Italy - The Magnificent Dolomites

Day 1

An early hours departure as we travel south to Dover and a morning ferry crossing to Calais, before heading south via Reims and Metz to our overnight hotel the Intercity hotel at Karlsruhe. Dinner in the hotel

Day 2

After breakfast our journey continues south through Germany , into Austria and on past Innsbruck before crossing the Brenner Pass and on into Italy and our hotel the Paganella for a warm welcome from Fausto and his family dinner in the hotel.

Day 3

Today, Fausto will play host and take us out for a gentle walk around this friendly village. We enjoy a picnic with great company, food and wine as we start to get into the relaxed 'Paganella way of life' in the mountains. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 4

Today we discover one of Italy's best-kept secrets - the stunning spa town of Merano, beautifully nestled among the mountains of South Tyrol. Explore its elegant streets, charming cafés, shops and restaurants, perhaps sampling a slice of delicious strudel, traditional speck or the famous Sachertorte. For wonderful panoramic views, there is the option to take the chairlift above the town. We call late afternoon at the historic family run winery, Cantina Martinelli' where we enjoy a tour and tasting. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 5

After breakfast , we enjoy a spectacular scenic drive through the Brenta National Park and the magnificent Italian Dolomites. We follow the River Sole through the beautiful Val di Sole to Dimaro, before climbing to the elegant mountain resort of Madonna di Campiglio.This stylish alpine retreat is renowned for its designer boutiques, inviting cafés and excellent restaurants, providing time to explore and enjoy lunch at leisure. As we leave, admire breathtaking views of the dramatic limestone peaks on our return to the Hotel Paganella after a memorable day of spectacular mountain scenery. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 6

Today after breakfast we head via the incredibly scenic Lake Molveno to Riva on Lake Garda, we have free time to explore Riva and perhaps enjoy a delicious lunch or drink in the main square.
Farewell candlelit dinner in the hotel.

Day 7

We leave our hosts in the Dolomites for the return journey through northern Italy and Austria into Germany and our overnight stay in Karlsruhe at the Intercity hotel. Dinner in the Hotel.

Day 8

We leave after breakfast and head direct to Calais and an late afternoon sailing to Dover. From Dover we are homeward bound.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner