Starting in the famous spa town Meran you walk through vineyards and orchards, past historic castles and sparkling tarns and visit idyllic places with some of the most wonderful views. All of the mountains of South Tyrol and Trentino are incredibly fascinating! They offer views of turquoise lakes, enormous plateaus, deep river valleys and canyons. The rugged peaks of the Dolomites accompany you on your way, giving you an excellent feel for the fascinating alpine world of the lonely and steep rugged giants. In Trentino you discover mountain villages with winding narrow streets and idyllic stone houses before you reach your final destination, lake Garda. In the middle of high cliffs, enclosed by olive orchards, cypresses and fig trees you feel the Mediterranean flair. Cappuccino and Gelato at the banks of the dark blue lake - ‘La vita é bella!’

Highlights:
♦ Lake Kaltern
♦ Lago Nembia
♦ Comano Terme

Itinerary:

Day 1. Individual journey to Meran
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.

Day 2. Meran - Nals
Along the Waal paths you venture through apple plantations before arriving at an impressive waterfall. Soon your trail leads you through the hills of the chestnut place Tisens and up to the historic little church of St. Christoph. After hiking through a beautiful woodland with fantastic views deep into the Etsch valley you reach Nals, an idyllic little village in the middle of apple orchards and vineyards.
Walking: approx. 5-6 hrs, 20 km, uphill/downhill: 560 m/550 m

Day 3. Nals - Caldaro / Lake Caldaro 
Today you can look forward to a fascinating hike on the trail of castles. On interesting and steep roads you walk from fortress to fortress, where you can admire diverse historic architecture. In the afternoon you wander through the region of ‘holes in the ice’, a natural phenomenon, which gives you the chance to discover icicles in midsummer. Past the tower of St. George and many more vineyards, you will soon reach Lake Caldaro.
Walking: approx. 5-5,5 hrs, 18 km, uphill/downhill: 710 m/600 m

Day 4. Caldaro  / Lake Caldaro - Coredo
In the morning you travel to the Mendelpass (saddle of Mendel) by train. Enjoy the phenomenal view before you continue your comfortable walk over the plateau towards Nonstal, the language and provincial border. Into amazing canyons and through idyllic small villages to the pilgrimage site of Saint Romedio and past two small sparkling lakes, you will soon reach Coredo. Here you can enjoy the Italian comfort in the middle of Trentino.
Walking: approx. 4,5-5 hrs, 17 km, uphill/downhill: 200 m/700 m

Day 5. Coredo - Molveno

During a short transfer you can admire the impressive landscape of the Val di Non. Afterwards, you hike through lonely forests up to the panoramic square at the worth seeing little church San Tommaso. Continue into the Priori nature park area and across the wetland of a karst lake to Andalo and on to Molveno, situated at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites and on the sparkling turquoise-blue Alpine lake of the same

Walking: approx. 4,5-5 hrs,15 km, uphill/downhill: 700 m/ 400 m

Day 6. Molveno - Comano Terme
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 cabin) and enjoy a typical Italian snack as well as the impressive view of the surrounding mountain tops, before you slowly descend by cable car back to the banks of lake Molveno and then continue your way to the crystal clear, green tarn Lago Nembia. You proceed to today’s final destination Comano Terme by bus, passing woodlands and hilly areas, meandering rivers and the home of numerous small country villages on your way.
Walking: approx. 3-5 hrs (depending on the chosen route), 15 km, uphill/downhill: 390 m/900 m

Day 7. Comano Terme - Riva del Garda
At the end of your hiking week you walk through the untouched meadows of the valley of Lomason. After that you climb up to Rifugio Monte San Pietro, where you are presented with a stunning view of Lake Garda. Walk down through winding streets and archways, past stonewalls to the castle of Tenno. On the last few kilometres of your tour you walk through olive groves and Mediterranean cypress vegetation until you reach the goal of your hiking week, the banks of Lake Garda.
Walking: approx. 3-4 hrs, 10 km, uphill/downhill: 400 m/800 m

Day 8. Individual departure

Important information: You will mainly walk on well-maintained walking paths, often on the Waal paths which are ancient water systems. In some sections you will be walking on forest trails and steep paths. We recommend a good basic fitness level for walking days of 3 up to 6 hours as well as for longer ascents. Easier alternatives of the daily sections are possible by bus. A varied walking tour for lovers of promising trails. How to get there: by train to Meran from Verona airport/Innsbruck airport/Milan airport. Parking: mostly free hotel car parks available, or limited car parks near the hotels, approx. EUR 30 per week, payable on-site, no reservation required. Basement car park (limited number of spaces) approx. EUR 12 per day, payable on-site, no reservation required. Departure: Return journey from Riva to Rovereto (www.ttesercizio.it) by bus and then by train via Bozen to Meran, approx. 3 hours. Organised transfer from Riva to Meran available, cost EUR 58 per person (transfer only on Saturday, Sunday, Monday morning, Tuesday afternoon). Booking required, payable on-site.