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  • When?March 2015
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Introduction
Itinerary
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Hotels
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Christmas in Lake Garda
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Christmas in Lake Garda

  • 7 Night Holiday
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We have a special place in our hearts for Lake Garda. We are certain you will have as well after spending Christmas in this beautiful part of Italy.  Lake Garda straddles three provinces, Verona to the south east, Brescia to the south west and Trento to the north; it’s also Italy’s largest lake. The lake is just over 50km long, 20km wide and would take you about 3 hours to drive around its circumference (160km). Up until the end of World War 1, the northern part of the lake belonged to Austria and the landscape is arguably more Austrian than Italian.

With a breathtaking Alpine backdrop, picturesque towns and friendly people, it is one of our most popular holiday destinations with many of our Lake Garda customers booking time and again with us. Our award-winning local guides are passionate about the region and love to share their inside knowledge of its history, culture and traditions. Discover the charms of Lake Garda, Venice and Verona on this superb holiday. On your free days, relax in the splendid lakeside setting and enjoy the special holiday atmosphere that only Lake Garda can offer.

 

Map of Italy

Practical Information for this holiday

Currency
Euro (€)     
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +1 hour
Passport
A valid passport is required for this holiday. EU citizens do not need a visa, however non-EU citizens should check requirements. 
Airport
Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo and Verona airports service Lake Garda. Approximate journey time to your hotel from Malpensa is 3 hours, Linate is 2 hours 30 minutes, Bergamo is 2 hours and Verona is 1 hour, 15 minutes. 
Climate

Lake Garda is renowned for its mild and pleasant climate. The weather is most warm and dry in spring and autumn. Summers are warm and winter days can be cool. Mist often enhances Venice’s mysterious atmosphere.
Food & Drink

Northern Italian food tends to be richer and heartier than that found in Italy’s Mediterranean regions, but no less delicious, with fine cheeses, cured meats, risottos and filled pastas on every menu. Try fresh water fish from the lake, drizzled with olive oil and juice from local lemons and accompany it with a glass of fragrant white Nosiola or Lugana wine. The high quality meats from the Alpine regions may be matched with a classic Valpolicella or refreshing Bardolino.  Exquisite seasonal specialities such as chestnuts, pears and peaches will enhance your Lake Garda dining pleasure. 
Tourist Tax

Compulsory taxes and levies apply for entry to certain historic cities in Italy and are not included in the holiday price. A fee of €20 per person is payable to your guide, to cover entry to Venice (including water taxi transport to St Mark’s Square)and Verona.
Average Prices for Region
  • Coffee: €1.45
  • Beer: €4.00
  • Glass of wine: €3.50
  • Main course: €12.00
  • Soft Drink: €2.00
  • Bottled Water: €0.50
Packing List
  • Your valid passport
  • Sun cream
  • A continental plug adaptor
  • A rain jacket
  • A small backpack
  • A sun hat
  • Sturdy, comfortable shoes
  • Camera
Recommended Reading

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt

The Metal Green Mercedes by Timothy Williams

 

Holiday highlights

Lake Garda

Riva del Garda - Surrounded by imposing mountains and sparkling blue water, this town is known for its medieval towers, Renaissance churches, and narrow cobblestone streets. The Bastion, a Venetian fortress, was built on the steep slopes of the nearby Mount Rocchetta and affords a splendid view of the city and the northern part of the lake.

Riva’s Piazza III Novembre – as well as being filled with history, this central square is an ideal location to take a rest after a long day of sightseeing with a cool drink or a glass of local wine.
Venice

St. Mark's Square & Basilica – the main public square in Venice and one of the most famous in the world, every day hundreds of tourists descend on this magnificent public space. The Basilica is one of the most spectacular in the world, both in its façade and interior. The numerous domes and arches are adorned with an incredible array of artistic, iconographic and religious works from some of the greatest Italian and European artist throughout the centuries. 

Ca' d'Oro – This magnificent Gothic structure houses the Galleria Franchetti, an impressive collection of bronzes, tapestries and paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries, with many works by Titian. A big incentive for visiting is the chance to take in the panorama from the balconies over the Grand Canal on the first and second floors.

Rialto Bridge – one of four bridges to cross the Grand Canal in Venice, the Ponte di Rialto is the oldest. The busy bridge connects the districts of San Polo and San Marco and one of the top visitor attractions in the city. 
Verona

Roman Amphitheatre - This arena, completed around 30 AD, is the third largest in Italy, after the Colosseum in Rome and the arena at Capua. It measures 139 metres long and 110 metres wide and would seat some 25,000 spectators.

Juliet’s Balcony – said to be the setting of the world’s most famous love story, every year thousands of people visit Juliet’s house to stand on the balcony where Juliet stood while Romeo declared his love for her.

Practical Information for this holiday

Currency
Euro (€)     
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +1 hour
Passport
A valid passport is required for this holiday. EU citizens do not need a visa, however non-EU citizens should check requirements. 
Airport
Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo and Verona airports service Lake Garda. Approximate journey time to your hotel from Malpensa is 3 hours, Linate is 2 hours 30 minutes, Bergamo is 2 hours and Verona is 1 hour, 15 minutes. 
Climate

Lake Garda is renowned for its mild and pleasant climate. The weather is most warm and dry in spring and autumn. Summers are warm and winter days can be cool. Mist often enhances Venice’s mysterious atmosphere.
Food & Drink

Northern Italian food tends to be richer and heartier than that found in Italy’s Mediterranean regions, but no less delicious, with fine cheeses, cured meats, risottos and filled pastas on every menu. Try fresh water fish from the lake, drizzled with olive oil and juice from local lemons and accompany it with a glass of fragrant white Nosiola or Lugana wine. The high quality meats from the Alpine regions may be matched with a classic Valpolicella or refreshing Bardolino.  Exquisite seasonal specialities such as chestnuts, pears and peaches will enhance your Lake Garda dining pleasure. 
Tourist Tax

Compulsory taxes and levies apply for entry to certain historic cities in Italy and are not included in the holiday price. A fee of €20 per person is payable to your guide, to cover entry to Venice (including water taxi transport to St Mark’s Square)and Verona.
Average Prices for Region
  • Coffee: €1.45
  • Beer: €4.00
  • Glass of wine: €3.50
  • Main course: €12.00
  • Soft Drink: €2.00
  • Bottled Water: €0.50
Packing List
  • Your valid passport
  • Sun cream
  • A continental plug adaptor
  • A rain jacket
  • A small backpack
  • A sun hat
  • Sturdy, comfortable shoes
  • Camera
Recommended Reading

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt

The Metal Green Mercedes by Timothy Williams

 

Trip Itinerary - Day by day

Day 1 - Travel to Italy

Morning

Travel to Italy

Upon arrival in Italy, you will be met in the arrivals area of the airport by our local representative who will accompany you to your hotel, located in the beautiful town of Riva del Garda. As you travel to your hotel, your guide will share some information about the local region, suggest activities for you to enjoy and answer any questions you may have.

Day 2 - Venice

Full Day

Venice

Today you will explore the enchanting warren of canals, quaint alleys and busy squares that make up the fascinating city of Venice. Known as 'La Serenissima' or ‘The most Serene,’ Venice is a prized jewel in Italy's glorious crown.  In Venice you will witness famous landmarks such as the bustling St. Mark's Square, the stunning Gothic building of Ca’ d’Oro, and the imposing marble Palazzo Ducale. Admire 16th and 17th art in the Gallera Franchetti or take a photograph on the Ponte di Rialto. You will also have free time to explore the numerous piazzas, bridges and dwellings that adorn the quaysides of Venice's extensive network of canals. 

Day 3 - Verona

Full Day

Verona

Following breakfast, you will depart by coach for Verona, via the east side of the lake or the motorway. Either way, the journey time is generally about 60 minutes.  Verona is very popular among tourists as well as being a significant commercial hub, given its position half way between Venice and Milan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the importance of its historical buildings and is probably best known today for the Roman amphitheatre, now home to the world famous Verona Opera festival, which runs from late June to early September. Also of interest is Juliet’s balcony – the fact that the balcony was added to the house in the 20th century doesn’t deter the hundreds of thousands of visitors that flock to see and photograph it every year.

Day 4 - At Leisure

Full Day

At Leisure

Today you can take it easy at your hotel and explore its charming surroundings on foot or by local transport. Local information and great suggestions for places to see and things to do are provided by our Lake Garda team.

Day 5 - Christmas Day

Full Day

Christmas Day

Time to relax today and enjoy a Christmas lunch with a festive candlelight dinner in the evening.

Day 6 - At Leisure & Evening Dinner

Evening

Evening Dinner

Today is another day for you to relax and enjoy Christmas in Lake Garda. In the evening you will enjoy dinner with music and dancing.

Day 7 - Bolzano

Full Day

Bolzano

After breakfast, you will take a trip to Bolzano, the provincial capital of the South Tyrol. Bolzano's Northern European and Mediterranean cultural mix combine to make the perfect union, which can be clearly seen in the historic and artistic treasures of this city. For centuries Bolzano has been the privileged centre of commercial exchanges between Italy and Germany. Today, the capital has become a cosmopolitan city which feels lively, cheerful, modern and yet refined all at the same time!

Day 8 - Return Home

Morning

Return Home

Depart by coach from your hotel to the airport, with guide assistance, for your flight home.

* Please note that the order of your excursions on the itinerary above is provisional and subject to change

Customer reviews

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Hotel & accommodation available for this trip

Grand Hotel Liberty 4

Just steps away from Riva del Garda’s historic centre with its wide range of restaurants and shops, Grand Hotel Liberty is your oasis of relaxation for your stay in Lake Garda. With its kind and accommodating staff and comfortable guest rooms, this old world building is the perfe... read more read more read more

Just steps away from Riva del Garda’s historic centre with its wide range of restaurants and shops, Grand Hotel Liberty is your oasis of relaxation for your stay in Lake Garda. With its kind and accommodating staff and comfortable guest rooms, this old world building is the perfect combination of Italian style and comfort, offering you a truly lovely experience. The hotel’s standard rooms have a contemporary style, while the superior rooms are decorated with an Art Nouveau theme and offer a little extra space.  Rejuvenate with a visit to the spa on your free days, and be sure to visit one of the two hotel bars for an after dinner drink and chat with fellow holidaymakers.

 

Hotel address
Grand Hotel Liberty
Viale Carducci, 3/5
38066 Riva del Garda (TN)

Lago di Garda
View available dates for this hotel

* Some hotel facilities may be seasonally operated or under maintenance and therefore unavailable at the time of your stay. Charges may apply for certain facilities.

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Price, taxes, flight times & availability are subject to change. E&OE. Price based on per person, sharing. Single Supplement cost may apply.

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Why us?

  • We’ve done the research for you, creating perfectly planned itineraries
  • Outstanding value for money – Flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions included in nearly all our tours
  • We are experienced and dedicated to your experience
  • No holiday surcharges –
    guaranteed

Our guides

  • Friendly and welcoming everywhere you go
  • Local experts, passionate about their area
  • Take pride in making your holiday memorable
  • Innovative itineraries with amazing excursions

 

Our promise

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  • To go the extra mile for you, our customers
  • To describe our holidays in an honest manner
  • To use your feedback to continually improve our service

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