One of the most stunning locations in Europe, stretching some 30 miles from the low-lying countryside on its southern shores to the cliffs and pine forests in the north, encompassing colourful and diverse lakeside towns, each offering a new experience. Bardolino is one of Lake Garda’s most popular resorts, situated on the south east shore of the lake. There are numerous gelaterias, pizzerias and restaurants in the quaint traffic-free streets that wind their way down to the town’s impressive main square. When the sun goes down the resort comes alive with people strolling on the promenade and perhaps enjoying a glass of Bardolino’s famous red wine and the buzzing atmosphere on the piazza.

ITINERARY

• Day One: Early departure to Dover for a ferry crossing to Calais, then on to our overnight hotel at Lille in Northern France.
• Day Two: We travel south through Belgium and Luxembourg into Germany and on to our second overnight hotel at Karlsrhue.
• Day Three: Continue via Munich and the Inn Valley to Innsbruck, over the spectacular Brenner Pass into Italy and on to Lake Garda where we spend the next seven nights at the superb four star Hotel Gritti in Bardolino.
• Day Four: A day at leisure to relax and explore the resort and perhaps take a cruise on the lake.
• Day Five: We take a drive along the picturesque southern shores of the lake and visit the quaint resort of Lazise with its frescoed town walls, then on to Sirmione, one of the most picturesque resorts on the lake with its moated castle and lovely piazzas.
• Day Six: We travel to Verona where we have the opportunity to visit Juliet's balcony, as immortalised in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Verona’s major attraction is the imposing Arena di Verona, made from local stone the amphitheatre is still used today during the opera season.
• Day Seven: A further day at leisure to relax in Bardolino or perhaps take a ferry boat to explore another resort.
• Day Eight: A full day excursion to the magnificent and unique city of Venice, one of the most romantic cities in the world. An artistic centre of world fame with treasures such as the Basilica of St Mark, the Ducal Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, plus of course the network of canals and those famous gondolas. (Waterbus fare payable locally)
• Day Nine: To the northern tip of the lake today and the resort of Riva Del Garda, centred around its 12th century fortress and clock tower with a maze of narrow streets, full of inviting little shops and pavement cafés.
• Day Ten: Leaving Lake Garda we head towards Switzerland and climb through the spectacular Alps to the Gotthard Tunnel, then on via Lucerne into France and northwards to Karlsrhue for another overnight stay.
• Day Eleven: Continue on to northern France and our final overnight stay at Lille.
• Day Twelve: To Calais for the return ferry to Dover and home to North Wales.