Compare The Southern Shores of Lake Garda by Titan Travel vs Highlights of Northern Italy: Venice, Lake Como, Milan and Piedmont by Viandando Luxury Travel

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.

Day1: Arrival At Venice Airport And Private Transfer To Your Accommodation

Arrival at Venice International airport and transfer to your accommodation. Rest of the day at your leisure for resting and relaxing.

Day 2: Venice Wine Tour

Enjoy our Venice Wine tour. During this fascinating 2-hour walking tour of Venice, you’ll receive an insider’s glimpse into the lives and habits of authentic Venetians while visiting a favorite local Venetian hangout: winebars called baccari (or bacari). After meeting your guide in the center of Venice, you will wind through streets and over secondary canals as you learn more about lesser-known legends and hidden places off the beaten track. See unforgettable landmarks, and experience Venice as few visitors do! Your private walking and wine-tasting tour includes stops in two baccari (winebars) that are filled to the brim with Venetians at the classic aperitivo time of 7pm. At the winebar, crowded with locals, you can sip a bubbly Prosecco or a smooth Soave and devour a cicchetto, a local Venetian snack, while your expert local guide tells you more about the traditional cuisine, native wines, history, and assorted lore. Some typical cicchettos are small pieces of toast with baccala, tiny meatballs, hardboiled eggs filled with anchovies, or pieces of fried, seasonal vegetables. This tour is perfect before lunch or dinner. After the tour, you guide will be happy to suggest a great local restaurant for lunch or dinner where you can continue discovering this authentic side Venice!

Day 3: Murano And Burano Tour

Morning dedicated to the visit of the amazing islands of Murano and Burano. First stop is Murano. This island, where all of Venice’s glass factories have been located since the 13th-century, is the most famous place for glassmaking in the entire world – and for good reason, as you’ll see soon. You’ll stop at an authentic glassmaking factory, which we’ve handpicked both for its history and quality. Then you will continue to Burano, a working fisherman’s island, famous for its brightly painted buildings. Return to Venice around lunch time and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 4: Private Transfer To Venice Station, High – Speed Train To Florence And Transfer To Your Accommodation

Following breakfast and check out your private boat driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Venice station. Catch your high – speed train to Florence. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation

Private Guided Tour Of Florence With Accademia Gallery

Start your Florentine sojourn with a guided orientation walk to admire the most important Florentine sites: the Cathedral with its Giotto Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio knowing for its gleaming gold shops. The tour also includes the visit of the Accademia Gallery that houses the David by Michelangelo.

Day 5: Cooking Class Followed By Lunch And Leisure Time In San Gimignano

Following breakfast your private driver will meet at your accommodation and take you to a lovely agriturismo immersed in a magnificent Tuuscan landscape. Enjoy a fun cooking class and learn all the secrets to prepare a full delicious Tuscan Menu. At the end of your class enjoy the fruits of your labour accompanied by the great wines produced at the Estate. In the afternoon take the chance to visit San Gimignano an enchanting hilly town known as the “medieval Manhattan” for its striking skyline, which outlines thirteen medieval watchtowers. Return to Florence late afternoon and overnight stay.

Day 6: Guided Visit Of The Uffizi Gallery And Palazzo Vecchio

Today enjoy a guided visit of the incredible Uffizi Gallery – one of the world’s oldest museums and one of the most important art collections anywhere. With works by Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli and Caravaggio.This tour also visits the Palazzo Vecchio; one-time home to the Medici family. Here you’ll visit the Council of 500, made famous by Dan Brown and Michelangelo. Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 7: High – Speed Train To Rome And Trastevere Food Tour

Following breakfast and check out take your high – speed train to Rome. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation. Late afternoon enjoy our Twilight Trastevere Food Tour. On this guided 4-hour walking food tour we explore this photogenic neighbourhood by night. You’ll sample a sumptuous blend of Italian classics like pizza and pasta, real Roman street food, less-known meats and cheeses, and amazing wine in a secret cellar – its history will blow you away. Few activities in Rome deliver as many hidden surprises and enchanting moments as this, so be sure to join us for an unforgettable night in one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Rome. Take advantage of Rome’s vibrant nightlife by walking through the streets of Trastevere with a local.

Day 8: Underground Imperial Rome Tour

Enjoy a VIP tour of the Colosseum Underground & Arena Floor! Feel the fear and hear the roars of the crowd above you as you enjoy this full Colosseum Underground tour. Stepping beneath the arena floor, you’ll walk in the footsteps of gladiators who waited here before battle. As you tour the tunnels, your guide will tell you about the real life of gladiators before taking you back up to the arena floor. Walk out onto a recreation of the stage where the fighting took place and be blown away by the most impressive view of the Colosseum (seen by so few!). After your Colosseum and Colosseum Underground tour, you’ll experience the very heart of Ancient Rome: the Roman Forum. Here was where Rome ruled its empire of untold political and cultural influence—and of more than 2.5 million square miles and 65 million people. At the Palatine Hill you’ll discover the origins of Ancient Rome. Legend has it that this is the spot where Remus and Romulus were found by the she-wolf and where they battled to decide which would have the privilege of building their own town. Hear how this legendary battle impacted the world you know today (your very own life even!) We owe the Ancient Romans more than you’d believe!

Day 9: Small Group Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour

This morning enjoy our Pristine Sistine Early entrance Small group Vatican Tour (the tour starts at 07.15 am). Enter the museums before the general public to see the Sistine Chapel at a quieter time. See the best of the Vatican City in under four hours. With a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel, a Vatican Museums tour (including the Raphael Rooms) and a St. Peter’s Basilica tour, you’ll cover all the bases. Engage with the art and architecture of the Vatican. Our guides are passionate art experts, full of stories and familiar with even the smallest details of these massive museums. The tour will end around 11.00 am. Rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 10: Fly Back Home

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Naples International airport to catch your flight back home