Travel Agent Claremorris

This was my first visit to Italy and I’m sure it won’t be my last!

My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous week in the Hotel Villa Nicolli in Riva Del Garda. Lake Garda is stunningly beautiful and with several towns surrounding the Lake we found it hard to decide where to stay.

Riva Del Garda is set at the north of Lake Garda and approximately 1hr 30 minutes coach transfer from Verona airport. The scenery en route is awe inspiring, so we didn’t notice the time go by! Hotel Villa Nicolli is officially a 4 star hotel, but if comparing with a hotel in Ireland I would certainly rate it as a 3 star, but this is usually the case in Italy. Rooms were clean and comfortable if a little dated. The hotel is family run and independent. The staff were helpful and friendly. Being a 10 minute walk from the centre of the town meant that the hotels grounds were large enough for a pool and whirlpool, a real bonus in August!

The town itself is steeped in history and the architecture would delight even the sceptical. As with most places in Italy, Riva has a ‘cafe bar culture’ so no imposing nightlife or lager louts!! Perfect for a couple or indeed a family. Food is delicious and surprisingly reasonable - Italy has a stigma for being expensive but I personally found eating out to be cheaper than Ireland.

Around the Lake you will find museums, hiking, cycling, windsurfing, shopping, pebbled beaches, fishing and even paragliding, the area certainly has something to offer everyone.

One of the reasons we were particularly drawn to the area was its proximity to Venice. We enjoyed a fabulous escorted day trip to the city and for me it was the highlight of the holiday. I’m fortunate enough to be able to say I have visited some of the major cities in the world – Sydney, Paris, Montreal, New York, Singapore....but for me this is the most beautiful city to date. It is the city of Amore, but don’t forget your wallet! Whilst expensive, a gondola ride is a must, as well as window shopping in the designer boutiques and people watching around St Mark’s Square.

It is possible to visit Florence, Pisa and Verona from Lake Garda, but as we only had a week, we chose to visit the Lake side town of Salo and Limone. These are two beautiful towns, somewhat smaller though than Riva. There is a ferry service that is very reliable and this transports to almost every town in Lake Garda.

Italy is definitely on my lists of places to go back to, but with so much to see and do in one country the only problem I can foresee - is deciding where to go to next!!