Lake Garda Italy Holiday (staying at the Hotel Portici in Riva del Garda)

Join us for an extra special Italian tour as we take you to the stunning Lake Garda in Italy for a ten day holiday, staying in a fantastic central location at the Hotel Portici in Riva Del Garda!

About our destination
Lake Garda, largest of the Italian lakes, is situated at the bottom of the Dolomite Alps in a beautiful corner of Europe. Surrounded by stunning scenery, the lake and its shores provide the perfect picturesque setting for a relaxing and invigorating Italian holiday.

About our hotel  The  4*  Hotel Portici is an elegant hotel with a central yet peaceful position close to the waterfront and small harbour of Riva del Garda.

Day One
Departing South Wales in the early hours of the morning, we head to the South East of England before taking a lunchtime ferry crossing over to Northern France. From here we continue to Reims to our first overnight stop where we'll be staying at the Brit Hotel Reims Nord with an evening meal and breakfast included.

Day Two - Strasborg & Ulm
Today we continue southwards through France, stopping off in the city of Strasbourg. Capital of Alsace, you may question whether you are in France or is it in Germany! Well it depends on who you speak to, but the influence of both have led to some fabulous half timbered architecture and excellent food and drink.

We'll enjoy a lunchtime stop for a few hours here before continuing our journey into Germany for our next overnight stay at the Maritim Hotel Ulm in Germany  Our overnight stay here includes an evening meal and breakfast the following morning.

Day Three - Riva Del Garda
Today we make the final leg of journey, enjoying some spectacular scenery as we make our way into Switzerland and on to Northern Italy, and arriving at the Hotel Portici, Riva del Garda late in the afternoon, in time to settle in before dinner.

Our five night stay at the Hotel Portici in Riva del Garda includes a three course dinner each evening (a set menu will be served on the first evening), and a cold buffet breakfast each morning.

Situated in Riva del Garda with a wonderful view of Piazza III Novembre , the Hotel Portici di Riva  is a 4-star hotel that boasts a fabulous position, in the heart of the historic city, full of narrow streets and shops.

Day Four: Malcesine & Riva del Garda
Today we’ll visit the medieval town of Malcesine, only a short drive from the hotel and perched on the lake’s edge under the shadow of Monte Baldo. If you’d like to take in the full view then you could take the cable car to the summit for spectacular views across the lake and the Dolomites before exploring the cobbled streets of the old town below and its impressive castle.

We'll be returning to Riva del Garda in the afternoon for time at leisure in the resort.

Day Five: Verona
We’ll travel to the beautiful city of Verona, most famous for providing the setting and inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. With a full day to explore Verona’s stunning sights you’ll have the opportunity to wander through the Piazza delle Erbe framed with medieval buildings, visit the impressive Cathedral, the Castelvecchio and the Scaligero bridges, and also the Verona Arena (originally a Roman amphitheatre) at Piazza Bra which is a world renowned opera venue.

Day Six: Garda Town & Sirmione
Today we'll visit the town of Garda, which lies at the southern end of the lake, and from here we'll stop off to explore the historic town of Sirmione, with it's castle at the entrance to the old town and the Roman ruins on the promontory some of its outstanding features.

Day Seven:  Free in Riva Del Garda
It’s a free day for you to enjoy as you wish – so you’ll have the opportunity to relax and make the most of some free time at the hotel and surrounding area, with the possibility of an organised boat trip for those who wish to experience a cruise out on the lake.

Day Eight: Arrivederci Italia!
Time to say goodbye to Lake Garda and our hotel, we’ll set off in the morning after breakfast to make our way back for our first overnight stop at the BW Plus Au Cheval Blanc Hotel with a set three course evening meal included, as well as breakfast the following morning.

Day Nine: Reims and St Quentin
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll make our way north through France, taking a lunchtime stop in the beautiful Champagne city of Reims. The stunning Cathedral Notre-Dames stands proud in the centre flanked with French brasseries and plenty of shops stocked full of the regions favourite export..Champagne!

From here is back to St Quentin for our final overnight stay at the Ibis Saint Quentin, with a set evening meal and breakfast included.

Day Ten
Our Italian holiday must sadly end, as we return to Calais and cross back to the UK. Arriving back home late that evening.

Please note that a valid passports are required for all travelling on this holiday

***IMPORTANT NOTE: Overnight Accommodation (Stay) Tax on Non-Resident Stays – The Italian Government has given the ability for each municipality in Italy to decide if they wish to introduce a stay tax levied on tourists. This has been implemented sporadically throughout Italy with each municipality deciding how they collect this. The tax broadly ranges from €1-€5 per person per night and is generally collected from each passenger on arrival. Due to the uncertain nature of collection and the decision being made by the municipalities we wish to ensure that all passengers are made aware of this on booking to so that any tax can be paid by individual guests on arrival.