Little Trains of the Dolomites

19 May & 22 September 2023

9 days from £1,625pp

Witness the staggering beauty of the Dolomites as you journey along hidden mountain railways and explore the dazzling lakes of Northern Italy. Traverse the Brenner Pass, ride one of the steepest funiculars in Europe and enjoy an unforgettable cruise across Lake Garda.

Relax on board the Castles Train journey
Travel in style on the Medola Mountain Railway
Step aboard the Renon Narrow Gauge Mountain Railway
Relaxing boat trip on Lake Garda
Visit the exquisite Bolzano, Riva Del Garda, Limone and Trento
Enjoy a wine tasting in Mezzocorona

Journey along hidden mountain railways and wander among the shores of the sparkling lakes as we explore the highs and lows of northern Italy on this exciting holiday by rail. Staying on the shores of Lake Molveno, we’re located in the perfect place to enjoy quiet days by the water, whilst our included excursions will provide some unforgettable moments. The first takes you up to the Mendola Mountain ridge as we travel along one of the steepest funicular railways in Europe. You can marvel at the dazzling Dolomites as we climb the Renon Mountain, using a combination of modern cable cars and a historic narrow gauge railway. We also enjoy a boat trip in Riva del Garda, surrounded by soaring mountains - it’s a magnificent sight, and one we can promise you will never forget.

Day 1: London – Munich
We journey by Eurostar from London to Paris and continue to Munich in southern Germany, where we check in at our overnight hotel.
Day 2: Munich – Brenner Pass – Lake Molveno
Today we leave Munich and cross the German Austrian Border at Kufstein before travelling through the Austrian Tirol to Innsbruck. From Innsbruck this scenic journey climbs the Brenner Pass over the Alps to around 3,000 feet, before descending to the South Tirol of Italy; taking in more stunning views before disembarking at Trento. After a short transfer to your hotel, there’s time to settle in and explore Lake Molveno before your evening meal.
Day 3: Bolzano & Renon Narrow Gauge Mountain Railway
Our excursion today starts with a guided tour of Bolzano followed by a cable car ride from Bolzano to the village of Soprabolzano, which nestles on a high plateau on the Renon Mountain. The scenery here is amazing, with undulating meadows, woods and superb views of the Dolomites. Next we join the Renon Railway to Collalbo. This little train is over 100 years old, but still elegantly carries passengers across the plateau. On our return to Bolzano, you have free time to explore the historic centre; influenced by Italian, Austrian and German culture.
Day 4: Riva del Garda & Limone
This morning our excursion takes us to Riva Del Garda, a bustling town located at the Northern side of Lake Garda with a backdrop of lake, valley and mountains rising either side. You can take a stroll at leisure along its atmospheric network of winding streets, visit the historic centre or relax in the waterfront squares. We include a boat trip across the lake to Limone so you can sit back, relax and take in the view. There’s free time in Limone before we return to the hotel.
Day 5: The Castle Train
Sit back and relax as we join the ‘Castles Train’ for a journey on line ‘700’ between Mezzolombardo and Caldes with spectacular views of the Dolomites and castles along the way. On arrival in Caldes we enjoy an included guided tour of the castle before travelling by coach to the village of Cles where we include a visit to the Assessorile Palace before heading back to our hotel in Molveno.
Day 6: Mendola Mountain Funicular
We first make a stop at Madonna di Campiglio, an elegant town that nestles at an altitude of 1,550 metres between the Brenta Dolomites and the glaciers of Adamello and Presanella. We then venture into the South Tirol of the Dolomites for a return journey on the Mendola Funicular Railway. This is one of the longest and steepest railways of its kind throughout Europe, and offers spectacular views as it climbs 1,363 metres up to the Mendola Pass. After our trip you have some free time in Caldaro. Highlights include the market square and the lake, which is believed to be the warmest in the Alps. We then take the coach to Mezzocorona where we enjoy a guided visit and wine tasting before returning to our hotel.
Day 7: Trento
Today, we travel to Trento where we have a walking tour before visiting the symbol of the city Buonconsiglio Castle, parts dating back to the 13th century and is the splendid residence of the Prince Bishops. Today, the castle is also a museum of arts, monuments and collections.
Day 8: Lake Molveno
Enjoy a day at leisure in historic Molveno, the second largest lake in the area. You will be surrounded by a picturesque mountain village on the northern shores of the crystal-clear waters.
Day 9: Molveno - London by air
Those travelling by air are transferred to Verona airport for the return flight to London.

TRAVEL

Eurostar from London to Paris
TGV from Paris to Munich
Connecting rail journeys including a scenic journey to Trento via the Brenner Pass
Flight from Verona to London

ACCOMMODATION & FOOD

1 nights’ bed and breakfast in Munich
7 nights’ half board accommodation in Molveno

SERVICES

Services of our experienced Tour Manager

VISITS

Free time in Molveno, to explore at your leisure
Guided tour of Bolzano

Travel by Eurostar

Step aboard Eurostar at London St Pancras for a fast and comfortable journey to mainland Europe. You can even upgrade your reserved seat to Standard Premier – speak to our Holiday Advisors for more information. On arrival in Paris, Lille or Brussels, you will then join connecting services for your onward journey.

For those travelling from further afield, you can also book overnight accommodation in London, before and after your holiday. Speak to our Holiday Advisors for more information.

Your Accommodation

Maritim Hotel, Munich or similar

★★★

The Maritim Munich hotel is in the centre of Munich, the hotels is in the inner courtyard which is peaceful and quiet. The indoor swimming pool offers panoramic rooftop views of Munich. The Wintergarten restaurant offers a great choice of specialities à la carte or choose from the exquisite menu. Relax with a cold beer in the beer garden or sample a whisky or cocktail in the Piano bar.

Room Facilities & Amenities

En Suite bathroom
Free Wi-Fi
Large flat screen television
Minibar
Air conditioning
Hairdryer

Hotel Miralago, Molveno

★★★

The 3 star Hotel Miralago Molveno lies on the shores of Lake Molveno. The hotel is in the centre of Molveno and just a 4 minute walk to the beach. Here you can enjoy use of the free spa facilities which include two Turkish baths, sauna, hot tub and outdoor heated swimming pool. The restaurant serves international and local cuisine with panoramic views of the lake.

Room Facilities & Amenities

En Suite bathroom
Flat screen television with sky channels
Free Wi-Fi
Hair dryer
Telephone
Safe

Hotel Dock Milano, Turin

★★★

The three star Hotel Dock Milano is ideally located close to Turin’s Porta Susa train station. It’s elegant, modern, en-suite guest rooms have soundproofed windows, air-conditioning, LCD TV, a safe and minibar. The hotel’s restaurant serves an extensive buffet breakfast.