Episode 5 Getaways

Welcome to the travel show where we go where you want us to go.

This week, we've come to northern Italy's

most popular tourist destination, Lake Garda.

On our website, we asked you for your top tips -

what to do here, and what to avoid.

We've taken your recommendations and are going to rate

and review them for ourselves, and for you at home.

The easiest way to get to Lake Garda is by flying to Verona.

You can fly there from Belfast, Dublin or Cork

in about two and a half hours.

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake,

and it's about a half hour drive from the airport.

It's a good base for exploring northern Italy,

including Verona and Venice.

OK, Aoibhinn, here we are in Lake Garda.

What do you expect in this place?

Well, I mean, it's absolutely beautiful,

so between the lake and the mountains,

I think it's going to be really scenic and lovely and relaxing.

You see, that leads me to believe, and from other things I've heard,

that this is for the older generation, really.

I'm going to be more interested to see if there's enough here

to appeal to younger holidaymakers and to families.

Well, we've got all of your recommendations,

so we're going to go and check them out.

We've gathered together all your advice from the website

and come up with a plan.

We've identified our top five from your suggestions

and we're throwing in a few of your more offbeat recommendations, too.

So before we get going,

here are some of the basics you need to know about Lake Garda.

Lake Garda was created 1.5 million years ago by a massive glazier

that flowed down from the Dolomites, gouging out this valley

and leaving behind the beautiful lake that we see today.

The water can get up to 27 degrees in the summer,

so it's a great place for a swim or a paddle, but the shoreline is

really stony, so make sure you bring your water shoes.

There are really good roads all around the lake,

but the best way to see it is definitely by boat.

And taking a boat trip around the lake

is actually one of our top recommendations.

Many of you said that it's the best way to get a sense

of the many small towns and villages scattered along the coast,

so it's our number five choice.

There's a complex network of sailings up and down Lake Garda,

and you could easily spend a day village hopping.

I decided to visit a couple,

starting with Malcesine, on the east of the lake.

Now, walking round the town, you can't help

but notice the beautiful cobbled streets beneath your feet.

They are two different colours, the darker stone and the white stone.

The dark stone is rougher and gritted,

and that was for the donkeys to get their grip

when they were pulling carriages back in the day.

The white stone is very slippery when wet, and the carriages

flowed nice and smoothly for the wee donkeys to pull them along.

They have a lot of weddings there, so, ladies,

if you get invited to a wedding here, don't be surprised

if you're asked to bring some flat shoes.

You could go on your ear right and quick.

The villages around the Italian lakes are becoming increasingly

popular as a place to get married, and you can see why people would

want to get wed here. There's a photo opportunity at every turn.

Because they are so pretty, you'll find the villages also attract

a lot of tourists, but the lakeside setting

means they don't seem too packed or hectic.

Now, the most prominent landmark in Malcesine is the Castello Scaligero.

With its 13th century outer ramparts and its sixth century inner tower,

it is probably the best place to get an unparalleled view

of the lake and the town below.

Another ferry trip took me to a village on the other side

of Lake Garda - Limone.

They've been cultivating lemons here for four centuries.

Now, to protect the citrus fruits from the occasional winter

frost, the first lemon houses were built in the 17th century.

Stone columns with wooden frames and glass panes

ensured that the lemons were kept warm between November and March,

and thus saving the crop for the whole year.

It's not just citrus fruits that have made this town famous.

It's also renowned for having many of Italy's most senior citizens.

Here is a remarkable fact about this place -

there are over a dozen people here who are over 100 years old.

Considering the population is only 1,000, that is remarkable.

You could put it down to the sunshine, the lifestyle,

the vast consumption of lemons.

I like to think it's because this place is so beautiful,

nobody really wants to leave.

Now, thankfully, a lot of you lovely boozy people went on the website and

suggested that, while we're here, we simply have to try limoncello.

Now, it also makes a very good gift, but

if you do receive a bottle of this,

don't be putting it in the back of the cupboard and only taking it

out at four o'clock in the morning when there's nothing else left.

It is a very tasty beverage.

Mmm, lemony.

Time for our number four choice

from your recommendations for this part of Italy.

Gardaland is one of Europe's most popular theme parks,

and it's right here on the shores of the lake.

If, like me, you thought that Gardaland was somewhere you ended

up after being a very naughty boy, then you're in for a big surprise.

This is a great day out, but be warned -

the queues can be very long.

I'm not generally a fan of roller coasters, but I loved that,

and I kept my eyes open for the whole thing.

I'm very proud of you. Extremely proud of you.

I will never again underestimate

the thrill of being upside down at speed.

I loved it. I think this is the best theme park I've ever been to,

and I would really recommend people visit this.

Yeah. I would second that, and I love my theme parks.

Go on another one?

To help avoid the crowds,

you told us that there's a cheaper entrance ticket

available in the late afternoon when the park is cooler and less busy.

With 32 rides, including six roller coasters,

there's plenty to choose from.

Owned by the same company that operates Alton Towers in England,

it's aimed at young families, but there are good options

for the grown-up thrill-seekers, too.

Raptor is the park's newest ride.

Well?

Joe, I don't think I can do this one.

No, probs. Shall we just sit it out?

Yeah. Can we do that?

JOE IMITATES CHICKEN

That's not helping. That's really annoying.

I know. Come on, you'll love it.

You go on this one by yourself.

No, that's no fun. Both of us have to do it.

I'm giving you a maximum fun guarantee. Look at it.

Come on, let's go. Go.

You will have fun today. Let's go.

Come on, it's going to be fun, it's going to be fun!

You all right?

That was actually great fun. I had a really good laugh.

Do you want to go again?

No. That is a very bad ride. That is a very, very bad ride.

I've swallowed at least five insects.

I actually thought it was great.

I'm not going to tell you what I nearly did on that ride, OK?

-That is a very bad ride.

-I'm going to get another ticket.

But if roller coasters aren't your thing,

then Joe has gone in search of a more serene way to travel.

I'm in Malcesine, at the foot of Monte Baldo.

I'm about to get the cable car up to the summit.

I'll see you in 1,760 metres' time.

I feel I should point out at this stage that

I have a chronic fear of heights.

I don't particularly mind cable cars

until they get to the bumpy bit where it goes, boom-boom-boom.

Yeah, that's the bit I don't like.

Oh, it's swinging!

You can knock that off any time you like, mate.

Whilst Joe boldly journeys to the top of the mountain,

I'm catching up with expat Michael Colleary

to get the inside track on what to do in Lake Garda.

Michael, tell me, how long have you been here, initially?

I've been here on Lake Garda since June '96.

And what made you move from Sligo all the way here?

Well, if you look at the sunshine, look around this lovely place,

that was one of the reasons.

I can see why you'd like to stay.

And tell me, I'm here just for a short little while,

so what is it that I have to do in Lake Garda?

You have to take the boat to visit all the lovely little

towns on the lake, you have to enjoy the very nice food here on

Lake Garda, and there is one special place I'm going to take you now.

OK, lovely.

Meanwhile, 1,000 metres up, Joe's on the second stage

of the cable car journey, but things aren't going quite as planned.

Oh, and here we go into the mist. Look!

Ho-ho-ho!

That's the stuff there, eh?

If I was to say what I really feel about this,

you'd have to bleep it so much it would sound like a lorry

backing into a heart machine, honestly.

'While Joe journeys into the unknown...'

Buongiorno!

'..I'm finding a better way to chill.'

Fragola and tiramisu, due.

'Whether it's plain old ice cream, gelato or granita,

'there's little doubt that the Italians

'make the best frozen food in the world.'

-Prego.

-Grazie.

Grazie mille.

Oh, that's absolutely gorgeous, and it's home-made, as well?

-Home-made.

-OK, definite recommendation.

And Joe has finally reached his destination.

You might want to check the weather before you come up here.

We started our trip in Lake Garda,

and we really liked the fact that it's handy for several great cities.

At number three is one of the best - Verona.

Verona is only 20 kilometres away from Lake Garda,

so it's an ideal place to go for a day trip,

and here you'll find history sitting side-by-side with modern life.

You'll find spectacular Roman ruins,

as well as plenty of shops and places to eat.

There are two main squares in Verona that are popular

with the tourists.

Piazza Erbe, with its weekday market...

..And the other is Piazza Bra, with its coffee shops, restaurants,

gelaterias, buskers -

this is the place you come to for a good old people-watch.

If you like your Shakespeare, there's good reason to visit.

The Bard based several of his plays here in Verona,

including, of course, Romeo and Juliet.

And the city apparently provided the location

for the famous balcony love scene.

And you can visit the balcony, but all is not as it seems.

Although Juliet's house is a major tourist attraction,

the fact is it has no connection with Shakespeare's characters whatsoever.

And even the balcony itself is of dubious origin.

This balcony was added in 1936, just to attract all of these tourists.

In the courtyard, you'll find a bronze statue of the tragic heroine.

Good fortune is said to be awarded to you

if you touch the right breast of the statue.

A gentleman always warms his hands.

'At Juliet's house, you'll also find a museum with nine rooms,

'housing period furniture and artwork,

'including some with connections to the famous love story.'

Clare Devine got in touch via our website to say that this

museum wasn't worth the six euro entry charge,

but you can buy a Verona Pass that gets you into lots of different

churches and museums over two days for just 15 euro,

and I think that's great value.

Plus, where else can you immerse yourself in a Shakespearean

romance like this?

There is also a tradition

of leaving a little message on the walls for Juliet.

"It would never have worked."

He wasn't a keeper.

But what Verona is really famous for is its wonderful arena.

Along with the Colosseum in Rome,

the Arena di Verona is one of the largest amphitheatres in Italy.

It was built by the Romans in the first century AD,

and can hold up to 15,000 people.

It gets its name from the central area.

Arena means sand in Latin, and sand was spread all through

the centre part here to absorb the spilled blood of the gladiators.

Nearly 2,000 years later, it's still a working auditorium.

The arena has been home to all sorts of shows

and public functions over the centuries,

from the trials under the Lords of Verona,

to jousts and tournaments in the Middle Ages, but now it's home to the

spectacular opera which shows here from late June to early September.

'And even if you aren't a big fan of opera,

'we'd still recommend you visit to see this unique setting.'

On our website, you told us that the cheap seats,

which aren't that cheap, aren't allocated, so you have to get

here early to find a good spot, but also make sure you bring

something soft to sit on, because the stones aren't that comfortable.

That's a photo. That's a photo. OK.

Nice.

I think that's enough, sir.

Thank you.

Are you sure?

It's enough for public dominatrix.

One more for the lady, please.

OK.

Oh, how lovely.

That's more like it.

Get your cape, girl, you've pulled!

For this week's Getaways, we're visiting northern Italy,

and our number two choice means that it's time for the wetsuit.

You've suggested that we can't come to the lakes without trying out

some of the water sports, and they're all here -

water-skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing -

so I'm going to give one of them go.

So, Toby, tell me about the wind system,

because I think it changes quite dramatically during the day.

In the morning, it comes from the north, perfect for beginners,

and then at midday the wind comes back from the other direction,

180 degrees different, and stronger rain, a little bit more waves,

and the advanced people have more fun.

So I want to get out there early,

because I'm a beginner and I don't want the waves?

Exactly. That's why we're going now.

We have no waves, and just a little bit of wind.

OK. And promise I don't get wet.

I will promise!

Near the sail, take care of your fingers,

and then just pull on the other side.

Right.

-Perfect.

-I don't know if this is going to go well!

'This is how to get close to the elements, but remember that

'the weather around Lake Garda can be changeable.'

This is so much fun!

'If this is the calm part of the day, it must be pretty hair-raising

'once the wind's blowing hard.'

I think I've found a new hobby!

'We sailed from Torbole, a resort renowned for sailing and windsurfing,

'located in the north of Lake Garda.'

Ah!

After all that, I didn't get wet!

Did you enjoy it?

That was great, thanks.

Typical! But you know what? That was great fun.

I was kind of nervous about it, but it was great fun driving it,

and it's the perfect way to see the lake.

Now, for those who prefer a short getaway closer to home, I'm going

to explore one of Northern Ireland's most interesting coastlines.

I'm starting my day on the Antrim coast, and my first port of call

is the only World Heritage site in Northern Ireland.

It's over 60 million years old,

and it's the top tourist destination in Northern Ireland.

I'm here at the Giant's Causeway, and I'm going to check out

the new visitors' centre that opened here last July.

The centre cost £18.5 million, and contains exhibitions on the stories,

the myths and the science behind the causeway.

'An intense volcanic interruption created

'over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.'

There's lots of things to see here

that help you learn about how the causeway was formed.

'Molten basalt emerged through the chalk beds,

'and as it cooled and contracted, it formed a unique landscape.'

'The Visitor Experience is a good place for a rainy day,

'but for me, it's what's outside that's really interesting.'

'Before science could explain this phenomenon, folklore gave us

'the giants Finn McCool and the Scottish big boy Benandonner.'

Legend has it that Finn McCool built the causeway

in order to go and challenge the Scottish giant.

From a distance, I don't think you get a true impression.

It's really worth getting up and close to the stones,

because you see the strange and fabulous formations.

You can tell why it's called the duel of the coastline.

There's no charge to visit the Giant's Causeway itself.

But if you want to spend time at the Visitor Experience,

there is an admission fee.

As well as family-friendly beaches,

the north coast also has great scenery.

And while you're here, you can't miss the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Unfortunately, I now have to walk across it.

'The bridge crosses a chasm 30 metres deep and 20 metres wide.'

'But let me tell you, it feels a lot higher and longer

'when you're out there in the middle, between the cliffs.'

I am so proud of myself for crossing the bridge, and do you know what? It

really is worth it, because the views of these cliffs are just spectacular.

The north coast is also famous for its golf courses,

and is fast becoming a popular destination for golfing holidays.

With the recent high-profile

successes of Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell,

Northern Ireland is becoming a centre of golfing excellence.

'And I fancied an afternoon teeing off with golf pro Shaun Devenney.'

We're going to get you started today, have a wee look,

probably work on the basics, and then try and build a good swing.

And now you can see, when your arm hangs down,

we've got a nice wee gap here between the club and your body.

So I'm going to get your feet together, and that's us ready to go.

We're going to hit a few shots and see how we get on.

-Good, very good.

-Yay!

'It was very quickly obvious that I needed extra help with my swing,

'so we went indoors to try a high-tech masterclass.'

So, you can see here, Aoibhinn, look at your arms.

-See the elbows folding?

-Oh, yeah.

That's the reason why we had the top of the ball, sometimes.

-You can see here, sort of eight to four.

-Yeah.

What I'm looking for on the way back is just a short swing,

clubhead hinged.

That's really uncomfortable! That's awful on my elbows!

# La-la-la. #

Good improvement. Eight to four.

Just work on those positions, and we should see a bit of a difference.

Thank you, Sean. You're a very good teacher.

'In this part of the world,

you'll find some world-class golf courses,

'including Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock.'

I took my coaching lessons at the new Golf Academy

at the Roe Park Resort in Limavady.

Back now to northern Italy,

and it's time for our number one choice from your recommendations.

'It's a two and a half hour journey from Lake Garda to get here,

'but if you're visiting possibly the most stunning city in the world,

'then it's got to be worth the trip.'

Right in the heart of Venice is St Mark's Square.

To say it's one of the most beautiful squares in the world

is somewhat of an understatement.

It's breathtaking.

'You could easily spend a week here, but I'd certainly try to stay

'at least one night to get a sense of it all.'

It's very tempting, but unless you're seriously loaded,

it's best to avoid sitting down for a coffee in one of the cafes,

where an espresso can cost you eight euro.

Incidentally, feeding the pigeons in St Mark's Square is

a fineable offence, though quite why you'd want to do it is beyond me.

They're sky rats, that's all they are. They're not cute.

Hideous!

Get out of the way!

It's a city that feels very familiar from TV and movies.

It seems that every corner you turn you hit another iconic landmark,

like this one - the Bridge of Sighs.

It passes over the Rio Di Palazzo, and connects the interrogation rooms

in the Doges Palace to the prison cells.

Legend has it that this bridge was the last site that convicts

saw before they were imprisoned, and they let out a long sigh

before they were brought down to their cells.

However, the truth is the inquisitions

and executions were well over by the time the bridge was built,

and the cells were mostly occupied by small-time criminals,

who were only there for a short time anyway.

This is Rialto Bridge, and there are beautiful shops along it,

and as you can see, spectacular views as well,

but it gets incredibly packed in the height of summer.

And although the main thoroughfares are busy with tourists,

there are areas of calm to be found.

There are no cars in the city,

and the only form of transport is by boat, but I think the secret

to taking in the beauty of this place is to walk around.

And even if your time is limited,

well, I guess you've got to give it a try, don't you?

Here's a little tip if you fancy taking a gondola ride.

Number one, don't bother haggling.

It's a fixed cost, set by the city government, and secondly,

they do expect a tip.

That guy's totally proposing.

And the thing is, if she's not expecting it, she's not that bright.

You know what I mean? That's a hell of a build-up, you've got to admit.

So what do you reckon, Joe, about the whole gondola experience?

I really like it. I think if you come to Venice,

it's something you're kind of expected to do.

It is a bit pricey,

but how many times do you come to Venice in your life?

I suppose that's a good point.

Push the boat out. I'm sorry, that was an awful pun.

To be honest, Joe, I don't get the romance of this.

That's because you're here with me.

I get that a lot. No, I know what you mean.

-I've kind of enjoyed walking around the place.

-Yeah.

I think it's because it's synonymous with Venice

that people do it, really.

But I don't think I'd recommend it to people.

No. I think it's expensive.

I think you can spend your money in other ways, and the price of

coffees and food in Venice, you're going to need it, to be honest.

It is an expensive place to go out in.

For our visit to Lake Garda, we checked in to the four-star

Hotel Kristal Palace in Riva del Garda,

one of the largest resorts on the lake.

There are plenty of accommodation options here,

with a selection of grand hotels around the harbour and lakeside.

And here's the money bit...

If you're looking for something totally family friendly,

then we'd recommend Bella Italia,

a large holiday resort on the shores of Lake Garda.

It's only three miles from Gardaland and 14 miles from Verona.

This place has a wide variety of accommodation, from a four-star

hotel, to the site for caravans, tents, mobile homes and chalets.

In fact, enough for 9,000 people. It's great for families as well.

There's a fantastic waterpark, and an on-site restaurant.

On our website, you told us that it's best to book earlier rather

than later as it gets booked up quickly for the summer months.

There are other campsites around Lake Garda that are smaller

and quieter,

but if you're looking for a livelier experience,

then Bella Italia is for you.

If you want to visit Venice, then be warned.

The hotels are notoriously expensive.

A cheaper option is to stay outside the city, and we'd suggest

the Eden Hotel in Lido di Jesolo,

which is only a 35 minute ferry ride from Venice.

We booked our flights and all hotels with Topflight.

If you'd like any more information about our holidays, visit -

Well, Aoibhinn, I think it's fair to say we've discovered this place

is more than just a holiday for the older generation.

Absolutely, and I think it's a great idea to situate yourself

in Lake Garda and then take a trips if you feel like it.

You'll get a great experience, especially with the kids.

Exactly, because nothing is too far away to do a day trip,

and you will get such a varied experience, and to be honest,

I'm finding it impossible to pick a favourite aspect,

because I have loved every single minute of this.

Well, my highlight was definitely Verona,

because the shopping looked great, it's got history and culture,

and I really want to come back and see an opera in the arena.

-Can I come?

-Yeah.

Brilliant. OK, join us next time on Getaways.

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