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. Enjoy a cappuccino in the old town of Riva, then set off along the Via Claudia Augusta towards Trento, where the historic architecture will amaze you. A fantastic view of the Brenta Valley and the lagoon city awaits you on the high-altitude trail!
Highlights:
Riva del Garda- charming old town on the northern shore of Lake Garda
Trento Cathedral (Duomo di San Vigilio)
Buonconsiglio Castle- one of the region's most important historical sites
Panoramic views over the Brenta Valley - ideal for hiking
Padua (Padova)- Basilica of Saint Anthony
Venice (Venezia)- St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Grand Canal,and Rialto Bridge.Venice is a city known for its canals and unique atmosphere.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Riva del Garda
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 "Rock Desert Marroche"
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. B/-/-
Walking: 4 h, 13 km, ascent/descent: 320 m / 200 m
Day 3.Pietramurata – Trento "High above the Etsch-valley"
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. B/-/-
Walking: 4.5 h, 13 km, ascent/descent: 430 m / 720 m
Day 4.Trento – Levico Terme "Val Sugana and Lago di Levico"
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.B/-/-
Walking: 4 h, 12 km, ascent/descent: 350 m / 320 m
Day 5. Levico Terme-Spa – Borgo Valsugana "Nature art in front of Alpine backdrop"
Today, a wonderful high-altitude hiking tour is planned for you, crossing alpine pastures framed by steep cliffs. Accompanied by waterfalls and roaring mountain streams, you’ll reach an impressive open-air nature art exhibition. From there, follow the Sentiero Don Cesare to the Cipriani mountain hut, where you’ll take a break beneath dramatic mountain spires. A spectacular, steep path then leads you down to Borgo Valsugana, known for its early Venetian bridges and charming pergolas.B/-/-
Walking: 5 h, 16 km, ascent/descent: 560 m / 640 m
Day 6. Borgo Valsugana – Bassano del Grappa "Alta Via del Tabacco"
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. B/-/-
Walking: 4.5 h, 13 km, ascent/descent: 590 m / 620 m
Day 7.Bassano del Grappa – Venice/Mestre "Sile Nature Parc"
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! B/-/-
Walking: 4.5 h, 17 km, ascent/descent: 20 m / 20 m
Day 8. Departure or extension
The tour ends after breakfast. You can prolong your stay.B/-/-
Practical information:
Arrival by train to Rovereto and from there by bus to Riva, duration approx.45 minutes
Venice or Verona airport
Departure by bus and train from Venice or Mestre to Riva, duration approx. 2,5 hours with 1 change in Rovereto
Shuttle service from Mestre to Riva/Torbole;
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: Accommodation in 3* hotels with Breakfast included
Luggage transfer
Transfers according to program
1 Train ride from Trient to Pergine
1 Small Grappa-sampling in Bassano or Venice
Welcome briefing
Digital travel documents incl. navigation app,GPS-data
24/7 Service hotline
Not Included: Flight tickets
Drinks and meals not mentioned
Entrance fees
Insurance
Personal expenses
Printed route book,per room EUR 20
Return transfer by minibus from Mestre to Rovereto main station,every Friday,Saturday and Sunday,costs EUR 105 per person,EUR 49 per dog,reservation is necessary,to be paid for in advance
Extra Services: Travel by public transportation: Pietramurata - Vigolo Baselega,Vela – Trento,Levico Terme – Barco and Quarto d´Altino – Venice/Mestre,costs approx. EUR 12 per person
