Entry fees to museums, boat trips etc not included
Departing South Wales in the early hours of the morning, we make our way to the South East of England before taking a lunchtime ferry crossing to Northern France.
From here, we continue to our first overnight stop in the city of Arras, where we stay at the Ibis Styles Arras Centre. Breakfast the following morning is included.
We make an early start as we continue our journey eastwards through France and on to the Garden City of Metz. Nestled near the borders of Germany and Luxembourg, Metz is home to beautiful architecture, the impressive Saint-Étienne Cathedral, and a lovely selection of cafés and restaurants — perfect for a late lunchtime stop.
We then continue on to our next overnight stay at the Brit Hotel Colmar East Our stay here includes a set-menu three-course evening meal and breakfast the following morning.
Today, we complete the final leg of our outward journey, enjoying spectacular scenery as we travel through Switzerland and on to Northern Italy.
We arrive at the Hotel Sole in Riva del Garda late in the afternoon, with time to settle in before dinner.
The 4-star Hotel Sole is an elegant hotel enjoying a wonderfully central yet peaceful location, set directly on the waterfront opposite the small harbour of Riva del Garda.
Its striking lakefront façade, decorated with graceful arches, balconies and ornamental oval details, creates an impressive first impression. Inside, guests can enjoy spacious lounges, a grand staircase and a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake. The hotel also offers its own private spa, available at an additional charge.
Our five-night stay at the Hotel Sole includes a three-course dinner each evening, a cold buffet breakfast each morning, and a typical Trentino dinner on one evening.
*Lake-view rooms with a balcony are available upon request, subject to an additional supplement.
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in beautiful Riva del Garda.
You may wish to relax by the lake, explore the charming old town, enjoy a drink in one of the lakeside cafés, or simply take in the magnificent mountain views from this wonderful resort.
For those who would like to experience more of Lake Garda from the water, there will also be the option to join an organised lake cruise to Limone and Malcesine (an extra charge applies). These picturesque lakeside towns are known for their pretty harbours, narrow streets, colourful buildings and wonderful views across the lake.
Today, we travel by coach to the beautiful city of Verona, most famous as the setting and inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
With a full day to explore, you will have the opportunity to wander through the Piazza delle Erbe, framed by medieval buildings, visit the impressive Cathedral, see the Castelvecchio and Scaligero bridges, and admire the famous Verona Arena at Piazza Bra. Originally a Roman amphitheatre, the Arena is now a world-renowned opera venue and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Today, we visit the historic town of Sirmione, one of Lake Garda’s most famous and picturesque destinations.
Set on a narrow peninsula stretching out into the lake, Sirmione is known for its striking castle at the entrance to the old town, its charming streets, beautiful lake views and fascinating Roman ruins. There will be time to explore at leisure, browse the shops, enjoy a café stop, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful lakeside town.
Today is another day for you to enjoy at your own pace in Riva del Garda.
You may wish to make the most of the hotel’s lakeside location, take a gentle stroll along the waterfront, browse the shops, enjoy lunch in one of the many cafés or restaurants, or simply relax and soak up the beautiful scenery. With its mountain backdrop, harbour, piazzas and lakeside promenade, Riva del Garda is a wonderful place to spend a relaxed day at leisure.
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Lake Garda and our hotel as we begin our journey home.
We travel back to the Brit Hotel Colmar East for our overnight stay. A set-menu three-course evening meal and breakfast the following morning are included.
After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our journey back into France, travelling to the beautiful Champagne city of Reims.
The magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame stands proudly in the city centre, surrounded by French brasseries, shops and, of course, plenty of opportunities to discover the region’s favourite export — Champagne.
You will have a few hours to explore the city during the afternoon before we continue to the Ibis Styles Arras Centre for our final overnight stay. Breakfast the following morning is included.
Our Italian holiday must sadly come to an end as we return to Calais for our crossing back to the UK, arriving home later that evening.
Please note that some municipalities in Italy apply a local tourist accommodation tax, also known as a stay tax, for non-resident visitors.
This tax is set and collected locally by each individual municipality, and arrangements can vary from one destination to another. Where applicable, the charge is generally between €1 and €5 per person, per night, and is usually payable directly by guests on arrival at the hotel.
As this tax is determined locally and may be subject to change, it is not included in the holiday price. We therefore advise all passengers at the time of booking that any applicable accommodation tax must be paid locally by individual guests during their stay.
We have a number of pick up points available for this break as shown below...
The 4-star Hotel Sole is an elegant hotel enjoying a wonderfully central yet peaceful location, set directly on the waterfront opposite the small harbour of Riva del Garda.
Its striking lakefront façade, decorated with graceful arches, balconies and ornamental oval details, creates an impressive first impression. Inside, guests can enjoy spacious lounges, a grand staircase and a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake. The hotel also offers its own private spa, available at an additional charge.
The following room types are available at the hotel:
