Lake Garda, Venice and Verona

For centuries, Italy has drawn visitors in search of culture and romance, with few countries comparing with its enormous classical origins, its art, architecture, music, design, scenery, food and wine.

Italy’s contribution to European painting and sculpture surpasses that of any other nation. Blend this with the magnificent scenery of the Italian lakes, one of the world’s great cuisines and the attitude of living life to the absolute maximum inside every Italian and you have a superb destination for a tour.

Italy is blessed with some fantastic scenery and some of the finest is to be found as you approach the Alps around Lake Garda where images of the abundant flowers and trees, which cover the banks, are reflected in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour. The picturesque lake with gentle waves lapping slowly onto the shingle shoreline, with the stunning snow-capped Alps
in the background, interspersed by picturesque villages all fit together in a beautifully balanced mosaic of harmony. Further north, we see the Dolomite mountains, some of the most spectacular alpine scenery on earth.

It is only in the past 150 years that Italy has come to exist as a nation state formed from a collection of largely independent cities often separated by almost impenetrable marshes or mountain ranges. They then evolved totally separately and on this tour we shall visit two of them, the very different but very classic cities of Verona and Venice.

Verona is without doubt one of the most attractive cities you will ever see and appropriately well known as the setting for the legendary story of Romeo and Juliet. It has been important since ancient times and in fact has more ancient remains than any city in Italy except Rome itself. Its most striking monument is the arena – the third largest ever built – where a range of entertainments were presented, including gladiatorial combat. Enclosed by massive and extremely well preserved ramparts, the city has a lovely medieval feel to it with pink-hued buildings lining the streets having been lovingly restored.

All the photographs and pictures you have seen of St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Grand Canal have been simply telling the extraordinary truth that Venice is a stunning city. You cannot walk for more than a few minutes without seeing something to make you stop and admire. Indeed a roll-call of “must see” churches alone would number more than fifty. As far as art is concerned there is probably no other city with so many collections of such quality. Indeed the Accademia museum consists of nothing but masterpieces. The city itself has been painted countless times, with the views exactly as Canaletto captured them, the Campanile and St. Mark’s Square look straight from a film set. The city was founded 1500 years ago and was to become the dominant power in the Mediterranean, being at the crossroads of east and west. Trading exploded and wealth positively flooded in creating the richest city in the world. In the centre of it all, St. Mark’s Square was a hive of activity, packed with berobed bankers and entrepreneurs finalising another eastern expedition in search of the spices, fine silks, ivory and other luxury items Europe’s aristocracy and monarchs craved.

However, Italy is much more than majestic cities and this can be particularly noticed in the restaurants. Boasting one of the world’s greatest cuisines, far from being pizza and pasta, one of the first things which strikes you about visiting a restaurant in Italy, is how deeply embedded in the culture, food and drink really is. Fresh vegetables and salads abound, combined with succulent meats, seafood, a hint of garlic and the finest olive oil create simple, tasty, wholesome and healthy menus.

One of the greatest joys of visiting Italy is, of course, the Italians themselves. Stylish, always ready to help and, if there is a single national characteristic – it is living life to the full, creating a fantastic atmosphere so much in evidence everywhere – so come with us and see.

Fully escorted price includes:

• Return flights
• Seven nights half board in a choice of three and four star hotels
• Tour of beautiful Lake Garda - Italy's largest lake
• Guided sightseeing tour of Verona - city of Romeo and Juliet
• Tour of the Dolomites - dramatic alpine scenery
• Guided sightseeing tour of Venice, perhaps the most unique city on earth
• Service of an experienced Italian speaking tour manager

Please click here to view prices for specific departures.

Prices based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms and optional insurance available at a supplement.

Follow this link to view a sample Lake Garda, Venice and Verona itinerary. 

Please click here to request your Lake Garda, Venice and Verona tour brochure, or alternatively please call 01283 742 346.

This holiday is operated by, and your resulting contract will be with: Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton upon Trent, Staffs, DE14 1SP, fax: 01283 742301, ABTA V4744 ATOL 3430 protected, a company wholly independent of The Mirror Group Limited.