garda
Find out more

Hotel Nazionale Boutique

Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
  • A contemporary hotel just minutes away from the centre of Desenzano
  • Ideally placed for exploring Lake Garda
Find out more
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 £1,795 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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What our customers think

We have been helping our customers discover the real Italy for 90 years now. Our experience and expertise, together with our attention to detail and personal touch, really does make us the leading Italian holiday specialist

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