Saturday
Following your early morning door-to-door taxi service from home to coach, we make our way across Europe to our overnight hotel. Dinner this evening will be a 3-course fixed menu with a vegetarian option. (overnight bags are advisable).
Sunday
After a continental buffet breakfast, we continue our journey into Italy and on to the Grand Hotel Riva. The hotel is located in the old town of Riva del Garda, on the promenade at the start of the pedestrian area. (Please note that since 2019 Riva del Garda has closed all the town centre to traffic, for this reason there is a 5-minute walk from where the coach is allowed to drop you and the hotel).
Monday
We enjoy a drive along the Eastern shore of Lake Garda through the charming villages of Garda, Bardolino and Lazise. We take a boat ride to Sirmione and explore this picturesque little town, featuring quaint narrow streets and the Grottoes of Catullo, ruins of a 1st century Roman Villa. Included is a visit to a traditional olive mill to discover the secrets of this key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet.
Tuesday
We travel to Verona and have a guided tour of the city that was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Enjoy the Piazza Bra the most beautiful square located in historical centre of Verona or why not have a little look round the shops in Via Mazzini, surrounded by history, art and modern life. Also included in today’s itinerary is a visit to a wine cellar in the Valpolicella area to taste the wonderfully rich, red Amarone wine.
Wednesday
Tour to cozy Lake Tenno, through the Ballino pass on to Lake Toblino with its memorable Castle. Grappa tasting at a local producer, en route to the Drena Castle before the last stop in Arco, where its castle dominates the view down to Lake Garda.
Thursday
During our holiday we travel to Tronchetto coach park and take the waterbus to Venice where we discover the secrets of its incredible architecture and history with a local guide, taking in the splendour of the Doge’s Palace, majestic St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge.
Friday
Sadly, we have to leave Rival Del Garda and Italy and travel back to our overnight hotel. Dinner this evening will be a 3-course fixed menu with a vegetarian option.
Saturday
After a continental buffet breakfast we depart our overnight hotel and travel to Calais for our return crossing back to the UK and onto Cobham Services for our awaiting taxis.