The Lakes and Mountains of Austria and Northern Italy

Welcome to Austria!  Salzburg is known throughout the world as a city of music and culture, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

Upon arrival at Salzburg airport, you will be met and transferred to the city centre. 3-night stay at the Dorint City Hotel Salzburg. Tonight, we will enjoy a welcome-to-Austria dinner at a local restaurant, where you will have a chance to meet the other tour participants and enjoy your first taste of Austrian cuisine. (D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning. After breakfast, we will meet with our tour guide for an enjoyable walking tour of Salzburg. 

Salzburg, beloved as the City of Music and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Our morning unfolds along the tranquil Salzach River, where elegant Baroque façades and church towers create one of Europe’s most charming cityscapes. Enjoy a walk through the exquisite Mirabell Palace Gardens, followed by a relaxed exploration of the historic Old Town, including a visit to Mozart’s Birthplace. Throughout the tour, the impressive Hohenszalburg Fortress stands watch from above, a timeless symbol of Salzburg’s musical and architectural heritage. Lunch will be served at the end of the tour in a lovely traditional restaurant. 

For dinner this evening, we will immerse ourselves in one of Salzburg’s most exclusive culinary experiences — a refined blend of tradition, flavour, and warm Austrian hospitality. Your evening begins in a charming Old Town kitchen, where a master baker welcomes you for a private, hands-on Apple Strudel workshop. Following our class, we are invited to a beautifully set table for an elegant four-course Austrian tapas tasting, curated especially for discerning travellers. 

To enhance the experience, every course is paired with Austrian wines and locally crafted beers, thoughtfully selected to complement the flavours and deepen your appreciation of the region’s gastronomic traditions. (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning. After breakfast, we will meet our guide and driver and depart for Hallstatt. 

Discover Hallstatt, Austria’s most iconic lakeside village and a true jewel of the Alpine world — a destination where refined tranquillity, dramatic natural beauty, and centuries of heritage blend effortlessly. Often regarded as the crown of the Austrian countryside, Hallstatt offers an atmosphere of exclusivity, framed by forested mountains, mirror-still waters, and the graceful charm of its pastel-coloured houses.

Midday, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant.  

After our memorable day in Hallstatt, we will return to Salzburg for the night. (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning. After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and say goodbye to Salzburg. We will be transferred by motor coach to Innsbruck. 

Upon arrival in Innsbruck, we will check into our hotel, the Grauer Bär Hotel, where we will spend the next two nights. After check-in, we will continue to a local restaurant for a delicious welcome to Innsbruck lunch. 

After lunch, our tour guide will lead us on an enjoyable afternoon exploring this Alpine city. Encircled by a breathtaking mountain panorama and crowned with a beautifully preserved medieval old town, Innsbruck truly earns its title as the “Capital of the Alps.” 

Enjoy a leisurely wander through the traditional heart of the city, where colourful façades, charming alleys, and centuries of Tyrolean folklore create a warm and welcoming ambiance. A highlight of your visit is the impressive Bergisel Ski Jump, an architectural landmark set against the dramatic backdrop of the Nordkette mountains — the very place where the magic of the Winter Olympics once unfolded.

This evening is free at leisure to enjoy Innsbruck by night at your own pace. (B, L) 

Breakfast at our hotel this morning. Today is a free day at leisure to relax and explore this Alpine city at your own pace. This evening we will meet at a local restaurant and sample some local delicacies.  (B, D)

Breakfast at our hotel this morning. After breakfast, we say goodbye to Austria and will be transferred to the train station in Innsbruck for our train journey through the Brenner Pass to Bolzano, Italy, in the Dolomites.  

Our journey from Innsbruck to Bolzano unfolds along one of the most beautiful rail routes in the Alps, a serene and comfortable passage through the legendary Brenner Pass. As the train glides southward, the city’s colourful rooftops give way to sweeping alpine meadows, forested slopes, and the dramatic peaks that define this historic mountain corridor. 

The ascent toward the Brenner Pass is gentle and remarkably scenic, offering uninterrupted views of traditional Tyrolean villages, elegant church spires, and centuries-old farmhouses perched on impossibly green hillsides. The landscape softens into the warm tones of South Tyrol. 

Descending toward Bolzano, the scenery becomes even more captivating: terraced vineyards, orchards, and sun-drenched valleys framed by the first silhouettes of the Dolomites. 

Upon arrival at the Bolzano station, we will be transferred to our hotel: the La Briosa Hotel, which will be our home for the next two nights. After checking in, we will enjoy a delicious welcome to Bolzano lunch. 

After lunch, we meet our guide and begin a leisurely afternoon tour of Bolzano. Our introduction to Bolzano begins with a walking tour through one of northern Italy’s most captivating small cities. 

Stroll through the elegant Piazza Walther, the city’s graceful central square framed by cafés, flower stalls, and the striking Gothic spire of the Cathedral. From here, your guide leads you into Bolzano’s atmospheric medieval arcades, where centuries-old merchant houses now host artisan boutiques, traditional bakeries, and stylish South Tyrolean shops. 

Highlights include the lively Piazza delle Erbe, with its colourful market stalls, and the refined façades of the old trading quarter, once a crossroads for merchants traveling between the Alps and the Mediterranean.  This evening is free to discover Bolzano at your own pace.  (B, L)

We depart from our hotel in Bolzano this morning with our local guide for an unforgettable journey into the very heart of the Dolomites — a day shaped by soaring peaks, dramatic landscapes, and the unmistakable grandeur of the Alps. Our route leads us through the beautiful Cavalese area before ascending toward the majestic Passo Pordoi, where the Dolomites rise in towering formations that feel like nature’s own cathedrals. 

Upon arrival at Passo Pordoi, we pause for a delicious lunch in a scenic mountain setting, surrounded by one of the most spectacular panoramas in Europe. 

After time to enjoy this remarkable mountain world, we continue to Ortisei, one of Val Gardena’s most charming and elegant alpine villages. Here, you may stroll among traditional woodcarving workshops, refined boutiques, and cozy cafés, all framed by green meadows and the glowing limestone walls of the Dolomites. 

A day filled with nature, tranquillity, and inspiration — a true highlight of any journey through northern Italy. (B, L) 

Breakfast at the hotel this morning. Mid-morning, we will check out of our hotel and board our coach. Our first stop is Azienda Agricola Pisoni in Pergolese, nestled between the Brenta Dolomites and Lake Garda.

Here, we will enjoy a guided tour of the winery and cellars, followed by a curated wine tasting featuring their delicious wines and the region’s signature Vino Santo Trentino DOC. Each tasting is paired with local delicacies such as olive oil, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats, offering a true taste of Trentino’s terroir. Conclude your visit with a stop at the winery’s shop, where you can purchase bottles of Reboro, Vino Santo, or other selections to take home.

After our wine tasting, we depart and travel to  Canale di Tenno, a beautifully preserved medieval village nestled in the hills above Lake Garda. With its cobbled alleys, stone archways, and flower-filled balconies, Canale di Tenno feels like a journey back in time. 
Just a short walk leads us to the shimmering Lago di Tenno, renowned for its turquoise waters and pristine natural beauty.

Continue to Riva Del Garda, where we will enjoy 5 nights at the Sole and Panorama Hotel.  Lake View rooms. Dinner is included at our hotel this evening.  (B, L, D) 

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our morning in the heart of Riva del Garda, gathering in the atmospheric Piazza Tre Novembre. This lively square, framed by medieval façades and the elegant Torre Apponale — a 13th-century watchtower once used to survey the lake — offers a graceful introduction to the town’s rich history and lakeside charm. 

From here, we enjoy a gentle stroll through Riva’s historic centre. Highlights include the Rocca di Riva, a 12th-century lakeside fortress reflected in tranquil waters, and the Church of Inviolata, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece admired for its harmonious architecture and serene interior. The pace is relaxed, allowing time to appreciate the beauty and character of this northern Garda gem. 

Following our walking tour, we board the ferry for a scenic cruise across the lake to Malcesine, one of Lake Garda’s most picturesque villages. Upon arrival, we settle into a carefully selected local restaurant for a delicious lunch, showcasing regional flavours and warm Italian hospitality. 

After lunch, we begin our exploration of Malcesine’s enchanting old town, where cobbled lanes wind between pastel-coloured houses, artisan boutiques, and inviting cafés. Our walk leads us to the iconic Castello Scaligero di Malcesine, a medieval fortress built by the powerful della Scala family of Verona. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above the lake, the castle offers unforgettable views and a fascinating glimpse into the region’s storied past. 

We conclude with free time to browse the shops, enjoy a gelato, or simply relax by the water and soak in the lakeside ambiance before boarding the ferry back to Riva del Garda. Dinner at the hotel this evening.  (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to enjoy the beauty of Riva del Garda at your own pace. Take time to wander the lakeside promenade, relax in one of the town’s charming cafés, browse local boutiques, or simply savour the serene mountain-and-lake scenery that makes this corner of Lake Garda so special. 

This evening, the group will meet and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we meet in the lobby and enjoy a short, pleasant walk together to the ferry port. A brief cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Garda brings us to the enchanting village of Limone sul Garda. Nestled between dramatic cliffs and the shimmering lake, Limone is known for its pastel-coloured houses, narrow cobbled streets, and the fragrant lemon groves that have shaped its identity for centuries.

You’ll have free time to explore at your own pace — wander the waterfront, browse small boutiques, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere of this picture-perfect lakeside village.

After we’ve had time to enjoy Limone’s charm, we continue our journey into the mountains, travelling high above the lake to the breathtaking Tremosine sul Garda region. Here, perched on dramatic cliffs with sweeping views over Lake Garda, we gather for a delicious lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant. The combination of regional flavours and panoramic scenery creates a truly memorable dining experience.

Following lunch, we take time to wander through the local village, admire the dramatic viewpoints, and capture photos from this unique vantage point high above the lake. Transfer back to Riva Del Garda for dinner and overnight.  (B, L, D) 

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to enjoy the beauty of Riva del Garda at your own pace. Dinner at the hotel this evening. (B, D)

Breakfast at our hotel this morning.   After breakfast this morning, we will check out of the hotel and say goodbye to Riva Del Garda and Lake Garda.  We will board our coach for the city of Verona.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Verona’s historic centre, a city celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, elegant architecture, and timeless atmosphere. With your local guide, discover the layers of history that have shaped this enchanting destination.

Your exploration will explore such sights as the ancient Roman quarters, where Verona’s past as a thriving imperial city comes to life, and the iconic Ponte Pietra, the graceful stone bridge that has spanned the Adige River since Roman times. Continue to the magnificent Basilica di Sant’Anastasia, Verona’s largest church, admired for its soaring Gothic interior and exquisite frescoes.

As you wander through the city’s historic heart, admire the striking Scaliger Tombs, masterpieces of Gothic funerary art, before arriving at the evocative Piazza dei Signori — often called Dante’s Square — a refined open-air salon framed by elegant palaces. Nearby, the lively Piazza delle Erbe, once the Roman forum and now a vibrant market square, offers a colourful glimpse into daily Veronese life.

For those drawn to literary history, a visit to Juliet’s House and its famous balcony is followed by a stroll along Via Mazzini, Verona’s elegant pedestrian street lined with stylish boutiques and inviting cafés.

Following your morning of discovery, enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking Piazza Bra, with views of the majestic Verona Arena providing a memorable backdrop.

After lunch, your journey continues into the heart of the Valpolicella wine region, where you arrive at the charming Villa Quaranta Wine Resort. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy time at leisure to relax and unwind before dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B, L, D) 

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Villa Quaranta Wine Resort. Take time to unwind in this beautiful Valpolicella setting — stroll through the grounds, enjoy the wellness facilities, or simply savour the tranquillity of the countryside at your own pace.

This evening, we come together for a delicious farewell dinner, a warm and memorable finale to your journey through northern Italy. (B, D)

After breakfast this morning, we say goodbye to Valpolicella and check out of our hotel and are transferred by motorcoach to the Verona Airport for our flight home. (B)