Treasures of Lake Garda, Venice & Verona - Unique Small Group
Your Guided Small Group Tour to Lake Garda
Let's discover Lake Garda, a region renowned for its stunning natural scenery, lovely lakeside towns and relaxing atmosphere. On this small group holiday in Italy our base will be in the picturesque towns of Limone or Torbole, with each offering their own unique charm. One of the top Italy excursions will include a boat trip on Lake Garda where we'll visit Malcesine and Riva del Garda. Enjoy a traditional Gondola ride through the canals and waterways, as part of our guided tour of Venice, where we'll see other iconic sights like St. Mark's Square, Rialto bridge and the Palazzo Ducale. Discover the 'Fair City of Verona', its preserved medieval old town is a UNESCO Heritage Site and learn more about the Romans with a tour of the Arena di Verona, its most prominent landmark. We'll also enjoy wine tasting at family run vineyard in Trentino. There will be ample leisure time to soak up the serene surroundings and explore more of the towns around Lake Garda.
Please Note:
- Stays in the Hotel Le Palme will be on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Leisurely
Day
Travel to Italy
Transfer to Lake Garda
Upon arrival in Italy, we will be met in the arrivals area of the airport by our local representative who will accompany us to your hotel. On our transfer our guide will share some information about the local region, suggest activities for you to enjoy and answer any questions we may have.
Boat Trip on Lake Garda & Aperitivo
Explore Lake Garda
After breakfast, join our guide for a short walking tour of Riva. Following this, we'll board a private boat for a unique sightseeing tour. Our first stop will be at Limone, a small village backed by lemon groves, with waterside cafes and cobbled streets lined with shops. Afterwards, with fantastic panoramas and a spectacular mountain backdrop, travel onwards for a visit to Malcesine.
Aperitivo & At Leisure
Join us this afternoon for an included relaxing aperitivo in this picturesque lake side town famed for its medieval Scaligero Castle.
The boat will then return to Riva del Garda, but if you wish to stay on, you may return by public bus or boat later in the afternoon (this will be at your own expense). If remaining in Malcesine, we recommend a trip in the cable car which will take you 1,800 metres above sea level, with spectacular views.
Please Note
For holidays based in Limone, a coach transfer has been arranged from your hotel to Riva del Garda, where there will be a short walking tour and some free time before beginning your boat tour.
Venice & Gondola Ride
Excursion to Venice
Join us on today’s full day excursion exploring the enchanting warren of canals, alleys and squares that make up the fascinating city of Venice. Known as 'La Serenissima' or The most Serene,Venice is a prized jewel in Italy's glorious crown. Witness its famous landmarks such as St. Mark's Square, the stunning Gothic building of Ca’ d’Oro, and the imposing Palazzo Ducale. Admire 16th and 17th century art in the Galleria Franchetti and take a photograph on the Ponte di Rialto.
Gondola Ride
Following our morning exploring this fascinating city we will experience a journey along the waterways on our included gondola ride. We’ll savour the sights as our gondolier glides through the canals!
We’ll have some free time to admire the piazzas, bridges and ornate dwellings that adorn the quaysides of Venice's extensive network of canals, before returning to our hotel at Lake Garda.
At Leisure
At Leisure
Today, you will have a full day to relax and enjoy Lake Garda's charms. Shop, sightsee at your own pace or sit by the lake and take in the incredible views. You can take a water taxi across the lake to explore at your leisure and your local guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your interests and advise which highlights are a must see.
Verona & The Arena
Trip to Verona
Following breakfast, we will depart by coach for Verona, via the east side of the lake or the motorway. Either way, the journey time is generally about 60 minutes. Verona is very popular among tourists as well as being a significant commercial hub, given its position half way between Venice and Milan. Of particular interest is Juliet's balcony - the fact that the balcony was added to the house in the 20th century doesn't deter the hundreds of thousands of visitors that flock to see and photograph it every year.
Our visit today will include a guided tour of the Verona Arena. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the importance of its historical buildings and is probably best known today for the Roman amphitheatre, now home to the world famous Verona Opera festival, which runs from late June to early September.
At Leisure
At Leisure
Enjoy a day by the lake at your own pace. Why not pick up some last minute souvenirs or enjoy a coffee, gelato or glass of wine at a local café.
Vineyard Visit
At Leisure
Enjoy a leisurely morning before joining our afternoon excursion.
Vineyard Visit
Join us this afternoon on a visit to a local family run winery, Cantina Pisoni, where wines of the Trentino are produced according to the principals of biodynamics. Our visit will include a tour with our knowledgeable wine maker followed by savouring some of their wines at a tasting session.
Return Home
Depart Lake Garda
On our last day, it’s time to say farewell to Lake Garda and set off for home as we travel with guide assistance to the airport for our flight home.
Ciao Bella Italia!
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.