Italy is one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore by train, and this Easter itinerary is a perfect example of how you can see multiple iconic destinations in just one week. All without hiring a car.
This route flies into Verona, heads to Lake Garda, continues on to Venice, and finishes in Bologna before flying home.
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Disclaimer: This itinerary and pricing are provided for inspiration and general guidance only. You must check all details (including prices, availability, train times, and entry requirements) carefully before booking. Build a Break is not a travel agent and we do not provide personalised travel advice, quotes, booking services, or trip support. Use this route as a starting point and create your own trip based on your family’s needs and circumstances.
This Easter multi-stop route covers:
Verona
Sirmione (Lake Garda)
Venice
Bologna
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
🏙 2 nights in Verona
🌊 2 nights in Sirmione (Lake Garda)
🚤 2 nights in Venice
🍝 1 night in Bologna
✈️ Fly home from Bologna
This is a multi-stop train itinerary, so luggage choice is important.
Everyone should ideally travel with a backpack
Try not to take more than one suitcase between you
We haven’t included checked luggage in the flight prices
Light luggage makes boarding trains, changing platforms, and walking to accommodation far easier.
If you’ve ever dragged suitcases through Italian stations (and especially over the cobblestones in Venice), you’ll know why this matters.
Prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 12 and under)
All links are provided so you can create your own version of this trip
The details below are for inspiration and guidance only
You can swap out flights, accommodation, dates, or destinations to suit your own family and budget
Always double-check prices, availability, and timetables before booking
Build a Break is not a travel agent and does not provide personalised quotes or booking services.
Outbound – Monday 30th March 2026
Manchester → Verona
💷 £21 per person
🔗 https://skyscanner.pxf.io/RGg0Ag
Return – Monday 6th April 2026
Bologna → Manchester
💷 £61 per person
We book Italian train tickets exactly how we would in the UK:
✅ Trainline app – prices shown and charged in GBP
✅ Trenitalia app – Italy’s national rail operator
Both are easy to use, mobile-friendly and ideal for families.
Monday 30 March – Wednesday 1 April (2 nights)
Accommodation: Room with Arena view (2-bed)
💷 £216 (2 nights)
Two-bedroom accommodation
Direct views of the Arena di Verona
Central, walkable location
Ideal after a morning flight
Click here for the apartment
🚌 Airport bus to Verona city centre
Frequent, affordable and luggage-friendly
In Verona, kids will love spotting gladiators at the Arena di Verona, crossing the bridges, and enjoying gelato in Piazza delle Erbe.
For great views (and a fun ride), take the funicular up to Castel San Pietro, then let them run around the riverside paths by the Adige.
There is no train station in Sirmione itself.
🚆 Verona Porta Nuova → Desenzano del Garda / Sirmione
⏱ 51 minutes
💷 £12.85
From Desenzano:
🚌 Bus or 🚕 taxi into Sirmione Old Town
⏱ Around 15 minutes
Wednesday 1 April – Friday 3 April (2 nights)
Accommodation: Hotel Corte Regina
💷 £225 (2 nights)
Located in Sirmione Old Town
Just 2 minutes’ walk from Scaliger Castle
Ideal base for Lake Garda sightseeing
Click here for the hotel
In Sirmione, kids will love exploring Scaliger Castle with it's towers and drawbridge, then grabbing a gelato as you wander the old town.
You can also enjoy a paddle at Jamaica Beach or spot Roman ruins at the Grotte di Catullo for a gentle history fix with views.
🚆 Desenzano del Garda / Sirmione → Venezia Santa Lucia
🔁 1 change in Verona
⏱ 2 hours 26 minutes
💷 £37.73
Venice Santa Lucia station is right on the island, so no extra transport is needed on arrival.
Friday 3 April – Sunday 5 April (2 nights)
Accommodation: Highly rated aparthotel near St Mark’s Square
💷 £593 (2 nights)
Aparthotel accommodation (great for families)
Just 5 minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square
Excellent reviews and central location
Click here for the accommodation
In Venice, kids will love riding a vaporetto along the Grand Canal, spotting bridges and gondolas as you go.
Climb the tower at St Mark’s Campanile for amazing views, then let them burn off energy in Piazza San Marco feeding pigeons and watching street performers.
🚄 High-speed trains: ⏱ As fast as 1 hour 21 minutes, but often up to three times the cost
🚆 Direct regional train (recommended): ⏱ 2 hours 5 minutes
💷 £39.28
Sunday 5 April – Monday 6 April (1 night)
Accommodation: Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel (4★)
💷 £168 (1 night)
Very highly rated
Perfect final stop before flying home
Fantastic food city for a last Italian evening
Click here for the hotel
In Bologna, kids will enjoy spotting the famous porticoes and climbing (or counting!) the towers, especially the Asinelli Tower.
Take a ride on the little tourist train through the historic centre, then finish with pizza, gelato, and space to run around in Giardini Margherita.
🚝 Airport train
⏱ 8 minutes
💷 £45
A taxi or Uber typically costs around €45 (approx £39) — for a family with luggage, this is often the easiest option.
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Meals / snacks / groceries
Local buses/taxis
Optional excursions / boat trips
Travel insurance
Checked luggage (if needed)
This is a base trip cost to help you budget and customise your own family plan.
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