Five nights dinner bed & buffet breakfast, afternoon tea & biscuits, ‘Dolomiti card’ for free local transport (selected services) and selected discounted attractions
An elegant and charming family run hotel, where guests can relax and enjoy magnificent views of the Brenta Dolomites, part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, just a short stroll from the shores of Lake Molveno. Facilities include restaurant; bar/lounge; outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, Wellness Centre including sauna and Turkish bath. No ground floor rooms but the lift serves all floors. Porterage is included at mainstay hotel.
Please note that due to the nature of the excursions, the general terrain in the towns and the location of the hotel, this tour is not considered suitable for those with limited mobility.
THURSDAY A very early morning departure as we travel to Dover and board our ferry to Calais, with a meal voucher included. We then continue to the Saarbrücken area for bed and breakfast accommodation.
FRIDAY We depart Saarbrücken, travelling through Bavaria and Austria, arriving in Molveno for our five night stay. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival.
SATURDAY Today we enjoy a scenic drive admiring the breathtaking and dramatic peaks of the Italian Dolomites, passing medieval villages and undulating scenery along the way. Our first stop is the historic town of Trento, where we have time to browse the weekly farmer’s market in Piazza Dante, and admire the cathedral and castle. We then board the local ‘Castles Train’ from Trento to Malé for an alternative perspective of the picture postcard scenery, medieval castles and charming towns en route.
SUNDAY We journey to Bolzano, capital of the South Tyrol. Often referred to as the gateway to the Dolomites, this is a city of contrasting wonders; the centre with its seductive medley of history and culture set against the dramatic backdrop of the mountain ranges beyond. Enjoy the pretty piazzas where you will become immersed in centuries of German, Italian and Austrian influence, and perhaps visit the museum (charges apply) which is home to the 5,300 year old body of ‘Ötzi the Iceman’ found in 1991 in the local mountains.
MONDAY Enjoy a free day to explore the town, or simply relax by the lake or the hotel pool. Your included ‘Dolomiti card’ allows you free travel on local buses, and reduced entry to selected museums and attractions. Or perhaps take the stunning cable car ride (charges apply) up to the panoramic terrace 1350 metres above the lake!
TUESDAY We enjoy a beautiful journey south enjoying gradually changing scenery, from forests and limestone peaks, to alpine pastures and vineyards, finally arriving beside the sparkling waters of Lake Garda with its mild Mediterranean microclimate, for a day of exploration in Riva del Garda. Browse the many shops and eateries, savour a gelato by the lake or take a boat ride to nearby Limone (charges apply) for a water’s eye view of the stunning shores.
WEDNESDAY We depart after breakfast and enjoy the Alpine views en route to our overnight accommodation in the Saarbrücken area, with dinner included.
THURSDAY After breakfast, we continue to Calais where we board the ferry to Dover, and continue homeward.