Dramatic Dolomites & Lake Garda

They may not be Italy's tallest mountains but the jagged snow-capped Dolomites are surely the most spectacular. In this beautiful part of Northern Italy, full of Tyrolean influences, it is all about the magnificent mountain scenery, picturesque lakes, pretty alpine style hamlets and lush fertile valleys covered with vines and orchards. Your base is the charming village of Fai della Paganella in the Trentino region where you will be made to feel at home by Fausto and his family at the charming and extremely popular chalet style Hotel Paganella. Added extras at the hotel include a free bar between 6pm - 10.30pm, wine with dinner, a quiz night, wine tasting and the chance to go local with a try of the multi-spouted grolla cup and a hosted picnic on a walk through the village. A day to lovely Riva del Garda at the northern end of stunning Lake Garda is included. NEW for 2025 is a day out to beautiful Lake Molveno and Andalo.Holiday Highlights
- Overnight hotel for 2 nights with breakfast- Hotel for 6 nights with continental buffet breakfast & dinner- Welcome drink on arrival- Porterage in Italy- Unlimited water & wine with dinner- Tea/Coffee after dinner- Free bar 6pm-10.30pm (selected drinks)- Evening activities in the bar- Picnic lunch and village walk- Three included excursions as stated

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Then continue via the auto-routes of France en-route to your overnight hotel over the border near Saarbrücken in Germany. BBnnDay 2 - Departing after breakfast, enjoy a day of ever changing scenery as your scenic drive takes you through Austria and over the Brenner Pass before entering Italy on the way to Fai della Paganella for your 6-night stay. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival and porterage is included here. DBBnnDay 3 - 7 - At leisure in Fai della Paganella with three included excursions. During your stay enjoy a hosted walk in the surrounding countryside including a picnic lunch and a glass of wine with compliments of your resort hotel as well as several activity evenings. DBBnnINCLUDED EXCURSIONSnNEW for 2025 - Andalo & Lake MolvenonEnjoy a relaxing day out between the peaks of the Brenta Dolomites and the pine forests of Mount Paganella. First stop is Andalo, a mountain village situated on the Paganella high plateau at 1,309m above sea level. The "Anderlesi", the inhabitants of Andalo, are very industrious people and there is a bronze statue in Piazza Centrale of a woodcutter, inspired by the saying "Ntant che pòlsest va a tagliar su legna" (while you rest chop a bit of wood!). Continue on to lovely Molveno with its exquisite Alpine setting, framed by the stunning turquoise lake (some say the most beautiful lake in Italy) and the majestic Brenta Dolomites. Molveno is a place of incomparable beauty which will dazzle any visitor. Enjoy time at leisure - maybe take a lakeside stroll, take to the water with a rowing boat or pedalo or take the cable car up to Pradel from the centre of Molveno (round trip to first stage approx. €15.50 pp in 2024) for wonderful views of the lake from above, allowing you to appreciate it in all its majesty.nnRiva del GardanThe resort of Riva del Garda is located at the north point of stunningly beautiful Lake Garda. This is the dramatic end of the lake where mountains rise steeply on either side and Riva sits on the shore with a backdrop of lake, valley and hills. This atmospheric town is full of appeal and has plenty going on, with its beautifully preserved, pedestrianised Citta Vecchia, lakeside promenade and waterfront squares. The striking 13th century clock-tower (Torre Apponale) stands proudly in the centre of the town's lakefront piazza and those with plenty of energy can climb up to the top for great vistas (admission applies). Your driver may be able to offer you an optional boat trip to nearby Limone sul GardannA Day in the Heart of the DolomitesnA full scenic touring day of pretty mountain villages, exhilarating roads and the mightiest granite peaks of Europe. The spectacular Great Dolomites Road encompasses the iconic grey peaks and plateaus, forested hills and green valleys and takes you through the heart of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. As you climb up, attractive mountain landscapes and the unique saw-tooth peaks appear. From the high mountain passes at Gardena (2136m) and Pordoi (2239m) to magnificent valleys and Alpine Lake Carezza, you can be sure of breath taking views and spectacular nature.nnOPTIONAL EXCURSIONnBolzano & RenonnHead off to Bolzano, the capital of the Dolomites, with the chance to Ötzi, the famous Ice Man, naturally mummified in ice for over 5,000 years (Museum entrance not included). Continue to Renon, a spectacular area of peaks and plateaus with the opportunity of an optional cable car and narrow gauge railway trip to reach the heart of this region, viewing the earth pyramids and beautiful scenery along the way.nnDay 8 - Arrivederci to the Italian Dolomites as you head back through Austria and on to the final overnight hotel in Germany. BBnnDay 9 - An early start today after breakfast, as you travel back through France to Calais for the return to England.Hotel Paganella A Crusader Favourite!
The small and friendly chalet-style 3* Hotel Paganella is located in the pretty hamlet of Fai della Paganella, nestled in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites. Fausto and his family ensure a warm welcome as they pass on their passion for the area to you. nnThere is a cosy bar, a traditional restaurant serving excellent homemade Italian food, a comfortable lounge / seating area and a lift. There is a sauna and jacuzzi.nnEach of the comfortable 26 bedrooms has a hairdryer, satellite TV and telephone. Some guestrooms are in thh nearby annex without lift access.nnn