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A Week By Lake Garda
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A Walks and excursions by the most beautiful of the Italian lakes |
Ref: EX-DIZ
8 days
from £579 (minimum 8 passengers)
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Destination:
Italy
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Walks and excursions by the most beautiful of the Italian lakes
The contrast of dramatic mountains and sandy coves make Lake Garda arguably the most beautiful of the Italian lakes. The landscape close to the shore has the feel of the Mediterranean, with a mild climate supporting palms and the famous lemon groves alongside the olives and vines. In the north the mountains rise steeply from the water forming the sunny southern extremities of the Alps. In the south, some 50 km away, views stretch across the Po valley. Our week is based towards the northern end of the lake in Nago, a tranquil village away from the busy shore but close enough to the lake to enjoy all its amenities. The boats that link the historic lakeside towns are an enjoyable way to travel. We visit the old port of Torbole, the charming old streets of Limone and the castle and Roman Villa in Sirmione. From Malcesine we take a cable car onto Monte Baldo for some mountain walking and superb views. Walks on the lake shore from Garda or Riva also help to work up an appetite before returning to Nago. There is plenty of time to wander in the villages, have a long lunch or take a swim. The walking is all taken at a leisurely pace and does not involve any significant ascent but walking down from Monte Bado can test the knees if you do not opt to return by cable car!
Extend your stay:
extra accommodation can be booked at the Hotel Zanella if you want to add a few extra days to your holiday. Twin room £57, Single room £37. Rooms are on a B&B basis and a £5 booking fee will be charged.
Further Information
Special equipment required:
walking boots or strong walking shoes are recommended, small daypack, some warm clothes, waterproofs, sun hat, sun cream etc.
Extra Expenses:
entrance fees vary between €2 and €5 for each chosen visit. For meals not included allow about €85 (varies depending on restaurants chosen) and extra for wine.
Meals Included:
7 breakfasts and 6 dinners.
Transport:
we use a minibus or small coach for airport transfers; public transport (boats and buses) are used for the daily programme.
Children:
This holiday is not available to children under 16.
Joining locally:
the local joining point is the Hotel Zanella in Nago. This takes about 3 hours by bus from Verona airport, or alternatively a taxi can be used but is more expensive.
Group & Staff:
Min. 8, max. 16 plus leader.
Accommodation:
The Hotel Zanella is situated in Nago, a tranquil village overlooking Lake Garda. It is far enough from the lake shore to avoid the traffic and day trippers but it's only a twenty minute walk if you want to make your way to the waterside. The hotel runs a twice-daily shuttle service down to its private sun terrace on Torbole beach as well as offering its guests their own small swimming pool at the hotel. You can relax with a drink by the pool or in the garden. Stefano, the owner, and his staff are very helpful and will do all they can to make you enjoy your stay.
Food:
The cuisine in this part of Italy is a mix of Italian and German influences. Breakfast is a substantial buffet with eggs, ham, cheese, cereals, fruit, yoghurts etc; a touch of the German influence. Lunches are not included but there are ample oportunities on most days to choose a restaurant or bar for a meal or just buy a picnic or a snack. Five dinners are taken in the hotel restaurant which provides many regional dishes, normally served buffet style, but on one evening the meal is a special candle-lit dinner. One meal is taken at a local restaurant. Dinner on the free day is not included, allowing you to try a restaurant of your own choice, perhaps by the lake shore. The local wines are very good and all restaurants provide a wide selection for you to try.
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Day 1 | Depart London Gatwick to Verona and transfer to Nago, approx. 1 ½ hours. Those with land-only arrangements meet at the Hotel Zanella in the afternoon. | Day 2 | After a leisurely breakfast explore the serene village of Nago, small cobbled streets and all. A 15 min. walk up to Castle Penede is rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Garda before we descend on foot through the olive groves to Torbole. This was once the busiest port in the north of Lake Garda but now most come for the attractive beach and the clear water. The afternoon is free to look round Torbole or relax at the hotel or on the beach. | Day 3 | An early start: we walk to Torbole to catch the boat to Limone. Explore the charming streets of Limone, before going by boat to Garda. Walk 2 km along the lakeside to Bardolino for lunch then on to Lazise (5 km) visiting an Olive Oil Museum on route. The walk is mostly flat. | Day 4 | After a leisurely breakfast, catch the 10.15 boat to Sirmione, arriving at 14.00. There is plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as we go almost the full length of the lake. There is a restaurant/bar on board for lunch on the way. Sirmione is definitely worth the journey. Visit the castle and walk along the lake shore past the church and parks to the Grotte de Catullo, the old Roman villa belonging to the poet Catullo. The museum holds architectural findings dating back to Roman times. The views are fantastic while wandering through the ruins, olive groves and along the beach front. There is time for a coffee and an ice cream before returning to Hotel Zanella by private minibus (approx. 1½ hrs). | Day 5 | An early breakfast and a bus to Riva. Riva is a mix of historic buildings, beautiful parks and a pretty waterfront. We head out for a 3 hour walk on one of the many routes in the hills. Return for lunch, walking through the park to the Rocca and Museo Civico. This museum has a great display of life at Riva through the centuries. We take a bus to visit the Cascata dei Varone (waterfalls) during the afternoon. | Day 6 | This is a free day. There are plenty more places to visit using the boats or buses along the lake or just relax on the beach. There's the option of various water sports (windsurfing, sailing, etc.), hiring mountain bikes, or taking another walk. Visits to local wineries (cantinas) can also be arranged to include some wine tastings! | Day 7 | Take the bus shuttle to Torbole in order to catch the boat to the pretty port of Malcesine. From the port we walk up through the town centre to the Funivia (cable car), which runs to the summit of Monte Baldo. The rotating cabins give fantastic panoramic views over Lake Garda, the Venetian and Lombard Pre-Alps, Po Valley and the Dolomites. From the top of Monte Baldo (1800m) walk along the Tratto Spino, an easy, flat walk, to a panoramic viewpoint. Walk part way down the mountain, joining a mule track to the Signor arch and then on to San Michele and the cable car for the rest of the descent. When back in Malcesine visit the magnificent castle and the clock tower and take some time to wander around this lovely mediaeval town. | Day 8 | Return to Verona for the flight to London. Those with land-only arrangements end the trip in Nago. |
Departures Between | Price from | 02 Oct 04 | *£579 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
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FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
Local payment €90 (approx. £65)
Single room supplement £70
Insurance £25
This holiday is operated by Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582.
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A Week By Lake Garda
A Walks and excursions by the most beautiful of the Italian lakes
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