Lake Garda, Venice & Verona

This seven-night Escorted Tour offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the best of Northern Italy. Based in one of the charming towns surrounding Lake Garda, such as Riva del Garda, Limone, or Torbole, you will enjoy a perfect balance of organised sightseeing and relaxed free time. Your Lake Garda Venice tour begins with a stay in a comfortable four-star hotel, with half-board meals included to make your holiday as straightforward and value-conscious as possible. Lake Garda is famous for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain scenery. On your first full day, you will take to the water on a private boat tour, stopping at Limone and Malcesine. Limone is known for its beautiful lemon groves and narrow streets, while Malcesine offers the chance to see the historic Scaligero Castle. If you are travelling during the winter months, this is replaced by a trip to the scenic city of Bolzano in the South Tyrol region. A major highlight of this holiday is the full-day trip to Venice. Known as ‘The Most Serene’, Venice is a city built on water, filled with iconic sights like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. You will have time to wander through the winding alleys and across the many bridges that cross the famous canals. For those travelling in the height of summer, this trip is organised with a later departure to include a light lunch and an evening atmosphere in the city. You will also visit Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, which still hosts world-renowned opera performances today. Beyond the famous balcony, Verona is a bustling commercial centre with elegant squares and historic architecture that is a pleasure to explore on foot. Throughout the week, there is ample free time built into the schedule. Whether you prefer to find a quiet lakeside cafe for a gelato, shop for local souvenirs, or take a public water taxi to explore another part of the lake, the choice is yours. An optional excursion to the Italian Alps is also available, offering a chance to see unspoilt mountain villages and enjoy a wine tasting session in a local vineyard. With direct flights from Dublin and the assistance of a professional tour leader, this is a stress-free way to see the very best of Northern Italy.