Att göra – Gardasjön

Bolzano and Renon tour with panoramic train ride

South Tyrol is the most un-Italian part of Italy. It's not just the Alpine location that sets it apart but its languages, architecture and culture. This excursion mixes the best of both worlds with time in the regional capital, Bolzano, and scenery-rich train ride through the Renon plateau. Martin, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The railway was first opened in 1907, and originally incorporated a cog section ascending 1000 metres from Bolzano, but in 1966 that section was replaced by the original cablecar.'Bolzano, or Bozen as German-speaking locals call it, is the elegant and prosperous capital of South Tyrol. Its star attraction is the Archaeological Museum, home to Ötzi the Iceman – a naturally mummified 5,300-year-old Copper Age shepherd. You can choose to visit the museum during your free time in the city – entrance not included – or you can stroll the handsome streets and piazzas of the city, browse the shops or try some local specialities like apple strudel.And on the next leg of the trip, you'll hop into a cable car in Bolzano and ascend to the Renon plateau in a matter of minutes. Then it's time for the narrow-gauge train journey though pastoral landscapes and pretty villages. A 20-minute walk away through nature are the plateau's famous earth pyramids – well worth checking out. These bizarre pillars can reach heights of up to 30 metres, and while one pyramid vanishes, further up the same slope, nature is already forming a new one.

Brenta Dolomites with local speciality tastings

The Brenta Dolomites steal the show on this day trip – think sawtooth peaks, dramatic alpine scenery and a real sense of escape. You'll spend time soaking up the scenery around Lake Molveno, where nature puts on a seriously impressive display. Johann, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This whole area is like a postcard come to life. The Brenta Dolomites are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the views from Lake Molveno are some of the best around.'First up, you'll stop by a local bee farm, where you'll learn all about the buzzing world of the apiary from the beekeeper. Watch the bees at work, then try three different varieties of honey, each with its own distinct flavour. Then it's on to Lake Molveno – a turquoise beauty nestled at the base of the dramatic Dolomites. You'll have plenty of free time to explore – whether you fancy a refreshing swim, a kayak or pedalo adventure, or a ride up the cable car for jaw-dropping Dolomites views. Prefer to take it easy? Stroll the lakeside paths or settle in for lunch in the pretty town.To round things off, we'll visit the Marzadro Distillery, a family-run spot known for its quality spirits. You'll tour the facility, hear how traditional liqueurs are made, then try a few for yourself – from limoncello and grappa to local cream liqueurs and gin. You'll also get to taste some of the region's standout olive oil, offering a real flavour of Trentino.

Lake Garda olive oil mill and winery tour with Salo visit

Two of Italy's well-loved gourmet offerings shine brightly on this full day experience. Not only will you visit an olive oil mill and a winery, you'll enjoy your very own 'La Dolce Vita', with tasting sessions in both. There's also a visit to Salò, a quaint town on the banks of Lake Garda. Julia, one of our local expert guides, says "olive oil and wine are integral parts to Italian cuisine, contributing to the rich and diverse flavours that people worldwide have grown to love. On this tour, we'll deep-dive into the heart of production, cultivation and the secrets behind top-quality produce, as well as savour the flavours."You'll start the day at the Frantoio Manestrini olive oil mill and estate. Here, you'll tour the olive groves and mill, whilst learning the secrets behind olive oil making, from pruning and harvesting to pressing. Julia says "with over 40 years on the map, Frantoio Manestrini sure know how to make a good oil. Their attention to detail is paramount in the ever-changing world of production." After, there'll be a real treat for the palate — five high-quality oils to taste along with fresh bread.With your appetite awakened, you'll head to the lakeside town of Salò for some free time to explore and grab some lunch. Your final stop of the day will be at a nearby winery. Take a tour of the estate and find out how both traditional and modern methods are used to create local wines. You'll round off with a tasting session of three wines.

Classic Venice Tour

A masterpiece floating on the Adriatic, Venice is the mother of all bucket list must-visits. This excursion kicks off right in the heart of the action – St Mark's Square – with a walking tour of the historic centre. You'll then have free time in the maze of palace-lined canals.

Verona Day Trip

Immortalised in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Verona holds a special place in lovers' hearts. You'll get to fall in love with the city on this day trip from Lake Garda, seeing all its main sights as you wander around the history-steeped streets of its old town.

Grand Dolomites Tour to Fassa Valleys, and Pordoi Pass

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Lake Garda tour with boat trip from southern hotels

Spend a day soaking up the scenery surrounding one of Italy's most popular lakes. Passing olive groves, cypresses and grand villas, stopping off at pastel-hued towns and enjoying a short boat trip along the way. The northern shores of Lake Garda offer dramatic mountains rising behind pretty lakeside villages such as Limone and Malcesine.Your first stop will be Sirmione, often hailed as the lake's most beautiful village. Here, you'll have an hour to soak up its charm before the journey to Limone. Spread around a bay with an exceptionally mild climate, it's undoubtedly one of the most scenic spots along the lake. The town is a gem, full of character and pretty views.Next, we'll head to Malcesine, on the opposite shore. It's an impressive medieval village crowned by a castle. You'll have an hour or so here to explore the maze of narrow streets and absorb its history.

Lake Garda tour with boat trip from northern hotels

Spend a day soaking up the scenery surrounding one of Italy's most popular lakes. Meander past olive trees, cypresses and rare flowers, visit picturesque lakeside villages and take a short boat trip along the way. A day in the stunning scenery surrounding one of Italy's most popular spots.In contrast to the dramatic, mountain-ringed north of Lake Garda, the south is broader and surrounded by gentle hills. You'll start by exploring the charming town of Garda, a popular and pretty lakeside town. Here, you'll find plenty of options for refreshments as you make your way into the historic lanes.Then you'll be whisked off on a scenic boat ride to Sirmione, where you can explore at your leisure. Next, we'll journey by coach to Saló, passing Roman, Scaligeri and Venetian monuments en route. As you stroll through its network of lanes and small squares, you'll have the chance to soak up the unique ambiance of picture-perfect Lake Garda.

Lake Garda wine-tasting tour from southern hotels

The valleys near Lake Garda are home to an excellent selection of vineyards. This winery tour introduces you to the finest in local vino. You'll learn all about the wine production process, rounding off your visit with a tasting session.Whether you fancy yourself as a wine buff or you're just keen to find out more about the local varieties, then this trip caters to all tastes. The Lake Garda area is home to a number of officially recognised regional quality assurance labels – so you're spoilt for choice.During the visit, you'll explore the vineyards and tour the production areas, finding out about the grape varieties. A wine tour wouldn't be complete without the chance to sip, sample and savour the fruit of their labour. What's more, the settings are unbeatable – you'll enjoy a new perspective on the region's scenic landscapes.

Lake Garda wine-tasting tour from northern hotels

The valleys near Lake Garda are home to an excellent selection of vineyards. This winery tour introduces you to the finest in local vino. You'll learn all about the wine production process, rounding off your visit with a tasting session.Whether you fancy yourself as a wine buff or you're just keen to find out more about the local varieties, then this trip caters to all tastes. The Lake Garda area is home to a number of officially recognised regional quality assurance labels – so you're spoilt for choice.During the visit, you'll explore the vineyards and tour the production areas, finding out about the grape varieties. A wine tour wouldn't be complete without the chance to sip, sample and savour the fruit of their labour. What's more, the settings are unbeatable – you'll enjoy a new perspective on the region's scenic landscapes.

Lake Garda wine-tasting tour from western hotels

The valleys near Lake Garda are home to an excellent selection of vineyards. This winery tour introduces you to the finest in local vino. You'll learn all about the wine production process, rounding off your visit with a tasting session.Whether you fancy yourself as a wine buff or you're just keen to find out more about the local varieties, then this trip caters to all tastes. The Lake Garda area is home to a number of officially recognised regional quality assurance labels – so you're spoilt for choice.During the visit, you'll explore the vineyards and tour the production areas, finding out about the grape varieties. A wine tour wouldn't be complete without the chance to sip, sample and savour the fruit of their labour. What's more, the settings are unbeatable – you'll enjoy a new perspective on the region's scenic landscapes.

Lake Garda tour with boat trip from Sirmione and Desenzano

Spend the day visiting some of Lake Garda's shoreside villages on this full-day guided tour. Your first stop is Limone, famous for the lemon groves dotted around, as well the lemon-coloured houses near around the lake's edge. Then, you'll sail across to Riva del Garda, for a wander around the Medieval-era town centre, before your last stop at Malcesine on the opposite shore. Here, you'll have time to check out the 13th century castle overlooking the lake, and see where the area's 15th century Venetian rulers used to hang their hats at the Palazzo del Capitani building.