Departing our overnight hotel after breakfast, we continue our journey crossing the border at Basel with magnificent views of Switzerland, via Milan and onto Riva Del Garda and our main stay hotel, the 4-star Sole Hotel.

Today is a free day to explore at your leisure. Known as “the jewel of Lake Garda” Riva del Garda has been welcoming visitors since the 19th century and today the old town is a collection of typically Italian buildings painted the enticing pastel shades of cream, peach, magenta and ochre, which are so reminiscent of Mediterranean countries. The atmospheric central square – Piazza III Novembre, is the beating heart of the town, bustling with local boutiques and offers breathtaking views of the lake from its 100-foot-high terrace. There’s plenty more to see and do, including visiting the fortified town museum and taking a stroll along the picturesque promenade. The town has a great laid-back vibe, enjoy gelato by the lake’s edge or browse some of the shops dotted around the streets.

Departing the hotel after breakfast, we enjoy our included excursion to the ‘floating city ’ of Venice. More than a city, Venice is a living museum, and its rich history is evident in every square. Explore the intricate labyrinth of canals and bridges, elegant piazzas and abundance of beautiful churches. Perhaps take a ride on a gondola, with your expert gondolier steering you through the busy waterways of Venice (at own cost). The main shopping area can be found in the Mercerie which links the two focal points of the city: the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. Here the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile Bell Tower never fail to impress.

Today we have a different mode of transport as we enjoy a boat cruise excursion across the lake. We board our boat and sail first to the charming town of Limone on the western shore of the lake. At the heart of this charming Italian town is the small harbour, lined with plenty of places to eat and drink while admiring the lake views. It’s from here you can explore the town’s narrow lanes, with more cafes and restaurants, as well as small boutique shops and the picturesque promenade is perfect for a lovely stroll. Leaving Limone, we board the boat again and crossing the lake we arrive in Malcesine, located on the eastern coast from where it dominates the lake with its Scaligero Castle. A historic old town with charming, cobbled streets and a great selection of shops as well as a wide range of cafés with stunning lake views. Enjoy free time here before returning to the boat for our journey back to Riva.

Today after breakfast, we journey to Molveno, located at the shores of Lake Molveno and at the bottom of the Brenta Dolomites. There are many craft shops and traditional restaurants in the colourful village centre which is traffic-free. You can enjoy the view of the lake from the terrace in Piazza Scuole. The little square, lined with old buildings with wooden roofs and balconies and decorated with beautiful flowerbeds, is typical of the Alps. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lake Molveno reflecting the peaks of the surrounding Brenta Dolomites and cultural treasures, such as the local water mill or the 13th century San Vigilio church, which are waiting to be discovered.

Sadly, we say goodbye to Riva and make our return journey to our overnight stay at the Novotel Metz Hotel in Hauconcourt, for dinner, bed and breakfast and welcome drink

Departing our overnight hotel, we continue our journey with suitable comfort breaks en route before arriving in Calais for our Eurotunnel crossing to Folkestone. On arrival in Folkestone, we continue our homeward journey to arrive mid evening.