LA DOLCE VITA IN VERONA
I could easily spend the whole week in 
Sirmione, and with free days built in, 
there was ample time. However, the 
itinerary tempts us to explore Verona. 
Romeo and Juliet was a work of fiction 
set in this medieval city, but we don’t 
need Shakespeare when we have real 
romance. On route to Verona I discover 
we have our own star-crossed lovers: 
two couples are celebrating being 
together for more than 50 years.
Our guide, Silvia, weaves us across 
Roman bridges, by a vast amphitheatre 
older than Rome’s Colosseum and 
stretches of city walls that have 
charmed UNESCO. Later, Hassan 
takes us to a family-run winery, where 
we share wines and savour dishes 
brimming with fresh vegetables grown 
on site as well as locally reared beef.
A CITY OF ENDLESS SECRETS
In the first-class seats of the high-
speed Frecciarossa, we arrive in Venice. 
Knowing Venice well I’m not expecting 
to learn much on a tour, but GRJ's 
local guide, Calabrese, has other ideas. 
She infuses contemporary colour into 
beguiling historic streets and canals. 
Hassan steers us to a gondola station 
for what is another highlight of this 
trip. I ease along with two other solo 
travellers, steering off the Grand Canal 
in search of quieter canals, slipping 
under impossibly pretty bridges and 
back through the centuries.
MEDIEVAL MALCESINE
Our final included excursion ferries 
us to a medieval hamlet. Malcesine 
charms with its narrow streets alive 
with shops, a towering castle and 
lakeside restaurants, where I toast to 
a life-affirming trip that has managed 
to merge the wonder of Italy’s historic 
towns and cities with a spirit-soaring 
sense of rejuvenating relaxation.

To read Robin's 
full article on Italy, 
scan the QR code or 
visit tgr.ph/lakegarda
“This is the eighth time we have 
travelled with Great Rail Journeys 
and we’ve enjoyed every single trip. 
It’s good to travel with a group and 
we always meet really nice people. It’s 
also much more stress-free.” Trevor
“One of the reasons we chose this 
option was that we had never been to 
Verona and really wanted to go. And 
we were not disappointed. The day 
was really well organised. The food was 
incredible there, and was great at the 
hotel in Sirmione too.” Anna & Ian

“This is my first Great Rail Journeys tour 
and I’m an instant convert. In the past 
I’ve done a lot of independent travel by 
train, but it’s been really enjoyable this 
week travelling as a group.” Rosalind

“Being able to travel to Italy from 
London was a bonus and I won’t forget 
travelling by train through the Alps. 
My first Great Rail Journeys experience 
has been a great one.” Patricia
WHAT OUR 
CUSTOMERS SAID:
11

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