More about the route
This tour offers varied hiking, and you will primarily walk on well-maintained trails, often on Waal paths (an old water channel system). There will also be hiking on forest paths and several steep ascents, and at times you will follow local roads. We recommend that you are in good basic shape and prepared to hike 3½-6 hours a day – sometimes with longer ascents.
Itinerary
Here you can see the program for the week.
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*** (Kategori A)
Hotel (example): Hotel Pienzenau am Schlosspark**** (Charme)
Today's walk will take you along the Waal paths, through apple orchards to an impressive waterfall. From here the trail leads you through Tisens chestnuts and further up to the small historic church of St. Christoph. The walk continues through a beautiful wooded area, with nice views of the Etsch Valley. You will then arrive at the small village of Nals, idyllic surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards.
Hotel (example): Traubenheim*** (Kategori A)
Hotel (example): Apparthotel Nalserhof**** (Charme)
You can look forward to a fascinating trekking day on the 'Castle Trail'. On interesting and steep roads you will walk between admirable castles and fortresses, with their diverse and historic architecture. The afternoon brings you through an area with "holes in the ice" - a natural phenomenon that gives you the chance to experience icicles even during mid-summer. After passing the Tower of St. George and several vineyards, you will arrive at Lake Kaltern, where you will stay for the night.
Hotel (example): Masatsch*** (Kategori A)
Hotel (example): Hotel Thalhof**** (Charme)
You will begin the day with a train ride to the saddle of Mendel caring the name ‘Mendelpass’. From here there is a breathtaking view before you continue on foot across the plateau towards Nonstal, which is located on the border of the region. The walk will take you through fantastic canyons and through small idyllic villages to the pilgrimage place - Saint Romedio. You will continue past two small fine lakes and before soon reaching Còredo.
Hotel (example): Hotel Miraval**** (Kategori A & Charme)
During the short transfer you can enjoy views of the impressive landscape of the Nonstal valley.
You then hike through lonely forests up to the panoramic square by the remarkable little church of San Tommaso. Continue into the Priori nature park area and across the wetlands of a kast lake to Andalo and on to Molveno, located at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites and the sparkling turquoise-blue Alpine lake of the same name. Here you spend the night.
Hotel (example): Londra*** (Kategori A)
Hotel (example): Alpenresort Belvedere**** (Charme)
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*** (Kategori A)
Hotel (example): Alpenresort Belvedere**** (Charme)
As you approach the end of your walking holiday the route will take you through untouched meadows in the Valley of Lomason. A healthy ascent will lead you up to the Rifugio of Monte San Pietro from where a spectacular view of Lake Garda awaits you. Continue down through the winding streets and alleyways, past stonewalls belonging to the Castle of Tenno. The last few miles of your trip goes through olive groves and cypress vegetation before you reach the final destination at the banks of Lake Garda.
Hotel (example): Hotel Venezia*** (Kategori A)
Hotel (example): Hotel Bellariva**** (Charme)
After breakfast you will be checking out for you individual journey home.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
The price includes
- 7 nights in 3-star hotels (can be upgraded)
- Breakfast every day
- Welcome meeting on the day of arrival
- Detailed walking descriptions (route maps, route descriptions, information on relevant tourist attractions and important phone numbers)
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Tickets to Mendelpass Mountain Railway (Day 4)
- Tickets to the cable car from Pradel to Molveno - only in the summer season, otherwise walk (day 6)
- Local service hotline
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- Access to the route in our GPS-app which works offline while you walk
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
- Transportation to/from Merano
- Cancellation and travel insurance
- optional: Half board (6x dinner)
- Bus fare from Lago Nembia to Molveno, approx. EUR 3 per person
- optional: Transfer from Riva del Garda to Merano
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Milano, Verona or Venice are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 2-5 working days). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
Getting from the airport to Merano
It is relatively straight forward getting from the Airport to Merano. The closest airport is Verona.
We recommend that you use this tool to easily find your way to Merano: Rome2Rio
If you are driving
If you drive to Merano, it is possible to park at the first hotel. The first night you stay at the hotel is free and the rest of the week parking costs 10-12 euros per night. It is not possible to reserve a space in advance. If the parking lot is full, the hotel will help you find the nearest parking lot.
Transfer back after the tour
After the tour, it is possible to be driven back to the first hotel - e.g. to pick up the car. For transfers from Riva del Garda to Merano on the day of departure, seats must be reserved in advance. Please note: return transfers are not possible on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Transfers on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays are in the morning.
You will stay at 3-star tourist class hotels and charming South Tyrolean guesthouses. Breakfast is included during the tour.
In some places, you may be required to pay a "tourist tax" – this is paid locally.
Hotel Upgrade
If you choose a hotel upgrade on this tour, we will primarily book the following hotels for you:
- Merano: Hotel Pienzenau am Schlosspark 4 ****
- Nals: Apparthotel Nalserhof 4 ****
- Kaltern: Hotel Talhof 4 ****
- Coredo: Hotel Miraval 4 ****
- Molveno: Alpenresort Belvedere 4 ****
- Riva del Garda: Hotel Bellariva 4 ****
Hotel upgrades can be selected on the booking form.
Additional Nights
It is possible to purchase extra nights at the hotel in Merano before the trip or at the hotel in Riva del Garda after the trip. This can be selected on the booking form.
It is possible to purchase dinner at the hotels on this tour for 6 evenings (not on day 7 in Riva by Lake Garda). The meal consists of at least a 3-course menu. If you wish to add this option, you can select it on the booking form.
Please note: In some places, it may happen that the evening meals are served at locations other than the hotel (e.g., a nearby restaurant).
Please note: Half-board is not available on the tour with upgraded hotels. However, it is possible to buy dinner at all the hotels.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
There is no welcome-meeting in person on this tour. You will be handed a welcomepackage upon arrival, with all relevant walking descriptions, and informations. Ask for this in the reception.
This journey has difficulty level 2
Grade 2
Easy hiking on reasonably good trails. The day walks will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in good physical condition can participate. Your luggage will be transported and you only carry a light daypack. Requires comfortable footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
On this journey there is a discount for children and people sharing a room with "two fully paying adults". The amount of discount depends on age; thus:
Children under 5.99 years: free
Children between 6 and 11.99 years: 50% discount
Children between 12 - 14.99 years: 25% discount
People from 15 years and up: 10% discount
Example 1
You are 2 adults and 1 child. Here it's very simple because you're staying in the same room. The child gets a discount compared to the prices above.
Example 2
You are 2 adults and 2 children (aged 5 and 13). Here you have two options. If you want to stay in two double rooms, it will be full price for all participants. If you want to stay in the same room (e.g. a family room), then both children will get a discount (free and 25% discount respectively).
Example 3
You are 2 adults and 3 children (age: 7, 13 and 15). In this case, you will probably need two double rooms where the youngest child sleeps with the parents. Therefore, there will only be a discount for the youngest child aged 7, who will receive a 50% discount.
Example 4
You are 3 adults who want to sleep in the same double room. The extra adult will receive a 10% discount.
Please note
It is important that you understand that it is your own responsibility when you choose to bring children on the tours. You should check the descriptions of the difficulty levels and decide whether the specific tour is suitable for your child.
On this tour it is possible to bring your dog. If this is of interest, please add it to the booking form and we will book it on your tour. - It is possible that there will be a small additional fee for bringing a dog at some hotels. This is paid locally at the hotels.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
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"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"