Hidden Europe: unique experiences in Europe's cities
08/09/2020 · By Katie Shaw
Europe’s cities are treasure troves of culture, teeming with iconic, must-see sights to enthral even the most seasoned of tourists.
Read more2025 Tour code: SRL25
About the tour
Based in the exquisite fortress town of Sirmione, set on a picturesque peninsula overlooking Lake Garda, and staying in an elegant spa hotel, this captivating holiday includes some fabulous excursions.
Join us as we glide through Venice's turquoise canals on an unforgettable gondola ride - passing Venetian palazzos, intriguing architecture and Byzantine churches - indulge in a wine-tasting and delicious dinner at a rural winery in Valpolicella, explore the history, culture and relaxed lifestyle of Roman Verona, as well as visiting the medieval hamlet of Malcesine on Lake Garda.
Unforgettable experiences
What’s included
Itinerary
Our holiday begins at London St Pancras, where we meet our Tour Manager and group of fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. Travelling in spacious Standard Premier Class, we are served drinks and a light meal at our comfortable seats.
From the French capital, we continue by First Class rail to the attractive medieval town of Chambéry, with its wonderful backdrop of the French Alps. On arrival, we take a short walk from the station to our hotel, where we check in for the night. There may be a little free time to look around before our first group dinner together.
Chambéry has a historic Old Town with a characterful square, tall, colourful houses, and is officially listed as a Town of Art and History ('Ville d'Art et d'Histoire').
Additional information
Hotel
Trains
Enhance your holiday
Upgrades
Reviews
4.4 / 5 · 320 reviews
Cathy Price
Submitted 5/Nov
Loved every minute of this holiday. Sirmione is a delightful place to stay and all the hotels were fantastic. There was so much to enjoy - medieval towns and castles, Roman ruins, boat trips, Verona and Venice, a Gondola ride and a trip to a winery. But the unexpected highlight for me was visiting Malcesine, going up 1,760 m in a cable car and getting a fantastic view of Lake Garda from the top. Our Tour Manager, Christine, was great. She guided us with great aplomb, ensured everyone had a good time, kept us well informed and expertly dealt with our train journey being cut short by a technical fault. I would highly recommend Great Rail Journeys.
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Lynn
Submitted 5/Nov
Wonderful holiday, well organised and day trips ideal. Weather end of October as expected, not brilliant but it didn’t stop me enjoying everything. This is my third trip with great rail and all have been excellent. Especially the tour managers. They make the holiday. Hotel was superb as were the staff and the food. An addition, as forgot to mention before. These trips are ideal for solo travellers. I have travelled on my own several times and thoroughly enjoyed it as everyone is so friendly.
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Erin Bland
Submitted 3/Nov
Having paid a substantial single supplement I didn’t expect a bare room without even a chest of drawers- aluminium rail to hang things on and 1960’s shower, bidet, suite.
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Chris Drake
Submitted 30/Oct
Interesting old town with vehicles greatly restricted - good for pedestrians! Very good hotel (the Continental), ferry connections all round Lake Garda. Only drawback was no train station.
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Melanie Lloyd
Submitted 29/Oct
Our second Great Rail Journeys tour and it was superb. Excellent communication throughout, brilliant tour manager and a well planned and delivered tour. Will definitely holiday with them again.
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R Lewis
Submitted 27/Oct
Great hotel great staff great tour manager great trips
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