ITINERARY : SUGGESTED PERIOD APRIL-OCTOBER
DAY 1: Garda’s Lake
The lake was called Lacus Benacus by the classical writers Virgil, Horace, and Catullus; its name was changed when the city of Garda, elevated to a county in the early 9th century by the emperor Charlemagne, acquired dominion over the lake. The northern end belonged to Austria until 1919. The lake is encircled by the magnificent Gardesana scenic route (89 miles), opened in 1931. Well sheltered by the Alps to the north, Lake Garda has a temperate Mediterranean climate, which makes it a popular resort area. Citrus fruits, olives, vines, laurels, oleanders, cypresses, and palms are grown on the southern and western shores, and there is fishing for eels, carp, and trout. Small steamers ply between the principal lakeside towns of Riva, Desenzano del Garda, and Peschiera del Garda.
Day 2: Trento
it is a town of stern medieval and Renaissance architecture, where mountains greet the gaze on every hand. In Trento you’ll visit the “Castello del Buonconsiglio” an ancient residence of the bishop-princes that’s now the most important museum of the town. In the afternoon there will be the visit to the Castle of Stenico before taking the way back to the hotel. A medieval atmosphere surrounded by the beauty of mountains.
Day 3 :
after breakfast at the hotel a visit to the monastery of S. Romedio that’s about 1.000 years old. The monastery consists of six small churches connected by steep stairs. Wonderful is the mountain scenery that surround the way to the Sanctuary. In the afternoon a tour of the Garda’s lake enjoying nature and landscape.
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Day 4 :
after breakfast at the hotel it’s Verona’s turn. The river Adige lingers lovingly as it passes through this city on the last foothills of the Monti Lessini, overlooking the boundless plains spreading out before it. Here the timeless past meets the city’s everyday life, as well: the Veronese still attend the ancient roman arena, they stroll over the red Scaliger bridge, sawtoothed with parapets; and they shop in the ancient Piazza delle Erbe: this is what you can expect from the visit of this town. In the afternoon a visit to the Garden Park Sigurtà is a must. It covers an area of half a million square meters in a hilly zone with luxurious vegetation. Visitors to the park can gain entrance only by car (coaches are accepted only through booking). The drive is 7 kilometers with 13 parking areas in the most interesting parts. Anyone who loves walking will be able to do so for several kilometers in the fotpaths, through the woods and on the vast lawned areas. The car will be needed to move from one parking area to another. Thus everyone has the opportunity of admiring even the most remote beauty of nature so bountiful. In the evening transfer to the new park hotel.
Day 5 :
This is the first cruise day. This charming excursion by boat takes you from Stra (Ve) to Venice or vice versa (according to excursion days because this is a one way tour). The Brenta Riviera, ideal extention of the Grand Canal, is a picturesque waterway that links Stra to Venice and on whose banks the noble Venetian and Paduan families built marvellous villas. During this exciting trip we will have the chance to admire some villas one after the other that were the storied destinations of great travellers of the past. During the navigation the boat will stop for optional visit to the following villas: “Villa Pisani Royal Palace” of Stra, Water Mills of Dolo, “Villa Barchessa Valmarana”, Villa Foscari called “la Malcontenta” . During this charming cruise will be served a typical fish meal.
Day 6 :
after the cruise here are the visit to the medieval towns of Cittadella, Castelfranco Veneto, Montagnana and Arquà Petrarca. The first three are walled towns built in the Middle Ages situated near Venice, Padua and Vicenza in plains highly renowed for history and art. These military architectural wonder dates from around 1200 and are still conserved intact. The fourth is a small medieval village on the top of a hill where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the plain while having dinner.
Day 7 :
Second cruise day: “AN EXCURSION IN THE NAME OF THE NATURE”. Relax, emotion, stirring sea breeze in an unpolluted natural park plunged into the marsh vegetation, an enchanting contrast between the lights and the natural colours…just few words to describe the beauties of the Po Delta.This exciting excursion along the Po Delta will take us through Po di Venezia, Po della Pila, Busa Dritta, Faro di Pila, Busa di Scirocco and visit to Scano Boa an enchanting sandy islet. In the afternoon after stopping at Cà Tiepolo by your coach we get to Cà Vendramin a lovely village where we will visit the “Museo Regionale della Bonifica” that houses a superb water pump and several machineries utilized to drain the surrounding environment. A magnificent combination between the marvellous marsh landscapes and the tastings of the typical local cuisine based on fish (lunch will be served on board).
Day 8:
we have decided to finish this unusual trip with a famous destination. Venice. After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a tour of the magnificent city known as “La Serenissima” including the Piazza and the Basilica of S. Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the dungeons. Afternoon at leisure with the possibility to join an optional sightseeing excursion by Gondola or a walk to the Gardens.
Kindest regards
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