Based in Bardolino on magnificent Lake Garda, our tour takes you on a tasty journey to the hidden treasures and gems around Lake Garda. We include a tasting at a 500- year-old wine estate, an amazing lunch at a traditional trattoria, a visit to Venice and time to relax on the lakeside.
Day 1 We travel to Dover for the short ferry crossing to Calais. We continue through France to Germany arriving at our overnight hotel near Saarlouis in time for an evening meal.
Day 2 We continue our journey into the mountains of Austria and across the Brenner Pass into Italy, arriving on the shores of Lake Garda in time for an evening meal and a stay of six nights with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Parc Gritti Hotel.
Day 3 Today is a free day to relax by the lake. Bardolino is at the southern end of Lake Garda, at the foot of hills covered with olive groves and vineyards. It is not only known for the production of the famous Bardolino red wine and the rosé Chiaretto, but for the beauty of the old town centre with its numerous narrow streets, many interesting shops and restaurants and long promenades along the lake shore.
Day 4 A long but wonderful full day excursion takes us first to Tronchetto this morning, to catch a water bus to St Mark’s Square in Venice. Stunning architecture and a labyrinth of mysterious passageways await exploration on this city built on a lagoon. Discover hidden museums, churches, palaces and wonderful restaurants, or take a romantic gondola ride, before we return by water taxi to Tronchetta.
Day 5 This morning we visit the delightful lakeside town of Salò, which boasts the longest promenade on the lake. There is free time to explore and have lunch in this historic location, before we drive into the beautiful Valtenesi countryside. At the Cantina Redaelli de Zinis, we visit the wine cellars and indulge in some delicious wine tasting.
Day 6 We visit the ‘jewel’ of Lake Garda – the peninsula of Sirmione, with its lovely moated castle and medieval centre. In the countryside close by, we discover the small chapel of San Martino della Battaglia, before reaching Trattoria da Arturo for our lunch. Enjoy some of the best handmade pasta you will ever taste, with grilled meats, and washed down with homemade wine – a truly authentic Italian experience.
Day 7 Another free day to explore the area. Alternatively, join your driver on a drive south to the stunning city of Mantua, where you will find plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops full of the local specialities. We return via the beautiful village of Borghetto sul Mincio. We enjoy a Speciality Farewell Dinner at our hotel this evening.
Day 8 Today we have to leave our hotel after breakfast and begin our return journey north. We reach our overnight hotel near Saarbrucken arriving in time for dinner.
Day 9 We continue through France to Dunkirk and join a late afternoon short sea crossing to Dover before travelling to the local area and home.
Lake Garda’s four-star Parc Gritti Hotel is just a ten-minute walk from the old centre of Bardolino, whilst the lakefront and the partner beach are just 10 metres away. The hotel has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, sauna and Turkish bath. Bedrooms are equipped with TV, telephone, WiFi, airconditioning, mini fridge, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift, and entertainment in the Piano Bar on some evenings.
