An astonishing blend of spectacular alpine scenery reflected in tranquil lakes, Verona's Roman remains and the medieval world's richest city - remarkably unique Venice. For centuries, Italy has drawn visitors in search of culture and romance, with few countries comparing with its enormous classical origins, its art, architecture, music, design, scenery, food and wine. Italy's contribution to European painting and sculpture surpasses that of any other nation. Blend this with the magnificent scenery of its lakes, one of the world's great cuisines and the Italian attitude of living life to the absolute maximum, and you have a superb destination for a tour.

Italy is blessed with some fantastic scenery and some of the finest is to be found as you approach the Alps around Lake Garda where images of the abundant flowers and trees which cover the banks, are reflected in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour. The picturesque lake with gentle waves lapping slowly onto the shingle shoreline, the stunning snow-capped Alps in the background and a scattering of picturesque villages, all fit together in a beautifully balanced mosaic of harmony.

Further north, we see the Dolomite Mountains- some of the most spectacular alpine scenery on earth. It is only in the past 150 years that Italy has come to exist as a nation state formed from a collection of largely independent cities, often separated by almost impenetrable marshes or mountain ranges. They then evolved totally independently and on this tour we shall visit two of them - the very different but very classic cities of Verona and Venice.

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Verona is without doubt one of the most attractive cities you will ever see and appropriately well known as the setting for the legendary story of Romeo and Juliet. It has been important since ancient times and in fact has more ancient remains than any city in Italy except Rome itself. Its most striking monument is the arena - the third largest ever built - where a range of entertainments were presented, including gladiatorial combat. Enclosed by massive and extremely well preserved ramparts, the city has a lovely medieval feel to it with pink-hued buildings, lovingly restored, lining the streets.

All the photographs and pictures you have seen of St. Mark's Square and Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Grand Canal have simply been telling the extraordinary truth: that Venice is a stunning city. You cannot walk for more than a few minutes without stopping to see something which demands admiration.

One of the greatest joys of visiting Italy is, of course, being amongst the Italians themselves. Stylish, always ready to help and, if there is a single national characteristic, it is living life to the full, which creates a fantastic atmosphere so much in evidence everywhere - so come with us and see.

See all our Italian lakes holidays here.