Northern Italy and Southern France

Lake Garda (3 nights)
Venice (2 nights)
Italian Riviera (4 nights)
Provence (5 nights)

Day 1

We start our tour with a pick up from Milan airport and drive to beautiful Lake Garda,the largest of the Italian Lakes, where we will stay in the town of Sirmione for 3 nights in a delightful lakeside hotel.

After settling into our hotel, relax on your terrace overlooking the lake, swim in the pool or go for a stroll into the old town.

Dinner: Join us for a welcome tour dinner. (D)

Day 2

After breakfast we take a tour to several lakeside towns where there will be time to walk the lakeside promenades, explore the shops, sample the gelato etc. Return to the hotel mid afternoon for relaxation.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B)

Day 3

After breakfast we drive to Verona, the home town of Romeo and Juliet. We will visit the house claimed to be Juliet’s with its famous balcony and courtyard. You have the opportunity to join in the tradition of rubbing the breast of Juliet’s statue to help find yourself a lover! We will also take a stroll through the old city including Piazza Bra which is a vehicle free and people friendly piazza. We will also visit the Roman Arena, a 1st century amphitheatre, and the third largest in the Roman World.

Join us for lunch at one of the local restaurants.

We then return to our hotel in Lake Garda where you will have the rest of the evening
free.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B, L)

Day 4

Today we depart for Venice where we will take a water taxi transfer to our 4 star hotel in the heart of Venice. Spend the rest of the day exploring this unique city with a relaxed walk through St Marks Square to Rialto Bridge, with time for shopping in the Rialto market and many shops to buy all that wonderful Murano glass and jewellery (great gifts for family and friends here).

Join us for an aperitif at a favourite wine bar.

Dinner: Join us for dinner at one of the fine local restaurants. (D)

Day 5

Take a vaporetto ride to visit the outlying islands of Murano & Burano where we will see a Venetian glass blowing demonstration and you will have time to explore the wonderful array of glass in the many shops. We will then proceed to Burano, famous for its lace and enjoy lunch in a local trattoria.

Dinner: Free night in Venice to have that romantic dinner wherever you choose. (B, L)

Day 6

Depart Venice after breakfast and head to the beautiful Italian Riviera town of Santa Margherita. Following our mid afternoon arrival at our hotel, relax by the Mediterranean Sea or take a stroll along the promenade.

Dinner: Join us for dinner in one of the local restaurants. (B, D)

Day 7

A relaxing start this morning.

We will then take a short boat ride around the beautiful coast to glitzy Portofino where you can marvel at the luxurious yachts in the harbour, sample a gelato or perhaps indulge with a drink at one of the many harbour side cafes. You are experiencing a well known holiday playground for the rich and famous.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B)

Day 8

This morning we depart Italy and drive through the French Riviera making a short stop in Monaco on our way to Provence.

We will arrive late afternoon at our stunning hotel in one of the most beautiful villages in France. Enjoy the views over the valley and relax by the pool or stroll to the local village before dinner.

Dinner: Join us for a welcome to Provence dinner at our hotel (B, D)

Day 9

This morning we will take a drive through the lavender fields of Provence and the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the environs of the hotel.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B)

Day 10

Today we visit the Gorges du Verdon the second biggest gorge in the world after the Grand Canyon. Why not join us for a short canoe trip down the river of the gorge where you will see caves and waterfalls.

We will then visit another of the most beautiful villages in France where you will have time to explore the many shops and enjoy lunch.

After lunch, we will take a spectacular drive through the gorge and take in the panoramic views – a day to remember!

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B)

Day 11

Today we will take a short drive through the vineyards of Provence and visit a winery for a tour and tasting of the famous Cotes du Provence wines.

The rest of the day will be yours to relax.

Dinner: Own arrangements (B)

Day 12

Today we will visit the graceful city of Avignon surrounded by 4.3 kilometres of superbly preserved stone ramparts. Here we will see the famous Pont D’Avignon built in 1185 and take a 2 hour guided tour of the city. You are then free to  wander and enjoy lunch before heading back to our accommodation.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B, L)

Day 13

Today we will visit the glitzy Riviera town of St Tropez. We drive to Port Grimaud and take a short boat ride to St Tropez harbour. After a stroll along the Promenade filled with local artists and their works, join us for lunch at a beautiful restaurant overlooking the sea. You will then have time to wander the many shops and delightful laneways before returning to the harbour for our trip back to Port Grimaud.

Dinner: Own arrangements. (B, L)

Day 14

Today is completely yours to relax and enjoy the fine surroundings of this beautiful
location.

Dinner: Join us for a final night dinner in Provence. (B, D)

Day 15

We leave this morning after breakfast for a private transfer back to Malpensa Airport,
Milan.

(B)=breakfast, (L)=lunch, (D)=dinner included in tour price.