Italy Express: Lake Garda

The adventure

Explore lakeside gems on this six-day adventure through northern Italy. Based at Lake Garda, you’ll discover Mesolithic remains at Manerba del Garda, sit down to lunch at a local winery and join a guided walking tour through Verona. Stroll through the romantic city, famed for its Roman Arena, see Juliet’s balcony and cruise across Lake Garda to Sirmione. Learn about the ancient ruins at Grotte di Catullo and enjoy plenty of free time to explore at your own pace – maybe visit Scaliger Castle or join your fellow travellers for a pizza feast!

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Italy

Day 1Lake GardaCiao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10 am this morning in Manerba del Garda, situated on the shores of Lake Garda – the largest lake in Italy known for its crystal-clear waters, medieval fortresses and mountains. After your welcome meeting, set off on an orientation walk through Manerba de Garda. With remains from the Mesolithic period, stilt houses and beautiful beaches, there’s plenty to see here. Stop at a local winery for lunch before enjoying a free afternoon to continue exploring at your own pace. Tonight, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a local restaurant.

Lake Garda

Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10 am this morning in Manerba del Garda, situated on the shores of Lake Garda – the largest lake in Italy known for its crystal-clear waters, medieval fortresses and mountains. After your welcome meeting, set off on an orientation walk through Manerba de Garda. With remains from the Mesolithic period, stilt houses and beautiful beaches, there’s plenty to see here. Stop at a local winery for lunch before enjoying a free afternoon to continue exploring at your own pace. Tonight, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2Lake GardaToday is free for you to choose your own adventure! You might take a cable car from Malcesine to Monte Baldo for panoramic views of the lake or visit Isola del Garda – the largest island on Lake Garda and part of the commune of San Felice del Benaco. Later, you could stroll through the Heller Botanical Gardens, relax in the thermal spas or set off on a bike ride through the cliffside tunnels in Limone.

Lake Garda

Today is free for you to choose your own adventure! You might take a cable car from Malcesine to Monte Baldo for panoramic views of the lake or visit Isola del Garda – the largest island on Lake Garda and part of the commune of San Felice del Benaco. Later, you could stroll through the Heller Botanical Gardens, relax in the thermal spas or set off on a bike ride through the cliffside tunnels in Limone.

Day 3Lake GardaThis morning, set off on a guided walking tour of Verona. Explore the romantic city famed for its Roman Arena and the legendary balcony of Juliet’s house from Romeo and Juliet. Stroll through its bustling piazzas and historic architecture and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage–listed city. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations!

Lake Garda

This morning, set off on a guided walking tour of Verona. Explore the romantic city famed for its Roman Arena and the legendary balcony of Juliet’s house from Romeo and Juliet. Stroll through its bustling piazzas and historic architecture and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage–listed city. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations!

Day 4Lake GardaToday is a free day for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe lace up your walking boots and set off along the scenic Old Ponale Road Path near Riva del Garda orvisit Limone sul Garda – a town known for its lemon groves and traditional limoncello. Or head into the Dolomites – the scenic mountain range that forms part of the Southern Limestone Alps. In the afternoon, maybe explore the lake on a sunset cruise, visit the grand villa and gardens of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio at Vittoriale degli Italiani or discover the medieval castle in Arco.

Lake Garda

Today is a free day for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe lace up your walking boots and set off along the scenic Old Ponale Road Path near Riva del Garda orvisit Limone sul Garda – a town known for its lemon groves and traditional limoncello. Or head into the Dolomites – the scenic mountain range that forms part of the Southern Limestone Alps. In the afternoon, maybe explore the lake on a sunset cruise, visit the grand villa and gardens of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio at Vittoriale degli Italiani or discover the medieval castle in Arco.

Day 5Lake GardaThis morning, board a ferry to Sirmione – a lakeside town known for its thermal baths and Roman ruins. When you arrive, set off on a guided walk through the Grotte di Catullo – the fascinating ruins of a 1st-century Roman villa overlooking Lake Garda. As you wander through the ancient stone walls, hear the stories and learn about life in Roman times. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in Sirmione – maybe discover the historic Scaliger Castle, stroll through the town centre, Centro Storico Sirmione, or visit Chiesa di San Pietro. Later, take the ferry back across Lake Garda. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner.

Lake Garda

This morning, board a ferry to Sirmione – a lakeside town known for its thermal baths and Roman ruins. When you arrive, set off on a guided walk through the Grotte di Catullo – the fascinating ruins of a 1st-century Roman villa overlooking Lake Garda. As you wander through the ancient stone walls, hear the stories and learn about life in Roman times. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in Sirmione – maybe discover the historic Scaliger Castle, stroll through the town centre, Centro Storico Sirmione, or visit Chiesa di San Pietro. Later, take the ferry back across Lake Garda. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner.

Day 6Lake GardaAfter a morning spent at your leisure, rejoin your group for lunch at a local restaurant in Manerba de Garda. If you haven’t got your pizza and pasta fix yet, be sure to tuck in! After lunch, your trip comes to an end. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to Italy, why not stay a few extra days — just speak with your booking agent ahead of time.

Lake Garda

After a morning spent at your leisure, rejoin your group for lunch at a local restaurant in Manerba de Garda. If you haven’t got your pizza and pasta fix yet, be sure to tuck in! After lunch, your trip comes to an end. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to Italy, why not stay a few extra days — just speak with your booking agent ahead of time.

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