EXPLORE NORTHERN ITALY’S MOUNTAIN CULTURES ON THIS 13-DAY SMALL GROUP JOURNEY THROUGH THE DOLOMITES AND BEYOND
31 August – 12 September 2026 – FULLY BOOKED
AUD 9, 970 per person (double/twin-share)
AUD 11, 370 per person (solo traveller)
Discover a different side of Italy on this 13-day journey through the dramatic landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of the Dolomites. From the Renaissance elegance of Trento to the alpine charm of Ortisei, the Austro-Hungarian legacy of Merano and the peaceful shores of Lake Garda, this tour blends stunning scenery with local traditions, food, and history.
With no more than 12 travellers, a relaxed pace, and an expert bilingual tour leader to take care of all the details, this is a chance to slow down and experience northern Italy in depth. You’ll enjoy gentle walks, exceptional regional cuisine, and time to explore on your own, as well as visits to castles, monasteries, world-class museums and spectacular alpine plateaus.
Highlights
- Private visits and tastings with local producers throughout the tour, including at wineries, a cheese producer and an olive oil producer
- The opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomites with cable-car rides, gentle walks and scenic drives
- Our visit to Ötzi the Iceman and the charming town of Bolzano
- Staying in the pretty city of Merano and exploring its elegant city centre
- The trip over the border to Switzerland to visit the Abbey of Saint John of Müstair
- The Castel Thun and the pretty scenery of the Val di Non
- A day on Lago di Garda visiting some of its most picturesque towns
- Excellent quality, authentic meals in restaurants that focus on local specialities with excellent local wines
Itinerary
Days 1 – 3 Trento and Trentino
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.
Days 4–6: Ortisei – the heart of the Dolomites
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.
Days 7–9: Merano and South Tyrol
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.
Days 10–13: Lago di Garda
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.
What our clients say about our Dolomites tour
“The Shadow of the Dolomites tour was marvellous. Luca is a wonderful, knowledgeable tour leader, and the sightseeing activities, scenery and 12 fellow travellers all made for a great 15 days. Being only 12 people, plus a leader who enjoyed being part of the group for aperitivi and all meals, made it very inclusive.
Food, wine, and accommodation were top-class, and the relaxed pace of the tour suited the age of the participants! I will certainly recommend Luca and Philippa’s tours, as I have done already to my friends and family.”
Kaye 2024