Riviera tour of Lake Garda, Venice and Verona

Day 1, I travelled from Leeds Bradford to Venice. It was a 3 hour transfer from Venice to Riva del Garda. There was a choice of hotels but I stayed at the Hotel Savoy Palace in peaceful location 5 mins from lake and 20 mins walk from old town of Riva del Garda, surrounded by mountains and 5 minutes walk to the lake. I had a large double room with balcony with shower for single occupancy. There was a safe, mini bar, tv. Large very comfortable bed. It was spotlessly clean. A dressing gown and slippers were provided. The terrace outside the bar area was lovely with colourful tubs of plants and views of the mountain.

Drinks were reasonably priced for a hotel, 5.50 euros for a large gin and tonic. Dinner was very good. 4 courses, service excellent. Salad buffet, a second course with a choice of pasta, soup, etc, main course with a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian, plus a choice of dessert. There were also fresh fruit and cheese set out at the buffet. I had salad, lasagna, John Dory fish and a raspberry dessert.

Day 2

A coach trip was included round the lake passing Malchesnie on the way to Garda, a lovely resort with a promenade by the lake with restaurants and bars. Old narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. Then we journeyed past Peschiera, a flatter landscape at this side of the lake. We then went to Sirmione, an upmarket resort with lots of luxury villas. The town itself is charming with a lovely moated castle, narrow streets and many bars, restaurants and ice cream parlours. I had a delightful lunch of pizza and red wine at a restaurant near the shore. We then took a ferry from Sirmione to Salo, about 1hr 15mins, stopping at 4 places on the way. Salo is also a lovely old town, the approach reminded me of Santa Marguerita in Italy. From here I had a hours ride back to Riva via Limone. Dinner again was excellent. I had salad, duck tagliatelli, salmon trout and a wild berry dessert. A pianist plays in the restaurant and outside terrace on an evening.

Day3

Tour to the Dolomites. We departed 8.30. First stop in Ortezei. Pretty town in the Southern Tyrol below the tree line. I walked round shops and stopped for coffee and Apple Streudel and coffee. Beautiful alpine scenery and good quality hotels. Next stop was Pordoi, a mountain pass above the tree line with beautiful views of the rugged Dolomite mountains. There was still some snow on top of the highest peaks. Small place with few places to eat. We had lunch here. Then we had a scenic drive through pretty ski towns and villages. Last stop Cavalese, a quiet town as shops were closed but found a good cake/coffee shop. Dinner excellent again. With the salad I chose minestrone soup, drum fish and Sacher torte.

Day 4

A free day. I walked along the lake from the hotel to Riva old town. It took about 25 to 30 minutes. Flat, beautiful scenery. The old town is lovely with many narrow streets. I booked an extra tour to see Carmen in Verona arena. This did not start until 9pm. We arrived in Verona about 6pm and there was time to have dinner. I found a lovely restaurant, one of many opposite the arena, and had beautiful lasagne, a quarter litre of red wine and have a litre of sparkling water for 19.50 euros including cover charge which I thought was very reasonable.

The opera was amazing. We sat on the marble seats but you could buy a cushion outside for 2 to 3 euros or hire one inside for 3 eurosl It did not finish until 12.30. There were 3 intervals, one was just for a scene change. There is a lack of toilets there and we had to exit security and walk half way round the arena to find them and queue to re-enter through security. Drinks and ice cream are available for sale inside. We did not get back to the hotel until 2.15am but it was a wonderful experience.

Day 5

There was a trip to Venice today but I elected not to go as I knew it would be very busy and I have been there often. I walked on the cycle path by the lake into the lovely village of Torbole. Very pleasant 35 minute walk, fabulous scenery. Torbole is small with a number of restaurants, shops and bars. I found a wonderful small local restaurant down a narrow side street, small with tables outside. I had a great lunch of seafood risotto, quarter litre of red wine and espresso coffee for 12.50 euros. I walked back and relaxed by the pool. Another good dinner with salad, delicious mussels in a spicy tomato sauce, fish and chocolate buffet. There was a street party on the road from the hotel to central Riva. Fastastic atmosphere with live bands, dancing, disco etc.

Day 6

An extra tour by ferry was arranged by the tour managers from Riva to Malchesine and Limone. We had 2.5 hours in Malchesine to look round the shops in the lovely old narrow streets and there was also a market. We then took a ferry to Limone. I had a lovely pizza lunch with wine for 13.50 euros. I wondered round the narrow streets and did some shopping. We caught the ferry back to Riva and were back at the hotel for 4pm. Excellent value tour for 20 euros. Another excellent dinner – salad buffet, bean soup, salmon and mango sorbet.

Day 7

We left at 9am for the hour drive to Verona. Then we did an hour guided tour. We had a choice of a classic tour or undiscovered Verona tour. I did the Classic tour I as wanted to visit Juilet’s balcony. The Italian guide was very informative but the tour was too short and we did not get much time at Juliet’s house. The other group had a longer, more interesting tour. After we had free time to shop and eat. The shops were open on Sunday but there were many expensive designer shops or cheap options. I returned to the same restaurant I visited on Thursday night, Nastro Azzuro. The service was excellent. When I told the waiter it was my seond visit he brought me glass of proscecco on the house and a brushetta I ordered an Amarone risotto served in a parmesan crispy basket along with a glass of wonderful Amarone and water. I finished with an Espresso. We arrived back at the hotel at 4pm.

Day 8

After an early breakfast we left the hotel at 7.20am for the long drive back to Venice for the flight. I loved the tour and the hotel was excellent. It was good to have the same base for a week. I will certainly do another Riviera tour. The age group was between 50 to 80 but everyone seemed fit and active.