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Panoramic view of Lake Garda

From Merano to Lake Garda

South Tyrol, Brenta-Dolomites & Trento

8 Days / 7 Nights
Mountain Hiking
Panoramic view of Lake Garda

Starting in the famous spa town Merano you walk through vineyards and orchards, past historic castles and sparkling tarns and visit idyllic places with some of the most wonderful views. All of the mountains of South Tyrol and Trento are incredibly fascinating! They offer views of turquoise lakes, enormous plateaus, deep river valleys and canyons. The rugged peaks of the Dolomites accompany you on your way, giving you an excellent feel for the fascinating alpine world of the lonely and steep rugged giants. In Trento you discover mountain villages with winding narrow streets and idyllic stone houses before you reach your final destination, lake Garda. In the middle of high cliffs, enclosed by olive orchards, cypresses and fig trees you feel the Mediterranean flair. Cappuccino and Gelato at the banks of the dark blue lake – ‘La vita é bella!’

Merano, Lake Caldaro, the Dolomites, cappuccino and Lake Garda: When hearing these words, hikers want to pack their backpacks right away! In addition, the hiking holiday without luggage between Merano and Lake Garda has all kinds of surprises in store for you that will make you think back to this week for a long time. Have you ever bitten into an apple from the Vinschgau region? Or have you walked through the narrow streets of stone houses in Trento? At the latest when enjoying the first ‘gelato’ in Riva del Garda it will be over for you!

  • Impressive Dolomites: The rugged rock formations of the Brenta Dolomites are a true contrast to the lush green of the alpine pastures. Enjoy the unique view!
  • South Tyrolean Wine Route: One winegrower after another lined up along the South Tyrolean Wine Route between Nals and Salorno. Stop wherever you like to taste original grape varieties such a Gewürztraminer, Vernatsch and Lagrein.
  • Mediterranean lifestyle on Lake Garda: Cappuccino, gelato and a pinch of “dolce far niente” welcome you in Riva del Garda, your final destination of the hiking holiday.

The hiking holiday starts in the historic spa town of Merano, where you can still see traces of Empress Sissi. On the following days, you hike further and further South on short and longer stages. The daily tours are between 10 and 18 kilometres long and require a good basic fitness level, especially for longer ascents.

Itinerary at a glance

When in Merano visit Trauttmansforff Castle and the botanical gardens, before heading towards South Tyrol’s vineyards along the Waalwege - ancient irrigation paths. Whether on the Mendelpass or the three-arched bridge of Cavedago, the views are magnificent.

Enjoy the Mediterranean flair in this wonderful and cultural town in the heart of South Tyrol. Wander around the charming arcades or follow in the footsteps of Emperess Sissi along the 'Passer' esplanade.

Hotel example: Flora

Along the Waal paths you venture through apple plantations before arriving at an impressive waterfall. Soon your trail leads you through the hills of the chestnut place Tisens and up to the historic little church of St. Christoph. After hiking through a beautiful woodland with fantastic views deep into the Etsch valley you reach Nals, an idyllic little village in the middle of apple orchards and vineyards.

Hotel example: Traubenheim

Today you can look forward to a fascinating hike on the trail of castles. On interesting and steep roads you walk from fortress to fortress where you can admire diverse historic architecture. In the afternoon you wander through the region of ‘holes in the ice’, a natural phenomenon which gives you the chance to discover icicles in midsummer. Past the tower of St. George and many more vineyards, you will soon reach Lake Kaltern.

Hotel example: Masatsch

In the morning you travel to the Mendelpass (saddle of Mendel) by train. Enjoy the phenomenal view before you continue your comfortable walk over the plateau towards Nonstal, the language and provincial border. Into amazing canyons and through idyllic small villages to the pilgrimage site of Saint Romedio and past two small sparkling lakes, you will soon reach Coredo. Here you can enjoy the Italian comfort in the middle of Trentino.

Hotel example: Miraval

After a short transfer you can admire the impressive landscape of the Nonstal, before you begin your walk along the ‘Way of St. James’, up to the airy high plain of the Paganella. The path leads through wide woodland areas up to Cavedago with its famous triple-arched bridge. Further on across the wetland of a karst lake towards Andalo and then on to the village of Molveno, situated at the foot of the Brenta-Dolomites and the same-named mountain lake with its turquoise water.

Hotel example: Londra

Enjoy the fascinating alpine world of the tall peaks of the Brenta group! You ascend into the mountain area of the Pradel by cable car and you discover one of its most beautiful hiking routes. Stop at a Rifugio (mountain hut) and enjoy a typical Italian snack as well as the impressive view of the surrounding mountain tops, before you slowly descend to the crystal clear, green tarn Lago Nembia.

Hotel example: Londra

At the end of your hiking week you walk through the untouched meadows of the valley of Lomason. After that you climb up to Rifugio Monte San Pietro, where you are presented with a stunning view of Lake Garda. Walk down through winding streets and archways, past stonewalls to the castle of Tenno. On the last few kilometres of your tour you walk through olive groves and Mediterranean cypress vegetation until you reach the goal of your hiking week, the banks of Lake Garda.

Hotel example: Hotel Venezia

Day
08
Departure or extension

Itinerary at a glance

When in Merano visit Trauttmansforff Castle and the botanical gardens, before heading towards South Tyrol’s vineyards along the Waalwege - ancient irrigation paths. Whether on the Mendelpass or the three-arched bridge of Cavedago, the views are magnificent.

Enjoy the Mediterranean flair in this wonderful and cultural town in the heart of South Tyrol. Wander around the charming arcades or follow in the footsteps of Emperess Sissi along the 'Passer' esplanade.

Hotel example: Flora

Along the Waal paths you venture through apple plantations before arriving at an impressive waterfall. Soon your trail leads you through the hills of the chestnut place Tisens and up to the historic little church of St. Christoph. After hiking through a beautiful woodland with fantastic views deep into the Etsch valley you reach Nals, an idyllic little village in the middle of apple orchards and vineyards.

Hotel example: Traubenheim

Today you can look forward to a fascinating hike on the trail of castles. On interesting and steep roads you walk from fortress to fortress where you can admire diverse historic architecture. In the afternoon you wander through the region of ‘holes in the ice’, a natural phenomenon which gives you the chance to discover icicles in midsummer. Past the tower of St. George and many more vineyards, you will soon reach Lake Caldaro.

Hotel example: Masatsch

In the morning you travel to the Mendelpass (saddle of Mendel) by train. Enjoy the phenomenal view before you continue your comfortable walk over the plateau towards Nonstal, the language and provincial border. Into amazing canyons and through idyllic small villages to the pilgrimage site of Saint Romedio and past two small sparkling lakes, you will soon reach Coredo. Here you can enjoy the Italian comfort in the middle of Trentino.

Hotel example: Miraval

During a short transfer you can admire the impressive landscape of the Val di Non. Afterwards, you hike through lonely forests up to the panoramic square at the worth seeing little church San Tommaso. Continue into the Priori nature park area and across the wetland of a karst lake to Andalo and on to Molveno, situated at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites and on the sparkling turquoise-blue Alpine lake of the same name.

Hotel example: Londra

Enjoy the fascinating alpine world of the tall peaks of the Brenta group! You ascend into the mountain area of the Pradel by cable car and you discover one of its most beautiful hiking routes. Stop at a Rifugio (mountain hut) and enjoy a typical Italian snack as well as the impressive view of the surrounding mountain tops, before you slowly descend to the crystal clear, green tarn Lago Nembia.

Hotel example: Londra

At the end of your hiking week you walk through the untouched meadows of the valley of Lomason. After that you climb up to Rifugio Monte San Pietro, where you are presented with a stunning view of Lake Garda. Walk down through winding streets and archways, past stonewalls to the castle of Tenno. On the last few kilometres of your tour you walk through olive groves and Mediterranean cypress vegetation until you reach the goal of your hiking week, the banks of Lake Garda.

Hotel example: Hotel Venezia

Day
08
Departure or extension

Route information

Mountain Hiking

You will mainly walk on well maintained walking paths, often on the Waal paths which are ancient water systems. In some sections you will be walking on forest trails and steep paths. We recommend a good basic fitness level for walking days of 3 up to 6 hours as well as for longer ascents. Easier alternatives of the daily sections are possible by bus. A varied walking tour for lovers of promising trails.

Prices & Dates

Category: beautiful 3***-hotels and country hotels (partly with pool)

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as alreday mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • 1 Mendelpass mountain railway
  • Transfers according to program
  • 1 Ascent fare cable car Pradel-Molveno (only during summer season, otherwise short walk)
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel and tour documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Half-board evening meal (6x, not in Riva. Mostly multi-course, sometimes outside the property, payable with voucher)
  • Return transfer by minibus from to Merano or Caldaro every Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday morning, costs EUR 79 per person, EUR 29 per dog, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • By train to Meran.
  • Verona airport.
  • Parking: Limited number of free hotel parking spaces or limited car parks near the hotels, approx. EUR 50 per week. Basement car park (limited number of spaces) approx. EUR 12 per day, payable on-site, no reservation required.
  • Return journey from Riva to Rovereto (www.ttesercizio.it) by bus and then by train via Bozen to Meran, approx. 3 hours.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due is not included in the price
  • Bus fare Lago Nembia to Molveno, approx. EUR 3 per person
  • Special dates on request
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as alreday mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Welcome briefing (8-day tour, DE, EN)
  • 1 Mendelpass mountain railway
  • Transfers according to program
  • 1 Ascent fare cable car Pradel-Molveno (only during summer season, otherwise short walk)
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel and tour documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Half-board evening meal (6x, not in Riva. Mostly multi-course, sometimes outside the property, payable with voucher)
  • Return transfer by minibus from to Merano or Caldaro every Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday morning, costs EUR 79 per person, EUR 29 per dog, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Train journey to Merano or Bolzano and by Bus to Caldaro
  • Verona airport.
  • Parking: Limited number of free hotel parking spaces or limited car parks near the hotels, approx. EUR 50 to EUR 80 per week, payable on-site, no reservation required.
  • Return journey from Riva to Rovereto (www.ttesercizio.it) by bus and then by train via Bozen to Merano, approx. 3 hours, from Bolzano by Bus in about 30 minutes to Caldaro.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due is not included in the price
  • Bus fare Lago Nembia to Molveno, approx. EUR 3 per person
  • Special dates on request
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

From our Hiking Blog

Valerie Haring

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