Rail Holidays to Lake Garda
With its pristine serenity there are few more relaxing destinations in Europe than Lake Garda. But there is much more to a tailor made Planet Rail itinerary than the famous lake. The railway journey traverses some of Europe’s finest scenery, winding through two different sections of the Alps and revealing the mountains in all their splendour. Furthermore Lake Garda’s location is ideal for side trips that capture all of Italy’s charm, like Venice, Verona, and Milan.
What to Expect on your first class rail journey to Lake Garda
The spacious high speed TGV Lyria whizzes through the continent from Paris to Zurich, providing an opulent start to this Italian rail adventure. From Zurich the train delivers a 360 degree panoramic of iconic mountain scenery, with snowy peaks and cliffs in every direction. This is an up close and personal view of the Alps and it passes three alpine lakes on the Swiss side. During winter it’s a Narnia like wonderland. As the train trundles past traditional Swiss villages and vineyards the premier first class seats give an idyllic view. And as the train emerges from the Gotthard Pass at over 1000 metres above sea level, the whole of Italy awaits.
What to do in Lake Garda on your first class rail holiday
The largest lake in Italy is lined with ambient villages, each with their own distinctive flavour. Take a ferry across the lake and hop off to explore different destinations. Services don’t operate at lunchtime, which isn’t a problem when the whole area is swarming with fine Italian cuisine. Around Lake Garda life moves slowly, and settling into the relaxed rhythm is an essential part of the experience. Unwind, and then rewind the clock and visit the 13th century Roman Villa Grotto of Catullus in Sirmione. Finish a gentle day with an authentic ‘gelato.’ Amaretto, cannoli, yoghurt, strawberry or Tiramasu? With over 50 flavours on offer many people spend half an hour looking baffled in the ice cream shop.
Why Lake Garda is the perfect base to explore Italy
Lake Garda is a peaceful retreat, providing a picturesque landscape in the midst of Italy. But its location is ideal for those looking to explore more of Italy. Take a first class rail service and arrive in Venice’s Santa Lucia station, where the enchanting Floating City awaits. Or make the 30 minute journey to Verona, the city that inspired the greatest love story of all time; Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Re-enact their doomed love affair amongst medieval buildings and Roman monuments, but don’t put the dagger in. From Lake Garda it’s also only 90 minutes to Milan and a first class train carriage transports you into the centre of Italy’s style capital. It’s not all about Gucci and Armani here, the Milan Cathedral is the sixth largest in the world and took a remarkable six centuries to build.
Planet Rail’s holidays are all tailor made. So whether it’s visiting all these destinations, or simply lounging around Lake Garda, they’ll put together an individual itinerary for everyone.
