Selected departures from April to October 2019
An astonishing blend of spectacular alpine scenery reflected in tranquil lakes, Verona’s Roman remains and the medieval world’s richest city - remarkably unique Venice. For centuries, Italy has drawn visitors in search of culture and romance, with few countries comparing with its enormous classical origins, its art, architecture, music, design, scenery, food and wine. Italy’s contribution to European painting and sculpture surpasses that of any other nation. Blend this with the magnificent scenery of its lakes, one of the world’s great cuisines and the Italian attitude of living life to the absolute maximum, and you have a superb destination for a tour.
Italy is blessed with some fantastic scenery and some of the finest is to be found as you approach the Alps around Lake Garda where images of the abundant flowers and trees which cover the banks, are reflected in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour. The picturesque lake with gentle waves lapping slowly onto the shingle shoreline, the stunning snow-capped Alps in the background and a scattering of picturesque villages, all fit together in a beautifully balanced mosaic of harmony.
Further north, we see the Dolomite Mountains- some of the most spectacular alpine scenery on earth. It is only in the past 150 years that Italy has come to exist as a nation state formed from a collection of largely independent cities, often separated by almost impenetrable marshes or mountain ranges. They then evolved totally independently and on this tour we shall visit two of them - the very different but very classic cities of Verona and Venice.
Verona is without doubt one of the most attractive cities you will ever see and appropriately well known as the setting for the legendary story of Romeo and Juliet. It has been important since ancient times and in fact has more ancient remains than any city in Italy except Rome itself. Its most striking monument is the arena – the third largest ever built – where a range of entertainments were presented, including gladiatorial combat. Enclosed by massive and extremely well preserved ramparts, the city has a lovely medieval feel to it with pink-hued buildings, lovingly restored, lining the streets.
All the photographs and pictures you have seen of St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Grand Canal have simply been telling the extraordinary truth: that Venice is a stunning city. You cannot walk for more than a few minutes without stopping to see something which demands admiration.
One of the greatest joys of visiting Italy is, of course, being amongst the Italians themselves. Stylish, always ready to help and, if there is a single national characteristic, it is living life to the full, which creates a fantastic atmosphere so much in evidence everywhere – so come with us and see.
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms and Lake View rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes return flights, seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast and dinner, all local taxes and transfers, all tours as mentioned and the services of a Riviera Travel tour manager.
Not included is the optional cable car ride during the Dolomites tour. The approximate cost is €20 which is payable locally.
The Verona Opera Festival - from £61 per person
Whether you’re an opera aficionado or not, a trip to the oldest open-air opera festival could not be a better addition to your stay. Held in a Roman amphitheatre, the summer performances are truly something special – when the floodlights go down on the 15,000 spectators, the cacophony diminishes to hushed whispers, before the magic begins and the beautiful voices fill the dusky air.
Available from June to September 2019, prices shown include a coach transfer to Verona and an unnumbered stone seat. Cushions are available to hire on arrival at the arena.
Performances start between 8.45 to 9.00pm, but you will be taken to Verona in plenty of time, so you may wish to enjoy a pre opera dinner or drink.
2019 schedule
Tour departure date | Performance | Performance date |
---|---|---|
24th June | Aida | 27th June |
1st July | Il Trovatore | 4th July |
8th July | La Traviata | 11th July |
15th July | Carmen | 18th July |
22nd July | La Traviata | 25th July |
29th July | La Traviata | 1st August |
5th August | La Traviata | 8th August |
12th August | La Traviata | 17th August |
19th August | La Traviata | 22nd August |
26th August | Tosca | 29th August |
2nd September | La Traviata | 5th September |
Please call us to book this experience.
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
Hotel Information
Fact File
All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
Airport | Hotel location | Transfer time |
---|---|---|
Milan Malpensa Airport | Riva del Garda | 3 hrs 30 mins |
Milan Linate Airport | 3 hrs | |
Milan Bergamo Airport | 2 hrs 30 mins | |
Verona Airport | 1 hr 30 mins | |
Venice Marco Polo Airport | 3 hrs | |
Venice Treviso Airport | 3 hrs | |
Milan Malpensa Airport | Malcesine | 3 hrs 30 mins |
Milan Linate Airport | 3 hrs | |
Milan Bergamo Airport | 2 hrs 30 mins | |
Verona Airport | 1 hr 30 mins | |
Venice Marco Polo Airport | 3 hrs | |
Venice Treviso Airport | 3 hrs |