Lake Garda, Venice & Greek Isles Cruise
Business class train journey between Lake Garda and Venice
13days from
£1,449*per person
Overview
Combine two impressive Italian destinations in one holiday for a sensational summer break before heading off on a cruise of the Adriatic and the Greek Isles. Contrast the tranquil lakes and mountain scenery of Lake Garda with the bustling vibe of the ancient Venetian waterways. The Italian Lakes are simply stunning and when coupled with our handy business class train journey makes a visit to Venice easy to reach with our convenient twin centre stay and cruise bargain package.
Lake Garda is a beloved and admired destination for poets and artists alike. Its breath-taking landscape features dark blue waters that glisten in the sun, rugged mountains to the north, and scenic vineyards and lemon groves to the south. During your unforgettable three-night stay, you can explore charming lakeside promenades, picturesque towns, and relaxing thermal bath resorts. Long and slim Lake Garda is located in the north-east of Italy, stretching from north to south. The southern lakeshore is low, rolling land and fairly built-up. In contrast, the dramatic fjord-like northern end is surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs. All major cruise lines were banned from the cruise port in central Venice and had to relocate their operations to either Ravenna or Trieste- both of which are several hours away from Venice. MSC is the only cruise line to operate out of Marghera cruise port which is next to and within sight of Venice.
History, architecture, dining, romance and pure wander lust through the cobbled streets and by the canals is what Venice is all about. Top souvenirs would be Venetian Glass (also known as Murano Glass) or the famous and flamboyant masks. Standing in the middle of the magnificent piazza San Marco is an experience in itself - once described by: Napoleon as the ‘drawing room of Europe'. St Mark's Basilica ,Doge's Palace and the clock tower built between 1496 and 1506 - are the city's main attractions. St. Mark's Basilica, built in the eleventh century, is the most famous and most recognizable of all the churches in the city of Venice. The magnificent Doge's Palace is one of the most important buildings in Venice; it was the centre of power, from where the Venetian Republic was ruled. After this wonderful twin centre experience cruise the Adriatic visiting the charming port of Kotor with its ancient walled city and surrounded by sheer emerald green slopes, before heading off to the sunsets of Santorini and the beaches of Mykonos.
Lake Garda is a beloved and admired destination for poets and artists alike. Its breath-taking landscape features dark blue waters that glisten in the sun, rugged mountains to the north, and scenic vineyards and lemon groves to the south. During your unforgettable three-night stay, you can explore charming lakeside promenades, picturesque towns, and relaxing thermal bath resorts. Long and slim Lake Garda is located in the north-east of Italy, stretching from north to south. The southern lakeshore is low, rolling land and fairly built-up. In contrast, the dramatic fjord-like northern end is surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs. All major cruise lines were banned from the cruise port in central Venice and had to relocate their operations to either Ravenna or Trieste- both of which are several hours away from Venice. MSC is the only cruise line to operate out of Marghera cruise port which is next to and within sight of Venice.
History, architecture, dining, romance and pure wander lust through the cobbled streets and by the canals is what Venice is all about. Top souvenirs would be Venetian Glass (also known as Murano Glass) or the famous and flamboyant masks. Standing in the middle of the magnificent piazza San Marco is an experience in itself - once described by: Napoleon as the ‘drawing room of Europe'. St Mark's Basilica ,Doge's Palace and the clock tower built between 1496 and 1506 - are the city's main attractions. St. Mark's Basilica, built in the eleventh century, is the most famous and most recognizable of all the churches in the city of Venice. The magnificent Doge's Palace is one of the most important buildings in Venice; it was the centre of power, from where the Venetian Republic was ruled. After this wonderful twin centre experience cruise the Adriatic visiting the charming port of Kotor with its ancient walled city and surrounded by sheer emerald green slopes, before heading off to the sunsets of Santorini and the beaches of Mykonos.
Itinerary
- Fly from the UK to Verona. Transfer to your Lake Garda hotel for three nights' stay.
- The beautiful lakeside towns around Lake Garda have charmed foreign visitors for centuries. Even before the ancient Romans, the area was a luxury summer destination; in Sirmione and Desenzano you can visit ruins and mosaics that record their presence. Lake Garda is located in the north-east of Italy, dividing the regions of Lombardy, the Veneto and Trentino Alto-Adige. The large lake is long and slim, stretching from north to south. The southern lake-shore is low, rolling land and fairly built-up. In contrast, the dramatic fjord-like northern end is surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs. Most of the lakeside towns are popular as holiday resorts; they differ in character but all are well-connected by boat services.
- Transfer to Desenzano train station and travel to Venice via business class scenic rail journey. Overnight hotel stay in Mestre (Venice).
- A further overnight hotel stay in Mestre opposite the station for a short one-stop train ride into central Venice. History, architecture, dining, , romance and pure wander lust through the cobbled streets and by the canals is what Venice is all about. Top souvenirs would be Venetian Glass (also known as Murano Glass) or the famous and flamboyant masks. Standing in the middle of the magnificent piazza San Marco is an experience in itself - once described by: Napoleon as the ‘drawing room of Europe'. St Mark's Basilica ,Doge's Palace and the clock tower built between 1496 and 1506 - are the city's main attractions. St. Mark's Basilica, built in the eleventh century, is the most famous and most recognizable of all the churches in the city of Venice. Its design is considered one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture in the world, known for its opulent design and gilded interior mosaics, and nicknamed "Church of Gold". The magnificent Doge's Palace is one of the most important buildings in Venice; it was the centre of power, from where the Venetian Republic was ruled. No trip to Venice would be complete without a punt down one of the city's picturesque waterways in an iconic gondola.
- Make your own way to nearby Marghera Port (1.5 km away) and join the ship.
- Well known for its stunning architecture and amazing natural setting in a dramatic bay with tall emerald-green hillsides. This small town with its cobbled streets and maze of alleyways, shops, bars and restaurants is surrounded by well-preserved walls that feature many landmarks making Kotor itself a UNESCO World heritage site.
- Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
- Mykonos (part of the Cyclades chain of Islands) is also frequently visited by many cruise ships for its Greek charm and upmarket cosmopolitan atmosphere – plus there are some excellent beaches.
- The most popular port of call on any cruise itinerary is the photographer's paradise of Santorini. This volcanic island is made up of a crescent shaped Caldera which is the edge of an ancient volcano . Ancient legend suggests that this was the site of the lost city of Atlantis – when the volcano erupted the centre of this island disappeared in to the sea leaving the remnant known as Santorini.
- Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
- Ancona is a city on Italy's Adriatic coast and the capital of the Marche region. It's known for beaches, such as Passetto Beach, and the hilltop Cathedral of San Ciriaco. In the city centre, the Fontana del Calamo is a fountain with bronze masks of mythic figures. In the port are the ancient Arch of Trajan and the Lazzaretto, or Mole Vanvitelliana, an 18th-century pentagonal quarantine station on its own island.
- Transfer to Venice airport for your flight home.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- The beauty of the Italian Lakes
- Convenient Venice hotel stay in Mestre
- Wanderlust through the cobbled streets, canals and piazzas of Venice
- The sunsets of Santorini
- The beaches of Mykonos
Our Price Includes
- Return flights from the UK with checked baggage allowance
- Return transfers to and from Lake Garda
- Three nights' four-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Desenzano, Lake Garda (in hotel featured or similar)
- Business class train journey from Desenzano to Venice (Mestre)
- Two nights' four-star bed-and-breakfast accommodation at the Plaza hotel in Mestre, Venice (or similar)
- Seven nights' full-board cruise accommodation on board MSC Lirica
- Post cruise transfer from Marghera Cruise Port to Venice airport
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Palace Hotel Desenzano -
The Palace Hotel is charming hotel ideally located in Desenzano Del Garda just across the road from the lake and less than a mile away from the Castello e torre di Rivoltella. You will also find nearby within 2.5 miles Porto Vecchio and Duomo Di Santa Maria Maddalena. All rooms offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a minibar, and you can stay connected during your stay as Palace Hotel offers guests free wifi. The hotel features a concierge, a breakfast buffet, garden and a rooftop terrace. Plus, Palace Hotel offers a garden freshwater pool during the summer months and a heated panoramic rooftop pool during the winter months.
Hotel Plaza Venice -
The Hotel Plaza enjoys a prime location a short 10-minute train/bus ride to Venice Island and a 20-minute shuttle bus ride to Marco Polo Airport. With 211 airconditioned en-suite rooms ranging from double for single use to family rooms the Hotel Plaza is a four-star hotel right in front of Venezia Mestre Train Station. The hotel is just a short train or bus ride away from the centre of Venice which avoids the need for expensive water taxi and land combination transfers. The hotel is also closer to Marghera cruise port - just 1.5km away and a quick hop in a land taxi. Guests can opt for classic, superior, deluxe or executive rooms with satellite TV, phone and safe. Guest bathrooms have shower or bathtub and are provided with hairdryer and toiletries kit. The hotel offers a 24-hour reception service, luggage deposit, ATM machine and room service. Wi-fi is available for free throughout the property. The restaurant "Soul Kitchen" serves Italian regional dishes and a buffet breakfast is also available.
Ship Information
Cruise Overview
This 65,591 tonne ship entered service in 2002 and underwent extensive renovation under the "Renaissance Programme" in 2015 when she was lengthened with an extra 80-foot section. A refreshing spray park was added to the main pool area, the buffet, restaurant, shops and kids facilities were all upgraded too. MSC Lirica offers a traditional take on cruising for those looking for a comfortable and unpretentious cruise in an easy-going, fun-loving atmosphere. With so many great itineraries, it's fortunate that this ship has plenty of open deck space and lots of spacious public rooms that help elevate watching the world go by into something rather special. Part of the more intimate Lirica Class ships, she features plenty of real wood and marble and rich, traditional fabrics and trimmings abound. Her public areas boast a sweeping marble reception area and lovely open spaces with huge glass walls overlooking the sea. Indeed wherever you go, inside or on deck, you'll find that a true sense of operatic grandeur and spaciousness prevails. You'll quickly find that MSC Lirica has the all important ingredient that turns a good cruise ship into a great one: she has atmosphere. Sumptuous décor and fine facilities come as standard but above all, a cruise aboard MSC Lirica is sociable and fun. All ages are generally represented and the crew, the officers, the entertainers and musicians work together to generate a fantastic atmosphere.Cabin Details
All MSC Lirica staterooms offer private en-suite facilities with shower, vanity area, hair dryer, air-conditioning, phone, safe, mini bar, interactive colour TV and double beds which convert to two single beds on request. MSC Lirica offers a selection of spacious suites with private balconies and splendid views.Dining Details
Dine in the L' Ippocampo or La Bussola restaurants for waiter service dining or help yourself in the Le Bistrot buffet restaurant, perhaps head next door La Pergola for pasta, pizzas and burgers. Fantastica staterooms and above will enjoy the benefit of free room service too. Enjoy alfresco dining in the La Pergola outdoor Cafeteria or relax in the Coffee Corner Coffee bar.Activities Details
Whether you are trying your luck in the Las Vegas Casino, people watching in the Beverly Hills bar in the central atrium, dancing in the Blue Club Disco, enjoying a show in the Broadway Theatre, or browsing in the new walk-through shopping area, there's never a dull moment on board. Perhaps have a pint in the Lord nelson Pub. There are plenty of options for fitness and fun on board, with a double pool complex complete with whirlpool baths, a gym, power walking track, mini-golf, shuffleboard, sauna, Turkish bath and the MSC Aurea Spa wellness centre offering superb massages.Other Information
Hotel Info
Advertised hotel is subject to change and other same standard hotels may be offered as an alternative
Holiday code
J713Holiday provided by Jetline Cruise
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Jetline Cruise (ATOL 6153). This ATOL bond means that, when you book a Jetline holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.