DAY 1 Tuesday 24 June, 2025 Arrival/Lake Garda
Upon arrival in Milan you will be transferred by coach to your charming hotel in the
lakeside town of Bardolino, Lake Garda. Have the afternoon free to wander
through the streets of the old town centre teeming with bars, restaurants and
small shops (that during summer are open until late), where you can taste the
typical products of the area. This evening join us for a welcome dinner and drinks
and get to know your fellow travellers.
DAY 2 Wednesday 25 June 2025 Lake Garda
This morning after breakfast we will take a boat to the fairy-tale island of Lake
Garda for a guided tour to see the villa with its refined neo gothic architecture and
the stunning gardens. We finish the tour with an Italian style aperitif on the terrace
with incredible views and then free time to explore the island at your own pace.
DAY 3 Thursday 26 June 2025 Lake Garda
After breakfast today we will ride from Bardonlino along the coast of Lake Garda
through lots of gorgeous towns such as Borghetto, Monzambano, Peschiera &
Lazise. We will have lots of time to stop and enjoy all the great sites and savour the
local delicacies.
DAY 4 Friday 27 June, 2025 Lake Garda
Today we will take a boat ride to the most popular town to visit in Lake Garda
Sirmione. We will visit one of Italys best preserved castles Scaligero, see roman
ruins and explore the medieval town.
DAY 5 Saturday 28 June, 2025 Mantua
A free morning before we transfer to our cruise. We are welcomed aboard our
new home-from-home late afternoon, and begin with an introductory briefing,
with our tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo.
After dinner we can stroll into town and savour the historic centre at its most
evocative: Benvenuti a Mantova!
DAY 6 Sunday 29 June, 2025 Mantua round tour
A day dedicated to the discovery of this cultural gem, its three picturesque “lakes”
formed by the river Mincio and the surrounding countryside. This afternoon we
meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour across the historic centre: starting
from Piazza Sordello with its magnificent cathedral and Palazzo Ducale, we will
walk through the city centre up to Piazza delle Erbe. Here we will admire the
Clock Tower, the Rotonda di S. Lorenzo (the oldest church in town) and the
Cathedral of St. Andrew, a jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. We will
learn why Mantua, once a City State ruled by the Gonzaga family, is now
considered by many as Italy’s “Sleeping Beauty”. (The programme may be subject
to changes).
DAY 7 Monday 30 June, 2025 Mantua – Zelo
After breakfast, we set sail from the "lakes" of Mantua and cruise through the
lush wetlands that lead to Governolo Lock, where Mantua's River Mincio flows
into the Po. Here, we saddle up and follow the broad sweeps of the levee
towards Ostiglia, renowned for its medieval fortress and fierce fighting in 1945,
as the Allies drove Hitler's forces back. Next: Bergantino, home of the distinctive
Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly
restored (and thunderous!). This village is also in the heartland of Grana Padano-the arch-rival of Parmesan – and a visit to the local cheese factory, sampling some
well seasoned Grana, is de rigueur. We catch up with our barge in Zelo, a sleepy
village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.
DAY 8 Tuesday 1 July, 2025 Zelo – Ferrara – Adria
This morning we cross the Po and ride southwards through a patchwork of farmland,
orchards and hamlets, as far as Ferrara. Under its ruling family, the Este, this city
state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning
principles that have been emulated worldwide ever since. To this day, Ferrara
University ranks among the best, and the town is dubbed the ''Cycling Capital of
Italy". A private bus and trailer then take us back to our floating hotel in Adria, an
ancient Roman port once washed by the sea which bears its name. Adria is also
renowned for its Etruscan and Greek heritage. An after-dinner passeggiata into town
for a well-earned grappa or gelato is in order.
DAY 9 Wednesday 2 July, 2025 Adria – Po Delta Nature Reserve – Pellestrina Isl
After a short cruise, we cycle into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is
the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a sizeable colony of flamingos.
Weather permitting, as we continue towards Chioggia, we can also enjoy a break at a
fine-sand beach nearby for a dip in the Adriatic – not forgetting a hot savoury piadina!
Chioggia is also known as “Little Venice”, a colourful fishing hub. The overnight takes
palce on the Island Pellestrina, just in front of Chioggia.
DAY 10 Thursday 3 July, 2025 Pellestrina island – Venice
Venice beckons, but first another world altogether: Pellestrina, the first of two islands
we traverse today – a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque as ever
with its cottages, boats and nets. A short island-hop by ferry lands us on the Lido.
Fashionable in high society ever since the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now
home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. We will also visit
a historic glass factory on Murano island, with a glassblowing demonstration by a
master artisan. After rejoining our barge, an unrushed cruise in front of St Mark’s
square takes us to our final destination. After dinner we can savour Venice at night,
now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!
DAY 11 Friday 4 July, 2025 Venice
Following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader you have the day free
to enjoy the city at your own pace. Christened La Serenissima ("The Most Serene"),
the Venetian Republic held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for
centuries – both as a military power and a beacon of culture.
DAY 12 Saturday 5 July, 2025 Venice
Departure after breakfast. We transfer guests to Venice Airport.
| Cabin | Description | Category | Fare | Double/Twin | Lower | Cat C | $5,690 | Double/Twin | Lower | Cat B | $5,790 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double/Twin | Upper | Cat D | $6,490 |
| Single | Lower | Cat A | $7,090 |
You can stay longer in Italy for minimal extra cost. Please contact 1800 630 343 for more information.
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd, ATAS number A10538 (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at 1/5/24. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $900 per passenger is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 90 days before departure for the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payments made by credit card.
Cancellation Conditions: Cancellation over 90 days before tour departs will result in loss of deposit. Cancellation 90 days and under before tour departs will result in a loss of all monies paid.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions: The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 90 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost. Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances and/or substitute the tour host, if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any refunds in
respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services not utilized after
the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents: All passengers will require a valid passport. Visas for countries visited are not required for Australian passport holders. If you hold another passport, please check with Travelrite.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ATAS No A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re routing or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be taken in the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite International to book
this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as
your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various
providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the
tour. Travelrite International may without reference to you provide or make
available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make
available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably
believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you
or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which
the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite
International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite
International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in
respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite International advises you to
obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such
good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a non-refundable deposit of $900 per person for the tour.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by telephoning Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 38 years. It has a fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) office at Balwyn. As such it directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“We really enjoyed our holiday.”
“Good time and well organised.”
