Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to the Dolomites, Italy
The Italian Alps and Lake Garda – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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Ponale Path with views of Lake Garda ©Watchsome©APT Garda Dolomiti SpA
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Panoramic view of Torbole ©Watchsome©APT Garda Dolomiti SpA
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Panoramic view of Arco ©Watchsome©APT Garda Dolomiti SpA
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Shopping in Riva del Garda ©Watchsome©APT Garda Dolomiti SpA
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Bolzano Square ©IDM Südtirol–Alto Adige, Alex Filz
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Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy - Panoramic view of Bolzano and Vineyards in the evening ©IDM Südtirol–Alto Adige, Clemens Zahn
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Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano ©IDM Südtirol–Alto Adige, Alex Filz
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The Kurhaus in Merano in autumn ©IDM Südtirol–Alto Adige, Manuel Ferrigato
The Italian Alps also know as the Dolomites are in one of the most northern regions of Italy and are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a combination of the Mediterranean atmosphere of Lake Garda and the Tyrolean splendour of Southern Austria they are, without doubt, some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world with their awesome shapes and colours.
While each is unique, the little towns, dotted amidst the Dolomites have the appearance of oil paintings. Pristine streets of colourful buildings and cobblestones are punctuated with clock towers and statues of local importance a
Dates
Throughout 2025 on request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1-2
Depart the UK
Take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais and then proceed southwards towards the Reims area for an overnight stay. Continue next day to Fondo for the next 6 nights.
Day 3
Fondo at leisure
Enjoy free time to relax and enjoy the hotel and your resort. Fondo lies amongst incomparable natural beauty overlooked by the majestic rock faces of the Brenta Dolomites, green hills and Alpine woods. A narrow gorge, known as the Burrone Walk, connects the centre of the town to Lake Smereldo and features a spectacular ravine. The path carved into the rock has footbridges and is illuminated at night. An ancient wash-house, a Roman bridge and the reconstruction of an old mill can all be admired along the way. Two beautiful churches worth visiting are S. Martino and the age-old S. Rocco church. The frescoes on the façades of the houses in the historical town-centre – dated back between the 14th and the 16th centuries – are a special feature of the area.
Day 4
Trento sightseeing
Trento is located in the shadow on the mighty Monte Bondone and is a magnificent city of art and culture. During a guided tour see the Piazza Duomo, the gothic cathedral, Neptune’s fountain, the historic Castle of Buinconsiglio and Cesare Battisti Mausoleum which overlooks the city. Enjoy an optional ride on a cable car to the ‘Busa degli Orsi’, a popular viewpoint that you can reach directly from the centre of Trento. Sample a glass of ‘Trentodoc’, a local prized sparkling wine, before heading back to the hotel.
Day 5
Lake Garda and Scenic Drive
Admire beautiful scenery and magnificent views across one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes. Stop in Arco, a spa town overlooked by a medieval castle and renowned for its olive groves. Continue to Riva del Garda, the main resort of northern Lake Garda which is dominated by a rocky escarpment and the picturesque old town is a maze of narrow shopping streets. Wander around the harbour or take one of the many lake cruises that depart from here. There is also the possibility to walk along a lakeside promenade to the nearby resort of Torbole, a picturesque harbour town with shops, bars and cafes.
Day 6
Bolzano
Bolzano is the capital of the Alto Adige and surrounded by orchards and vineyards. The cathedral which is built of pink sandstone and roofed with multi-coloured glazed tiles is well worth a visit. See ‘Otzi’ the Iceman, a Copper Age mummy, on display in the archaeological museum and also the ‘Piazza del Erbe’ which is permanent plants, fruit and flower market.
Day 7
Merano
Merano is a lovely fusion of Italian and Austrian styles. The pretty spa town enjoys a sunny micro-climate and leafy boulevards and is characterised by spacious parks and botanical gardens. Glacial snow-covered peaks form a backdrop to the palm trees and exotic plants of the beautiful gardens in the old town or Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. On a guided walking tour admire the elegant buildings such as the Kurhaus and the Puccini Theatre in Art Nouveau style, or the beauty of the Gothic architecture of the parish church and walk along the arcades of the Laubengasse.
Day 8-9
Return to the UK
Retrace the outbound journey into Austria and Germany, stopping in the Metz area for an overnight stop before continuing next day to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Suggested Hotel
Hotel Lady Maria, Fondo ***
The Hotel Lady Maria is situated in the centre of Fondo and has great transport links around town and to the Passo della Mendola ski area 3.7 miles away. The Trentino-style rooms have wood floors and warm colour schemes. Some have wood-beamed ceilings, and all come with a TV and private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries. Some have a balcony. The restaurant/bar serves regional dishes and there is a lovely spa with an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, Turkish baths and a gym (supplement applies)
| Departure date | 9 days / 8 nights |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Price on request |
Single supplement price on request
