Luxury Dolomites to Lake Garda Walk 6D5N (Majestic Mountains & Italy’s Largest Lake), Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 4.8 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 213m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)

On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 10 a.m. at Four Points by Sheraton Bolzano Hotel in Bolzano, Italy. Ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations).

Welcome to Dolomites! After our meeting in Bolzano, embark on a picturesque one-hour drive to Völser Weiher, a serene forested lake perched above the charming town of Völs am Schlern. This marks the beginning of our adventure in the breathtaking Dolomites! The name "Dolomites" originates from Déodat de Dolomieu, a French geologist who first identified the unique carbonate rock that defines these majestic mountains.

Our journey begins along a tranquil forest trail, offering an early glimpse of the Schlern Massif's southern face, crowned by its iconic twin spires, the "Santner" and "Euringer." A gentle climb up well-worn stone steps warms us up before we emerge into a vast clearing—a scene straight from "The Sound of Music." Here, cows, horses, and other grazing animals roam the open meadow at the base of the massif, their bells adding a rustic melody to the stunning alpine surroundings.

Just ahead lies the Tuff Alm, a charming, family-run alpine restaurant beloved by locals and visitors alike. Across the Dolomites, these traditional mountain huts—or rifugi—hold a rich history. Originally built to shelter hikers and climbers from the elements, they provided warm meals and simple lodging for overnight stays. Some, like the Tuff Alm, are now privately owned and have evolved into welcoming lodges or restaurants catering to outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Refueled and refreshed, we make our way back to the lake.

From here, you can choose to take a shuttle to the hotel or continue hiking to the nearby town of Seis. There, ascend by gondola to Compatsch, where the COMO Alpina Dolomites awaits—a luxurious retreat that will serve as our home for the next two nights. Upon arrival, indulge in the hotel's spa, boasting indoor and outdoor pools, massages, and holistic wellness treatments (advance reservations are recommended, and spa services are not included in the trip price).

Alternatively, explore the quaint shops near the gondola or soak in the magnificent meadow views.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 3, Approx. 14 km (8.7 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 18 km (11 miles), Elevation gain: 792 m (2600 ft)

Our first full day of hiking in the Dolomites and South Tyrol begins right outside our hotel. Gentle trails lead us through the Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest high alpine meadow, nestled just north of the iconic Schlern massif. This historic plateau, visited since the Bronze Age, holds traces of ancient religious rites and centuries of human connection to the land.

As we hike through this stunning landscape, you'll notice how it has been shaped by generations of local farmers. Forests were cleared to create rich pastures for their animals, and traditional wooden baite (once used as sheds and barns) now serve as cozy retreats for visitors. Despite its shift towards tourism, the area remains rooted in tradition, with dairy farming, haymaking, and Haflinger horse breeding still thriving.

You’ll have two options to explore: a longer loop to Tierser Alpl Hut featuring a rocky climb over a mountain pass, or a shorter, gentler route across the meadow with panoramic views of the plateau. Both offer the chance to enjoy a hearty, authentic meal at a family-run mountain hut.

After returning to the hotel, unwind in the spa, browse local shops, or simply relax with the views from your room. In the evening, savor a wine-paired dinner at the Alpina restaurant. A perfect end to a breathtaking day!

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5.5 km (3.4 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 11 km (6.7 miles), Elevation gain: 427 m (1400 ft)

Today, we shuttle from the Dolomites to the sunnier climate of the Italian Lakes. Soak up the expansive views across the mountains covered in green scrub and a lush glacier valley along the way. We move down to Lake Garda's shoreline, where we'll be staying for the remainder of the week. We continue to explore on foot at Nago, a charming village perched above the glittering waters of Lake Garda. We descend to the shoreline through the quaint town of Torbole and go westward towards Riva del Garda, another lakefront town in Trentino, following in the footsteps of the Venetians and notable visitors like Goethe.

Choose your adventure this afternoon following a filling meal of regional delights. Either take a stroll around the charming Old Town of opulent Riva, add a loop around the majestic Monte Brione on the way, or continue to our next hotel for some relaxation time.

Enough hiking for the day, we move ahead to Limone on your preferred route, either in a shuttle or through a ferry across the tranquil waters of the lake. En route, you may see some limonai, or terraced lemon groves, bordering the steep hills above the lake where the sun shines brightly on cypress trees and the old walls.

Based on your energy level, we continue either by van or on foot to arrive at our hotel for the night. The opulent EALA My Lakeside Dream, an extravagant hotel opened by the Risatti family of hoteliers in 2021, the hotel is perched on a rich plot of family land surrounded by mesmeric panoramic vistas, boasting stylish modern amenities and stunning communal places like the elegant spa and luxe plunge pool promising total relaxation.

Make yourself comfortable in your well-appointed room before opting for a hearty dinner at your leisure tonight.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 4.8 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 6.9 m (2000 ft)

Start your day with a scenic shuttle ride to Tremosine, a charming rural community made up of 18 hamlets nestled on a sunny plateau in the hills beyond Limone. Our journey begins in Cadignano, one of the picturesque villages we’ll explore during our hike. Wander through idyllic landscapes of small farm plots, vineyards, deciduous forests, and sweeping prairies as we connect these quaint settlements.

This morning's loop trail leads us along well-maintained country paths to a local Agriturismo—a working farm and retreat renowned for its goat cheese. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour and a delicious tasting, followed by a classic picnic. After lunch, you can either complete the loop on foot back to Pieve or hop into the shuttle for a direct return to the hotel. For those spending time in Pieve, don’t miss Da Gemma, a renowned restaurant and bar offering spectacular views of the lakeside cliffs. Treat yourself to a gelato or a refreshing drink before heading back.

Feeling adventurous? Join your trip leaders on an optional route that descends to the lakeside town of Campione, known for its unique charm. Back at the hotel, take full advantage of your afternoon—relax in your room, indulge in the luxurious spa, take a dip in the pool, or unwind on the pebbled beach.

As evening falls, you can stroll or take the hotel shuttle to Limone for dinner on your own. Wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old village, accompanied by the soothing sounds of water lapping at the shore. It’s hard to believe that just a few days ago, you were immersed in lush evergreen forests and alpine chalets.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 640 m (2100 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 16 km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 1097 m (3600 ft)

After enjoying a delectable meal with a view of the gentle lake this morning, meet your leaders and head down to the hotel's boat dock. Together in a small boat, Roberto and Cristiano, our new friends, will take us back to Riva del Garda, where we embark on our adventure for the day. As we walk through the scenic landscape, we marvel at its beautiful allure and catch sight of a gorge and waterfall that feed into the lake.

Our route starts near the harbour in Riva and follows the renowned Ponale Road, which was hewn directly out of the cliffside in the middle of the 19th century and is now only used by recreation lovers such as hikers, cyclists, and others.

Pregasina, a hilltop community that is a well-liked stopping point for the region's active tourists, is our final destination for today. We will take a stop and enjoy a filling lunch together before we continue on our adventure. Long-option hikers will continue ascending through a deciduous forest to a lookout point with magnificent views over Limone and the southern reaches of the lake before returning to Pregasina and taking a shuttle to the hotel. While others who have had enough for the day can relax over a longer lunch and take the shuttle directly to the hotel.

Level 2, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)

On our final day of hiking, we follow two of the lake's well-known pathways immediately above the EALA property. First, we board the Sentiero del Sole, or Path of the Sun, which meanders around the slope and has plenty of benches to take in the spectacular views we've had all week.

Later we tour the renowned Lake Garda bike route, Ciclopedonale sul Garda, and gather at the hotel to say our goodbyes before boarding a private coach for Verona, where our journey comes to an end.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.