Based in Bardolino on magnificent Lake Garda, our tour takes you on a tasty journey to the hidden treasures and gems around the lake. We include a tasting at a 500-yearold wine estate, an amazing lunch at a traditional trattoria, a visit to Venice and time to relax on the lakeside. *Balcony Rooms in Main Stay Hotel
Day 1 SUNDAY We travel to Dover for the short ferry crossing to Calais. We continue through France to Metz arriving at the Novotel Amnéville, our overnight hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 MONDAY 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 TUESDAY Today is a free day to relax by the lake. Bardolino lies at the foot of rolling hills covered with orchards, olive groves and the vineyards for which the town is so famous. We spend today at leisure enjoying its medieval, traffic-free centre. Its main square is full of inviting pavement cafés where you can relax and enjoy a glass of the locally produced wine. Should you wish, you could take a ferry to nearby Lazise, a hidden gem of a beautiful historic walled town (not included).
Day 4 WEDNESDAY A long but wonderful full day excursion takes us first to Tronchetto, to catch a water bus to St Mark’s Square in Venice. Stunning architecture and a labyrinth of mysterious passageways await exploration in 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 Tronchetto.
Day 5 THURSDAY 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 FRIDAY 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 6 SATURDAY 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 7 SUNDAY Today we have to leave our hotel after breakfast and begin our return journey north. We reach our overnight hotel at Metz Amnéville, arriving in time for dinner.
Day 8 MONDAY We continue through France to Calais and join a late afternoon short sea crossing to Dover before travelling to the local area and home.
Lake Garda’s four-star Parc Hotel Gritti 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, air-conditioning, mini fridge, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has Wi-Fi and a lift, and entertainment in the Piano Bar on some evenings.
