Italian Lakes Holidays

There’s something particularly charming about travelling by train. The Bernina Express is Switzerland’s ultimate scenic train – despite its ‘express’ name, it leisurely navigates mountain twists and tunnels. Your adventure begins with a drive along northern Lake Como to Tirano, where’ll we stop for coffee before crossing into Switzerland to board the Bernina Express train for the most scenic part of its route. Our one-hour train journey from Poschiavo to Diavolezza takes in the sights of the White Lake and the Black Lake, as well as breathtaking glaciers. We’ll continue by road to the iconic ski resort of St Moritz on the southern side of the Alps where highlights include crystal clear mountain lakes. There will be free time to wander around the beautiful town of Chiavenna before returning to Lake Como.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.35am to 7pm
• Departing from Lake Como hotels
• Operates in April: Monday 7th and 14th, Tuesday 22nd;
May - October: 5th May to 20th October every Monday (except 2nd June - that week will be Tuesday 3 June)
• Group experience

Good to know 
You’ll need to bring your passport as this experience crosses the border into Switzerland.

The City of Bridges is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations and it’s just a couple of hours from Lake Garda. Speed through the countryside as you travel by train and arrive in Venice for a private two-hour tour. Later, there’ll be time to explore on your own, getting lost down charming canalside streets, drifting through the waterways on a gondola or marvelling at the majesty of St Mark’s Square and the busy Grand Canal.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.20am to 7.40pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
You will need to make your own way to Verona train station. Lunch and any entrance fees for museums and attractions you wish to visit are not included.

‘Fair Verona’, a city that will forever be associated with Shakespeare’s ill-fated characters, Romeo and Juliet, is a joy to explore. On this short guided tour, you’ll explore the characterful old town, see the riverside Castelvecchio castle, the ancient Arco dei Gavi and Juliet’s house, and wander along narrow streets that wind their way between café-lined squares including the Piazza Brà, home to the iconic Verona Arena.

• Duration: 1½ hours
• Departs Monday-Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Get to know Verona on a full day visit from the shores of Lake Garda. On arrival, join a private 3-hour tour – the perfect way to get your bearings for the rest of your city explorations. With a local guide, who will pass on their extensive knowledge, walk through the network of streets and squares in the old town and see Juliet’s house and the striking Verona Arena. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace; a VeronaCard, which gives you access to a variety of museums and city attractions, is included so you can pick and choose the spots you’d like to visit.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Departs Tuesday to Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Lunch and any entrance fees to attractions that are not part of the VeronaCard are not included. The guided tour itinerary may change depending on the guide, the traffic or other conditions. Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone, Desenzano and Sirmione.

Experience the calmness and quietness of the lake and see a stunning sunset on an unforgettable sunset paddle. You’ll make your way under your own steam on a one- or two-person canoe and take in the beauty two of the lakeside gems: Baia del Corno and Punta San Vigilio. Then make your way back to the lively town of Garda and the sun dips below the lake’s western shore.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Operates April to October
• Private experience

Good to know
This canoe trip is suitable for everyone and has a difficulty level of easy. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Learning a skill is a wonderful way of extending your holiday once you’re back home. During this cooking class in Lazise, a town in the south-east corner of the lake, you’ll learn how to make the most classic of Italian staples: pasta. The experience begins as you shop for the fresh ingredients, as well as some wine to complement your creation. You’ll then head to a local kitchen to create your dish under the guidance of a skilled chef.

• Duration: Half day or evening
• Times: 10am to 1pm or 5pm to 8pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates March to October
• Private experience

Good to know
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday the dishes made will be gnocchi and tagliatelle and on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the dishes will be risotto and ravoli. Includes transfers from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

The landscapes of Lake Garda look their best from the water, so we highly recommend spending a relaxing couple of hours on a private boat. You’ll have the services of a local skipper who will create a route that’s unique to you and your wish list of places to see.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Daily departures from Garda, Bardolino, Desenzano and Sirmone
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Sunset is a special time of day on Lake Garda as the sipping sun casts shadows, creates a golden glow over the surrounding landscapes and makes the surface of the water sparkle. Step on board the only remaining two-mast sailing boat on the lake, San Nicolò, cruise along the lake shore and raise a glass of Prosecco or Bardolino Chiaretto to your incredible Italian Lakes adventure.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departs Friday and Saturday
• Operates May to October
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

There’s nothing quite as fittingly atmospheric and romantic as cruising around Lake Garda on a beautiful antique ketch. Step aboard the two-masted San Nicolò, the last of its type in the region, and let the power of the wind transport you past towns, villages and beautiful lakeside villas.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departs Monday to Friday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Winery. You’ll get to explore the winery’s rolling vineyards and the glorious 14th-Century manor house which features rooms that are adorned with faded renaissance frescoes. Finally, you’ll have the change to taste four of the region’s best wines: Valpolicella Classico 2019, Valpolicella Ripasso 2017, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011 and Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2017. Each glass will be served with local delicacies which enhance the aromatic flavours.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: Midday to 2pm
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione. This experience is on a request basis and is subject to itinerary and operating schedule changes that are outside of our control.

Combine beautiful vistas, great food and wine and a bit of a workout on a cycling trip through the Moraine Hills. Pick up your e-bike at the meeting point: the beautiful Monte del Frà winery which is located close to the town of Custoza. You and your group will then set off into the rolling hills, passing vineyards and cypress-line lanes on the way to the hamlet of Oliosi where you’ll have a picnic packed with local specialities. Return to Monte del Frà for a tour of the cellar and a tasting of four of their wines.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 10am to 5.30pm • Departs Tuesday to Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

To the north of Lake Garda are the towering peaks of the Dolomites, a mountain range in the breathtaking Alps. Join a daytrip from Lake Garda and head up into the hills for a full day Alpine adventure. Follow the scenic winding road between the Fiemme and Fassa Valleys and travel up to the Pordoi Pass where you could take the cable car up to the Sass Pordoi at 2950 metres above sea level (optional and at extra cost). From here, the tour continues to the Gardena Valley, where you’ll pass through typically South Tyrolean villages. There’ll be some free time here to soak up the views, either while sipping on a coffee or enjoying a short walk.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7am to 7pm
• Departs Monday & Friday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
The tour itinerary may change depending on the traffic and weather conditions. The weather can change quickly so pack suitable clothing and footwear. This experience is not recommended for those with health issues, and particularly those with epilepsy, breathing issues and heart problems. A minimum of 15 guests is required for this excursion to run. Transfers only available and included from Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.

Take to the saddle and see the Italian countryside from a different angle on this great outdoors experience. You’ll mount your horse at Cicco’s Ranch and head into the vine-cloaked Moraine Hills to the south east of Lake Garda. Enjoy the peace as you ride between the vines and in the shadow of cypress trees, taking in the rolling views as you go. A highlight of the experience is the stop at Monte del Frà winery where you’ll try three wine varieties alongside plates of locally sourced and produced cheese and cold cuts of meat.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 2.30pm to 5.30pm
• Departs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transfers included from Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Gardone and Sirmione.

Slink off to the tranquil hideaway that is Isola del Garda on this enchanting lake-bound adventure. A speedboat will cruise you to Lake Garda where you’ll be treated to a refreshing welcome drink, before enjoying an expert-led guided tour of this iconic neo-Gothic Venetian hideaway. With its grand frontage of pillars, posts and arched windows, this place has a uniquely plush presence that’s guaranteed to leave you captivated, and as for the views, you couldn’t want for more. Spectate sparkling, sun-plashed waters and layers of lush native greenery mounted by a dramatic backdrop of craggy mountaintops and travertine-topped architecture. Shimmy between the flourishing green parkland and impressive ancient terraces before hopping aboard and sailing back to beautiful Bardolino.

• Duration: Half Day (from 9AM)
• Departs: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
• Operates April - September
• Group experience

Good to know
A speedboat to Garda Island and an exclusive guided tour of the island are included. Guests will also be treated to complimentary welcome drinks. Transfers are optional but not included in the cost of the trip. Meeting point: Bardolino, Porto Navigarda.

Satisfy your appetite for scenery and flavour with our picnic in Valpolicella. Nestled snug between lush Lake Garda and fair Verona, this dreamy day out marries majestic views with a picnic basket full of moreish local delicacies. An opportunity to truly indulge your senses, the breathtaking backdrop will steal your gaze while the decadent nibbles tantalise your tastebuds.  

• Duration: Half Day (from midday)
• Departs: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Operates May - October
• Private experience

Good to know
The picnic includes one bottle of wine per couple, a charcuterie board with a selection of local cold cuts and cheeses, fresh bread, grissini or taralli and a cake or biscuit-based dessert. Transfer to the winery is not included but can be arranged at an extra cost. A visit to the villa is also not included but can be arranged.

Witness the seemingly neverending wonders of glistening Lake Garda on this breathtaking cruise over its sparkling waters. Flanked by olive trees, cypress trees and flourishing fauna, our journey begins with a bus ride along Gardens Ana, before boarding a boat and sailing Lake Garda’s azure course. Sit back, relax and soak up that enchanting Mediterranean mount as you cruise from picturesque Sirmione to Limone to Riva del Garda and Malcesine. When it comes to scenery, you’re completely spoiled, and the same can be said with food. Seize the opportunity to sample the scrumptious local delicacies before traversing the many magnificent monuments and finally hopping on a ferry ride from Limone to Riva del Garda. 

• Duration: Full day 
• Departs: Monday and Friday
• Operates May - September
• Group experience

Good to know
Lunch, food and drinks and not included. Your guide may alter the order of your itinerary subject to traffic, events and other conditions.

Channel your inner romantic as we take to the breathtaking city of Fair Verona. A postcard-perfect hub of history and beauty, soak up the sights and sounds as we journey from the sparkling waters of Lake Garda to a series of magnificently aged monuments. Cast your eyes on landmarks from eras gone by before taking a short stroll into the city centre, where an expert guide will let you in on Verona’s best kept secrets. From the Piazza delle Erbe to the Scaliger Tombs and Juliet's house, this place is a melting pot of things to see, do and explore.

• Duration: Full day 
• Departs: Friday
• Operates April - October
• Group experience

Good to know
Lunch, food and drinks are not included but can be purchased on the day. Entrance fees to the arena amphitheater and museums are also not included. Your guide may adjust the itinerary according to traffic and weather conditions. Departures from Sirmione/Desenzano, Sirmione Peninsula, Gardone/Padenghe are only available on Fridays.

Take a moment to indulge in a spot of romance as you head to dazzling Venice. Also known as The City of Canals, prepare to be captivated as you plunge into a pool of sights, sounds and beloved landmarks. From the wonderful artworks of St. Mark’s Square to the basilica and winding alleyways, dull moments simply don’t exist here, but if you do find yourself wondering what to do next, a Gondola ride is an absolute must. Venice’s most famous mode of transport, embrace every second of free time as you soak up the sights with a slow saunter along the canals. Or perhaps a guided boat trip across the venetian lagoon is more your scene? However you choose to while the day away, one thing’s for sure, this place packs plenty in.

• Duration: Full day 
• Departs: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (select departures only available on Tuesday and Thursday)
• Operates May - July
• Group experience

Good to know
Lunch, food and drinks are not included. Gondola rides and lagoon boat trips can be paid for on the coach. Entrance fees to museums and churches are not included.  This excursion is not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Departures from Sirmione/Desenzano, Sirmione Peninsula, Gardone/Padenghe are only available on Tuesday and Thursday.