Italy - Gastronomic Garda

ITINERARY

Saturday - Very early morning departure from Dorset via channel crossing to Calais and onwards through France for overnight stay at Victor's Residence Hotel near Saarbrucken Germany. Dinner and breakfast included.

Sunday - We cross the River Rhine and travel through Germany, climb into the Swiss Alps and enter Italy. Arriving on the shores of Lake Garda and check-in to our lovely hotel with porterage of bags and a welcome gift in your room.

Monday - A day at leisure in Bardolino. The town lies at the foot of hills covered with orchards, olive groves and vineyards for which the town is famous. Spend the day enjoying the medieval, traffic free centre with its inviting pavement cafes. The promenade stretches 3km along the lakefront to neighbouring Garda. There are ferry services crossing the lake, maybe sail to nearby Lazise a beautiful historic walled town with castle and gardens. Restaurants here specialise in "risotto alla tinca" (tench risotto) - their flagship dish.

Tuesday - Mantua & Borghetto sul Mincio. Today we head south to the stunning city of Mantau (Mantova). Boasting a fine medieval centre which is easy to walk around, it is home to one of the finest Ducal palaces in Italy. Restaurants tempt visitors with the local speciality "totelli con la zucca" (ravioli stffed with pumpkin) and "sbrisolona" (biscuit cake with almonds). Later we drive to one of Italy's loveliest villages - Borghetto sul Mincio, where you can wander the narrow streets and cross the footbridge over the Mincio River and weir. A stunning location seemingly lost in time to enjoy a cappuccino.

Wednesday - Salo & Wine Tasting. This morning make our way to the delightful lakeside town of Salo, which boast the longest promenade in all Lake Garda, the views from which are breathtaking.
Colourful houses tumble down to the waterside where gelato parlours seduce the weak-willed. There is a spectacular 15th century cathedral, 16th century palazzo and award winning museum. After time for lunch we drive through the beautiful Valtenesi countryside to reach Cantine Redaelli de Zinis, a historic wine estate (est. 1688) and restaurant. We shall indulge in some delicious wine and grappa tasting with traditional snacks, a guided tour of the ancient cellars with expert talk.

Thursday - Sirmione & Lunch. This morning visit the "jewel in the crown" of Lake Garda, the peninsula of Sirmione, with its lovely moated castle and medieval centre. A romantic and enchanting place that has captured hearts for generations with its timeless beauty - look out for the artwork "Kiss….please" situated overlooking the lake. From here we travel into the countryside, now peaceful but which has previously bore witness to many battles. Visit the small ossuary chapel at San Martino della Battaglia which pays homage to over 1000 fallen soldiers. Their mortal remains have been exhumed and organised on display behind the alter - a disturbing if moving sight. We then continue to Trattoria da Arturo for an amazing lunch - located on a remote farm seemingly in the middle of nowhere. We shall enjoy some of the best handmade pasta you have ever tasted, with meats and beans, salad and dessert washed down with homemade wine/water - a relaxing and authentic Italian experience!

Friday - We bid our hosts a fond farewell and head back across the Alps into Germany for overnight stay at Victor's Residenz Saarbrucken with dinner and breakfast.

Saturday - Homewards bound across France to Calais for channel crossing to Dover and so return to Dorset later that evening.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner