Europe & Ireland 2024

ITALY

Gargnano

Lake Garda Unpacked Beautiful Lake Garda boasts plenty of lesser-known attractions and special places to visit. Based at the lovely 4 star Splendid Sole, this tour is dedicated to discovering the real Lake Garda! We visit the alluring Morainic Hills behind the lake and enjoy an authentic Italian lunch, as well as visit some of the less touristy resorts and take a peek into a wonderful aristocratic private residence. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival Today our foray takes us into the lovely rolling hills just behind the lake, site of the many wars of independence during the 1850s and 60s. We stop at San Martino della Battaglia where we meet our half day step-on guide and visit the Ossuary in the little church, before continuing to the hilltop town of Solferino where we visit the monument celebrating the creation of the Red Cross. From here we continue to the picturesque setting of Borghetto, on the river Mincio, and then travel to Trattoria da Arturo where a leisurely blow out Italian lunch with plenty of wine awaits – time to relax and enjoy la dolce vita! Day 3 Gargnano, Villa Bettoni & Salò We enjoy a scenic drive today, hugging the coastline via San Felice and along the west coast to the elegant resort of Gargnano. We have free time for a coffee and a stroll around this picturesque lakeside town which boasts hidden harbours and boutiques selling local delicacies. A short drive from here transports us into another world – that of the Italian aristocrats – as we embark on a private guided tour of Villa Bettoni and its Italianate gardens. We then enjoy free time for lunch in the beautiful town of Salò, which boasts the longest pedestrianised promenade on the entire lake. Day 4 Manerba del Garda Driver’s Day Off We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Morainic Hills of Lake Garda We spend today at leisure. We can relax in our hotel by the pool or take a stroll into the pretty centre of Montinelle, where we can enjoy an Aperol spritz whilst admiring the fabulous views. Day 5 Bergamo & Cascina Carretto Today we head west to the beautiful hilltop town of Bergamo. Accessed by funicular, we enjoy a one-hour guided walking tour of this gorgeous medieval walled centre, before enjoying time at leisure to browse the shops and tuck into some local fayre in one of the many superb eateries. In the afternoon, we continue towards Lake Iseo and the wine growing Franciacorta region. We visit the fabulous, family-run Cascina Carretto vineyard for a tour and tasting of some

Cascina Carretto

San Martino della Battaglia Chapel

Borghetto sul Mincio

Hotel Splendid Sole Manerba del Garda, Lake Garda

The 4 star Splendid Sole is perfectly located for exploring the south west area of Lake Garda and is within easy walking distance of a number of cafés, restaurants and gelaterias, with some affording wonderful views. The hotel’s bedrooms feature modern, neutral décor and furnishings, and offer a hairdryer, WiFi, TV, safe, minibar and air-conditioning. They also come with a balcony or terrace. The restaurant makes the most of fresh, local ingredients; the bread is homemade using stone-ground Italian flour and desserts are prepared daily by the pastry chef. Guests can also enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar. Leisure facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools. • Ground floor rooms • Bar • Restaurant • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge

of the local wines. Day 6 Departure After breakfast, we begin our journey home.

Inclusions • Return short sea crossing • Porterage

• Welcome drink • Choice of menu • Free use of indoor pool • Half day step-on guide on day 2 • Lunch with wine at Trattoria da Arturo • Guided tour of Villa Bettoni • 1 hour guided walking tour of Bergamo • Cascina Carretto tour & tasting

Paul says… “I love this tour! The friendliness of the hotel, the fab location and all the authentic experiences on and around Lake Garda that are so often overlooked.”

5 Nights Half Board Based on Sunday arrivals

102

Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded

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