In the Shadow of the Dolomites Tour

We begin our journey in the city of Trento, once the seat of powerful prince-bishops and the host of the influential Council of Trent. Today, it’s a welcoming place with grand piazzas, colourful Renaissance buildings, and a fascinating blend of Italian and Germanic influences. Our stay includes a guided walk through the historic centre and a visit to Castel Buonconsiglio, home to the famous “Cycle of the Months” frescoes. We also enjoy an outing to beautiful Lake Molveno and sample wines at a local cantina. This gentle start to the tour allows time to adjust, relax, and soak up the scenery.

From Trento, we travel into the heart of the Dolomites, stopping along the way in Moena to taste the region’s famously pungent cheese, Puzzone di Moena. Our base for the next three nights is Ortisei, a picture-perfect town in Val Gardena with painted facades, wooden balconies, and breathtaking views. We take the cable car up to Alpe di Siusi for a gentle walk across Europe’s largest alpine meadow, and enjoy a relaxed lunch in a mountain hut. We also explore the Ladin culture of the Dolomite valleys with a visit to Castel Tor and a traditional meal at Maso Runch.

Crossing over into South Tyrol, we spend three nights in Merano, a historic spa town known for its riverside promenades, mountain views, and grand architecture. On the way, we stop in Bolzano for a guided walking tour followed by a visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, where we meet Ötzi the Iceman — a 5,000-year-old mummy preserved in glacier ice.

In Merano, there’s time to explore at your own pace, whether soaking in the thermal baths, walking the Tappeiner Promenade, or enjoying a quiet aperitivo. We also take a day trip into the Val Venosta and across the Swiss border to visit the UNESCO-listed Abbey of St John in Müstair.

We end the tour with a three-night stay in Riva del Garda, where the mountains meet the lake. Along the way, we visit Castel Thun, perched high above the apple orchards of the Val di Non.

From our base in Riva, we explore the Vallagarina Valley, stopping at a winery to sample the local Marzemino and visiting a small olive oil producer overlooking the lake.

Our final full day includes a boat trip across Lake Garda, with visits to the pretty towns of Limone and Malcesine. A farewell dinner brings the tour to a relaxed and scenic close.