Riviera Travel Grand Tour of the Italian Lakes

• Enjoy a journey on the famous Centovalli railway
• Take a gondola ride on the canals of Venice
• Explore the Baroque villa on Isola Bella

• Return flights and transfers
• 15nts in 4* accommodation
• Bed & Breakfast
• 16 included experiences
• Welcome drink
• Services of an expert tour manager

Day 1: Arrive in Lake Garda
Fly to Italy. On arrival, transfer to the town of Bardolino on Lake Garda. The rest of the day is at leisure before a welcome drink reception at the hotel.

Day 2: Lake Garda
Today, take a tour of the Lake both on land and by boat. Along the way, you’ll visit a selection of its lakeside villages

Day 3: The Dolomites
Head north to the Dolomite mountains where you’ll spend the day exploring, stopping at some of the tiny hamlets along the way and perhaps taking a cable car to enjoy panoramic views.

Day 4: Free day
Enjoy a full day to spend as you wish. Unwind at the hotel or explore the lake further.

Day 5: Venice
After an early breakfast, drive to Venice for a full day tour. Choose between the Classic tour, which takes you to all the highlights such as St Mark’s, the Doge’s Palace and the Campanile, or the undiscovered tour, which takes you to less-visited places. See the Santa Maria della Pieta church and orphanage where Vivaldi taught music before wandering to Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo to admire the adjacent houses and churches.

Day 6: Free morning & Vineyard visit
Relax this morning in Bardolino before visiting a family run wine estate for a guided tour followed by a tasting. While here, you’ll also enjoy a rustic lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Day 7: Verona
Head to Verona for a walking tour. You’ll wander through narrow streets and marketplaces before visiting Juliet’s Balcony and the Roman arena. See the 12^th century cathedral and the roman theatre, as well as San Zeno, a fine Romanesque church. If you’ve visited Verona before, there’s an ‘undiscovered tour’ available which including many cultural gems that most never visit. The afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring Verona at your own pace.

Day 8: Arrive in Lake Iseo
In the afternoon, depart Lake Garda and travel to nearby Lake Iseo. On arrival, take a scenic boat ride across the lake. On returning, the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.

Day 9: Depart for Lake Maggiore
This morning, continue your journey to Lake Maggiore, checking into your hotel on arrival. The rest of the day is at leisure, with the tour manager on hand to offer suggestions of activities or places to visit.

Day 10: Borromean Islands
Spend the day exploring the beautiful Borromean Islands. On Isola Bella, you’ll take a tour of the 17^th Century villa before heading to Isola dei Pescatori, the only permanent inhabited of the three islands, and the perfect place for a relaxing lunch at leisure. On returning to Stresa in the afternoon, head to the lake’s only Sky Bar for a glass of fizz as you take in the views.

Day 11: Centovalli Railway
Cruise across the lake to Cannobio, where you’ll have free time before taking a coach to the Swiss town of Locarno. Here, you’ll have some more free time before boarding the Centovalli train as it winds its way through the mountains. The panoramic carriages allow you to enjoy the scenery as you travel to Domodossola. Here, disembark the train for your journey back to Lake Maggiore.

Day 12: Lake Como
Travel to Lake Como today where you’ll spend the day exploring, with some free time to explore Como town before returning to Stresa

Day 13: Visit Isola Madre & evening cruise
Enjoy a relaxing morning and afternoon before taking a cruise to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands. Take some time to wander through the botanical garden and enjoy a cup of tea and cake while admiring the views. Following dinner at leisure, end the evening with a cruise around the islands.

Day 14: Zermatt & the Matterhorn
Climb into the foothills of the alps as you journey through the Simplon Pass to reach the village of Zermatt which lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. Spend some time exploring, perhaps taking to cog railway to 3000m for brilliant views of glacier and summits.

Day 15: Lake Orta
Head to Lake Orta, visiting to the village of Orta San Giulio before taking a cruise to the island of San Giulio which is home to a beautiful basilica.

Day 16: Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home after breakfast.

Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa, Bardolino****
Located just a mile from Bardolino, this resort hotel offers a range of facilities including as spa, as well as several thermal pools. The restaurant serves both local and international dishes. Rooms here have either a terrace or balcony.

Araba Fenice, Lake Iseo****
Sitting on the banks of the lake, this peaceful hotel offers spectacular views as well as a restaurant and pool.

Hotel Simplon, Baveno****
With its own landscaped gardens, this hotel has an outdoor pool with a relaxing deck area. The restaurant and cosy bar both offer lovely views of the park and lake. All rooms here feature an en-suite bathroom, safe, tv and minibar.

Fact file

• Currency: Euro
• Flight time: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins to 2 hrs 55 mins
• Language: Italian
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Country: Italy

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic.