Tour Trentino, Trentino, the Dolomites and Austria

Trentino-Alto Adige is situated in the far north of Italy along the border with Austria. The Region is framed by the Dolomites, some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The Dolomites uniqueness lies in their ability to change colour throughout the day in the shifting light of the sun. Its spectacular valleys (Val di Sole, Val di Non and Val Gardena) attract both winter and summer tourism. The lake Garda (the biggest lake of the region) creates a microclimate with the result that Trentino, although the northernmost point in Europe, sports a Mediterranean flora (olive, live-oak and lemon trees). With over 400 castles and stately homes, this is a region full of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Canazei, a resort village in the Val di Fassa, is the capital of cross-country skiing. Marmolada, "queen of the Dolomites." At 10,965 feet, it offers an unequalled panorama of the entire region and is not far from the internationally renowned resort of Cortina D'Ampezzo. The atmosphere here is quite different: although small, Cortina is extremely cosmopolitan, and its boutiques, restaurants and night clubs are as outstanding as its ski slopes. Also nearby is Lake Misurina, which magically reflects the triple peaks of Lavaredo in its crystalline waters. the charming villages of Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina,. From here you can ski to the year-round resort of Ortisei/St. Ulrich. Serious skiers will stay at the more altitudinous Alpe di Siusi, where sunlight and snow are virtually guaranteed. Incidentally, this small corner of Alto Adige is home to many of the best ski schools in the world. Madonna di Campiglio is some distance away , but skiing enthusiasts should definitely know about it.

ITINERARY

1 Day:
Arrival and accommodation in Bolzano area.

2 Day:
Full day excursion through the Dolomite mountains where you can admire the picturesque landscapes of localities such as Canazei, Corvara, Cortina d'Ampezzo and Ortisei. Canazei is a nice resort village in the Val di Fassa, capital of cross-country skiing. Corvara is a delightful ski resort, home of a distinct cultural group, the Ladini. Cortina d'Ampezzo one of the world's most famous ski resort, is the Italian equivalent of Saint Moritz, attracting actors, artists and VIP. Ortisei, the the main village of the Val Gardena, is a big producer of handcarved wooden toys.

3 Day:
Full day excursion to Bolzano for a city tour. In both winter and summer, the town is busy tourist resort, and its pavement cafés and generally relaxed pace of life make it a good place to rest. In the afternoon, continue towards Merano to visit the town. It lies close to two great mountain ranges and is a sedate spa town with incongruously semitropical plants, neat gardens and promenades.

4 Day:
Full day excursion to Trento and the lakeside village of Molveno. Overshadowed by Monte Bondone, Trento is beautifully located, encircled by mountains and exuding a relaxed pace of life. The pleasant square of Piazza Duomo is ringed by arcades, shops, cafés and the streets are lined with frescoes palaces.

5 Day:
Full day excursion to Insbruck, through the foothills of the Dolomites, then accross the Brenner pass and the Europa Bridge into Austria. Arrival in beautiful town of Innsbruck (site of 2 winter olympics) and sichtseeing tour : the City Tower and its landmark Golden Dachl (an ancient mansion noted for its gilded copperoof), Mariatheresienstrasse from which you enjoy an unforgettable view of the Alps. In the evening return to the hotel.

6 Day:
At disposal for optional excursions and departure.

OPTIONAL VISITS / EXCURSIONS

The Iceman in Bolzano
Inside the Archaelogical Museum you can see the Iceman, nicknamed "Ötzi", the superbly preserved mummy of an early Copper Age male discovered in the ice of the Ötzaler Alps in 1991. At around 5300 yearsold, Ötzi, his clothing, and his attendant possessions provide an unprecedent insight into the everyday culture of his time.

Garda Lake
Full day excursion to the northwest tip of the lake, of which Riva del Garda is the best known of the lake's resorts, for its old pleasant town and the lake front lined with numerous cafes where you can taste also icecreams and wines. The nearest village of Torbole is famous all over Europe for sailing and windsurfing.