Discover the charm of Lake Garda, savouring Italian flavours and idyllic gardens before embarking on an unforgettable cruise from Venice, exploring Adriatic ports and the Amalfi Coast

Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager and group before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris in Plus class, enjoying a light meal at our seats. From the French capital, we continue by First Class rail to Turin.

Transferring to our hotel, we check in for the night and get to know each other over dinner this evening.

This morning after breakfast, there's time at leisure to explore Turin. Nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps, the city's elegant squares and boulevards are dotted with inviting cafés and bars, and a short stroll from our hotel brings you to a pedestrianised shopping district.

Later, we regroup and travel by rail to Desenzano, continuing to our base on the shores of Lake Garda. Surrounded by vine-covered hills and framed by the distant peaks of the Alps, Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake and one of its most captivating. Once part of the Venetian Republic, the lake's shoreline is dotted with characterful towns, each offering its own blend of history, charm and lakeside beauty.

We settle into our hotel and soak up the relaxed atmosphere, with time to unwind and enjoy the views before dinner.

After breakfast, there is free time this morning to relax at the hotel or discover more of the local area.

This afternoon, we join a cruise across Lake Garda to Isola del Garda. Owned by the Cavazza family for generations, Isola del Garda is the largest island on the lake and one of its exclusive destinations. Sailing across the sparkling waters, we discover fragrant acacia and lemon trees framing an extraordinary neo-Gothic style villa. The island is also home to a small wood of pines, cypresses, magnolias and agaves, adding to its lush atmosphere. We explore the exquisite villa and gardens on an exclusive guided tour before relaxing with a drink on the terrace overlooking the lake.

Returning later this afternoon, the evening is at leisure to dine independently at one of the area's inviting bars or restaurants.

We visit Verona after breakfast this morning, where a guided tour introduces us to the city's highlights. We see Juliet's famous balcony and the city's awe-inspiring Roman Arena, which predates Rome's Colosseum and is now an open-air opera house.

With free time over lunch, you might choose to wander into the heart of Verona and visit Piazza delle Erbe, the city's oldest and most atmospheric square. Alternatively, take a walk along the main shopping street, where Italy's great fashion houses are represented.

This afternoon, we head to a family-run agriturismo in the hills above the city to indulge in one of the highlights of the holiday. With a tour of the vineyards and cellars, this experience blends the region's wine culture with authentic Italian hospitality, set against a backdrop of vineyards and olive groves. We then enjoy a dinner of traditional dishes paired with wines.

We travel as a group to Venice port after breakfast this morning, where you say farewell to the Tour Manager and are transferred to the luxurious Azamara cruise ship.

Here, you are welcomed onboard by the friendly and attentive crew. Azamara's cruise ships have a smaller capacity than most other ocean and sea cruise vessels, meaning they can get closer to ports, resulting in a more immersive experience.

Once settled into your cabin, you can make the most of the enticing facilities onboard, including an outdoor pool, spa and gym, along with a range of dining venues and lounges.

Find out more about your ship here.

Having sailed across the northern reaches of the Adriatic overnight, your ship docks in Ravenna this morning. At each port of call on the cruise, you can join optional excursions, payable locally.

Dubbed the 'Mosaic City', Ravenna is renowned for its 1,500-year-old churches, decorated with exquisite Byzantine mosaics. You might visit the Basilica di San Vitale or the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, both remarkable for their centuries-old artwork.

The centre is perfect for exploring on foot, with cobbled streets leading to quiet piazzas, elegant cafés and the tomb of famous poet Dante Alighieri.

Docking in the capital of Italy's Marche region, you can discover Ancona, a city steeped in more than 2,400 years of history.

Set between rolling hills and the Adriatic Sea, Ancona blends ancient landmarks with sweeping sea views. You might visit the Arch of Traja, a marble monument that once welcomed Roman travellers or visit the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, perched high above the city on the site of an ancient Greek temple.

The town's quiet streets lead to elegant piazzas, historic churches and cafés where you can soak up the local pace of life.

Sailing into the Bay of Kotor this morning, you're met with one of the Adriatic's most striking sights - a medieval city tucked between dramatic mountains and fjord-like waters.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kotor is known for its well-persevered Renaissance and Baroque architecture. You might explore the town's maze of narrow lanes and squares, visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon or browse shops filled with local crafts.

For panoramic views, take the winding path up the Castle of San Giovanni, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Kotor and surrounding mountains.

Relax onboard today as we spend the day sailing, giving you time to enjoy the ship's excellent facilities.

You might choose to indulge in a treatment at the spa or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. There are several inviting social spaces onboard where you can unwind, including the Mosaic Café and the Drawing Room, home to a well-stocked library.

In the evening, dine at one of the speciality restaurants - Aqualina or Prime C (bookable in advance) - before enjoying a varied programme of onboard entertainment.

Arriving in Taranto today, you'll discover the city's proud history set against a countryside of gentle hills, beautiful beaches and sapphire-blue waters.

Founded by Spartan settlers in 706 BC, Taranto blends ancient heritage with a relaxed, sun-soaked charm. You might stroll along the tree-lined Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III, a seafront promenade offering views across the Gulf of Taranto or visit the imposing Castello Aragonese - a 15th-century fortress perched above the water.

Back onboard this evening, the Cabaret Lounge comes to life with a programme of entertainment, from full-stage musical revues and classical soloists to live bands and guest performers. Settle in at a cosy table, enjoy a drink from the bar and soak up the atmosphere of a night well spent at sea.

Bathed in the golden Mediterranean sun, Crotone awaits today, with its ancient allure.

Delve into the local culture by visiting the Archaeological Park of Capo Colonna, where the iconic Temple of Hera Lacinia stands as a reminder of the city's Greek past. Nearby, the National Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that bring the region's history to life.

Back in town, stroll along the charming waterfront or explore local cafés and shops that showcase the warmth of Calabrian culture.

This morning, your ship arrives in the historic Sicilian port of Syracuse, once a major power in the Mediterranean during the 5th century BC.

You might like to visit some of Ortigia's best sights, such as the Baroque cathedral built on the site of the Greek Temple of Athena, part of which still remains. The cathedral stands on the Piazza Duomo, regarded as one of Sicily's loveliest squares.

The Arethusa Spring is an ancient freshwater pond near the sea, bedecked with papyrus plants and shrouded with myth and legend.

Docking in the port city of Trapani today, you'll find a charming Sicilian town where medieval streets meet sweeping sea views.

Once a major trading centre for the Phoenicians, Trapani's Old Town brims with medieval treasures, known for its Baroque churches, narrow alleyways and local markets. You might stroll along the seafront promenade or explore the historic centre, where centuries-old architecture and cosy cafés create a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

For panoramic views, take the cable car to nearby Erice - a hilltop village rich in history and charm.

Your ship arrives in the breathtaking town of Amalfi today, set between dramatic cliffs and the glistening waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Wedged into the mouth of a ravine, Amalfi enchants with its whitewashed buildings, sun-lit piazzas and terraced hillsides awash with lemon groves. Visit the Cathedral of Saint 'Andrea or browse shops selling locally made ceramics and limoncello.

You might also choose to visit the Cloister of Paradise; a peaceful garden oasis tucked behind the cathedral.

Perched above the Bay of Naples, Sorrento welcomes you today with its Italian charm and sweeping sea views.

A warming sun and gentle sea breezes have been attracting visitors to Sorrento for centuries, and its reputation as a playground of the rich and famous has resulted in lavish villas and palaces.

Wander through the cobbled streets among beautiful Renaissance buildings, discover charming boutiques that sell hand-made clothing or enjoy people-watching in Piazza Tasso, the town's central square. This historic quarter is also known for its artisan craft shops, selling locally made ceramics, lacework and hand-crafted wooden goods.

This remarkable journey began on the shores of Lake Garda, where we explored the elegant Isola del Garda, strolled through the romantic streets of Verona and enjoyed a memorable evening dining among the vineyards in Valpolicella. From Venice, your journey continued by sea. From the historic ports of Ravenna, Ancona and Taranto to the Sicilian treasures of Syracuse and Trapani, each stop offered a unique glimpse into the Italy's rich heritage. The cruise concluded with visits to the sun-drenched towns of Amalfi and Sorrento, two of Italy's most iconic and picturesque destinations.

Arriving in your final port of Rome today, you disembark the cruise ship and are transferred to the airport for your flight home. Landing in London Heathrow or at your regional airport, your holiday comes to and end and you are free to make your own way home.

The newest addition to the fleet, Azamara Onward debuted in 2022 following an extensive renovation. Like the other ships, it carries fewer than 700 guests, creating a boutique-style atmosphere and a personalised onboard experience. Onward features Azamara's signature touches, including spacious staterooms, speciality dining, enriching activities and wellness offerings. The refined, modern décor enhances the sense of relaxed, upscale comfort.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.