Days 1-2: London to Lake Garda
We depart St Pancras International on a morning Eurostar service for Paris, then travel onwards by high-speed train to Mulhouse for our overnight stay at the Hotel Mercure Mulhouse Centre. On Day 2 we cross the border and travel through the beautiful Swiss countryside, passing magnificent snowcapped mountains and into Italy to Milan. Here we change for our local train on to Peschiera. Our coach meets us and transfers us to the 4* Hotel du Lac in Bardolino, on the shores of Lake Garda, for the next five nights. (Day 2 – B,D)
Day 3: Christmas Eve on Lake Garda
On Christmas Eve we set out on a scenic coach tour of the lakeside towns and villages with our local guide, after which the afternoon is free to explore Bardolino.We enjoy a five-course gala dinner with live music and dancing this evening. (B,D)
Day 4: Relaxing on Christmas Day
Christmas Day can be taken at your own pace. Take a stroll along the lakefront in the afternoon to blow the cobwebs away or the more adventurous can walk into the hills for panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.We enjoy a turkey lunch and Christmas Day dinner together. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Boxing Day
Why not take the opportunity on Boxing Day to travel by coach on our optional excursion to Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? We enjoy a guided tour of the city’s fascinating Roman sites and streets lined with medieval buildings, including the Roman Arena and city gates. (B,D)
Day 6: Free day
Our final day in this beautiful region is at leisure. Why not visit one of the lively neighbouring towns? Malcesine is particularly atmospheric, with its picturesque Old Town buildings clustered at the foot of the hill leading up to its imposing castle. Enjoy a stroll round the quaint harbour with its pastel-painted houses, or take the cable car up the nearby Monte Baldo mountain for a fantastic view over the lake. Alternatively Sirmione, which is located on the top of a long peninsula protruding from the southern shore of the lake, is a very attractive town.We enjoy a farewell candlelit dinner tonight. (B,D)
Days 7-8:Through Switzerland
We transfer by coach to Desenzano where we join our train to Milan. Here we board our onward service which carries us up over the Swiss border, skirting glittering Lake Maggiore and travelling through the dramatic, snow covered mountain scenery of the Centovalli Railway to Interlaken.We stay overnight at the 4* Hotel Metropole.On Day 8 we leave Interlaken by train for Paris then travel onward by Eurostar to St Pancras International. (Day 7-B, Day 8-B)
Your hotel
The superb 4* Hotel du Lac in Bardolino is located on the lakefront with its own private beach and heated indoor pool. Facilities include two restaurants, a bar, lounge, fitness suite and the terrace overlooking the lake leads on to a charming patio garden. All rooms have a telephone, radio, hairdryer, minibar, satellite television and a safe.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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