Lake Garda
8 DAYS FROM £549
One of Europe's most breathtaking sights and Italy's largest lake. Colourful citrus and olive groves proliferate in its delightful Mediterranean climate to the south, whilst the grandeur of the Alps forms a backdrop to charming old towns.
Your price includes
Flights: UK - Verona - UK or UK - Venice - UK
Accommodation as per hotel details
Meals as per hotel details
Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Your Choice of Resorts
RIVA Set amongst beautiful mountain scenery, Riva boasts a 12th Century fortress and clock tower in the centre of its old town. There are narrow streets lined with a variety of shops and restaurants. Boats and pedalos can be hired to take a trip out on the lake.
NAGO-TORBOLE Once a quiet fishing village, Torbole is now a splendid resort offering excellent bathing and windsurfing. Its little harbour, narrow cobbled streets with inviting cafés and bars, bask in a colourful array of bougainvillaea, and a lakeside walk links it with Riva. The little hamlet of Nago is perched on the hill overlooking Torbole.
Transfer time to Lake Garda from Verona: Up to 2 hrs; from Venice: Up to 4hrs.
Out & About
Places to visit from Garda include the magnificent Dolomites, Bolzano with its 'Iceman' and of course delightful Verona.
Activities
Apart from enjoying the delights of the lake and its surroundings, like swimming and walking (excellent walking can be found at the top of Monte Baldo via the cable car), you can take a boat trip across or around the lake (a daily service goes from top to bottom and vice versa, stopping off at the resorts enroute). You'll find waterskiing and windsurfing are available in Riva and Malcesine, whilst Torbole is a magnet for sailing.
Shopping
Most resorts have the usual tourist-type shops, offering olive oils, ceramics, postcards, leather goods, t-shirts and jewellery, most of which are reasonably priced. Garda itself has the widest choice being the largest town, with Riva probably the next 'best' in terms of variety.
Food & Drink
A marvellous array of food awaits, from deliciously tempting ice-creams (a speciality of Italy) to fresh pasta, seafood and of course pizza. Favourite tipples include Prosecco, a sparkling wine, Limoncello, a sweet aperitif best served chilled, and the local wine of the region, red Bardolino which is very well-known and widely available. You'll also find Valpolicella and Valdadige as red alternatives and the very well respected Soave, if you prefer white.
Beaches
There are no sandy beaches around the lake, but you will find good pebble ones in all the key resorts as well as some grassy areas from which to swim.
Weather
There's a marked contrast in temperatures between north and south, with Garda being around 5 degrees hotter than Riva. If you venture up Monte Baldo, it is wise to take a long-sleeved item, as even in the middle of summer, it can be chilly and in the clouds.
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Verona Opera
From £60
While relaxing for a week or two on the shores of Lake Garda, why not enjoy a visit to the famous Verona Opera Festival?
Your evening
Spend an evening under the stars, enjoying fabulous music at the famous Verona outdoor arena.
This is the legendary home of opera and one of the oldest and most atmospheric opera houses in Italy. Verona's Roman amphitheatre, built in the 1st century AD, is remarkably well preserved and is home to the summer opera festival. Seating around 22,000 the drama and atmosphere is extraordinary.
Please add the price of the Opera to the price of your resort holiday in Lake Garda.
Included in the price
Opera tickets
Return transfers: Lake Garda - Verona - Lake Garda.
Your choice of Operas and 2010 schedule
Aida
19, 25 Jun; 13, 18, 25, 27 Jul; 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 Aug.
One of the grandest spectacles in the operatic repertoire, Verdi's most popular opera was written for the Khedive of Egypt in 1870.
Madama Butterfly
26 Jun; 2, 9, 14, 17, 21, 28 Jul; 6 Aug.
Puccini's masterpiece is a tragic and heartbreaking tale of a mother's love for her son.
Il Trovatore
7, 11, 14, 25 28 Aug.
Verdi's 'The Troubador' is an intriguing melodrama revolving around the adventures of the gypsy Azucena, who avenges her executed mother by kidnapping her executor's son.
Carmen
10, 20, 23 Jul; 18, 21, 24, 27 Aug.
Set in Spain, George Bizzets spectacle has become one of the world's most-loved operas.
Turandot
18 Jun; 16, 24, 30 Jul; 13, 20 Aug.
Unfolding in ancient Peking, this glittering opera from the pen of Puccini centres on a cold-hearted princess - named Turandot - who has sworn never to let love possess her.
Prices and ticket options
Pre-booking these opera and transfer packages does not necessarily guarantee you a cheaper price but will guarantee a place in sections that do not have restricted view to ensure that you do not miss out on the experience!
Steps The standard ticket where you sit on the steps of the Arena (we recommend taking a cushion or jumper to sit on), but try to get the best position available when you arrive. Guaranteed better view sections, Gradinata sections D or E. Prices per person: £60.
Numbered Steps Seats in the lower steps area with a designated number. Prices per person: £126
Poltrone Numbered seats in the centre of the Arena (on request only). Prices per person: £155.
View Holiday PhotosSavoy Palace
8 DAYS FROM £649A popular modern hotel with a sense of spaciousness set in a tranquil location surrounded by bright and colourful gardens. Only a stone's throw away from the lake and promenade into the centre of Riva.
Location: 150 metres from a shingle beach and 1 kilometre from the centre of Riva.
Facilities: Swimming pool with free sunbeds, parasols and pool towels; hydromassage pool; heated indoor pool and sauna; pool bar (mid Jun to Sep); spacious restaurant with show cooking breakfast and 4 course evening meals with choice of menu and salad buffet; modern lounge area serving snacks and a wide selection of cocktails; bicycle hire (subject to availability); lifts; twice a week gala dinners; live music and dancing 6 times a week; happy hour 5-6pm.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; hairdryer; air-conditioning (15 Jun-15 Sep); safety deposit box (refundable deposit); satellite TV; balcony; minibar in bedrooms.
Official category: 4 star.
Special offers: Complimentary 1/4 litre wine and 1/2 litre mineral water with evening meal; tea/coffee and biscuits from 4-5pm; free use of bicycles when available.
View Holiday PhotosContinental
8 DAYS FROM £549A traditional family-run hotel in a tranquil location, offering exceptional standards of service and comfort, the Continental also offers a host of special dinners to help make your stay all the more memorable.
Location: This attractive modern hotel set in its own impressive olive gardens, is on an elevated plateau in the little hamlet of Nago, just on the outskirts of Torbole, and 2 kilometres from the lake itself. A courtesy bus operates to Nago-Torbole.
Facilities: Swimming pool with free sunbeds, parasols and pool towels; indoor pool with jacuzzi and sauna; sun terrace; bright, spacious restaurant (4 course evening meals with choice of menu and salad buffet); retro 'Living Metal Café' with comfortable seating, serving drinks and cocktails; twice weekly gala dinners with live music and dancing; bicycle hire; safety deposit box and minibar in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; balcony; hairdryer; satellite TV and air-conditioning (15 Jun-15 Sep).
Options: Single room with terrace.
Official category: 4 star.
Special offers: Complimentary afternoon tea or coffee and biscuits (4-5pm); complimentary 1/4 litre of wine and 1/2 litre mineral water with evening meal.
View Holiday PhotosGarda
plus8 DAYS FROM £585Ideally positioned to enjoy the full beauties of the lake, this recently refurbished hotel stands back from the main road in pleasant surroundings. The atmosphere is friendly and comfortable with the evenings very much relaxed.
Location: Just 150 metres from the lake. There are shops and restaurants in the vicinity and the resort centre is 1 kilometre away.
Facilities: Swimming pool with sunbeds, parasols and pool towels; sun terrace; new modern lounge area serving snacks and drinks; spacious restaurant and 4 course evening meals with choice of menu and salad buffet; twice weekly gala dinners with live music and dancing; safety deposit box and minibar in bedrooms; lift.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; balcony; satellite TV; air-conditioning (mid Jun-mid Sep) and hairdryer.
Options: Single room (no balcony).
Official category: 4 star.
Special offers: Complimentary afternoon tea or coffee and biscuits (4-5pm); complimentary 1/4 litre of wine and 1/2 litre mineral water with evening meal; free use of bicycles when available.
Holiday Extensions
View Holiday PhotosAlpine Italy, Austria & Slovenia -
Before your week in Lake Garda, why not add a tour that combines the romantic Alps, mighty Dolomites and beautiful Lake Bled with the enchanting cities of Salzburg and Venice?
View Holiday PhotosAdd a week on the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise -
In addition to a wonderful week relaxing in your hotel, why not spend the first week of your holiday on a fantastic cruise around the Eastern Mediterranean?
View Holiday PhotosLido di Jesolo -
Why not combine a relaxing stay enjoying the sandy beaches of Lido di Jesolo followed by a week immersed in the spectacular scenery of Lake Garda.
- View Holiday Photos
Lido di Jesolo -
Why not combine a relaxing stay enjoying the sandy beaches of Lido di Jesolo followed by a week immersed in the spectacular scenery of Lake Garda.
View Holiday PhotosTreasures of Italy -
Before your stay in Lake Garda, why not add on a tour that takes in three of Italy's key cultural and historic cities as well as the beautiful Bay of Naples.
View Holiday PhotosVenice, Umbria & Tuscany -
Why not add a tour through Italy's cultural heartland, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the amazing city of canals, to the beginning of your stay in Lake Garda.
Accommodation on Extensions
Alpine Italy, Austria & Slovenia -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*) or Poppi at Mira (4*); Bled area: Krek at Lesce (3*); Salzburg area: Schweighofen at Eugendorf (3*); Dolomites area: Union or Post at Dobbiaco (3*); Venice area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*) or Poppi at Mira (4*).
Add a week on the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise -
View Holiday Photos
View Deck PlansMSC Musica
Your cruise ship, the Italian owned MSC Musica, was built specifically for MSC Cruises and launched in June 2006. This elegant ship has been designed with unmistakeable Italian style décor, fully equipped with the highest quality materials and luxurious amenities to guarantee you cruise in comfort. On board, you will find a long-standing dedication to hospitality and service, in a warm and friendly environment.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Sun deck; 2 swimming pools; 9 bars; 2 poolside bars; theatre; shopping gallery; fitness centre; spa area; hairdresser; beauty centre; foreign exchange; laundry service; library and internet café.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. There are 4 restaurants on board, serving the finest international cuisine with a number of Italian speciality choices as well. Main dining is in 2 restaurants, however, in addition there is 1 cafeteria and 1 à la carte restaurant.
Cabins
All cabins have twin or double beds; some cabins may have upper bunks for additional travelling companions; air-conditioning/heating; TV; telephone; radio; minibar; safe; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category 2 inside cabin or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions
2 Twin/double inside lower deck cabin
3 Twin/double inside upper deck cabin
4 Twin/double outside lower deck cabin
6 Twin/double outside lower deck cabin with balcony
11 Twin/double outside upper deck cabin with balcony
Tipping
It is customary to tip staff on board that give a personal service. In order to help, a sum of approximately 6 euros per person per day will be added as a fixed amount to your on board account. This gratuity will be shared amongst the staff. This is of course discretionary and should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk at any point during your cruise.
Lido di Jesolo -
Lido di Jesolo -
Treasures of Italy -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*) or Albatros at Mestre (4*); Assisi: Antonelli at Santa Maria Degli Angeli (3*); Sorrento Area: Rivage or Central Park (3*); Rome: Fleming (4*); Florence area: Europa at Signa (3*).
Venice, Umbria & Tuscany -
Accommodation on Tour
Venice Area: Sirio at Mestre (3*) or Poppi at Mira (4*); Perugia: Ilgo (3*); Siena: Italia (3*); Montecantini: Minerva Palace (4*).
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable)
Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme.
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