Sirmione Info pack - Thomson Lakes Info pack

Transcription

Sirmione Info pack - Thomson Lakes Info pack
6/22/2015
Sirmione Info pack
Sirmione
Info pack
Find out everything you might want to know about Sirmione. Your
info pack, written by your Holiday Advisor team includes:
Contact details for your Holiday Advisor - get some advice
on what to do in Sirmione 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 Sirmione 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 Sirmione 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 Sirmione, 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 Sirmione takes around 30-40 minutes. 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 Sirmione@thomsonlakes.co.uk 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.
In Sirmione there is now a Tourist tax which needs to be paid directly to the hotel. This varies
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from €0.50 to €2.50 per person per night. This tax is to cover the upkeep and maintenance of the
town, hotels and facilities such as public transport, public toilets and public areas.
Welcome Walkabout
On Sunday and Thursday we will meet you outside the Sirmione town walls by the bridge,
opposite the fruit cart aiming to leave by 10am for a short walking tour around the town. We'll
show you how to get out and about, where the best spots for coffee and ice creams are, and
explain more about some of the fantastic places to explore while you're here.
The information on this page was last modified on 4 May 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 Sirmione, 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
Here are the 24/7 contact details for your Thomson Lakes and Mountains team in Sirmione.
Joshua - 0039 335 578 3037 - Hotel Du Parc, Grand Hotel Terme, Hotel Fonte Boiola, Hotel
Mirabello
Lauren - 0039 342 391 1401 - Hotel Catullo, Hotel Corte Regina, Hotel Eden, Hotel Pace, Hotel
Sirmione, Hotel Mon Repos
You can email Sirmione@Thomsonlakes.co.uk
Or follow me on Twitter @sirmione_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.
Just so you know, our response times may be slower when we're at the airport on Wednesday and
Saturday.
We’re really looking forward to meeting you and sharing our local knowledge of Sirmione.
Your welcome to Sirmione
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.
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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
We'll be visiting your accommodations - come and see us throughout the week, we'll be happy to
help. You will receive information on our visit times in your Welcome Pack when you arrive.
If you would prefer to see us at a different time then please do let us 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 4 May 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
For customers staying in the Hotel Du Parc or Hotel Mirabello the nearest cash point is on Via
Colombare called Banca Popolare di Verona and is found on the left hand side of the road when
travelling from Sirmione, opposite the pharmacy.
There are two cash points in Sirmione town centre, both on the corner opposite the castle next to
St Anne's church.
Bus station
The bus station is located behind the Tourist Information office. The bus stop is located just
outside and is the nearest bus stop if you are staying in the hotels Grand Terme, Sirmione, Eden,
Catullo, Fonte Boiola, Corte Regina, Pace and Mon Repos. It is also the pick up point for excursions
for these hotels. The nearest bus stop and excursion pickup point if you are staying in the Hotel
Du Parc and Hotel Mirabello is found on Via Colombare, the main road leading down to Sirmione.
If you are staying in the Du Parc turn right at the junction outside the hotel car park, the bus stop
is on the left hand side. If you are staying in the Hotel Mirabello, exit your hotel and turn right
onto the main road, the bus stop is on the right hand side.
See ‘Getting around’ for more information.
Church
The main church is Parrocchia Santa Maria Maggiore. It is a Catholic church and all services are
held in Italian. Services are held at 8am, 10am, 11.30am and 6.30pm and confession starts half an
hour before mass.
There is a beautiful little church situated just to the right of the castle dedicated to St Anne the
mother of the Madonna. The presbytery is decorated with stuccoes and frescoes by various artists
dating back to the 14th century.
The church San Pietro in Mavino is situated out towards the Grotto Di Catullo. The earliest
documentary evidence of this church was in the 8th century B.C. Inside the church the apses are
of most interest with fresoes dating back to the 12th century.
Doctor
The doctor is located in Colombare. The doctor is Dr Germano and you will need to make an
appointment Tel: (0039) 303 9906861. Please ask your Holiday Advisor for assistance.
Internet
Internet facilities are available at the Hotel Grand Terme, Hotel Pace, Hotel Catullo, Hotel Du
Parc, Hotel Sirmione, Hotel Mirabello and Hotel Fonte Boiola , please ask reception for further
information/ WiFi password.
Newsagent
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There is a Giornale de Brescia situated on via Columbare and is open daily from 8am – 12.30pm
here you can buy English newspapers and some magazines.
There is also a Giornale de Brescia in the historic centre situated on via Antiche Mura and is open
daily from 8am – 12.30pm again you can buy a selection of English newspapers and magazines
Pharmacy
If you are staying in the centre of Sirmione the nearest pharmacy is on Via Santa Maria Maggiore
and is open daily (except Sunday) from 9.30 am - 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm - 7.00 pm.
There is also a Pharmacy in the centre of Columbare on Via Columbare and is much larger than
the pharmacy in Sirmione. Open daily (except Sunday) from 8.30 am - 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm 7.30 pm.
Both of these pharmacy's are owned by the same company, therefore if you are unable to buy
what you need in one you can normally find it in the other.
Post office
The nearest post office is located outside of the town centre next to the bus ticket office and
opposit the Hotel Fonte Boiola. It is open Monday to Friday from 8.15am - 1.45pm and Saturday
from 8.15am - 12.45pm
Railway station
The nearest station to Sirmione is Desenzano, and can be reached by bus or taxi. Train tickets can
be bought at the train station at the cash desk or ticket machines and must be validated in the
machine on the platform before boarding the train.
See 'Getting Around' for more information.
Supermarket
The largest supermarket is called Penny's Supermarket. Follow the road out of Sirmione all the
way down, go straight on at the mini roundabout, go through Colombare (where the street starts
to become cobbled in parts). Go straight on at the next mini roundabout, and at the end of the
road, turn left. It is open daily between 8am - 8pm. There are also several smaller convenience
shops throughout the town centre.
Tourist information
The Tourist Information Office is located opposite the Grand Hotel Terme and is open daily from
9am - 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 8pm on the weekend.
There is also a small Tourist Information Office in Colombare on Via Colombare next to the Euro
bar open from 9 am - 7 pm Monday to Friday.
The information on this page was last modified on 22 June 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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GETTING AROUND
Here are some basics to help you get around Sirmione and the surrounding area.
Buses
The bus station is located behind the Tourist Information office. The bus stop is located just
outside and is the nearest bus stop if you are staying in the hotels Grand Terme, Sirmione, Eden,
Catullo, Fonte Boiola, Corte Regina, Pace and Mon Repos. It is also the pick up point for excursions
for these hotels. The nearest bus stop and excursion pickup point if you are staying in the Hotel
Du Parc or Hotel Mirabello is on Via Colombare, the main road from Sirmione. If you are staying
in the Du Parc the bus stop is found if you turn right at the junction outside the hotel car park, the
bus stop is on the left hand side. If you are staying in the Hotel Mirabello, turn right onto the
main road and the bus stop is found on the right hand side.
When using the local buses it is advisable to buy your ticket before you get on the bus. They can
be brought from the bus station in Sirmione, next to the tourist information and the tobacconist
in Colombare and are valid until you use them, as they are not dated. When you board the bus
validate the ticket by inserting it in the box next to the driver.
Ferries
The local ferry is the most relaxing way to experience the lake and enjoy its beauty. There are
two different types of transport on the lake – steamers and hydrofoil.
The Ferry port is located through the castle then is the second turning left, and is directly in front
of three restaurants.
Tickets can be purchased at the brown kiosk to the left of the ferry port. Return tickets are
available however the rate is not discounted for purchasing a return journey. Therefore in many
instances it would be beneficial to purchase two single tickets, one there and one back, as this
would allow you the freedom to walk from one resort to another and catch your return journey
from there.Tickets can be purchased in advance however the kiosk only opens half an hour before
the ferry is due to depart.
We will explain how to use the timetable at the welcome walkabout so please bring this with you.
Happy sailing.
For more information please visit www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/gar/nlg.html
Taxis
Taxis can be expensive, but please ask your Holiday Advisor or your hotel reception for assistance
Local taxi numbers: Sirmio Viaggi - (00 39) 335 752 8990
Trains
The nearest train stations to Sirmione is Desenzano (10 km) and Peschiera(11 km), and can be
reached by bus or taxi. The bus to Desenzano will stop outside the train station however if you
decide to travel by bus to Peschiera, some walking is involved to reach the station once you arrive
at the bus stop. Train tickets can be bought at the train station at the cash desk or ticket machines.
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Desenzano train station has fantastic links to both Milan and Verona plus many other destinations.
Trains are fairly frequent with at least one an hour and also not too expensive. Just remember
the faster the train the more expensive it is.
Don’t forget to validate your ticket at one of the small yellow machines located on the platform
before you get on the train. If your train ticket is not validated you may be fined on the spot by
inspectors on the trains
The information on this page was last modified on 4 May 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 by local
suppliers which you can book through your Holiday Advisor.
Venice - Wednesday and Friday
A great combination of history and romance awaits in the unique city of Venice, this full day
excursion includes a motor boat to St Marks Square, a walking tour and then of course some free
time to do your own thing. Perhaps you can try a Bellini in Harry's bar, or climb St Mark's
Campanile for amazing views across St Mark's Square, maybe visit the Rialto bridge and buy some
gifts, or take a gondola ride through the narrow picturesque canals, however you could simply be
content to enjoy a glass of wine in the shade and watch Venice pass you by.
To enter St Mark's Basilica shoulders and knees will have to be covered.
Optional extras: Gondola ride (€21 per person), lagoon mini-cruise (€14 per person).
Full day - Price €71 adult, €43 child.
Florence - Tuesday
The jewel of Tuscany, the birth place of renaissance. Art, Architecture and more, a truly
spectacular City.
Full day excursion - €79 adult, €45.50 child.
Milan - Wednesday
Spend a day in the City of history, music, but most importantly fashion and shopping. Visit the
mighty Duomo, walk to the top and see the views out over a bustling Milan. Join the inclusive tour
of the imposing Sforzesco castle.
Full day excursion - €54 adult, €29.50 child.
Verona - Thursday and Saturday
The romantic ancient City which was the setting for Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', 'The taming
of the shew' and 'The two gentlemen of Verona'. Take a walking tour through the back streets of
this vibrant City, before visiting Juliet's balcony and the world renowned Roman Amphitheatre
Arena. Spend the rest of your day either exploring the popular streets in search of the best
coffee in the city, or immersing yourself in the history of the Roman Architecture that has helped
earn Verona its UNESCO World Heritage title.
Full day excursion - €43 adult, €25.50 child.
Lake Tour - Monday and Friday
Discover all the highlights Lake Garda has to offer in one day. see the spectacular scenery in the
Northern town of Riva del Garda, visit the Malcesine castle and marvel at the Monte Baldo
mountain range and watch the town of Lazise come alive in the morning. This excursion is a
guided coach tour around the lake, offering stops in four of the major towns. A ferry journey
from the town of Riva del Garda to Limone is also included. The local guide on board the coach
will ensure you understand the history of the lake and all the towns you will be visiting.
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Full day excursion - €49 adult, €28.50 child.
Mantova and Sigurta - Tuesday
A charming medieval town surrounded by three lakes, filled with culture and a beautiful church
holding the blood of Christ, see the crypt of San Andrea. Spend the afternoon enjoying one of the
most beautiful gardens in the world with 125 acres where you can explore the park using a
bicycle, a small train or golf buggy.
Full day excursion - €54 adult, €32 child.
Wine Tour - Tuesday
A visit to the beautiful hamlet of Borghetto, finishing the afternoon with a walk through the Ricchi
'cantina' with the chance to learn how the wines are made. Finally a sample of some of the wines
and learn about the different flavours in the tasting.
Half day excursion - €43 adult, €27.50 child.
To find out more, or to book, please come along to the 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.
Alternatively you can use our excursions as ideas for days out you can do under your own steam,
with a bit of planning and careful organisation.
The information on this page was last modified on 4 May 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
Sightseeing, museums and culture
These are all within the town centre or are a short walk.
Grotte di Catullo
The huge ruins of a Roman Villa dating from the 1st and 2nd century BC, located on the cliff tops
at the end of the peninsula. The Grotte di Catullo covers 20,345 square metres and is surrounded
by olive trees. Beautiful views of the lake are framed by Roman archways – a must for everyone
whether you’re into history or not. There is also a museum with artefacts from all over the lake
dating from the Bronze Age to the Roman era. Access is either a leisurely 10 minute stroll from
the town centre or a short electric road-train ride (€1). Entrance is €6 for adults, €4 for under 25's
and free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month. It is open Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am 5.30pm.
Rocca Scaligera
This is the castle at the entrance to Sirmione old town (Centro Storico). It dates from 1259 and
was a key defensive point on the lake. There is no museum at the castle, but you can walk all
around the walls and to the top of the tallest tower where the views around the lake and back
down the peninsula are stunning. Entrance is €4 for adults, €2 for under 25's. Join our welcome
walkabout if you wish to learn a little history about this fantastic castle and the family it belonged
to. It is open Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am - 7pm.
San Martino Tower
Where the famous battle of Solferino took place and united this region once again with the
Kingdom of Italy in 1859. Make use of your hotel bike hire and travel through some breathtaking
countryside passing the famous Lugana vineyards on the way to the tower.
Local markets
Great for photos, taking in the atmosphere and finding some delicious local produce for picnics
Monday
8am - 1pm Colombare di Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda
Tuesday
8am - 1pm Desenzano Del Garda, Limone on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Wednesday
8am - 12.30pm Lazise, Riva del Garda on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
Thursday
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8am - 1pm Farmers Market in Desenzano Del Garda, Bardolino
Friday
8am - 1pm - Lugana di Sirmione, Garda
9pm - Midnight - Colombare di Sirmione night market
Sunday
8am - 1pm Rivoltella Del Garda
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.
Cycling
Most hotels offer bike hire. Please see below for bike hire details in all accommodation:
Hotel Du Parc has bike hire, please book through reception.
Hotel Mirabello, Hotel Pace, Hotel Catullo, Hotel Sirmione, Fonte Boiola and Hotel Grand Terme
bike hire is free of charge for all residents. Please ask at reception for details.
We’d also suggest hiring a cycling helmet.
Activities
Climb to the top of the Scaligeri castle for the best view of Sirmione, not for those with a fear
of heights but a must for everyone else! Entrance is €4 for adults, €2 for under 25's and free
for everyone on the first Sunday of every month, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am 7pm.
Grotte di Catullo, 20,000 square metres of Roman ruins; stunning cliff top panorama across the
southern end of Lake Garda combined with a museum packed full of artefacts and history.
Entrance is €6 for adults, €4 for under 25's and free for everyone on the first Sunday of every
month, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am - 5.30pm.
Why not relax in the Lido Biondo and hire a pedalo to see the lake from a different
perspective!
Join us on our welcome walkabout of Sirmione and we will not only show you the sights in the
historic centre but tell you the history of them along the way
Eating out
Maria Callas Restaurant on Via Salvatore has a great wine list and specialises in fish dishes.
Also on San Salvatore there is a pizzeria called San Lorenzo, where there is a great outdoor
seating centre.
Malibu is a lovely restaurant that sits on the water's edge on Via Lucchino, perfect for a
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romantic meal at a good price.
The Grand Cafe Italia has evening entertainment and often has live jazz bands playing. All
drinks come with free nibbles.
San Lorenzo restaurant situated on Via Santa Maria Maggiore is a great place to try some local
fish dishes. It is always busy so it’s best to reserve a table the day before.
For some of the best Pizza around, try Il Mosaico on Via Bresca, just in front of the large
roundabout heading out of Columbare di Sirmione towards Desenzano. They have a great
range of pizzas but if you have something specific in mind, then you can always create your
own.
For a Gluten free range of meals then once again head to Via Brescia in Columbare di
Sirmione, find restaurant lLisca located near to Il mosaico, and enjoy a full menu of pizzas
absolutely gluten free.
If anybody is celebrating a special occasion whilst holidaying in Sirmione or if you just fancy
treating yourselves, the A la Carte restaurant, La Pace offers a great menu and fantastic service.
The hotel La Pace is marked on your resort map and you don’t need to book, however if it is for a
special occasion you might want to pass by to reserve a table – especially if it is during a busy
period.
The information on this page was last modified on 4 May 2015.
If there are any important updates, your Thomson Holiday Advisor will let you know
when you arrive on holiday.
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