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. Explore the city of Verona, the setting of Romeo and Juliet, before travelling on to the natural beauty that is Lake Garda for your grand finale.

At a glance

9-day suggested rail itinerary
Cruise down the Grand Canal in Venice
Relax by Lake Garda
Travel through the Italian Alps

a man standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30, Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

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Call us on 01293 900934

Suggested Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Paris

Eurostar-2023-Trains-St-Pancras-001-300274-edit

Start your journey crossing the Channel on a Eurostar train, stopping in the French capital Paris for your first night. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring the City of Light, from the iconic Eiffel Tower, to the masterpieces featured in Le Louvre.

Day 2 : Milan

Board your train in the morning for a relaxing 8 hour journey into Italy. Admire the French countryside and the spectacle of the Alps from the comfort of your seat. The first port of call in Italy is the capital of Lombardy, Milan. Explore Il Duomo cathedral, shop in the luxurious Quadrilatero d'Oro, and finish the day by catching an operatic performance at Teatro alla Scala.

Where you could stay

Italian Cities, Milan

Sina De La Ville

Short walk from Teatro alla Scala and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade
Small rooftop pool with Duomo and views

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Italian Cities, Milan

Bulgari Hotel Milano

Stunning hotel in the heart of Milan, close to famous attractions
Beautifully renovated 18th century palazzo
Sensational spa and wellness programme
Expansive private garden just off the Brera Botanical Garden
Michelin star menu at the onsite Il Ristorante and Bulgari Bar

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Italian Cities, Milan

Worldhotel Cristoforo Colombo

Elegant hotel located on Corso Buenos Aires, Milan’s renowned shopping street
Indulgent facilities and wellness treatments at the Hado Spa
Steps from Porta Venezia Metro station for easy access to Milan's iconic landmarks

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Days 3-4 : Venice

Depart Milan at a time of your choosing, and after around 2 hours 30 minutes on the train through northern Italy, you will arrive in the Queen of the Adriatic, Venice.
Spend 2 nights exploring everything The Floating City has to offer. Catch a vaporetto down the Grand Canal, see a show at the gilded Teatro La Fenice, and discover Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica in Piazza San Marco. Stop to try some delectable and unique Venetian cuisine, with a vast choice of traditional restaurants and cafes around the city.

Where you could stay

Recommended

Italian Cities, Venice

Londra Palace Venezia

Stunning location overlooking the lagoon
Ideal base for exploring the city's main attractions
Favourite with Citalia guests
Boutique hotel offering excellent service

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Italian Cities, Venice

Hotel Ca' dei Conti

Set within an 18th Century residence
Step outside the hotel’s doors into a gondola

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Recommended

Italian Cities, Venice

Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal

Stunning views over the Grand Canal
Explore the city’s famous attractions from the hotel’s prime location

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Day 5 : Verona

Roman Arena in Verona, Italy.

Depart from Venice Santa Lucia Station for your next port of call, Verona, in as little as 70 minutes by high-speed train. Verona is a culture-lover's dream, and is a perfect city to explore in a day along its cobbled streets. The Arena di Verona is famous for hosting the popular Opera Festival, whilst Juliet's Balcony, featuring in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is a must-see.

Where you could stay

Italian Cities, Verona

Hotel Touring

A boutique hotel with architecture dating back to 1928
Within easy reach of Verona’s many historic sites

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Italian Cities, Verona

Hotel Indigo Verona - Grand Hotel des Arts

Located a five-minute walk from café lined pavements of the Piazza Brà
Relaxing private garden courtyard and hotel bar

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Italian Cities, Verona

Due Torri Hotel

Located in the centre of medieval Verona close to all the main sites
Panoramic terrace with amazing views of the city

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Days 6-9 : Lake Garda

Your final train journey on your northern Italian adventure will see you take the short 20 minute hop to the beautiful Lake Garda.
We recommend 4 nights to explore the magnificent towns and villages surrounding Italy's largest lake. The beauty and charm of Lake Garda will leave you in awe, and will surely give you memories that will last a lifetime.

The train will take you to Desenzano del Garda on the southern tip of the lake, where you can either catch a ferry or a bus to explore all that Lake Garda has to offer. Our Citalia Italy Experts can advise on the perfect hotel to stay, and the best resorts to visit to suit your own needs and desires.

On your final day, we can arrange for a taxi to whisk you back to Verona airport for your flight home.

Where you could stay

Recommended

Italian Lakes, Lake Garda

Hotel Caesius Thermae and Spa Resort

Convenient lakeside location
Ideal base for exploring Lake Garda

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Recommended

Italian Lakes, Lake Garda

Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort

Situated just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Riva del Garda
Set amongst its own magnificent park with tropical plants and ornamental lakes

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Italian Lakes, Lake Garda

Hotel Olivi Spa & Natural Wellness

Charming hotel in Sirmione, just a five-minute lakeside walk from the centre
Peaceful location with a lovely swimming pool and terrace

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9 days from £2,059 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

Visa Information

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

Throughout 2024, the local government of Venice will be trialling the Venice Access Fee. Those staying in a hotel in Venice are not required to pay this, however, must apply online for an exemption. The Access Fee is set at €5 per day per person and must be paid by each person who accesses the Ancient City of Venice. For further information, visit the official site here: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.

On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.

On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Details

The price is based on 2 adults sharing, travelling in May 2026. Our Italy Experts can personalise all of our Twin and Multi-Centre holidays for a date and destination that suits you. For a bespoke quote, give one of our Personal Travel Planners a call on 01293 765055.

Quote reference number: 53583815

London to Lake Garda by Rail

At a glance

Your plans, our expertise

Suggested Trip Itinerary

9 days from £2,059 per person

Practical Information

Visa Information

Tipping

Details

What our customers think