Compare The Southern Shores of Lake Garda by Titan Travel vs Country Roads of Northern Italy - Small Group Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 London - Verona/Milan - Sirmione, Lake Garda
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Verona or Milan. On arrival we transfer to the Hotel Du Parc (4T) in Sirmione, on the shores of beautiful Lake Garda.

Day 2 Sirmione
Today is a free day to explore Sirmione, one of Lake Garda’s older settlements; with evidence of fishermen living in stilt houses during the Stone Age, having been found along these banks. The town’s beautiful setting has made it a popular place to visit ever since. Scaliger Castle is an incredibly well maintained 13th century fortification. Traverse the drawbridge and climb the numerous steps to the castle ramparts to view the land and the lake as the medieval guards once did. Or experience a more relaxed side of the town’s history with a visit to the Roman thermal baths, which were supplied by the mineral rich water that bubbled out of Lake Garda at remarkably warm temperatures. Alternately, visit the Grotto of Catullus to walk amongst the remains of northern Italy’s largest Roman villa.

Day 3 Venice
We take a coach to Venice, where we board a motorboat for the ultimate travel experience to St Mark’s Square, with its beautiful arcades. On arrival, we take a walk with a guide through the historic centre, becoming acquainted with the alleys and the canals. You have the rest of the day to make your own discoveries - take a romantic gondola trip through the canals, or maybe take a boat trip to admire the more prominent islands of this intricate archipelago and their significant sights. Explore the city’s cobblestone streets and you will find fabulous palaces, or churches decorated with priceless art and the colourful Rialto market, or climb to the top of St Mark’s iconic Bell Tower for some of the most incredible views over the city.

Day 4 Lake Garda
Today we have a guided tour of Lake Garda, stopping in characteristic villages and at photographic spectacles. We visit the beautiful medieval hamlet of Lazise to explore its narrow alleys and picturesque squares, and the pretty village of Malcesine with cobbled lanes and a 13th century castle with an interesting museum of the area’s natural history, before we take a break for lunch in Riva. Considered the most important town on the lake, it has an interesting historic centre with an Austrian flavour, long beaches and a beautiful mountainous backdrop. The town’s position allowed it to have control over the north banks of the lake and trade routes over the Alps; the fortifications were essential to ward off envious rulers. After time to explore, we cross the lake by ferry to Limone, the most picturesque village on the lake and spend the rest of the afternoon in this town, forever associated with its old lemon groves (although the name derives from the Latin for ‘boundary’, reflecting the town’s history). We return to the hotel in time for dinner.

Day 5 The Dolomites
Enjoy wonderful views as we explore the Dolomites today, beginning with a drive through breathtaking narrow gorges as we head to Lake Carezza, a small mountain lake which reflects a rainbow of colours, giving it the second name ‘Lec de Ergobando’. It is said the rainbow was created by a magician who admired the beautiful mermaid who hides within these waters. After a short time here, we proceed to Canazei, an alpine village rich in tradition and a popular ski destination. From here, our journey becomes even more enthralling as we negotiate the multiple hairpin bends of Pordoi Pass. We stop for lunch and the opportunity to take the cable car to the pinnacle of Sass Pordoi (some 2,950 metres). From the top you can enjoy the stunning 360° view across the titanic mountain peaks of the Alpine Range. We ascend into Moena in the Fiemme Valley for time to explore this quaint, cosy village and maybe try some local apple strudel, before our journey home takes us through lush green valleys.

Day 6 Sirmione
Fill your day as you wish. Perhaps with sightseeing in Sirmione or enjoy a lovely stroll along the banks of Lake Garda.

Day 7 Verona
We start our tour of Verona by coach, taking in the many beautiful buildings and monuments that lie in the city’s outskirts. Entering the centre of Verona, we take a guided walk which leads you past numerous Roman and Medieval remains such as Piazza Brá, the main square which is surrounded by magnificent palaces and the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, and holds a statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first ruler of Unified Italy. You may also visit the perfectly preserved Roman Mercato Vecchio and Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s commercial centre in the Middle Ages where souvenirs are still sold, or the Scaliger tombs, where the prominent Scala family rest within impressive monuments of Gothic architecture. And of course, we will see Juliet’s balcony, the most iconic of Verona’s sites which takes your mind back to Shakespeare’s powerful tale of eternal love. There will be free time, before our coach returns to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 8 Sirmione - Verona/Milan - London
We depart by coach to Verona or Milan Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.

Day 1: Welcome to Italy

After a warm welcome at Milan’s Malpensa Airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 09:30 and 12:30. Meet your Travel Director at 15:30 and join a local historian to naviguate through Milan's history and the life of Leonardo da Vinci. See the impressive facade of Milan Cathedral and the world famous La Scala Opera House. Linking the two is the elegant glass vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques. Mingle and get to know your fellow travellers during your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Fair Verona and Trento

Cross the fertile plains of Lombardy to fair Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Explore its maze of elegant squares and visit the well-preserved Roman Arena, still used for opera performances.Explore Verona with Insight Choice. Choose a walking tour through the grand piazzas, see the statue of Dante and admire the Gothic tombs of the Scala family. Alternatively, embark on a Shakespeare-themed walk to recount famous moments from the story of Romeo and Juliet, stopping at Juliet's famed balcony. Continue on to Trento, regarded as one of Italy's most appealing cities to live in.

Day 3: Climb up to Cortina d’Ampezzo Relaxed Start

Follow the Adige River north into the magnificent mountains and the distinctive limestone peaks of the Dolomites. Arrive at the town of Bolzano, where Italy and Austria culturally collide and you are at leisure to explore the arcaded streets and squares. Continue along the zig-zagging scenic route to Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy’s most exclusive ski resort and a beautiful alpine haven during summer.

Day 4: The Dolomites at Leisure Relaxed Start

Enjoy a day at your leisure in this fashionable playground of the rich and famous, surrounded by towering cathedrals of rock. Take in the fresh mountain air as you stroll the pedestrianised Corso Italia, lined with designer stores and backed by the impressive green and white bell tower of the parish church. Why not ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks for magnificent panoramic views of the Dolomites?

Day 5: Through Prosecco Country to Venice

Travel down through more majestic Dolomite scenery to one of the world’s most breathtaking wine regions. Protected by the Alps to the north, and caressed by the warm breezes from the Adriatic, the vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine. Stop at Carmina where great care is taken to ensure these hand-picked grapes produce the world's finest prosecco. See how production differs from its more famous French counterpart, champagne. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavours and learn how to make the perfect bellini. Continue on to the unique and remarkable island city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic and check into your hotel.

Day 6: The Magic of La Serenissima

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.What better way to see Venice than from a private boat, cruising past palazzos and churches to St. Mark’s Square? See the gilded basilica, the Doge's Palace and Lord Byron’s Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the myriad of beautiful canals. Relax and enjoy traditional local songs, as you drift along in romantic awe. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night falls, why not savour the magic of St. Mark’s Square with its orchestras and al-fresco cafes?

Day 7: Sirmione and Como Relaxed Start

Bid farewell to this enchanting city and continue past the university town of Padua to the peaceful shores of Lake Garda, the largest of Italy's lakes. Visit the charming resort of Sirmione clustered around the 13th century Scaligero Castle and jutting out into the lake, near the tip of a narrow peninsula.Follow the southern fringes of the Alps to reach the spectacular Italian Lake District and your hotel on the shores of Lake Como, where you will enjoy views on the lake from your room. Later, you have a choice of cuisine and ambience from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.

Day 8: Como at Leisure and Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Como. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this is a prime people watching spot with Europe’s rich and famous. Journey onwards to Lake Maggiore's Baveno, renowned for its charming 16th century square and narrow cobbled streets.

Day 9: Italian Lakes at Leisure Relaxed Start

Relish a full day to relax and enjoy this popular resort and beautiful lake. Napoleon came here to plan his Italian Campaign, and Mussolini and Chamberlain met here before World War II to sign the Treaty of Stresa. Perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands? Isola Bella is where Carlo Borromeo built his charming Palace. Savour delicious Farm-to-Table cuisine during your Celebration Dinner, accompanied by some exquisite Italian wines. Raise a glass to your travels and newfound friends.

Day 10: Depart Milan

Your journey draws to a close in the morning and transfers arrive at Milan's Malpensa Airport at 07:30 and 10:30.