Pisa to Lake Garda
Holiday Highlights
- Scenic rail journeys
- Sightseeing in Florence
- Sightseeing in and around Pisa
- Sightseeing around Lake Garda
- Optional excursions can be arranged
- 9 days from £1,750pp
Series 4, Episode 3, Great Continental Rail Journeys. Here Michael Portillo travels through Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna to Lake Garda. Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes and lies on the edge of the province of Lombardy and has the Alps on its northern shore.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Discover Pisa
Fly mid-morning from London to Pisa and transfer to city centre. Stay 2 nights at 3* city centre hotel. Free afternoon for sightseeing. The iconic leaning tower was closed for 10 years whilst British engineers rescued it from collapse but it has now re-opened to visitors.
Day 2 – By Train to Carrera
Free day for sightseeing. Take a train to Carrera where the white marble used by Michaelangelo is still mined today. Alternatively the walled city of Lucca is well worth a visit.
Day 3 – Arrive Florence
A very short rail journey from Pisa takes you to Florence. Stay 2 nights at 3* city centre hotel. Afternoon free for sightseeing. There is so much to see but all the main sights are relatively close together centred round the cathedral (Duomo).
Day 4 – Explore Florence
Full day based in Florence for further sightseeing. The most famous museum is the Uffizi which houses the Medici family private collection.
Day 5 – To Bologna
Transfer by train in the morning to Bologna for a one night stay. Free afternoon to explore.
Day 6 – To Desenzano
Leaving Emilia Romagna we head north across the Lombardy plains to the lakeside resort of Desenzano for a 3-night stay. We arrive early afternoon and the rest of the day is free.
Day 7 & 8 – Explore the Lakes
Free days based in Desenzano. Explore the lake using the network of boats and local buses (there are no rail services). The lake is dotted with pretty villages such as Sirmione and in Malcesine there is a cable car to the top of Monte Baldo.
Day 9 – Milan and London
Transfer by train to Milan. From there take the bus to Linate airport for an early afternoon flight back to London.
Price Includes
- Flights
- Rail Tickets
- Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
Price per person
From £1,750 per person sharing
Rail option from and to London is available – please ask for a quotation
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