Loading
Phone1800 960 693AustraliaMonday to Friday 8am - 9pm (AEDT)
Travel Agent Login

15-Day Classic Italy and Lake Garda

  • view trip mapView Trip Map
  • downloadDownload
  • shareShare

Overview

A beautifully, culture-packed trip, this Italian Adventure takes you around some of Italy's most iconic must-see destinations.

Starting in Rome, 'The Eternal City', you'll discover elements of history dating back to the Roman Empire, the most successful Empire in history. Moving on to Florence, you'll discover two of the world's most renowned museums, one being home to Michaelangelo's famous statue of David: Accademia and Uffizi.

As no trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Venice, your tour guide will take you on a walking tour of 'The Floating City' to discover some of the most important attractions of Venice. A traditional gondola ride will top-off your visit to Venice.

Ending this trip on a high note, you will then visit Lake Garda. With leisure time to soak in the sun, as well as amazing activities such as a wine tour and a boat tour of the lake, this adventure will make you never want to return home!
Sightseeing
Outdoors & Nature
Culture & Arts
Food & Drink

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Rome

Hide details accordion
Arrival in Rome

Upon your arrival in Rome, your private driver will take you from Rome Fiumicino Airport to your hotel in the city centre. You'll then have the afternoon to relax at the hotel or explore the city as you wish.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Villa Pinciana4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    RomeOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to Hotel Villa Pinciana

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rome

Day 2

Explore the Vatican Museums

Hide details accordion
Explore the Vatican Museums

Today, you'll learn about the centuries of history within the walls of the Vatican City from your expert tour guide. Beginning with the Vatican Museums, you'll take the beautiful spiral staircase and continue through the Gallery of the Tapestries and the Gallery of the Geographical Maps. You'll then explore the famous Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the Last Judgement by Michelangelo before having some free time to visit St. Peter's Basilica.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Villa Pinciana4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tour of the Vatican Museums

    Vatican Museums

    Sistine Chapel

    St. Peter's Basilica

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rome

    Holy See (Vatican City State)

Day 3

Explore Imperial Rome

Hide details accordion
Explore Imperial Rome

Today, you'll have the morning free before an afternoon tour of exploring Imperial Rome on foot. Beginning at Piazza Venezia, you'll then head to the famous Piazza Del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, where you'll have a fantastic view of the Roman Forum. You will then head to the Circus Maximus, one of the largest sporting arenas ever built but of course, you'll save the best til last, The Colosseum.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Villa Pinciana4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Piazza Venezia

    Tour of Classic Rome and Imperial Rome

    Piazza del Campidoglio

    Circus Maximus

    San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica

    The Colosseum

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rome

Day 4

Travel to Florence

Hide details accordion
Travel to Florence

This morning, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Rome for your train transfer to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. After checking in, you'll have the afternoon to relax or explore the city as you wish.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Albani Firenze4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in FlorenceOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Villa Pinciana to Roma Termini

    Train from Roma Termini to Santa Maria Novella Station

    Private Driver from Santa Maria Novella Station to Hotel Albani Firenze

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rome

    Florence

Day 5

Explore Florence

Hide details accordion
Explore Florence

This morning, you will explore this vibrant Italian city and take in the most iconic Florentine sights such as Piazza del Duomo and the magnificent Florence Cathedral, as well as the Accademia Gallery, known for its numerous collections of art, the most famous perhaps being the statue of David by Michelangelo.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Albani Firenze4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Piazza del Duomo

    Florence Walking Tour

    Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

    Giotto's Bell Tower

    Gallerie dell'Accademia Florence

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Florence

Day 6

Uffizi Gallery Tour

Hide details accordion
Uffizi Gallery Tour

Today, you'll explore one of the world's most famous museums with a licensed local tour guide. Constructed between 1560 and 1580, the Uffizi Gallery is famous worldwide for its outstanding collection of ancient sculptures and paintings that date from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. You'll explore these true masterpieces whilst learning all about their history from your guide.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Albani Firenze4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Uffizi Gallery

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Florence

Day 7

Travel to Venice

Hide details accordion
Travel to Venice

After a private transfer from your hotel in Florence to Florence Train Station, you'll embark on a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival in the city built on water, your private water taxi will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to explore this wonderful city as you wish. From museums and art collections to bridges, piazzas, basilicas and the beautiful houses, Venice is bursting with an artistic heritage waiting to be explored.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ai Mori d'Oriente Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    VeniceOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Albani Firenze to Santa Maria Novella Station

    Train from Santa Maria Novella Station to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia

    Private Driver from Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia to Ai Mori d'Oriente Hotel

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Florence

    Venice

Day 8

Walking Tour of Venice

Hide details accordion
Walking Tour of Venice

Today, you'll take in the beauty of Venice on a walking tour of the 'Floating City'. The morning will see you take on the most iconic sights of Venice including the Piazza San Marco, the religious and cultural centre of the city, Doge's Palace, as well as the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Bell Tower and the Clock Tower. The afternoon will be yours to explore the city as you wish or perhaps base yourself in a square with a bottle of wine and watch the world go by.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ai Mori d'Oriente Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Walking Tour of Venice

    Piazza San Marco

    Saint Mark's Basilica

    St Mark's Clocktower

    St Mark's Campanile

    Doge's Palace

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Venice

Day 9

Leisure Day with Gondola Ride in the Evening

Hide details accordion
Leisure Day with Gondola Ride in the Evening

Today is yours to explore the city at your own leisure, you can find a great spot and people watch in one of the many cafes and restaurants, go shopping or perhaps take a different excursion out of the city. In the evening, you'll embark on a traditional journey through the magical network of the Venetian canals on a typical wooden boat known as a gondola.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ai Mori d'Oriente Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    VeniceOptional Activity

    Gondola Ride

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Venice

    Veneto

Day 10

Travel to Lake Garda

Hide details accordion
Travel to Lake Garda

This morning, your private water taxi will pick you up from your hotel in Venice ahead of your train journey to Desenzano del Garda (Lake Garda). From here, your private driver will take you to your hotel in Sirmione, one of Lake Garda's most sought-after destinations. You'll have the afternoon to spend as you wish to enjoy this serene location on the shores of Lake Garda.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Olivi4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ai Mori d'Oriente Hotel to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia

    Train from Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia to Desenzano

    Private Driver from Desenzano to Hotel Olivi

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Venice

    Sirmione

Day 11

Wine Tasting Tour

Hide details accordion
Wine Tasting Tour

Today, you'll head out into the rolling vineyards to explore the towns surrounding Lake Garda and taste some of the wines of this region. This tour will take you to discover places such as Borghetto, Sigurta Park and Selva Capuzza, where you can discover how local wines are made, as well as taste them. Beginning in the picturesque mill town of Borghetta, you'll visit the beautiful gardens of Sigurta Park followed by the Selva Capuzza winery for a tasting!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Olivi4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Wine Tasting in the South of Lake Garda

    Borghetto

    Sigurta Park

    Selva Capuzza

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sirmione

    Borghetto

    Valeggio Sul Mincio

    Lombardy

Day 12

Lake Garda Boat Tour

Hide details accordion
Lake Garda Boat Tour

One of the best ways to visit Lake Garda, this boat tour will take around some of the most beautiful places around the lake. Beginning in Lazise, a beautiful medieval hamlet, you'll then head to Malcesine, a pretty medieval village with an interesting castle housing a museum. After a lunch break in Riva, considered to be the most important town on the lake, you'll head to Limone, the most picturesque village along the lake, with a wide choice for bars and restaurants.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Olivi4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lake Garda Boat Tour

    Lazise

    Malcesine

    Riva del Garda

    Limone Sul Garda

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sirmione

    Italy

    Lazise

    Malcesine

    Riva del Garda

    Limone sul Garda

Day 13

Leisure Day & Castle Visit

Hide details accordion
Leisure Day & Castle Visit

Today you will have the chance to soak in the glorious sun of Lake Garda, with an optional visit to the beautiful Castelo Scaligero. The 13th-century castle guards the lake and its two towers stand imposing over the town of Sirmione. Allowing the only entrance into the historic centre of the town, you can enter the castle via a drawbridge over the lake.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Olivi4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Castelo ScaligeroOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sirmione

Day 14

Leisure Day & Boat Trip

Hide details accordion
Leisure Day & Boat Trip

Soak in the sun, discover local restaurants or go shopping in the beautiful towns that surround the lake - you choose! There are also plenty of incredible trails and walks to take around the lake so you will have plenty of choice on how to spend this day. If you would like, you can take a boat trip to Isola del Garda, an island renowned for its extraordinary Venetian neo-Gothic style villa.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Olivi4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Boat Trip to Isola del GardaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sirmione

    Lombardy

Day 15

Arrivederci, Italia!

Hide details accordion
Arrivederci, Italia!

Time to say goodbye to Italy. Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Sirmione and take you to the airport for your return flight home.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Olivi to Valerio Catullo Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sirmione

Included in Price

  • 14 nights accommodation
  • 32 activities
  • 14 breakfasts and 1 lunch
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
pdf icon

Want to Read This Later?

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

Why Choose Designer Journeys

access

Access Exclusive Experiences

Open your eyes to a world of exclusive experiences that will make your next trip extraordinary. Designer Journeys’ local travel designers are connected to unique experiences that are out of reach for most people – so you’ll return with some amazing stories to tell.

local expertise

Extraordinary Local Expertise

Using highly experienced local travel designers means you have access to your very own local expert. You'll find experiences you never knew existed, avoid some of the common pitfalls and, most of all, feel like you have an insider guiding you every step of the way.

support

Supported Every Step of the Way

Our in-destination local travel designers are the first line of support when you are travelling. They are in your time zone and have the local expertise and knowledge to solve any issue that may arise – making you feel more confident about your trip.

custom travel designed

Travel Designed For You

Designer Journeys style of travel is all about how you want to travel – its private travel designed exactly to your needs. Our local travel designers customise every trip to suit you, whether completely bespoke or based on one or more of our 2,000+ gallery of itineraries.

Image - Designer Journeys
Image - Designer Journeys
DESIGN YOUR EXTRAORDINARY

Why Travel with Designer Journeys

Smile icon
Your Trip. Your Version of Extraordinary.

At Designer Journeys, we know that we all travel differently. That's why you decide where you travel, how you travel and your travel experiences when you design your trip with us.

Message icon
Connect and Design With an Expert.

Our trusted Local Designers use their destination insight, local knowledge and travel planning expertise to build your extraordinary trip. Our dedicated Travel Concierge team will be there every step of the way to ensure your perfect trip becomes reality.

Trust icon
Book with Confidence. We are Trusted.

Secure payment platforms, multiple accreditations, rigorous Local Designer selection process, and decades of travel expertise means you are in safe hands with Designer Journeys.

As seen on
Partners