Lake Garda by Train. Nine days from GBP999. Pretty towns and hilltop castles, rugged mountains and lakeside beaches, olive groves and tall pine forests. Savour the contrasts of picturesque northern Italy on this unique tour.
Save GBP50 on 29th May departure. Was GBP1,102. Now GBP1,052
Whats Included
- The services of an experienced Tour Manager
- Hotel porterage
Included excursions
- Lake Garda
- Venice
Optional excursions
- Verona
- Dolomites
Your Accommodation
HOTEL DESENZANO (4-STAR)
6 nights half board. This modern hotel is just a short walk from the centre of historic Desenzano. take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, relax on the rooftop sun terrace or in the solarium and then pause a while on the cocktail bar before enjoying the delights of the restaurant. All the guest rooms have a balcony, private facilities, airconditioning, tv, telephone, minibar and safe.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1 UK/PARIS
Join the eurostar service to paris at either St Pancras or Ebbsfleet (passengers in leisure select class will enjoy a meal and drinks served at their seat). We then take the high-speed TGV service to Lausanne, Switzerland, where we will overnight at the Minotel Alagare on a bed and breakfast basis.
DAY 2 LAKE GARDA
From Lausanne, we take the Cisalpino service for an afternoon arrival at Lake Garda and transfer to your resort hotel for a six-night stay.
DAYS 3 – 7 LAKE GARDA
Lake Garda is the largest and arguably most beautiful of the Italian lakes. the transparent, tranquil water of the lake is set against pastel-painted lakeside resorts and behind that, sublime scenery including the peaks of the Dolomites in the north and the gentle plains in the south.
Free to relax and enjoy our included excursion programme:
Lake Garda (¾ day) - this coach tour and boat trip take you to see some of the many different resorts that pepper the shores.
Venice (full day) - Journey by train to beautiful venice, including a boat transfer to St Mark’s square.
The following excursions are optional:
Verona (¾ day) - travel by coach to the ancient city of verona, with a visit to a local winery for a tasting.
Dolomites (full day) - this spectacular tour by coach takes you through the dramatic alpine landscapes of the dolomites mountains, with their snow-capped peaks.
DAY 8 MULHOUSE - This morning we depart by train to milan, into Switzerland, then on to Mulhouse, France, for an overnight stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
DAY 9 PARIS/UK - We leave after breakfast this morning and join the return Eurostar service to Ebbsfleet and St Pancras.
Telephone 0845 358 2639 for more details
Great Rail Journeys have late availability on the following UK train holidays...
Highland Adventure - 6 days
Departing 17 June 2010, prices from GBP548 per person
From mysterious Loch Ness to the majestic Highland landscapes, experience the wonders of Scotland by mainline and fantastic steam railways on this adventure through the Scottish Highlands.
Stratford & the Severn Valley - 6 days
Departing 19 June 2010, prices from GBP475 per person
Appreciate the rolling hillsides, sleepy limestone villages, water meadows and river valleys of the Cotswolds with captivating Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the bard. This short break introduces you to the best scenery, rail journeys and excursions in the area.
Devon & Cornish Rivieras - 8 days
Departing 20 June 2010, prices from GBP725 per person
Reflect on the very best of the South-West as we steam along the English Riviera, hugging the Devon coastline, before encountering Cornwall's charming harbours, the fascinating Eden project and fabled Land's End.
Stratford 1940s Weekend - 5 days
Departing 2 July 2010, prices from GBP375 per person
Experience captivating Stratford-upon-Avon combined with a fascinating look back at Britain during World War II on this short break which offers you the best scenery, rail journeys and excursions in the area.
Edinburgh, Lochs & Glens - 5 days
Departing 4 July 2010, prices from GBP529 per person
Enjoy a new short break based in our hotel on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, a great place from which to explore Scotland's proud capital. We also include two excursions through lochs, glens and mountains, and a true taste of Scotland at the home of Famous Grouse.
Enjoy the British Grand Prix at Silverstone with Page and Moy. Three nights, four days from GBP279.
The spiritual home of British racing, Silverstone has hosted the British Grand Prix every year since 1987. It is one of the fastest and most unpredictable circuits on the racing calendar, and the race this year promises to be a memorable event thanks to the new all-British team of Hamilton and Button at McLaren.
Enjoy a short break in Stratford-upon-Avon, an ideal base from which to enjoy the British Grand Prix weekend and a delightful contrast to the high-octane excitement of the race circuit.
Holiday Options
• 3 night package
• Pit lane Suite option
Telephone 0845 358 2639 for more details
Your Accommodation
Express by Holiday Inn
The hotel is located just off J15 of the M40. There is ample free parking and the hotel has a lounge and bar. All bedrooms have a private bathroom, satellite TV and telephone. Accommodation is on bed and continental breakfast basis.
Hotel Grosvenor, Stratford
The hotel enjoys an excellent location for easy access to the town centre on foot, or by car to the M40 motorway. There is guest parking, a bar, restaurant and lounge and all bedrooms have a bathroom, TV, telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. Accommodation is on bed and english breakfast basis.
Holiday Inn, Stratford
Superbly located in the centre of Stratford on the banks of the Avon, the hotel has a choice of bars and restaurants, indoor pool and health club. All guest rooms have a private bathroom, TV, telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. 24 hour room service is available. Accommodation is on bed and English breakfast basis.
Your Itinerary
Enjoy a short break in Stratford-upon-Avon, an ideal base from which to enjoy the British Grand Prix weekend and a delightful contrast to the high-octane excitement of the race circuit. Apart from its Shakespearean connections, Stratford is renowned for its Tudor architecture, riverside walks and ample shops, bars and restaurants. If you wish to explore further afield, Warwick Castle, the Heritage motor Centre, Hatton Country World, Royal leamington Spa and the Cotswolds are all within easy driving distance.
All hotels are within easy reach of the circuit. Check-in at your hotel is from 2pm on the day you arrive and time is then free for you to enjoy as you wish until Sunday, when we will make an early departure by coach for the circuit and the Grand Prix. The coach will return you to your hotel at the end of the race. Those arriving on Thursday or Friday will be able to visit the circuit the day after arrival for F1 practice, qualifying sessions and supporting events on our included transfers.
Silverstone
The 3.2-mile track offers a challenging mix of corners and straights and gives cars plenty of opportunity to show what they can do.
The Priory/Woodcote area is a good option for spectators who appreciate the technical aspects of driving and want to enjoy some top-quality hospitality. Cars really slip and slide around the tight bends here, making for some nail-biting moments. For pure drama, though, you can’t beat the pits straight just around the corner. Here you’ll see the cars start and finish, and watch teams attempt to shave off crucial seconds on visits to the pits.
Silverstone is also one of the better tracks for those who prefer to roam on a general admission ticket. The Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel section offers serious speeds of up to 185mph plus some subtle directional changes, and you can really feel the power of the cars. Halfway around, Stowe-Vale-Club offers several excellent vantage points and is a prime spot for overtaking. (In fact, it was at Stowe that Hamilton passed Kovaleinen in 2008.)
Originally an RAF base during World War Two, Silverstone was converted into a racing track with a reputation for speed in 1948, and hosted the first Formula One World Championship race in 1950. The track has hosted the race regularly since then, along with Aintree and Brands Hatch, and has been the exclusive venue since 1987.
Silverstone has been a happy hunting ground for British drivers. John Watson won in 1981, Nigel Mansell in 1987, 1991 and 1992, Damon Hill in 1994, David Coulthard in 1999 and 2000, and Lewis Hamilton in 2008. Memorably, Nigel Mansell picked up stranded Ayrton Senna on his victory lap in 1991.
There was a time when traffic jams caused problems on race days, but the A43 bypass has helped ease these. Another agent for chaos has been the unpredictable British weather, which in 2000 turned the car parks into mud baths. It’s not an issue for the spectators who choose to arrive by helicopter, making Silverstone Heliport the UK’s busiest airport for one day a year.
A Page & Moy Grand Prix package is a great way to see the race and explore the surrounding countryside. Your hotel will be in Stratford-upon-Avon, better known as Shakespeare country, while the Cotswolds aren’t far away and Oxford is near enough for a day trip. It’s usually possible to stroll around the grounds of the old colleges, and you don’t have to be a student to go punting on the river.
Telephone 0845 358 2639 for more details
From gentle cruises through rural villages to technical off-road challenges, cycling holidays are a perfect example of Neilson's approach to being as energetic or as chilled out as you choose.
Join in with a scenic ride to a nearby bay for an early morning swim and a Turkish coffee. Or saddle up with their expert mountain bike guides for an all day mission to conquer Greek mountains.
With great bikes and enthusiastic bike guides, you can decide if mountain biking will be a demanding new challenge or simply the best way to explore the beautiful coastlines of Greece, Turkey, Kenya and Egypt.
Neilson cycling holidays in Europe and Africa offer the best way to explore stunning landscapes.
Guided Mountain Bike Riding
There's nothing like riding with the locals to help you see the best trails a new destination has to offer on cycling holidays in Europe. Neilson's expert guides know their locations intimately, and are looking forward to showing you around.
You can choose from up to three rides a day, depending on the location, duration, terrain and level of difficulty that suits you. At two of their centres; Vassiliki and Porto Heli they offer an expanded range of rides with greater distances and more challenging riding - great for enthusiastic mountain bikers.
Independent Mountain Bike Riding
Alternatively, enjoy the freedom to explore independently on Neilson's mountain biking holidays, with their easy-to-follow route cards. They'll supply all you need - helmets, gloves, spares and water bottles. All they ask is that you don't ride alone and that you're back by the time requested by their staff.
Find out about Neilson Mountain Biking Holidays
Experience the best of the English Countryside on a Great Rail Journeys train holiday. Great Rail Journeys have been organising holidays by train for over 25 years. As the largest rail based holiday company in the UK they know exactly what makes a holiday by train successful.
Book your train holiday now to the Lake District, Yorkshire, Devon, Cornwall and more...
The English Lake District 2010
Experience the grace and beauty of this delightful region on this short break, taking advantage of the very best the area has to offer. From steamers and vintage trains to distant, high fells and of course the famous dramatic lakes, the Lake District has it all.
Departures from June to September - from £720
Bournemouth & the New Forest 2010
Relax in the spectacular resort of Bournemouth, with its miles of sandy beaches, beautiful gardens and seafront promenade. Trips to brooding Corfe Castle on the steam-hauled Swanage Railway and the delightful New Forest make this an unforgettable break.
Departures from June to October - from £325
Yorkshire & Northumberland 2010
The history and wild, natural beauty of Yorkshire & Northumbria are brought to life in this wonderful 8 day tour. Follow in Viking and Roman footsteps and visit Chester's Fort and Bamburgh Castle, whilst enjoying scenic rail journeys en route.
Departures from June to September - from £695
Devon & Cornish Rivieras 2010
English Riviera rail tour featuring the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway. Reflect on the very best of the South-West as we steam along the English Riviera, hugging the Devon coastline, before encountering Cornwall's charming harbours, the fascinating Eden project and fabled Land's End.
Departures from June to September - from £695
Stratford & the Severn Valley 2010
Appreciate the rolling hillsides, sleepy limestone villages, water meadows and river valleys of the Cotswolds with captivating Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the bard. This short break introduces you to the best scenery, rail journeys and excursions in the area.
Departures from June to September - from £475
Torquay & the Eden Project 2010
Set in the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay is famed for its location among seven green hills from where grand Victorian villas and terraces gaze out to sea. This tour enables you to experience this most classical English seaside resort at its very best.
Departures from July to September - from £348
The Ionian is one of the most popular yachting destinations in the Mediterranean with gentle breezes and a scattering of picturesque islands and sheltered harbours offering the perfect introduction to sailing.
The Southern Ionian is ideal for the less experienced sailor due to its sheltered waters and generally shorter routes, whilst the Northern Ionian offers more adventurous sailing with longer passages, less crowded waters and steady breezes.
Good For:
The Southern Ionian is ideal for the less experienced sailor due to its sheltered waters and generally shorter routes, whilst the Northern Ionian offers more adventurous sailing with longer passages and steady breezes.
- Beginner and intermediate sailors
- Light winds, generally north west, force 2-4
- Stunning sailing scenery
- Short transfer
- Singles, couples, groups and families
One and Two Week Flotilla - What's included
• Return flights from London Gatwick with inflight meals and 20kg luggage allowance. (Supplement applies for Manchester departures)
• Return transfer
• Yacht Charter and lead boat crew support
• Marine Insurance
• Charter papers and local taxes
• First tank of fuel and water
• Gas and linen
• Damage waiver and security deposit.
• Guaranteed repayments if yacht cannot sail due to breakdown
• Fully equipped galley with starter pack of basic essentials and cleaning products
• Dinghy tender
• Yacht cleaning
Find out more about Neilson Yachting Holidays
Great Rail Journeys have been organising holidays by train for over 25 years. As the largest rail based holiday company in the UK they know exactly what makes a holiday by train successful.
You can choose from over 130 individual tours in over 40 countries. Their train tours cover Europe, Africa, America, Canada, the Far East, Russia, India and The Orient and Australaisia.
Great Rail Journeys currently have late availability on the following short breaks:
Highland Adventure - 6 days departing 3, 17 June 2010, prices from £548 per person
Little Trains of the Rhine Valley - 5 days departing 3, 17 June 2010, prices from £648 per person
Bruges and the Flavours of Flanders - 5 days departing 6, 20, 27 June 2010, prices from £665 per person
Bournemouth and the New Forest - 5 days departing 6 June 2010, prices from £335 per person
Moselle Valley - 5 days departing 6 June 2010, prices from £698 per person
Single Travellers: The Beautiful Black Forest - 5 days departing 7 June 2010, prices from £825 per person
Châteaux of the Loire - 6 days departing 7 June 2010, prices from £998 per person
Little Trains of Switzerland - 5 days departing 11 June 2010, prices from £995 per person
Black Forest Discovery - 5 days departing 13 June 2010, prices from £858 per person
Great Savings of GBP225pp this September on Neilson Holidays in Turkey.
Neilson - Club Teos, Turkey
Situated in a beautiful, tranquil location around the edge of an enclosed bay surrounded by green headland and the clear turquoise seas of the Aegean coastline overlooking the Greek islands of Chios and Samos is Club Teos.
Club Teos is designed to resemble a typical Turkish village with a number of two storey houses scattered throughout well-established colourful gardens. You enter via an impressive circular reception, originally designed in the style of an old Turkish coaching house to provide water fountains and shaded areas for travellers and their animals. Today this area provides a cool, tranquil retreat and is the location of our brand new wellbeing area and treatment rooms.
4th September 2010 - 4* CB. £670pp. Save £225
11th Sepember 2010 - 4* CB. £610pp. Save £225
18th September 2010 - 4* CB. £570pp. Save £225
Find Out More
Neilson - Club Phokaia, Turkey
A new addition to Neilson's range of Beachplus clubs in Turkey is the impressive Club Phokaia. The hotel occupies a fantastic location overlooking the beach and turquoise waters of Mersinaki Bay where you will find excellent sailing conditions.
Club Phokaia has a spacious feel, set amongst beautiful landscaped gardens with plenty of quiet spots to relax and winding pathways leading down to the beach. The large swimming pool is the focal point, with an extra large terrace and great views of the bay. With very few steps and most facilities being on one level it is perfect for families.
Whilst offering seclusion with its own bay and beach, Club Phokaia is also just a couple of kilometres away from the ancient town of Eski Foc, more commonly known as Foca (pronounced Fotcha), a picturesque fishing village which is steeped in history and has a charming, unspoilt feel.
4th September 2010 - 4* CB. £720pp. Save £225
11th September 2010 - 4* CB. £660pp. Save £225
Find out more
Whether you’re an art and history buff, a nature lover, enjoy browsing through markets, or a water sports enthusiast Turkey offers endless possibilities.
The Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is to die for, the coastline has some of the most stunning views with crystal-clear azure seas and myriad rocky coves and sandy beaches.
Home to more than 20 different fascinating civilisations, Turkey has a 10,000 year-old heritage, much of which is still being uncovered. Its rich history is very much part of the present, with temples, ancient theatres, churches, mosques, tombs, statues of gods, palaces and fortresses, and of course the many museums which bring the past to life.
Learn a new watersport, improve your skills or just flop on the beach - Neilson have the perfect summer activity holiday.
And if you move quickly you can save up to GBP446 on a Neilson beach holiday in Greece, Turkey or Kenya (Valid until 6 May 2010)
Aeolian Village, Lesvos, Greece - 4*
Lesvos is an island rich in history, natural beauty and archaeology, with picturesque towns and villages to explore.
15th May from Manchester: £359pp (Save £356) - FIND OUT MORE
Portomyrina Palace, Lemnos, Greece - 4*
Great for families with a short airport transfer, lots of space and few steps
22nd May from London Gatwick: £399pp (Save £400) - FIND OUT MORE
The Retreat, Sivota, Greece - 4*
Located in a corner of rare natural beauty with tiny coves, green hills and secluded beaches, the aptly named Retreat offers an idyllic haven.
6th June from Manchester: £530pp (Save £325) - FIND OUT MORE
Club Teos, Teos, Turkey - 4*
Situated in a beautiful, tranquil location around the edge of an enclosed bay surrounded by green headland and the clear turquoise seas of the Aegean coastline overlooking the Greek islands of Chios and Samos is Club Teos, the latest addition to our range of Beachplus Clubs.
22nd May from Birmingham: £365pp (Save £400) - FIND OUT MORE
Club Phokaia, Foca, Turkey - 4*
A new addition to our range of Beachplus clubs in Turkey is the impressive Club Phokaia. The hotel occupies a fantastic location overlooking the beach and turquoise waters of Mersinaki Bay where you will find excellent sailing conditions.
12th June from Manchester: £545pp (Save £400) - FIND OUT MORE
12th June from Birmingham: £499pp (Save £446) - FIND OUT MORE
Mnarani Beachclub, Kilifi, Kenya - 3*
Located between Malindi and Mombasa on the cliffs of Kilifi overlooking the Indian Ocean and Kilifi Creek; the Mnarani Beachclub has a fantastic location in the most peaceful and picturesque of surroundings.
17th May from London Gatwick: £669pp (Save £420) - FIND OUT MORE
Flat out on a windsurfer or lying on a beach. Or anything in between. However you want to unwind, and at whatever level, whether you are a salty sea dog or looking for your first taste of the surf, a hardened mountain biker, waterskier or windsurfer or a beginner looking for expert tuition. Whether you want family beach holidays with the kids or you want someone to take them off your hands, Neilson have created perfect holidays for you.
What's included in a Neilson holiday
Beautiful unspoilt locations, sunshine, clear warm water, fantastic children’s clubs, adult-only week options, and all of your favourite, and new activities included.
With both their luxury Beachplus resorts and specialist activity Beachclubs in Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, all with expert teams, resort staff, a range of children’s clubs for 2-14 year olds, meals including local delicacies, and al fresco dining it's no wonder 96% of Neilson’s guests would probably or definitely recommend a Neilson holiday.
All of these features are included in the cost of a Neilson holiday:
Flights and Transfers - Flights from numerous regional, and London airports.
Accommodation - All Neilson hotels and resorts are selected primarily for their charm, range of facilities, locations, and suitability for activities.
Meal options - Flexible Beachclub options such as bed & breakfast, or at Neilson Beachplus Club resorts, Club Board which includes daily breakfast & lunch, and four evening meals.
Children’s clubs* - All children aged 4 months to 17 years will find a club to suit them at one of Neilson's seven children's clubs.
Evening childcare - Neilson Beachplus Clubs provide free evening care for 5-12 year olds three nights a week, and twice a week at Beachclubs.
Sailing and windsurfing tuition - Expert tuition from Neilson's passionate, experienced, and friendly team is always included in the price of your Neilson holiday.
Waterskiing and wakeboarding - Neilson include waterskiing and wakeboarding free of charge in all of their Beachplus Clubs - no matter how many goes you have.
Tennis tuition - Perfect your forehand or service game with free tuition from Neilson's team of tennis professionals at all Beachplus Clubs.
Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Courses - Depending on your resort, all courses from RYA level 1 through to Performance Sailing and Advanced Windsurfing are included in the price of your holiday.
Notes
All of Neilson’s air inclusive package holidays and flights are ATOL protected.
*Hot Shots club available at supplement of £80-150 for one week. Starfish club available at a supplement of £250 for one week, and £440 for two weeks.
! Book online now and you could save up to 7% !
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