Lake Garda, Venice and Verona

On arrival a coach will take you to the delightful lakeside resort of Riva del Garda, beautifully surrounded by lofty peaks, situated at the more scenic north end of the lake. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing you time to settle into the hotel and start exploring if you wish.

Lake Garda first rose to prominence in the late 19th century when visitors were drawn to its clean mountain air. Since then, it has been renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.

Today, we will tour the lake, passing through charming, typically Italian villages with tiny harbours nestled along the shoreline, backed by majestic mountains. We will also see lush groves of olive and citrus trees, as well as vineyards used to produce the famous Bardolino wines. Scenically the shore varies, from the rich vegetation of the middle reaches to the more rugged north, covered with pine trees whose unmistakable scent hangs heavy in the air.

Today we head north to the stunning Dolomite Mountains, formed by geological activity around 230 million years ago, which gives them their distinctive pink and lime hues. The foothills are lush pastures dotted with the occasional shepherd’s house, a few sheep and goats, and pine forests stretching into the distance.

Autonomous since the 12th century, today the region feels like another country. The houses in its picturesque hamlets resemble Swiss or Austrian-style chalets, low structures with gently sloping roofs and enormous window boxes overflowing with colourful flowers. The people are different, too: taller than Italians, speaking a German dialect.

We will make several stops today, including the opportunity to ascend by cable car (subject to seasonal operation) for panoramic views of the entire area. Words can hardly capture the awe-inspiring splendour of this rugged landscape and its clean, crisp, invigorating mountain air — it truly will take your breath away.

Due to its remote location, the Dolomites are home to a wealth of rare, unique wildlife. With luck, you may spot chamois, ibex, golden eagles and various species of deer.

In the event of severe weather conditions (such as snow or storms) that could disrupt our itinerary and prevent us from visiting the Dolomites, we will instead include a visit to the charming town of Mantova. If this change is required, your Tour Manager will provide more details while in resort.

Today is a free day to explore at your leisure. Riva del Garda has been welcoming visitors since the 19th century and today the old town is a collection of typically Italian buildings painted the enticing pastel shades of cream, peach, magenta and ochre so reminiscent of Mediterranean countries.

It has several harbours with boats rising and falling with the gentle waves and is dominated by a medieval fortress. Nearby is a most attractive square, beautifully lined with pavement cafés which all blends together to make Riva one of the most attractive towns on the lake.

After an early breakfast, we head to Venice, a city steeped in timeless charm and cultural richness.

Venice flourished after gaining independence from Byzantium in the 10th century, reaching its peak in the 15th century as a Mediterranean powerhouse. Its wealth from trade is reflected in the stunning architecture and art that still define the city today.

St Mark’s Basilica, built to house the saint’s relics, dazzles with over 40,000 square feet of colourful mosaics. Next door, the Doge’s Palace showcases opulent wood carvings, Tintorettos and exotic inlaid floors. St Mark’s Square remains the city’s vibrant heart, perfect for enjoying a coffee and soaking up the atmosphere. For panoramic views, ascend the Campanile, once a lighthouse and the site of Galileo’s telescope demonstration.

Art lovers can explore the Accademia for Renaissance masterpieces or the Guggenheim for modern works. Surprisingly, Venice offers affordable dining away from the main square, and no visit is complete without a peaceful gondola ride through its quiet canals.

Our walking tour includes iconic landmarks such as St Mark’s Square, the Basilica, the Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace.

For returning visitors, our guided tour reveals hidden gems: the Santa Maria della Pietà church where Vivaldi taught, a quaint Greek Orthodox church, and Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, home to a majestic Dominican church and the Scuola Grande di San Marco, rich with Tintoretto’s works.

This morning you’re free to explore your surroundings as you wish. So, what’s it to be? A stroll around the port is a charming way to spend your time, perhaps indulging in a little shopping or simply relax.

Vineyards abound in this area thanks to the favourable climate, so this afternoon we will visit a small family run wine estate located in the fertile valley of the Trentino region, where we will have a guided tour of the cellars, followed by a tasting of some of the wines produced by the family.

Verona is one of the most beautiful and pleasant cities in Italy and today we have a guided walking tour in order to appreciate it at its best, discovering its hidden side too. We approach through the centuries-old city walls – when you enter the old town you cannot help but admire!

Medieval pink-hued buildings complete with contrasting frescoes underneath archways unchanged for centuries. Typical pavement cafés abound, some with violinists serenading their clients whilst they take a refreshing drink, enjoying the shade from the warm sunshine. It has tiny narrow streets, complete with the tasteful shops, so typical of Italy, and then there is the marketplace dating from Roman times, with interesting reminders of the city’s past.

The tragic story of Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona and when you experience the atmosphere here you can see why. The two great lovers from rival families have inspired countless films, poems and dramas. You can actually see the balcony where the immortal words “O Romeo, Romeo” were reputedly spoken.

The Roman arena is awe inspiring but there are also countless medieval and Renaissance squares and courtyards to explore, as well as a superb 12th century cathedral which houses a work by Titian. The Roman Theatre is a must too, as is one of the Renaissance’s finest gardens with clipped box hedges and a dazzling display of colour. Another interesting site is San Zeno – arguably the finest Romanesque church in northern Italy.

One of the most delightful things about Verona is that although being close to Venice it receives fewer visitors. This afternoon is free so you can explore as you wish, or you could go shopping. Italy is inextricably linked with fashion, style and chic, and Verona has some lovely shops with prices not nearly as expensive as you may imagine, with leather ware being particularly good value.

For those who have been to Verona before, our ‘undiscovered’ tour is the best way of seeing a different side of this city, including many hidden cultural and architectural gems that most visitors never see.