Hidden Europe: unique experiences in Europe's cities
08/09/2020 · By Katie Shaw
Europe’s cities are treasure troves of culture, teeming with iconic, must-see sights to enthral even the most seasoned of tourists.
Read moreSave up to £200pp on Europe 2025 holidays when you book by 31st October 2024.
2025 Tour code: SRL25
About the tour
Based in the exquisite fortress town of Sirmione, set on a picturesque peninsula overlooking Lake Garda, and staying in an elegant spa hotel, this captivating holiday includes some fabulous excursions.
Join us as we glide through Venice's turquoise canals on an unforgettable gondola ride - passing Venetian palazzos, intriguing architecture and Byzantine churches - indulge in a wine-tasting and delicious dinner at a rural winery in Valpolicella, explore the history, culture and relaxed lifestyle of Roman Verona, as well as visiting the medieval hamlet of Malcesine on Lake Garda.
Unforgettable experiences
What’s included
Itinerary
Our holiday begins at London St Pancras, where we meet our Tour Manager and group of fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. Travelling in spacious Standard Premier Class, we are served drinks and a light meal at our comfortable seats.
From the French capital, we continue by First Class rail to the attractive medieval town of Chambéry, with its wonderful backdrop of the French Alps. On arrival, we take a short walk from the station to our hotel, where we check in for the night. There may be a little free time to look around before our first group dinner together.
Chambéry has a historic Old Town with a characterful square, tall, colourful houses, and is officially listed as a Town of Art and History ('Ville d'Art et d'Histoire').
Additional information
Hotel
Trains
Enhance your holiday
Upgrades
Reviews
4.4 / 5 · 289 reviews
Kenneth Buck
Submitted 17/Sep
We went to Lake Como 2 years ago with you, which had a lot more excursions which we preferred. Lake Garda was too much free time
Collected by Trustpilot
customer
Submitted 17/Sep
Well planned itinerary, thoroughly enjoyed our time at lake Garda
Collected by Trustpilot
Emily
Submitted 15/Sep
Great trip, good combination of tour days and rest days. The hotels were excellent and the first class train travel made the travelling extra special. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
Customer
Submitted 11/Sep
A wonderful 10day holiday staying at the Hotel Continental, a lovely lakeside hotel with great views an outside terrace and delicious food. Sirmione delightful and buzzing. Enjoyable trips to Malcesine on Lake Garda, Venice, Verona and a Valpolicella winemaker for a wine tasting and delicious dinner. Three free days. We were a group of 27 who gelled really well, with a brilliant, energetic and fun tour manager. A great holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
Angela
Submitted 10/Sep
Perfectly led by our tour manager, hot weather, transport on time and comfortable. Hotel in Sirmione so friendly, clean and excellent food/facilities. Convenient location for exploring Lake Garda by boat eg Malcesine with the rotating cable car up Monte Baldo, botanical gardens at Gardone, and multiple other lakeside towns for markets/shops/castle etc. Good mix of free time and excursion days . Would recommend this trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
Roger
Submitted 10/Sep
The quality and experiences derived from the organised trips coupled with the amount of free time made this an excellent holiday. The group of 27 plus tour manager hit it off from the very start which added to the overall enjoyment of this trip. The local tour guides in Verona and Venice provided just the right amount of local colour and history. The wine-tasting and evening meal at a local vineyard was also a real highlight. And of course spending so much time on and around the beautiful Lake Garda was the icing on the cake!
Collected by Trustpilot