Day 1: We make our way through France and into Germany for our overnight stay in Saarbrücken.
Day 2: Departing after breakfast we arrive at the delightful Sole Hotel in time to freshen up and enjoy a welcome drink before dinner.
Day 3: Today is at leisure to enjoy the popular resort of Riva del Garda. Located on the northern tip of Lake Garda with crystalline waters, wide sunny beaches and lemon and olive trees, it’s a picture perfect destination. There will be plenty of time to explore the piazzas and lakeside promenade, which are lined with traditional restaurants, pizzerias and delicious gelaterias. With its pretty baroque buildings, works of art and architecture it’s no wonder poets and artists have been inspired here for centuries. If you wish to explore further afield you may wish to join an optional excursion to the lakeside towns of Limone and Malcesine. Sit back and relax on a relaxing boat trip and marvel at the beautiful scenery along the way.
Day 4: This morning we travel via the panoramic lakeside road to Sirmione. This elegant resort town has attracted tourists for centuries and extends over a peninsula on the Southern shores of the beautiful Lake. Full of history with the Grotte di Catullo, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Italy, and its Medieval Castle guarding the entrance to the Old Town. The heart of this delightful town is full of cafés, restaurants, boutique stores and gelato eateries. This afternoon we travel to the charming walled town of Lazise, with its paved lakefront esplanade and fine sandy beach. Lazise has a wonderful old town centre, with narrow alleyways, magnificent churches, attractive squares and a picturesque harbour.
Day 5: Today we travel to Venice, regarded by many as the most beautiful city in the World. With eternal and poignant charm, the soul of Venice is made up of 118 islands united together by more than 400 bridges and canals bustling with gondolas. Brimming with art treasures with modern and contemporary galleries, museums and masterpieces, Renaissance palaces and Gothic churches you will enjoy an enchanting journey of art and culture. Our visit to Italy’s floating city with its air of sophistication and irresistible old-world charm is sure to delight.
Day 6: Our full day highlight excursion takes us to the world-famous city of Verona, the romantic capital of Europe and one of Italy’s oldest and most attractive cities. Situated on the banks of the River Adige and perhaps best known for its association with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it boasts a rich array of art and architecture. Its heart is dominated by a mammoth, remarkably well-preserved 1st-century Roman amphitheatre, the venue for the city’s annual summer opera festival. Piazza Bra is the largest piazza in Verona, lined with numerous cafés and restaurants for a relaxing pit stop. Verona is a shoppers’ paradise too, with something for everyone – from the daily market in Piazza delle Erbe, where there are plenty of bargains to snap up and a great selection of local produce, to the stylish boutiques and designer shops on Via Mazzini. If you would like to learn a little more about this wonderful city you may wish to join an optional guided tour.
Day 7: Today we say Arriverderci and begin our return journey, making an overnight stop in Saarbrucken.
Day 8: After breakfast we continue our journey home.
NB: Optional excursions are arranged locally and are subject to minimum numbers in order to operate.