Lake Garda Discovery Tour
Immerse yourself in traditional Italian culture on the shores of stunning Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake. The shores of the lake are home to many picturesque resort towns; we’ll explore Limone, Riva and Gardone Riviera with its botanic gardens. A ferry journey takes us to the historic town of Malcesine with its 13th century lakeside castle to take the cable car up Monte Baldo from where we can enjoy panoramic views over the lake. A guided walking tour of Verona includes a visit to the impressive amphitheatre while a trip to Lake Tenno rewards with fantastic views of the Dolomite Mountains.
Holiday Highlights
- Enjoy spectacular views from the Monte Baldo cable car
- Discover historical Verona with our Local Guide
- Relax on a scenic boat trip on Lake Garda
- Explore the picturesque harbour, the beautiful palaces and the small alleyways of Limone
What’s included
- Half-Board en-suite accommodation.
- The services of an experienced HF Holidays leader.
- Full day excursions with all essential transport.
- ‘With flight’ holidays include return flights from the UK and hotel transfers.
Welcome to Hotel du Lac. Unpack and settle in.
Set at the mountainous northern end of Lake Garda, the lakeside towns of Limone and Riva both have a lot to offer. Limone is one of the most picturesque and popular towns on the lake and has plenty to discover, including the old town which is centred around the Porto Vecchio. A short ferry ride brings us to the town of Riva at the most northerly point of the lake. You may want to relax and have lunch along the waterfront or explore the historic town centre further.
A ferry and a cable car take us to Monte Baldo today, eventually bringing us up to approximately 1,800m above sea level. Incredible panoramic views await us at the top and there are some gentle walks to explore too. We will return to ground level before too long and discover more about the town of Malcesine. The lakeside Castello Scaligero was built in the 13th century and is the town’s most striking feature. Take the time to learn more about the castle or stop in at one of the many cafés for a drink or bite to eat.
Today we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Verona – famed not only for its Shakespearean connections but also for its first-century amphitheatre and beautiful bridges. The guide will highlight the visible remnants of Roman Verona and tell us the stories of the famous Scaligeri family before we stop for lunch in the Piazza delle Erbe. The afternoon is given over to more exploration and later we will return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
On our 7-night holidays, we allow one free day where there is no organised excursion. This is an ideal opportunity for you to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the area independently. Some possible options include:
Limone: Relax at the hotel using the outdoor or indoor pools and the excellent spa facilities. Limone has plenty of shops and places to enjoy a traditional Italian lunch or you could relax by the lake.
Lake Garda Boat Tour: You could take a full day boat tour across Lake Garda. The boat sets out along the western shore past Garda Island to Sirmione where there is some time to explore on shore. The boat returns along the eastern shore to Bardolino with time to explore here before returning to Limone via Malcesine.
We head south today for a relaxing day along the Gardone Riviera, a 19th-century resort is famous for its elegant hotels and gardens. It was also the one-time home of the poet, author, military leader and seducer Gabriele D'Annunzio and his villa, now museum, is a national monument with lots to see! The Andre Hellers Botanic Gardens are a marvellous place to relax. The sheltered climate and good water supply have enabled a range of tropical and exotic plants to grow.
Today takes on a more alpine feel as we head north of Lake Garda towards the much smaller Lake Tenno. The views of the Dolomites are fantastic from the lakeshore and we are only a short walk from Canale, a picture-perfect and rustic Medieval town. Once abandoned, it is now home of artists and artisans – be sure to bring your camera here! Later, we continue on to Arco, famous for its Austrian influence and architecture.
Depart following a leisurely breakfast.
Hotel du Lac - Lake Garda
This beautiful 4-star hotel enjoys an outstanding lakefront position, with direct access to the beach, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of charming Limone. The hotel is owned and run by the Fessler Family, who offer wonderful hospitality and a relaxing base. The hotel was originally built by the family's grandfather and is low rise to take full advantage of this stunning location. Winner of several HF Hotel Awards in 2018, this hotel offers fantastic cuisine and a warm welcome.
Rooms
There are 96 comfortable, well-appointed bedrooms with:
- Television
- Telephone
- Room safe
- Hairdryer
- Complimentary toiletries
- Small fridge
Facilities
As a guest you will be able to enjoy the use of:
- Outdoor pool (not heated) - private access to the lake if you are feeling brave!
- A wellness centre with small gym
- Extensive gardens
- Direct access to the lake
- Well stocked bar with outdoor terrace to enjoy an evening cocktail
- Our guests have free use of the indoor heated pool and Jacuzzi
Food & Drink
Our holidays at Limone are Half Board including breakfast and evening meal.
Breakfast is an extensive buffet consisting of a wide selection of cold and hot options as well as home-made pastries.
A 3-course served evening meal from a menu that is available to view each evening before proceeding down the steps to the restaurant.
Your Evenings
The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continue into the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer whilst listening to your leaders outlining the next day's walks. Or you can just relax in the hotel bar or on the terrace outside chatting with your fellow guests.
Getting to Hotel du Lac - Lake Garda
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential Information
To enjoy your holiday comfortably and safely, it’s essential that your clothing and footwear is suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities – hot, cold, wet or dry.
All of our Discovery Tours involve active sightseeing and you should therefore be prepared for walking between the sights and wear flat, comfortable shoes. In the evening most guests wear casual clothing.
You will probably find a small rucksack or cross-body bag useful for carrying spare clothing, camera, sun protection, drinks (at least 2 litres) etc during the day. A money belt is always a good idea.
You’ll also need to bring your:
- Booking confirmation
- Travel insurance cover note and contact details
- European Health Insurance Card (if applicable)
- Completed guest registration form
- Photocopy of photo page of passport
- Sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses
- Medication: If you require any medication, please take adequate supplies for the duration of your holiday. It’s advisable to carry your medication in your hand luggage instead of packing it in your suitcase
Christine Brook
Christine has been an HF Holidays Leader since 2005 and spends much of her time exploring the UK and Europe. She particularly enjoys leading City Breaks in Italy where she shares her enthusiasm of its culture and the arts with guests. Her particular favourite is the unique city of Venice. As she takes guests through its narrow streets and along its busy canals she reveals the city’s fascinating history, its power, its wealth, and the stories of its people.
Jim Hart
Jim Hart has been travelling for many years, across four continents so far. He leads European Special Interest and Guided Walking holidays. When not leading Jim is usually busy researching new tours, with a keen eye to create interesting holidays. He is looking forward to sharing his interests with HF guests.
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request.
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | |||||||
|
28 May -
04 Jun 2022
|
7 | Discovery Tour | £1,569 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | |||||||
|
28 May -
04 Jun 2022
|
7 | Discovery Tour | £1,369 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
Important Information
- Double room for sole occupancy: £20 per night.
- Travel: Flights from London Gatwick are included.
- Flight supplement from Manchester: £70pp.
- Our airport taxi service operates at this resort – price per taxi: From £150 one way.
- Independent travellers can join our transfer from Verona Airport: £20.50pp one way.
7 nights from £1,569pp with flights
...or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ people click here
