Italian Lakes: Lake Garda

DETAILED OVERVIEW

Italian Lakes: Lake Garda

ITINERARY

Day 1

With an early departure we make our way to Dover for the ferry to Calais, continuing through France to the 3* Novotel Metz Amnéville, our overnight hotel. (Tonight's dinner is a set menu).

Day 2

Departing our overnight hotel, we make our way south through Switzerland & Italy to our hotel for the next 5 nights: the 4* Hotel Splendid Sole in Manerba del Garda, located within easy walking distance of a number of cafes, restaurants and gelaterias, with some affording wonderful views.

Day 3

Today our foray takes us into the lovely Morainic Hills of Lake Garda. With a half-day step on guide, we visit the hilltop town of Solferino where we visit its ossuary and the monument celebrating the creation of the Red Cross. From here we then travel to Trattoria da Arturo where a leisurely blowout Italian lunch, with plenty of wine, awaits - time to relax and enjoy la dolce vita!

Day 4

We enjoy a scenic drive today, hugging the coastline via San Felice and along the west coast of Lake Garda to the elegant resort of Gargnano. We have free time for a coffee and a stroll around this picturesque lakeside town which boasts hidden harbours and boutiques selling local delicacies. A short drive transports us to another world - that of the Italian aristocrats - as we embark on a private guided tour of Villa Bettoni and its Italianate gardens. We then enjoy free time for lunch in the beautiful town of Salò, which boasts the longest pedestrian promenade on the entire lake.

Day 5

We spend today at leisure. Relax at the hotel by the pool, or take a stroll into the pretty centre of Montinelle, where you can enjoy an Aperol spritz whilst admiring the fabulous views.

Day 6

Today we head west to the beautiful hilltop town of Bergamo. Accessed by funicular, we enjoy a one-hour guided walking tour of this gorgeous medieval walled centre, before enjoying time at leisure to browse the shops, and tuck into some local fayre in one of the many superb eateries. This afternoon, we continue towards Lake Iseo and the wine growing Franciacorta region. We visit the fabulous, family-run Cascina Carretto Vineyard for a tour and tasting of some of the local wines.

Day 7

We say our farewells to Lake Garda and make our way north through Italy and Switzerland and into France, stopping at our overnight hotel, the 3* Novotel Metz Amnéville. (Tonight's dinner is a set menu).

Day 8

Departing our overnight hotel, we make our way through France to Calais where we catch the ferry back to Dover, returning home early evening.

PICK-UP POINTS

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour. Please note some pick up points may not be served on all departure dates.

HOME PICK-UPS

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USEFUL LINKS

• Hotel Splendid Sole
• Novotel Metz Amnéville
• Visit Lake Garda