Day 3: Bolzano & Renon Narrow Gauge Mountain Railway
Our excursion today starts with a guided tour of Bolzano followed by a cable car ride from Bolzano to the village of Soprabolzano, which nestles on a high plateau on the Renon Mountain. The scenery here is amazing, with undulating meadows, woods and superb views of the Dolomites. Next we join the Renon Railway to Collalbo. This little train is over 100 years old, but still elegantly carries passengers across the plateau. On our return to Bolzano, you have free time to explore the historic centre; influenced by Italian, Austrian and German culture.
Day 4: Riva del Garda & Limone
This morning our excursion takes us to Riva Del Garda, a bustling town located at the Northern side of Lake Garda with a backdrop of lake, valley and mountains rising either side. You can take a stroll at leisure along its atmospheric network of winding streets, visit the historic centre or relax in the waterfront squares. We include a boat trip across the lake to Limone so you can sit back, relax and take in the view. There’s free time in Limone before we return to the hotel.
Day 5: The Castle Train
Sit back and relax as we join the ‘Castles Train’ for a journey on line ‘700’ between Mezzolombardo and Caldes with spectacular views of the Dolomites and castles along the way. On arrival in Caldes we enjoy an included guided tour of the castle before travelling by coach to the village of Cles where we include a visit to the Assessorile Palace before heading back to our hotel in Molveno.
Day 6: Mendola Mountain Funicular
We first make a top at Madonna di Campiglio, an elegant town that nestles at an altitude of 1,550 metres between the Brenta Dolomites and the glaciers of Adamello and Presanella. We then venture into the South Tirol of the Dolomites for a return journey on the Mendola Funicular Railway. This is one of the longest and steepest railways of its kind throughout Europe, and offers spectacular views as it climbs 1,363 metres up to the Mendola Pass. After our trip you have some free time in Caldaro. Highlights include the market square and the lake, which is believed to be the warmest in the Alps. We then take the coach to Mezzocorona where we enjoy a guided visit and wine tasting before returning to our hotel.
Day 7: Trento
Today, we travel to Trento where we have a walking tour before visiting the symbol of the city Buonconsiglio Castle, parts dating back to the 13th century and is the splendid residence of the Prince Bishops. Today, the castle is also a museum of arts, monuments and collections.
Day 8: Lake Molveno
Enjoy a day at leisure in historic Molveno, the second largest lake in the area. You will be surrounded by a picturesque mountain village on the northern shores of the crystal-clear waters.
Day 9: Molveno - London by air or Turin return by rail
Those travelling by air are transferred to Verona airport for the return flight to London. If you prefer to travel back to the UK by train, you can travel to Turin and check into our overnight hotel.
Day 10: Turin – London by rail
After breakfast we take the train to Paris to meet Eurostar for the return to London.