Our 13-day small group Dolomites tour explores Trentino, South Tyrol and the northern shores of Lake Garda. Beginning in Trento and continuing through Castelrotto, Merano and Riva del Garda, this journey combines dramatic mountain landscapes, layered history and regional food and wine. Designed for Australian travellers, this Dolomites tour 2027 offers a well-paced and carefully planned way to experience one of Italy’s most striking regions.
Tour Dates and Prices
7 – 19 June 2027
6 – 18 September 2027
AUD 10,450 per person (twin or double share)
AUD 11,850 per person (solo traveller)
Tour Highlights
– Explore Trento and visit Castel Buonconsiglio and the “Cycle of the Months” frescoes
– Visit Lake Molveno and enjoy a Trentino wine tasting
– Stay in Castelrotto and ride the cable car to Alpe di Siusi
– Experience Ladin culture in Alta Badia
– Guided tour of Bolzano and visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi
– Visit the UNESCO-listed Abbey of St John in Müstair
– Explore Castel Thun in the Val di Non
– Wine tasting in Vallagarina and visit to a small olive producer near Arco
– Boat excursion on Lake Garda visiting Limone and Malcesine
Enquire About Our Dolomites Tour
If you would like more information about our Dolomites and Trentino small group tour, please complete our enquiry form, and we will be in touch.
13-Day Dolomites and Trentino Itinerary
Days 1 – 3 | Trento and the wines of Trentino
Your Dolomites tour begins in Trento, a Renaissance city at the foothills of the mountains and an important cultural centre between the Italian and Germanic worlds. We explore the historic centre with a local guide and visit Castel Buonconsiglio, including the Torre dell’Aquila and its famous medieval fresco cycle.
We also travel to Lake Molveno, framed by alpine peaks, before visiting a local cantina to taste cool-climate Trentino wines such as Nosiola or Teroldego. These early days introduce the cultural and culinary foundations of the Trentino tour 2027.
Days 4 – 6 | The Dolomites
Leaving Trento, we travel through the Val di Cembra and into the Dolomites proper, basing ourselves in Castelrotto. Here, dramatic peaks rise above wide alpine meadows.
We ride the cable car to Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine meadow, for an easy walk and long mountain lunch. We also explore Ladin culture in Alta Badia, visiting Castel Tor and enjoying a regional meal that reflects the Alpine, Austrian, and Italian influences of South Tyrol.
Days 7 – 9 | Bolzano, Merano and the Venosta Valley
We continue west, stopping in Bolzano for a guided walking tour and a visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see Ötzi the Iceman. From here, we base ourselves in Merano, a former Austro-Hungarian spa town known for its arcaded streets and promenades.
A day trip into the Val Venosta takes us to Glorenza and across the Swiss border to the UNESCO-listed Abbey of St John in Müstair, home to some of Europe’s earliest surviving frescoes.
Days 10 – 13 | Val di Non and Lake Garda
Travelling south through the apple orchards of the Val di Non, we visit Castel Thun before continuing to Riva del Garda on the northern shore of Lake Garda.
We follow the Adige River through the Vallagarina Valley for a winery visit and lunch, and visit a small olive producer near Arco. A boat excursion on Lake Garda includes stops in Limone and Malcesine before a farewell dinner overlooking the water.
The tour concludes with a group transfer to Verona.
Accommodation
We stay in well-located hotels throughout this small group Dolomites tour, chosen for their comfort, position and character. As with most boutique-style accommodation in northern Italy, room layouts may vary slightly. Hotels listed are indicative and may be substituted with similar properties of the same standard if required.
Trento
In Trento, we stay at Hotel America, a centrally located hotel within walking distance of the historic centre, Castel Buonconsiglio and Piazza Duomo. Its position allows easy access to the city’s Renaissance architecture and restaurants.
Castelrotto
In the Dolomites, we stay at Hotel Lamm in Castelrotto. This Alpine-style hotel sits in the heart of town, with views towards the surrounding peaks. Its location provides convenient access to the cable car to Alpe di Siusi and the walking paths of Val Gardena.
Merano
In Merano, we stay at Hotel Meranerhof, a historic hotel positioned along the Passer River and within easy reach of the town’s arcades and promenades. The hotel reflects the spa-town heritage of South Tyrol and offers a comfortable base for exploring the region.
Riva del Garda
On Lake Garda, we stay at Hotel Bellavista in Riva del Garda. Located near the waterfront, it offers direct access to the lakeside promenade and views towards the mountains and water.
What’s included?
– Twelve nights’ accommodation in well-located hotels in Trento, Castelrotto, Merano and Riva del Garda
– Daily breakfast
– Ten lunches and dinners at carefully selected local restaurants (wine included)
– All land transport in Italy by private, air-conditioned mini-coach
– Admission to all museums, castles and sites listed in the itinerary
– Local guides at key locations
– Group transfer from Verona train station at the start of the tour
– Group transfer to Verona train station and airport at the conclusion of the tour
– Experienced bilingual tour leader throughout
What’s not included?
– International flights
– Travel insurance (mandatory)
– Local city taxes, payable directly to the hotels
– Meals not specified in the itinerary
– Personal expenses
– Optional activities during free time
Why travel to the Dolomites and Trentino with Italian Tours?
The Dolomites and Trentino are regions we return to year after year. We spend time here outside of our tours, continuing to deepen our understanding of the valleys, towns and producers that make this area so distinctive. From Trento to Castelrotto, Merano and Riva del Garda, this is a part of northern Italy we know well and genuinely enjoy exploring.
Our Dolomites tour 2027 reflects that familiarity. It combines alpine landscapes with cultural depth, regional food and wine, and time in places that reward slower exploration. With a maximum of 12 guests, centrally located hotels and a carefully paced itinerary, this small group Dolomites tour allows you to experience Trentino and South Tyrol in a thoughtful and well-organised way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many people are in the group?
We travel in small groups of up to 12 guests. This keeps the Dolomites small group tour personal and manageable.
Are flights included?
No, international flights are not included. Many guests arrive in Verona a day early or extend their stay after the tour. We are happy to advise on planning.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome on all our tours. A single supplement applies and guarantees a private room.
What level of fitness is required?
A moderate level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and at altitude, including gentle alpine walks of up to three hours with breaks.
Is this primarily a hiking tour?
No. While the tour includes walks in alpine settings such as Alpe di Siusi, these are designed to be manageable and scenic rather than strenuous. The focus of this Trentino Tour 2027 is cultural exploration combined with time in the mountains.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests travelling with Italian Tours.
Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour begins with a group transfer from Verona train station and concludes with a group transfer to Verona train station and airport.
What our clients say about travelling with Italian Tours
“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, In the Shadow of the Dolomites Tour 2024