Venice, Lake Garda and Lake Como

Combine enchanting gondola rides in Venice with colourful Lake Garda markets, and elegant villas and gardens in Lake Como.

At a glance

  • Admire the Venetian villas on the shores of Lake Como
  • Savour wines in the rustic vineyards surrounding Lake Garda
  • Visit to the largest island of the archipelago – Venice Lido
a person posing for the camera

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.
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Suggested Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : UK - Venice

View of Basilica di San Marco and on piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. Architecture and landmark of Venice. Sunrise cityscape of Venice.

Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport and catch a water taxi to one of our fantastic hotels. Check in and then head to Venice’s unrivalled waterways, via a serenaded gondola ride along the emerald canals or by the convenient water bus transport service. (bookable locally).

Points of interest:
Where you could stay
Recommended
Italian Cities, Venice
Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal
  • Stunning views over the Grand Canal
  • Explore the city’s famous attractions from the hotel’s prime location
Recommended
Italian Cities, Venice
Ca' Sagredo
  • Set on the north bank of the Grand Canal in Venice
  • Dine al fresco in the rustic L’Alcova Restaurant
  • Try the cookery class and tour by the hotel chef
Day 2 : Venice

Venice-2020-Carnival-1266783535-001109-edit

Pre-book the Walking Tour of Venice excursion and be expertly guided through the city’s best streets and past some of the most magical attractions. There’s so much to see, including the Basilica, St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the bustling Mercerie shopping street. For a deeper insight into Venetian history, pre-book an extended tour to include entrance into some of these attractions, such as the Golden Basilica (not available on Sundays) or the Doge's Palace for the same day.

Where you could stay
Recommended
Italian Cities, Venice
Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal
  • Stunning views over the Grand Canal
  • Explore the city’s famous attractions from the hotel’s prime location
Recommended
Italian Cities, Venice
Ca' Sagredo
  • Set on the north bank of the Grand Canal in Venice
  • Dine al fresco in the rustic L’Alcova Restaurant
  • Try the cookery class and tour by the hotel chef
Day 3 : Venice

Venetian gondolier punting gondola through green canal waters of Venice, Italy

Spend the day soaking up even more of this enchanting city before heading to Venice Lido – the largest island of the archipelago. With an eight-mile-long beach, and plenty of upscale bars, this is a preferred holiday destination for the international high society.

Points of interest:
Where you could stay
Recommended
Italian Cities, Venice
Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal
  • Stunning views over the Grand Canal
  • Explore the city’s famous attractions from the hotel’s prime location
Recommended
Italian Cities, Venice
Ca' Sagredo
  • Set on the north bank of the Grand Canal in Venice
  • Dine al fresco in the rustic L’Alcova Restaurant
  • Try the cookery class and tour by the hotel chef
Day 4 : Venice - Lake Garda

harbor lazise - italy

Travel to the vibrant Lake Garda, arrive at your chosen resort and check in to your fantastic lake-side hotel. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the surrounding area before enjoying a classic Veneto evening meal as the sun sets over Italy's largest lake.

Where you could stay
Recommended
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort

 

  • Situated just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Riva del Garda
  • Set amongst its own magnificent park with tropical plants and ornamental lakes
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
Splendido Bay Resort
  • You can relax by the outdoor pool or beach.
  • A short drive to the popular lake side town of Desenzano.
  • Choice of dining options.
Recommended
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
Hotel Savoy Palace
  • Charming hotel in the centre of Gardone, close to the lakefront
  • Elegantly furnished and boasts stunning lake views from the terrace
Day 5-7 : Lake Garda

Aerial view of Sirmione, an ancient village on southern Garda Lake. Brescia province, Lombardy, ItalY

Stretching between the Alps and the Dolomites, Lake Garda boasts a spectacular backdrop backed by rustic vineyards to the south and peaceful green mountains to the north. It offers a rich medieval heritage, as well as a unique culture thanks to the combination of Italian and German inhabitants, making it the perfect all round holiday destination. 

Today you are free to explore the charming towns adorning the lakeside via ferry – marvel at the medieval Scaligeri castles, pick up some bargains at the colourful alfresco markets or stroll along the lake-side promenades. If you enjoy hiking, the steep pathways of the Monte Baldo provide the perfect setting for more challenging walks. The area around the lake is also a major producer of wine and oils so take the opportunity to visit one of the local wineries and olive oil factories (pre-bookable excursions are available).

Where you could stay
Recommended
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort

 

  • Situated just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Riva del Garda
  • Set amongst its own magnificent park with tropical plants and ornamental lakes
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
Splendido Bay Resort
  • You can relax by the outdoor pool or beach.
  • A short drive to the popular lake side town of Desenzano.
  • Choice of dining options.
Recommended
Italian Lakes, Lake Garda
Hotel Savoy Palace
  • Charming hotel in the centre of Gardone, close to the lakefront
  • Elegantly furnished and boasts stunning lake views from the terrace
Day 8 : Lake Garda - Lake Como

Beautifull aerial panoramic view from the drone to the Varenna - famous old Italy town on bank of Como lake. High top view to Water landscape with green hills, mountains and city in sunny summer day.

Today, you will be travelling to the beautiful Lake Como. Arrive at your chosen resort and check in to your fantastic lakeside hotel before setting out to see what the resort has to offer. Take a stroll down a lake-side promenade, head into the hills or go for a boat trip across Italy’s deepest lake.

Where you could stay
Recommended
Italian Lakes, Lake Como
Hotel Du Lac
  • Situated in the centre of Bellagio opposite the main boat landing stage
  • Panoramic roof terrace with sunbeds and beautiful views of Lake Como
Recommended
Italian Lakes, Lake Como
Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como
  • Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
  • 15 minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio
Italian Lakes, Lake Como
Grand Hotel Victoria
  • Blends classic features with a modern, contemporary style
  • Enjoy the beautiful gardens
Day 9-11 : Lake Como

Facade of Villa Carlotta  at Tremezzo on lake Como Italy.

Lake Como is famously Italy’s aristocratic retreat, with remarkably grand Venetian villas echoing an era of bygone glamour, and many famous figures, including George Clooney and Gianni Versace, still holidaying here today. Romantic strolls can be had at the Villa Carlotta Gardens in Tremezzo, whilst the many picturesque lakeside towns, best reached via ferry, are packed with great eateries and authentic boutiques.

11 days from £2,175 per person

Price shown includes return flights from London, accommodation in each destination for the duration specified and transfers, trains and/or car hire as required. The price shown represents a from price per person based on two people sharing in low season travel unless otherwise stated. Price is subject to availability and flight seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price shown is for guidance only. To obtain a tailored quote specific for your requirements, please contact one of our Italy Experts.

Practical Information

Flight Information

Direct flights to Venice Marco Polo airport (VCE) are available from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and Southend and take approximately 2 hours. Transfers from the airport are by water taxi or water bus and take approximately 40 minutes to reach the centre of Venice.

Direct flights to Venice Treviso airport (TSF) depart from London Stansted, Leeds Bradford, Bristol and East Midlands and take approximately 2 hours.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Throughout 2024, the local government of Venice will be trialling the Venice Access Fee. Those staying in a hotel in Venice are not required to pay this, however, must apply online for an exemption. The Access Fee is set at €5 per day per person and must be paid by each person who accesses the Ancient City of Venice. For further information, visit the official site here: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
 
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Details

The price is based on 2 adults sharing, travelling in May 2025. Our Italy Experts can personalise all of our multi-destination holidays for a date and destination that suits you. For a bespoke quote, give one of our Personal Travel Planners a call on 01293 765055.

Quote reference number: 53354147

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