Lake Garda
Lake Garda refers to more than just a beautiful lake – these tours can also contain elements of the Italian cities of Milan, Verona and Venice. The floating city of Venice is an enchanting mix of gondolas, canals and iconic buildings such as the Basilica of St. Marks, Ponte Rialto and the Bridge of Sighs.
Verona, celebrated by Shakespeare as the romantic setting for the moving tale of Romeo and Juliet, is also home to an amazing Roman Arena that plays host to many large-scale opera performances.
Check out Venice, and use the Vaporetto taxis to see what Venice has on offer. While St. Mark’s Square is a must-visit, seek out lesser-known areas like the Jewish Ghetto or the quieter neighborhoods of Dorsoduro and Cannaregio for a more authentic experience.
Enjoy the thrills of Gardaland, Italy’s largest theme park. As a backdrop, the stunning Lake Garda at the foot of the Dolomites mountains makes for the perfect setting, with its 25 picturesque villages rich with historical monuments, castles and fortresses.
Start your last day with a scenic boat trip around Lake Garda, before heading to the airport for the flight home.
Sample 4 Day / 3 Night Itinerary
Day 1
- Flight from Ireland to the airport of choice (flight information below).
- Upon arrival, enjoy a coach transfer from the airport to Verona. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this enchanting city, including a visit to Juliet’s House, where the legend of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet comes to life.
- Transfer with a coach to accommodation and overnight.
Day 2
- After breakfast, embark on a scenic coach transfer to Venice for a day of exploration. Glide through the city’s iconic canals aboard a Vaporetto, a traditional water taxi that offers an unforgettable journey through Venice’s shimmering waterways, immersing you in the charm and beauty of this historic city.
- Savor a leisurely picnic lunch in a picturesque spot, followed by a self-guided tour to discover Venice’s must-see landmarks. From the majestic Rialto Bridge to the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Square, explore at your own pace and soak in the city’s rich history and culture. Afterward, enjoy a return Vaporetto ride to Murano, where you’ll meet your coach for a transfer back.
- Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
- After breakfast, depart for Gardaland Theme Park, Italy’s premier entertainment destination. Prepare for an exhilarating day filled with thrilling rides, captivating shows, and a wide array of attractions that promise fun for all ages.
- Enjoy a full day exploring Gardaland at your leisure. With plenty of dining options available in the park, you’re free to make your own food arrangements and indulge in a variety of tasty treats. Later, enjoy a coach transfer to a local bowling alley for some friendly competition before dinner.
- Return to accommodation and overnight.
Day 4
- Check out early from your hotel and embark on a serene boat trip around Italy’s largest lake. As you glide across the sparkling blue waters, take in breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
- Coach transfer back to the airport. Return to Ireland.
Build your Itinerary - Cornerstones
Cornerstones are the attractions that should form the core of any itinerary – the “do not miss” items!
For us there are 4 such cornerstones to a Lake Garda itinerary:
Visit Juliet’s House in Verona – This iconic location brings to life the timeless romance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Vaporetto Ride in Venice – Glide through the shimmering canals of Venice on a Vaporetto water taxi. This scenic, one-of-a-kind experience is the perfect way to take in the charm and beauty of Venice, with its historic buildings and vibrant waterways.
Gardaland Theme Park – With thrilling rides, live shows, and countless attractions, Gardaland offers fun for all ages, making it an unforgettable experience.
Boat Trip on Italy’s Largest Lake – Enjoy a boat ride around Italy’s largest lake, offering breathtaking views of mountains, villages, and crystal-clear waters—an incredible way to say goodbye to this beautiful region.
Itinerary - Day Trips
Day Trip to Verona – Explore the romantic city of Verona, including a visit to Juliet’s House, a must-see for fans of Romeo and Juliet. Afterward, enjoy some free time in this charming city before heading to your accommodation for the evening.
Day Trip to Venice – Take a coach transfer to Venice, where you’ll enjoy a scenic Vaporetto ride through the city’s iconic canals. Explore Venice’s must-see sights on a self-guided tour, followed by a return journey to Murano. A perfect way to experience the enchanting beauty of Venice.
Day Trip to Gardaland – Spend a thrilling day at Gardaland Theme Park, filled with exciting rides, shows, and attractions. After a fun-filled day, enjoy some bowling before returning to your accommodation for a well-earned rest.
Day Trip to Sirmione – Discover the beauty of Sirmione, a charming peninsula on Lake Garda. Visit the medieval Scaligero Castle for panoramic views, explore the ancient Grotte di Catullo Roman ruins, and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of its famous thermal spas.
Day Trip to Trento – Visit the beautiful city of Trento, home to the Castello del Buonconsiglio with its stunning frescoes and historical exhibits. Wander through the charming Piazza Duomo, and explore the interactive exhibits at the Museo delle Scienze (MUSE) for a mix of culture and science.
Itinerary Fillers and Evening Activities
Filling time and gaps in an itinerary won’t be a problem in Rome – trying to cut out attractions will be the challenge!
Mini Golf or Bowling: The students can spend an evening bowling or enjoying some minigolf. Here are some more:
Escape Room Challenges: Spend an evening at an escape room where the students will work as a team to escape!
Walk along the lake: Spend an evening and stroll along the beautiful Lake Garda and take it all in.
Gelato: Simply try out some of the local Gelato in the town.
Accommodation Options
- We offer different accommodation options around Lake Garda. Please email us to find out more!
- We offer the possibility of staying in 2/3-star hotels, subject to price change and availability.
- Breakfast and dinners are provided, unless specified in the itinerary.
Connections from Ireland
Flight routes change all the time, but currently flight routes include:
Ryanair:
- Dublin-Milan-Bergamo
- Dublin-Venice
- Dublin-Verona
Aer Lingus:
- Dublin-Milan-Linate
- Dublin to Venice
- Dublin to Verona