This unforgettable eight-day adventure through the breathtaking Dolomites will show you the best of the region by train, cable car, and funicular railway.
You'll stay for seven nights on the serene shores of Lake Molveno, in a choice of two hotels, both perfectly located for peaceful moments by the water. From your lakeside base you'll enjoy four included railway journeys, allowing you to explore the Dolomites while taking in some jaw-dropping views.
You'll ride on one of the steepest funicular railways in Europe to explore the Mendola mountain ridge. This bright red funicular railway dates back to 1903 and reaches an altitude of 7,788 feet in just 12 minutes.
From the historic comune of Mezzolombardo, you'll board a local train for a short railway journey with mountain and castle views en route to Caldes. From the town of Bolzano, you'll ascend Renon Mountain in two ways: first using a modern cable car and then on a historic narrow-gauge railway.
There are several optional excursions to choose from on this holiday. Why not take a boat trip across the glistening Lake Garda, surrounded by soaring mountains and sensational panoramas? Or join an excursion to the former Roman settlement of Trento to see the ancient Duomo cathedral or the vast Buonconsiglio Castle?
Alternatively, you might choose to simply spend your free days enjoying a leisurely pace of life on Lake Molveno, making the most of your hotel's facilities and wandering along the lakefront soaking in the serene views.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, subject to availability and based on 8 October 2025 departure date, at Hotel Ariston from LGW. Various departures available Sep 2024 - Oct 2025, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement from £145. Deposit £500pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Entrance fees are not included. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. ABTOT 5509.
Today you'll fly to Italy, meet your tour manager at the airport and transfer to your chosen hotel on the shores of the beautiful Lake Molveno.
Idyllically located in the shadow of the towering Brenta Dolomites, Molveno is a true haven for nature-lovers and climbers, and a perfect base from which to explore this very special region.
After some time to settle in, you'll enjoy your first dinner in the hotel this evening.
You're free to spend your first day at Lake Molveno relaxing and exploring at your own pace. Maybe make the most of your hotel's facilities, or, soaking up the sunshine by the lake and take a leisurely stroll along its banks.
Today you'll set out on a scenic journey across the vineyard-covered Rotaliana plain to historic Mezzolombardo, which sits between two beautiful valleys, overlooked by its two castles.
Once in Mezzolombardo, you'll board a regional train for the wonderful, 45-minute journey to Caldes.
After passing yet more hilltop fortresses, you'll arrive in Caldes, where the restored 13th-century castle dominates the tiny, delightful, apple-growing village.
After some free time to find lunch in Caldes, you'll return to Molveno. There'll be some free time to relax at the hotel before another delicious dinner in the evening.
Today you'll visit lovely Bolzano, a city set in a broad valley where two alpine rivers meet. Relax in countless little cafes and explore its colourful shops and stores. The city has a German influence, and a leisurely lunch is more likely to consist of wurst and apfelstrudel than pizza and pasta.
After a guided tour, you'll be free to visit the town's South Tyrol Archaeological Museum - home to the mummified remains of Otzi, the famous Tyrolean Iceman unearthed in 1991 by two tourists.
This afternoon you'll enjoy a scenic journey aboard the Renon cable car to Soprabolzano. Here you'll have the chance to take in the idyllic surroundings of the Renon Nature Park, and to see its fascinating Earth Pyramids rock formations.
You'll finish your day with a ride on the historic narrow-gauge Renon railway to the mountain village of Collalbo, from where you'll return to your hotel by coach in time for dinner.
Today you'll have another opportunity to spend the day relaxing at your hotel or wandering between Molveno's small selection of shops and cafes.
Rowing boats are also available for hire if you'd like to venture out onto the pristine lake, and you can take a cable car to the heights of beautiful Pradel and the Paganella plateau beyond to wander its walking trails.
Alternatively, you have the opportunity to join an optional excursion to the former Roman settlement of Trento, the principal town of Italian Trentino.
Here you can wander the colourful streets, see the ancient Duomo cathedral or the vast Buonconsiglio Castle, before perhaps enjoying another leisurely lunch.
Your day will conclude with a relaxing hour or so in Levico, close to the shores of the fjord-like Lake Levico.
Today you can enjoy another free day in Molveno and its delightful surroundings, or join an optional excursion south to Lake Garda.
Highlights of this Lake Garda tour will include visits to elegant Riva del Garda on the Lake's northern shore, and colourful Malcesine, from where you can take the cable car to the heights of Monte Baldo, above the famous resort town.
It's your final day today, and you'll set off on Italy's steepest funicular, the Mendola Funicular.
Once you've travelled up to the mountain station, you'll enjoy a spectacular view of the Valle dell'Adige valley and the South Tyrolean Bassa Atesina area.
This bright red funicular railway dates back to 1903 and was Austria's first electronically-operated cable car, and at the time, the steepest funicular in continental Europe and the longest in the world.
You'll have a break for lunch before heading back to Molveno for a final dinner with your fellow guests.
After a final breakfast at the hotel you'll say your goodbyes to beautiful Lake Molveno and transfer to the airport for your flight home to the UK.
This three-star, family-run hotel is located just a few minutes from Lake Molveno’s beach. It has an atmosphere of understated tradition and elegance. You can opt for a regular twin room or one with a view across the tranquil lake. Facilities include a panoramic roof terrace with a heated whirlpool, a bar with lake views, and free mountain bike rental.
This welcoming, three-star superior hotel is set against the backdrop of the Dolomites and is within walking distance of Lake Molveno and the village centre. Try delicious dishes and great Trentino wines in the hotel’s restaurant, and spend free days unwinding in the swimming pools or the excellent spa, with a sauna, Turkish bath and relaxation room.
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