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4/29/2015
Gardone Riviera Info pack
Gardone Riviera
Info pack
Find out everything you might want to know about Gardone Riviera.
Your info pack, written by your Holiday Advisor team includes:
Contact details for your Holiday Advisor - get some advice
on what to do in Gardone Riviera or let them know if you
have any problems. They're here to help.
Loads of recommendations for days out and things to do.
Details of all the shops and facilities you might need while
you're away.
Top tips for your journey to Gardone Riviera and getting
settled in to your accommodation.
View your full info pack online, on tablet and on mobile. Available
now at www.thomsonlakes.co.uk/your-account
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YOUR ARRIVAL
Your arrival at Verona airport
Once you've collected your luggage you’ll find your Thomson team waiting for you. Please let us
know if you’re having any baggage problems, or if you need any special assistance so we can help.
Our team will tell you where to find your coach or taxi for your transfer to Gardone Riviera.
There may be customers arriving from other flights on your transfer, so we'll do our best to keep
you informed of any waiting time before your vehicle leaves for the resort.
Transfer to your resort
When your transfer is ready to leave for Gardone Riviera, we'll let you know an estimated journey
time and explain the route, including any stops or drop-offs along the way.
Generally, the transfer from Verona airport to Gardone Riviera takes around 2 hours. To reduce
transfer times, sometimes you may wait for a short while at the airport for additional flights to
land. In these circumstances, your travelling time to your resort will usually be less, as the coach
will stop at fewer resorts along the way.
Just so you know, sometimes our transfer vehicles can’t make it right to the door of your
accommodation, so there might be a short walk, possibly carrying your luggage, to get to the
entrance of your accommodation.
If you've booked car hire prior to your departure, please contact a Thomson Holiday Advisor at
the airport - they'll be able to direct you to the car hire office.
If you’re travelling to your resort by car or train, you’ll find some information waiting for you at
your accommodation reception, so you can arrange to meet your Holiday Advisor.
Check in and settle in
When you arrive at your accommodation, it’s usual for reception to request your passport.
If you have any dietary requirements this is an ideal time to inform reception. Alternatively, you
can contact us on [email protected] and we’ll let your accommodation know before
you arrive on holiday.
Please report any issues or requests you have to your accommodation reception. If anything
remains unresolved, please contact your Thomson Holiday Advisor, who will be happy to help.
Safety standards with regards to balconies differ in Italy. You may be staying in a room with a
balcony that is lower than we would expect in the UK. Please take care when on the balcony and
do not lean on or over the railings. Children aged 12 and under must be supervised and not left
unattended on the balcony at any time.
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Welcome meeting
Your Holiday Advisor will hold a short welcome meeting at the beginning of your holiday to tell
you about what there is to see and do during your stay.
We'll give you details of exactly where and when this will be when you arrive on holiday.
The information on this page was last modified on 30 March 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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YOUR HOLIDAY ADVISOR
Join me for the welcome to Gardone Riviera, to find out more about what there is to do in resort.
Of course you want to have a great trip, so we want to hear about your holiday while you’re there.
If anything’s not right, tell us there and then and we’ll get on with fixing it so you can get on with
enjoying your time away.
24/7 availability
My name is Stefanie. You can call or text me on 0039 349 786 1926
You can email [email protected]
Or follow me on Twitter @gardone_sun.
We’ve gone digital - with our new iPads we can provide an even better service to you. We’ve got
loads of info at our fingertips and we’ll be answering your emails and tweets on the move.
We’re really looking forward to meeting you and sharing our local knowledge of Gardone.
Your welcome to Gardone
You’ll find all the details of your welcome in the envelope handed to you on arrival. Make sure
you come along to get some useful info on the resort and the local area.
Our in-resort service
Being in the right place for you is what our holiday service is all about. Give us a call, send a text
or email, or come to see us wherever is handiest for you - whether you’ve got specific questions
or just want to say hi.
And you’ll get a speedier response too – we’ve gone digital with our new iPads so we’ve got loads
of useful info at our fingertips and can email or tweet you on the move.
Of course you want you to have a great holiday, so we want to hear straight away if anything’s not
right. We’ll get on with fixing it so you can get on with enjoying your time away. Not only do we
visit accommodations around the resort, you can also come and see us at the Thomson info point.
We’re available throughout the week for you to stop by for a chat, or to ask any specific questions.
And if these times don't fit with your plans, let me know and I can arrange to come to your
accommodation.
Visits to your accommodation
I will be visiting your accommodations - come and see me throughout the week, I'll be happy to
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help. You will receive information on my visit times in your Welcome Pack when you arrive.
If you would prefer to see me at a different time then please do let me know and we can arrange
a time more suitable to you.
Emergency numbers
To call the emergency services dial 112. Ask to be connected to an English-speaking operator.
For our out of hours UK team in the customer operations centre, dial +44 (0)1582 640 045.
Homeward bound
Your departure details will normally be delivered to you two days before you head home. If you
miss our visit, the details will be left at reception.
The information on this page was last modified on 29 April 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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YOUR RESORT
This info is to help you get your bearings. You’ll also find many of these places along with your
accommodation marked on the resort map.
Banks and cash points
Cross the road in front of the Grand Hotel, and climb the steps directly in front of you. At the top
of the steps turn right you will see the bank. The cash point machine is located at the rear of the
bank. Opening Times 8.25am - 1.25pm and 2.40pm - 3.40pm Monday to Friday. Closed Saturday
and Sunday
Bus stop
A bus stop is directly opposite the Hotel Grand main entrance, which will take you in the direction
of Salo. There is another bus stop on the same side as the Grand Hotel, turn right out of the main
entrance about 200 yards along the road which will take you in the direction of the Bay of Salo.
NB. All excursion pickups will be from the bus stop opposite the entrance to the Grand Hotel
Church
The main church in Gardone is the San Nicolo. It is a Catholic church and services are held in
Italian. Services are on Saturday at 5.30pm and on Sunday at 11am and 7pm
Doctor
If you need to see a doctor, the hotel reception or pharmacy will have the contact details of the
tourist doctor. Please advise your Holiday Advisor if you are going or have been to see a doctor.
Internet
Available in public rooms in the Grand Hotel and Du Lac-contact reception for details. Look for
Free WiFi signs in cafe/bars in resort.
Newsagent
Straight across the road from the Grand Hotel there is a bar which sells English papers and
magazines.
Open Monday -Saturday: 6.30am-7.30pm and Sunday: 7.30am-12.30pm 3.30pm-7.30pm
Daily English newspapers are available in reception area of Grand Hotel.
Pharmacy
The pharmacy is located behind the ferry departure point
Opening times: 8.30am - 12.30pm and 3pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday
Post office
Cross the road in front of the Grand hotel, and climb the steps directly in front of you. At the top
of the steps turn right you will see the bank in front of you. The post office is further along in the
same building. Opening times are 8.15am - 12.45pm Monday to Friday and 8.15am - 12.45pm on
Saturday. Closed Sunday
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Railway station
The nearest station to Gardone is Desenzano, and can be reached by bus or taxi.
See ‘Getting around’ for information on timetables.
Supermarket
The supermarket is located on the main road in Barbarino just past the Galeazzi Hotel on the
opposite side of the road. It is open from 8.30am - 1pm and 3pm - 7.30pm Monday to Friday,
8.30am - 7.30pm on Saturday and 8.30am - 12.30pm on Sunday.
Tourist information
The local Tourist Information office is located at the top end of narrow street behind the lake
front area. Opening Times are 10am to 12.30pm and 2.15pm to 6pm Monday to Sunday.
Ferry Port
The ferry port is located in Piazza Wimmer, which is located between the Grand Hotel and the
Hotel Du Lac. Tickets for the ferry can be purchased at the Biglietteria, located in the piazza.
The information on this page was last modified on 29 April 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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DAYS OUT
Here are suggestions of places to visit during your holiday. They’re excursions run with local
suppliers which you can book through your Holiday Advisor.
Venice
A melody of history and romance in the unique city of Venice.
Includes a private motor boat to St Marks Square.
Optional extras: Gondola ride, lagoon mini-cruise.
To enter St Mark's Basilica shoulders and knees will have to be covered.
Free time to do your own thing, Bellinis in Harry's bar, or climb St Mark's Campanile for
amazing views across St Mark's Square.
Venice by night
Combine the best of both worlds by seeing Italy's most unique City by day and night.
Includes a private motor boat to St Marks Square.
Optional extras: Gondola ride, lagoon mini-cruise.
To enter St Mark's Basilica shoulders and knees will have to be covered.
Free time to do your own thing, Bellinis in Harry's bar, or climb St Mark's Campanile for
amazing views across St Mark's Square.
Milan
Spend a day in the City of history, music, fashion and shopping.
Visit the mighty Duomo and imposing Sforzesco castle.
Verona
Romantic ancient City which was the setting for Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Visit Juliet's balcony and the world renowned Roman amphitheatre.
Lake Tour
Discover all the highlights Lake Garda has to offer in one day.
This excursion is mainly a guided coach tour with part of it done by boat.
Local guide will ensure you understand the history of the lake.
Mantova and Sigurta
A charming medieval town.
Visit Mantova Palace.
See the crypt of San Andrea.
Enjoy the most beautiful gardens in the world.
125 acres of bursting colour.
A cultural city and Italy’s secret garden.
Wine Tour
A walk through the 'cantina' with the chance to learn how the wines are made.
Sample some wines and learn about the different flavours in the tasting.
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Savour the finest local wines.
Dolomites
Europe’s most distinctive Mountains.
Enjoy panoramic views at 3000m.
The most breathtaking day out.
Optional extra to take the Pordoi Pass cablecar approximately €20.
To find out more, or to book, please come along to the welcome meeting / info point / welcome
walkabout or contact us at any time.
Just so you know, some entrance fees, road tolls, boat crossings and optional extras are not
included in the excursion prices.
Places are limited, so we’d recommend you book early to guarantee you get your spot.
Remember that you can also pre-book excursions by giving us a call on 02089390740. Pre-book
two or three excursions and this qualifies you for discounts on other excursions in resort.
If you have pre-booked excursions then please contact your Holiday Advisor once in resort, or
head to your welcome meeting or walkabout to let us know which days you'd like to go on your
trips so we can get your seats reserved.
Alternatively you can use our excursions as ideas for away days to do under your own steam, with
a bit of planning and some careful organisation.
The information on this page was last modified on 29 April 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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THINGS TO DO
Tourist Card
The Tourist card is available from the Grand Hotel reception or Tourist Office. Discounts of ferry,
cable car- Malcesine and Il Vittoriale.
Sightseeing, museums and culture
These are all within the town centre or are a short walk.
Alternitavely take a trip on the small quirky train which leaves Wimmer Square daily from 10am12.30pm and 2pm - 4.30pm. It stops at Il Divino Infante, Il Vittoriale degli Italiani and the
Botanical Gardens.
War Museum (part of the Il Vittoriale degli Italiani)
From 1921 to 1928, Gardone was the last home of Gabriele D’Annunzio, one of the greatest
Italian writers and poets of the 20th century. He was a hero during world war one.
D’Annunzio died unexpectedly in 1938, prior to his completion of the museum. The project was
continued and the war museum opened in 2000 and displays what were his previous wishes and
ideas. All of the documents and exhibits show how D’Annunzio devoted himself heroically to Italy.
Exhibits include the SVA10 biplane that D’Annunzio famously flew over Vienna August 9th 1918,
the antisubmarine speedboat MAS 96 which he used to participate in the Buccari Escapade during
the night of February 10th & 11th 1918. There are also classic cars such as the Fiat car model 4
and an Isotta Frashini car.
Prioria (Part of the Il Vittoriale degli Italiani)
The Prioria is the result of rebuilding and extensions to Villa Cargnacco, formerly the property of
German art historian Heinrich Thode. D’Annunzio lived here from 1921 until his death in 1938.
All the rooms and objects within them are chosen and collected by D’Annunzio are meant to give
expression like one of his poems. The house is perfectly preserved so we can admire it today as it
was before his death. The Prioria contains a collection of thousands of objects, wooden statues,
ceramics, crystal, silverware, carpets and trophies. Every room has its own name such as Musica
room, Relique room, Giglio room.
Open Air Theatre (Part of the Il Vittoriale degli Italiani)
The open air theatre is truly a stunning auditorium, surrounded by a unique landscape where
concerts and festivals are held throughout July and August. From Opera to classical and folk music,
from prose to ballets and recitals, if you are lucky enough to be in the Gardone area at the time
of one of these events, do not miss the opportunity to come along.
Gardens (Part of the Il Vittoriale degli Italiani)
The Prioria gardens were the first to be created and contain important trophies and works of art
such the Arengo, a collection of 17 stone columns erected as a memorial to victories gained in
World War I. Stroll along the paths through the citrus orchards and admire fountains, streams and
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the Canefora, a very valuable bronze statue by Napolenone Martinuzzi. You will also find a naval
museum, complete with full size cruiser, the Puglia, a gift from the Navy in 1925.
Directions:
If you have already just visited the botanical gardens, when you leave the gardens, follow the
signs for the Vittoriale.
If you are starting from Gardone, to reach the Vittoriale, from the Grand Hotel, turn right along
the main road, walk for about 500 metres and you will see a brown tourist sign marked Vittoriale
and Il Divino Infante at a left turn in the road. Cross the road and follow the sign posts until you
reach the Vittoriale. This is approximately 20 minutes walk up a fairly steep hill. There are food
and drink facilities here.
Opening times:
Gardens 8.30am - 8pm Daily / Prioria 9:30am - 7:30pm Daily museum 9:30am - 8pm
Il Divino Infante (the Divine child)
With over 200 sculptures made during the last three centuries, the Hiky Mayr is one of the most
important collections of figurative works of the Divine child. No museum or private collection has
such a rich and distinct set of figurative representations of the child Jesus. More than 100 of the
best works are displayed here including the child restless in the manger, the child asleep on the
cross, the child in the arms of Mary and Baby Jesus as king of the world. The Sculptures are made
from wood, wax, terracotta and papier-mâché and represent the upsurge in the worship of the
Divine child that occurred at the start of the 17th century which spread widely through Catholic
Europe.
Directions:
To reach the Museum, from the Grand Hotel, turn right along the main road, walk for about 500
metres and you will see a brown tourist sign and a left turn in the road. Cross the road and follow
the sign posts until you reach the Vittoriale. This is approximately 20 minute walk up a fairly
steep hill. When you reach the Vittoriale you will see a further brown sign marked Il Divino
Infante at a right turn in the road. Follow the sign, the museum is a further 5 minutes walk from
here. Food and drink facilities are available back at the entrance to the Vittoriale
Giardino Botanical (Botanical Gardens) Gardone
Situated on the foot hill of Lavinio and spread over 10,000 square meteres you will find a
collection of more than 2000 different plants from all continents and climate zones. A botanical
paradise created by Mr Arthur Hurska between 1970 and 1971 complete with streams and
artificial lakes styocked with fish, all sunken into the Dolomite landscape in miniature. The
gardens and villa were purchased by multimedia artist Andre Heller in 1988 where he focused on
building up a centre of ecological conscience. Hidden amongst the thousands of plants you will
find sculptures and pieces of contemporary art,
To reach the gardens, cross the main road at the the Grand Hotel, directly opposite the hotel you
will see a set of steps, climb the steps and turn right, the entrance to the gardens is
approximately a 10 minute walk up a gentle slope road. The gardens take approximately 1 hour
to tour round.
Local markets
Great for photos, taking in the atmosphere and finding some delicious local produce for picnics.
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Monday
Peschiera and Torri del Benaco 8am - 2pm
Tuesday
Desenzano 8am - 12.30pm
Limone Sul Garda
Nago Torbole !st & 3rd Tuesdays
Torbole 2nd & 4th Tuesdays
Wednesday
Lazise 8am - 2pm
Arco 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
Riva del Garda 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
Thursday
Bardolino 8am - 12.30pm
Toscalano-Maderno
Trento
Friday
Garda 8am - 1pm
Lugana Di Sirmione
Manerba Del Garda
Saturday
Malcesine 8am - 2pm
Pecenge di Laziese
Salo
Walking
As with every holiday destination, we have our share of local midges etc and would suggest that
you cover your legs are when walking in woodland, or at least ensure you apply a strong insect
repellent to bare skin. To see some recommended routes please refer to 'our recommendations'
page
Eating out
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If you are looking for a homemade ice cream or a quick snack then pop along to the Riveria
cafe (the last building along the lake front), delicious food at a great price
Perla Bar ,on Corsa Republique, serves delicious home made sandwiches, mini burgers, crepes
and cakes.
Caffe Wimmer, in the Piazza Wimmer, offers a superb choice of Pastas, Pizzas, Meats and of
course Fish, all served by the very friendly staff.
Pizzeria Al Valiero, situated on the lake front also offer, pasta, meat and fish dishees to
complement it's superb range of pizzas
Nearly all bars and restaurants offer free nibbles with alcoholic drinks, so why not go to one of
the lake fronts bars, or restaurants, and have a nice apertivo
Most restaurants in Gardone have menus outside, so you can look at the prices before deciding
where to eat
The information on this page was last modified on 29 April 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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