Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to the Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites – Christmas in a Winter Wonderland!
-
Riva del Garda, Italy
-
Apponale Tower in Riva del Garda ©APT Garda Dolomiti SpA
Enjoy a Winter Wonderland in the Italian Dolomites!
The Dolomites are in one of the most northern regions of Italy, Trentino-Alto-Adige, or – more simply – South Tyrol. During the winter, snow often caps the region’s dramatic mountain scenery. There’s a cosy atmosphere in all the cafes, many of which put out blankets for patrons.
Read moreThe Dolomites; The wonders of the Austro-Italian landscape
The area is a fusion of Italian and Austrian influences and is bilingual. Therefore, you get the best of both worlds! There’s a Mediterranean vibe and excellent cuisine, as well as the hearty Austrian influences. After visiting the 5,300 year old iceman Ötzi in Bolzano’s Museum of Archaeology, snuggle up in a cosy cafe and indulge in rich, thick hot chocolate.
While each is unique, the little towns, dotted through amidst the Dolomites have the appearance of oil paintings. Pristine streets of colourful buildings and cobblestones are punctuated with clock towers and statues of local importance. During the winter, these villages are often sprinkled with snow and take on a magical quality. Life in South Tyrol moves slowly, and enjoying coffee and cake while watching the world go by is a staple of local life. If it’s a bit chilly out, this offers the perfect chance to try the local treats while warming up between exploring.
Far more than just a ski-destination, the Dolomites have plenty to offer. Astounding scenery, charming villages and warm hospitality make this an ideal destination for your next group tour.
Dates
December 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1-2
Depart the UK
We take the ferry to Calais and then proceed southwards towards the Reims area for an overnight stay. Continue next day into Germany for a second overnight stop in southern Germany.
Day 3
Welcome to the Dolomites
Journey south, into Austria. Perhaps enjoy a couple of hours free time in Innsbruck and then continue to Italy and your hotel.
Day 4
Christmas Eve
Enjoy a slightly later start today before heading to the nearby town of Merano, which is a lovely fusion of Italian and Austrian styles. The pretty spa town enjoys a sunny micro-climate and leafy boulevards. Potter along the little streets of the quaint historical centre, enjoying festivities on show at all the local shops. Tonight, after enjoying your 3 course evening meal, take this opportunity to rejoice in the festive activities by joining the hotel staff on a walk by torchlight through Fondo to the local church for an evening mass. After the service, enjoy some mulled wine and biscuits with the rest of the congregation.
Day 5
Christmas Day
Today, spend your Christmas day like no other. After waking up to your full buffet breakfast, take some time share this joyous morning with your friends and family on this trip. Then you will be treated to a 4-course gala turkey lunch as you celebrate the pinnacle of the holiday season. In the evening, a hot and cold buffet will be on offer for those who aren’t already stuffed from lunch. In the evening, the celebrations are just beginning with some live music in the bar, dance your socks off to some Christmas classics.
Day 6
At Leisure
Spend boxing day at leisure relaxing in resort. Perhaps explore the local area, take a boxing day stroll along Lake Smeraldo, or enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
Day 7
Glorious Lake Garda
Admire beautiful scenery and magnificent views across one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes. After a lakeside drive, stop in the main resort of Riva del Garda for some free time. Riva is dominated by a rocky escarpment and the picturesque old town is a maze of narrow shopping streets. Return via Arco and the Valley of Ledro, with a breathtaking lake nestled between the mountains and where you can still see remains of Bronze Age dwellings. This town is beautiful throughout the year and it wonderful to explore.
Day 8-9
Depart the Dolomites
Retrace the outbound journey into Austria and Germany, stopping in Metz for an overnight stop before continuing next day to Calais for the ferry crossing to the UK and journey home.
Suggested Hotels
Hotel Lady Maria, Fondo ***
The Hotel Lady Maria is situated in the centre of Fondo and has great transport links around town and to the Passo della Mendola ski area 3.7 miles away. The Trentino-style rooms have wood floors and warm colour schemes. Some have wood-beamed ceilings, and all come with a TV and private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries. Some have a balcony. The restaurant/bar serves regional dishes and there is a lovely spa with an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, Turkish baths and a gym (supplement applies)
Hotel Panorama, Malosco ***
The Hotel Panorama is set in the centre of Malosco, near to the ski areas of Monte Nock and Monte Roen. The rooms come with free Wi-Fi and a TV and the ensuite bathrooms contain free toiletries. There is a traditional restaurant and bar as well as a spa which offers massage and beauty treatments, as well as an indoor pool, a fitness room, hot tubs and a sauna.
You may also be interested in:
| 9 day / 8 nights | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | Price on request | Price on request |
