A tour from the Venetian Riviera, via Verona, to the sublime Italian Lakes.
Few countries know how to do seaside holidays like Italy. The resorts of the Venetian Riviera are a joyous string of beachside activities by day, and family-friendly dining by night. And, of course, Venice is only ever a thrilling Vaporetto ride away.
We can think of no better place to start this adventure than from the sands of the Adriatic to the gently lapping shores of the Italian Lakes, via Romeo and Juliet's Verona. You'll definitely lose your heart - and we promise, unlike Shakespeare, a very happy ending.
Begin your holiday with the warm waters of the Adriatic cooling your toes, as you stroll along the beaches of the Venetian Riviera.
Want it chilled out? Base your stay at Ca'Savio. This 'Village Plus' parc does everything right. Set in delightful woodland, there are two pools to enjoy, alongside that dazzling Adriatic Sea. Relaxing days come easy, but you can always turn things up a notch or two, too! And Venice is just a ferry-ride away.
What it lively? Try Union Lido Campsite, with terrific waterslides, a wellness centre and spa. It enjoys direct access to a smashing beach too. Venice, again, is only a ferry ride away.
You could easily enjoy a full week’s worth of fun alongside the Venetian Riviera. But, for the purposes of this tour, we’re staying for five days. It could look something like this:
Explore the beaches and resorts of your local parc. There are plenty of waterside bars and restaurants to keep you entertained.
Take the short ferry service to the islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Venice itself could easily fill a summer’s worth of exploring. But you can see a lot in a day if you get there early and avoid the crowds. Explore Piazza San Marco, with its bell tower and beautiful basilica, stop for a coffee at the oldest café, wander across the Rialto Bridge, souvenir hunt on the Bridge of Sighs and round things off with a drink at Harry’s Bar.
Day three could see you exploring the glass-making island of Murano, the atmospheric home to rows of brightly-painted fishermen's houses, and a centre for lace making.
Explore Lido De Jesolo, a lovely, lively resort on the Riviera, which really comes alive at night. Kids in tow? Head to Jesolandia, an amusement park with rides aplenty. Or try Aqualandia water park for a bigger splash. For a more chilled out alternative try Carole.
Take it easy on the beach before you head off on your inland adventure tomorrow.
Leave the Adriatic’s shores and head west to historic Verona. It’s an easy drive along good, well signposted roads (the A57) and you should reach the city in time for lunch. Park just outside the historic old town (where roads are so narrow you’d be wise to avoid) and head to the sights of the medieval old town, where you’ll find ‘Juliet’s House’ and ‘that’ balcony, as well as a 1st century Roman amphitheatre. It’s a lovely, walkable city with great dining and shopping. From here, it’s half an hour’s drive away from…
Want it Chilled out? Try Butterfly Campsite, a tranquil, tree-lined parc close to the shores of Lake Garda. Great for toddlers, it has a small, private lakeside beach.
Want it lively? Head to Del Garda Village, an active enclave of fun, featuring two pool complexes, including a kids’ pool with water slides, and water sports on the nearby lakeside beach.
Find your feet, explore your parc and head out into nearby Peschiera for a day’s sightseeing. There are 2,000 years of history to seek out.
The imposing Roman fortress is one of the area’s most renowned sights, whilst the tranquil Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino is an oasis of art and sculpture.
There are sailing centres at locations around the lake, including one right on your doorstep in Peschiera.
You can choose between a guided tour or set sail yourself, but either way, taking to the water is a unique way to appreciate the majesty of the lake and its surroundings.
Gardaland theme park has over a hundred acres of rides, shows and attractions, split across ten themed areas. The amusement park’s 40 attractions include four coasters, two water rides and a vertical free-fall ride.
There’s also an aquarium next door, with a huge range of sea creatures on show.
Take a scenic lakeside drive around (some of) the lake. Find your perfect Lake Garda resort - Sirmione, Limone, Lazise, Bardolino – there are too many stylish, water-trimmed places to mention.
Think chic shops, family-run eateries, pebbled beaches and pleasant grassy spots to kick back and enjoy a gelato by the water.
Suitably relaxed, it’s time to kick it up a gear and try your hand at a spot of watersports.
Italy’s largest lake draws watersports fantastic from all over the world. There’s windsurfing lessons to be had at the Surf Centre in Sirmione.
Parco Giardino Sigurtà is an award-winning park crowned the most beautiful in Italy.
It covers an impressive 148 acres and is home to a maze, fountains, rows upon rows of rose bushes, just 20 minutes’ drive south from Pescheria.
A relaxing day beside the lake, before you fly home tomorrow.