We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris, where we stay overnight at the 3-star Mercure Gare du Lyon. This evening you are free for dinner - why not catch the métro into the centre of Paris? Stroll down the magnificent Champs Elysées for a spot of window-shopping, or if you're feeling slightly more energetic, walk up through the winding lanes of the Montmartre district and admire the twinkling lights of Paris spread out at your feet from the steps of the Sacré Coeur.

From Paris we travel by train down through France and across the border on our direct TGV to Milan. We continue to Desenzano, arriving in the afternoon for a seven night stay at the welcoming Hotel Desenzano. This evening after dinner you can take a stroll through the winding lanes of the Old Town, or wander along the lakeshore and watch the breeze rippling the calm water. (B,D)

Today we take the boat to Sirmione, situated on a long promontory to the south of the lake. The historical centre of Sirmione is mostly pedestrianised, with its narrow winding lanes and pretty piazzas. A panoramic walk leads out around the promontory, and on a clear day you can enjoy great views over the lake and towards the mountains in the north. We have time to explore the 13th century Scaligeri Castle (payable locally) and admire the beautiful views over Lake Garda from the ramparts, or visit the ruined Roman villa, the Villa Romana, built at the end of the headland. (B,D)

Today we visit Verona, a charming walled city of Roman origin. We enjoy a guided tour through the many beautiful medieval streets and ancient piazzas, including the legendary house made famous in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. We end the walk at the imposing Roman Arena, which is now an open-air Opera House. The remainder of the day is free to explore Verona, before we return home by coach. (B,D)

Your day is free to discover Desenzano, with its narrow streets, medieval castle and picturesque waterfront. Make your way to the Old Town, as today is market day and the square is filled with colourful stalls selling locally produced food and crafts. Alternatively, why not visit Malcesine, a pretty little town dominated by its distinctive 14th century castle? Explore this charming town of cobbled lanes which lead down to the lake. Gathered round the quaint harbour are traditional pastel-coloured houses and waterside cafés, which look out across to the resorts of Tremosine and Limone. Behind Malcesine the summit of Lake Garda's highest mountain, Monte Baldo, can be reached by cable car for stunning views. (B,D)

We cruise today to the wooded Isola del Garda, the biggest island in the lake. Dominated by an impressive neo-Gothic villa, the island can be reached only by boat, and we travel out to see the elegant house and flower-filled gardens, scented with lemon and pine. Exotic plants jostle for position among verdant foliage, and beautifully manicured terraces run down to the water. We enjoy a guided tour of the house and gardens. (B,D)

Today we enjoy an excursion by train to Venice. We leave the station for the bustle of the Grand Canal and a short orientation tour by boat, along the Giudecca Canal to St Mark's Square, dominated by the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the venerable Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace. After a short walking tour, you have plenty of free time to soak up the atmosphere of this truly amazing city. Venice lends itself to idle wandering, and possibly the best way to enjoy its captivating charms is to let yourself get lost in the myriad of winding alleys and twisting lanes that make up the city centre. (B,D)

Today is also free to relax in Desenzano or maybe venture further afield. You can travel to stylish Milan to explore the sights, including the magnificent Duomo, the world-renowned opera house 'Teatro alla Scala' and the incredible 19th century glass-roofed shopping arcade, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. (B,D)

We leave Desenzano by coach for Milan where we join the train for the journey via the spectacular Gotthard Pass to Zürich and onto to Stuttgart. Here we spend one night at the Maritim Hotel, conveniently located in the centre of the city. (B,D)

We depart Stuttgart and travel through the scenic Rhine Gorge dotted with ruined castles, to Cologne. Here we change for Brussels where we join our connection with Eurostar to London. (B)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday