Sirmione on Lake Garda

We meet at our dedicated Departure Office in London St Pancras today, and board the Eurostar to Paris. We continue by rail to Chambéry, where we spend the night.

On Day 2 we continue to Lake Garda, arriving at the southern end of the lake, where the shores are almost sea-like and lined with inviting beaches. Our destination is the peaceful town of Sirmione, which sits on a peninsula jutting into the lake, surrounded on three sides by the waters of Lake Garda. We spend seven nights at the 4-Star Hotel Continental. Located close to Sirmione's centre, the Hotel Continental offers a wonderful setting by the lake, and the owner, Giovanni, will be on hand to make your time here as enjoyable as possible.

• Day 1 - Eurostar Meal, Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner

Today is yours to spend as you wish. Sirmione is a pleasure to discover; the town is bursting with history and charm, including the Rocca Scaligera - a beautifully preserved 13th-century castle surrounded by a large water-filled moat that dominates the Old Quarter of the town.

On Day 4, we take a coach to historical Verona, a city of narrow streets, picturesque piazzas, Italian culture, and romance - and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. On our guided tour we're introduced to Verona's historic heart. We see Juliet's famous balcony and the great Roman arena, which remains largely intact and is today used as an open-air opera house. Later, you have time to discover Verona at your own pace. Perhaps stroll along the Piazza delle Erbe, a former Roman forum. Lined with al fresco eateries and typical Veronese cafés, this is a perfect spot from which to appreciate the buzz of the city, or to relax with a drink and watch the world go by - a truly Italian pastime. Leaving Verona, we continue to a local wine cooperative in Valpolicella, which has been in the Mazzi family for a century and is currently run by three brothers, Roberto, Stefano, and Antonio. We enjoy a tour and a tasting of excellent local wines, before a dinner of homemade dishes in the idyllic setting of the rustic farmhouse.

• Day 3 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 4 - Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Sirmione today. You could visit Grotte di Catullo, the remains of one of the largest Roman villas in Italy and one of Sirmione's most famous sights.

On Day 6 we head to the 'Floating City' of Venice by rail. This glorious city is set in its own shimmering lagoon - an incredible environment that has UNESCO World Heritage Status. On arrival a boat transports us to St Mark's Square, overlooked by St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the iconic bell tower. Here, we set out on a guided tour of the unique city, taking us through elegant streets, passing narrow canals and small squares to visit some of Venice's main sights. Later, you're free to explore. You could choose to ride along the canals on an iconic Venice gondola, or discover the city's culinary offerings. Venice presents an enticing selection of dining options, including a Venetian version of tapas called cicchetti - delicious snacks usually washed down with a glass of wine.

• Day 5 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 6 - Breakfast, Dinner

You have another free day in Sirmione today. If you'd like to unwind, one option is to take advantage of Sirmione's thermal springs - our hotel has its own thermal pool, fed directly from the thermal springs of the town.

On Day 8 we travel by coach up Lake Garda's eastern shore on the way to Malcesine, a picturesque medieval town with cobblestoned streets and an impressive castle. Here, the lake almost resembles the Norwegian fjords, with dramatic cliffs rising steeply from the water. You have free time in Malcesine. You may wish to visit the 14th-century Scaligeri Castle, or take the cable car to the summit of Monte Baldo, Lake Garda's highest mountain. We make our return journey by boat, a wonderful way to soak up views of the lake and surrounding scenery from its waters. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together in the hotel.

• Day 7 - Breakfast
• Day 8 - Breakfast, Dinner

We begin our journey home, transferring to Desenzano station for the train to Turin, where we spend the night. On Day 10 we take a train to Paris and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras.

• Day 9 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 10 - Breakfast, Eurostar Meal