Monday 6 July 2009

Walking in Lake Garda - 8 days from £730


Walking in Lake Garda - 8 days from £730 with Travelsphere.

Discover the beautiful scenery that surrounds Lake Garda, from waterfront resorts to the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains. Our three superb included walks take you through this stunning scenery, and with three optional excursions, you’ll get to see the best of this magnificent destination.

For more information visit the Travelsphere website or tel 0845 358 2368

What's Included
- Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
- Return scheduled flights to Verona
- Transfers between airport and hotel
- Services of an air-conditioned executive coach
- Seven nights’ half board accommodation
- All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Included excursions
Three walks in the company of a local guide: -
- The Paper Mills
- Manerba Park
- The Rock of Garda & St. Vigilio Point

Optional excursions
- Lake Garda
- Verona
- Foothills of the Dolomites

Walking Information
This Tour contains walks up to Grade 2 - Moderate

Grade 1 - Easy
These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery with up to 4 hours walking a day, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Ascent less than 300m per day. Sturdy walking shoes are advisable.

Grade 2 - Moderate
These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day. Walking boots with ankle support are recommended.

Grade 3 - Strenuous
These are quite strenuous, for the more accomplished hill walker. A larger number of continuous stretches of walking totalling about 5 hours a day, often in mountainous terrain where paths can be steep. Ascent up to 1000m per day. Walking boots with ankle support and trekking poles are recommended.

Itinerary

DAY 1: UK/Verona
Depart on your scheduled flight to Verona. On arrival transfer to your hotel in Desenzano on the shores of Lake Garda for a seven night stay.

DAYS 2 to 7: Lake Garda
During our time on Lake Garda, we include the following walks:

The Paper Mills - Head to Toscolano on the western shore of the lake for this charming walk along the valley past ruins of the paper mills that made this region famous. We visit the museum (entrance not included) before ascending to the old village of Camerate. We enjoy lunch (not included) at the Agriturismo in the hamlet of Gaino, from where we return to our original starting point in Toscolano on foot, where it is possible to visit the parish church and ruins of a Roman villa (approx. 6 hours’ walk).

Manerba Park - Discover the charms of Manerba and its surrounding area on this delightful walk. Starting at the church of St. George, follow the ridge path that overlooks the lake, making your way down to the water’s edge for a quick swim! We then cross the park, ascending towards the ruins of the medieval castle. After breaking for lunch, there is the opportunity to climb the steep slope up to the castle. Our walk returns us to Dusano, before returning to the hotel (approx. 5 hours’ walk).

The Rock of Garda & St. Vigilio Point - After visiting the village of Garda, climb the slope to the top of the Rock of Garda, standing 300m over the town and offering superb views across the lake. We also visit the Hermitage of the Camaldolesi Monks before taking the path back downhill to San Vigilio, where you can go swimming in the lake (approx. 4 hours’ walk).

We also offer a range of optional excursions:

Lake Garda - Full day tour to see some of the beauty spots of this fabulous lake, surrounded by lush groves of olives, vines and citrus trees. We will stop at one of the many delightful resorts where you can shop, relax, take a glass of wine and enjoy the spectacular scenery. You will also enjoy a boat trip on the lake.

Verona - This half day excursion takes you to one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities. Don’t miss the impressive square, Piazza Bra, with its ornate fountains and delightful pavement cafés, dominated by the magnificent Roman Arena, the third largest in the world.

Foothills of the Dolomites - A spectacular full day tour taking you through dramatic Alpine landscapes to view this rugged range of mountains which stretch from Lake Garda north to the Austrian border and reach a height of 11,000ft.

DAY 8: Verona/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: GEIG
06/05/2010 £760
03/06/2010 £760
16/09/2010 £760
07/10/2010 £730

Deposits are £100 per person
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities

Surcharges
The Pound has recently fallen significantly in value against other European currencies and, in common with many other businesses, our prices now include an additional charge for all new bookings which has been introduced to cover these additional costs.

Supplements
Single room supplement from £100
Holiday Insurance

Travel Information
Flights are by scheduled services of British Airways
Departing London Gatwick 1215 hrs
Return arrival 1700 hrs
All timings are approximate and may be subject to variation

You can fly to your destination from the following airports at the supplement shown below (per person).
Edinburgh £29
Bristol £29

For more information visit the Travelsphere website or tel 0845 358 2368