From the north shores of Lake Garda you will walk along ancient pilgrim routes through the rock deserts of the Sarca-valley down into the Etsch-valley to Trento. From there you will proceed into the wonderfully quiet valley of Valsugana, which was already utilised by the Romans along the Via Claudia in order to reach the Adriatic Sea. Here you will come across imperial spa towns, historic forts and lively village centres. You will experience the Lake Garda mountains, the Vizentiner Alps, the high summits of the Cima Dodoci, you will walk through an open-air art exhibition and get to know the rivers Brenta, Sile, Sarca and Etsch. Glistening lakes and high mountains are your constant companion. The high-altitude paths above the Brenta-valley will guide you downhill into the wine-growing region of Bassano del Grappa. Through the impressive river landscape of the Sile Nature Park you will reach the lagoon region of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Venice.
Highlights:
♦ Mediterranean flair of Lake Garda
♦ Beautiful lakes, rivers and historic towns
♦ High-altidtude paths with majestic views
Itinerary:
Day 1. Riva
Arrival to Riva - discover the beautiful historic centre of the town and enjoy a cappucino on the Piazza at the shore. The Southern flair on mild summer evenings gets you in the right mood for the days to come.
Day 2. Riva - Pietramurata
In Ceniga you will start your hiking tour and proceed through the vines of the Sarca-valley. Soon you will come to a giant rockfall area, which resembles a rock desert. With a view onto Lago di Cavedine you will walk by fruit and vegetable fields into the little village of Pietramurata, surrounded by the highest walls of rock of the Lake Garda mountains in the Sarca-river valley.
Walking: 4 h, 13 km, ascent/descent: 300 m / 150 m
Day 3. Pietramurata - Trento
By bus along the renowned Castello di Toblino into the Valley of Lakes. Hiking tour to Lago Terlago, the trailhead for the high-altitude path of Saint Vigil. Remote forests and karst-plateaus will take you uphill to the ancient fortress and bulwarks. Fabulous views down into the Etsch-valley and onto the Dolomites followed by a descent to Trento, where you can enjoy a visit to the historic centre with numerous churches and Palazzi.
Walking: 4.5 h, 13 km, ascent/descent: 400 m / 650 m
Day 4. Trento - Levico Terme
Short train journey and walk to the romantic centre of Pergine. Then via the historic Roman road Via Claudia Augusta, leading you above the giant Lago di Caldonazzo, onwards to Lake Levicosee. The idyllic lakeside path invites you to a refreshing dip into the warmest Italian Alpine lake before you reach the neat spa town of Levico.
Walking: 3.5 - 4 h, 12 km, ascent/descent: 250 m / 250 m
Day 5. Levico Terme - Borgo Valsugana
Today a wonderful high-altitude hiking tour is planned for you across alpine pastures framed by high slopes. Accompanied by waterfalls and roaring mountain streams you will reach the impressive open-air nature art exhibition. You will continue via the Sentiero Don Cesare to the mountain hut Cipriani, where you can take a break below the steep mountain prongs. A spectacular steep path will take you to Borgo Valsugana with its initial Venetian bridges and pergolas.
Walking: 5 h, 16 km, ascent/descent: 450 m / 650 m
Day 6. Borgo Valsugana - Bassano del Grappa
Ascent to the Alta Via del Tabacco, a fabulous high-altitude path situated above the Brenta-valley. Via the San Bovo hermitage you will get back to the valley floor and continue now leisurely along the green river Brenta. You will cross the old bridge (Ponte Vecchio) and reach your stop for the day Bassano del Grappa.
Walking: 4.5 h, 13 km, ascent/descent: 500 m / 550 m
Day 7. Bassano del Grappa - Venice/Mestre
You will walk across wooden bridges and footbridges into the nature park of the river Sile, the renowned cycling route Munich-Venice will finally lead you into your end destination Quarto d´ Altino. By train you will continue to the last stop of the day on the mainland before Venice with excellent bus connections to the lagoon city. As a finale of the holiday a small Grappa-sampling awaits not far from St. Mark’s Square!
Walking: 5 h, 20 km, ascent/descent: 20 m / 20 m
Day 8. Departure or extension
The tour ends after breakfast. You can prolong your stay.
Practical information:
► The tour is arranged with arrival day Saturday. Other days: on request at min. 4 persons
► You can fly to Verona or Venice airports. Continue to Riva by train (trenitalia.com) or by bus (www.ttesercizio.it)
► You will walk along diverse hiking paths and trails, partly on gravel roads and forest paths. Only a few sections are rocky and narrow, otherwise the paths run on easy terrain and are nice to walk on. Nearly everywhere you will have a choice of a shorter and easier option. The routes will lead you on nice paths along rivers, lakes and through forests, often you will walk high above a valley and enjoy unique long-distance views..
Other useful information:
► For a stress-free start to your travel, arriving at the start point by early evening the day before is recommended. The individual return journey takes place on the last day of travel.
► For any costs incurred locally (children, local taxes, dogs etc.), as well as excluded transport and services, please refer to the itinerary or the section “Services/Things to note”.
► If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the tour. .
►The distance travelled is approximate and may differ from the actual distance.
► If special passport or visa requirements are needed for EU citizens
► This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
► Travel cancellation insurance, including travel interruption insurance is recommended.
Nessesary equipment: sturdy walking boots and walking socks, a small rucksack, a water bottle with at least 1 litre capacity, sunglasses, sunhat, sun cream, rainwear and insect repellent.
Price Includes: 7 overnight stays as stated (3*** and 4**** hotels) with breakfast included
Luggage transfer
Welcome briefing (German and English)
Transfers according to program
Train journeys according to program
1x small Grappa-sampling in Bassano or Venice
Detailed travel and tour documents 1x per room (German and English)
GPS-data is available
Service hotline
Not Included: Flight tickets
transfer from/to the airport and other public transport
drinks and meals not mentioned
entrance fees
insurance
local tourist tax
personal expenses
Tourist tax
if due
Bus journey Toblino (approx. EUR 3 per person)
Bus journey Levico – Barco (approx. EUR 4 per person)
Extra Services: Since January 2012 there has been a city tax in many Italian cities - approx. 2-4 Euro per person per day which has to be paid directly to the hotel. It depends on the hotel's category.
extra overnights in Garda or Venice: please contact us for concrete pricing
