Dolomites Tour Overview
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure awaits on our exclusive small group tour of the magical Dolomites and South Tyrol where cliffside vineyards and romantic castles meet dramatic mountain peaks, glistening lakes, and alpine meadows.
Hugging the border between Italy and Austria, this is a unique and fascinating region of Italy. Whilst the area is famous for its mountains, there is more to the Dolomites and South Tyrol than meets the eye. Together, we discover a tapestry of picturesque small towns and villages, jaw dropping landscapes and the unique culture of the South Tyroleans – a mixture of German precision and Italian Dolce Vita.
Join us on this alpine getaway as we dive into the food, wine and culture of the region, the Untold Italy way. Not only will we take in the spectacular scenery on several easy-moderate hikes, but we’ll also enjoy gourmet restaurants, vineyards, castles, breathtaking churches, and charming towns.
Everyone should see this unique and dramatic northern Italian region at least once in their lives and we promise you’ll leave rejuvenated and in awe of this epic mountainous region. So why not join us on our incredible Dolomites tour?
Dolomites Tour Highlights
Bolzano • Merano • Thermal baths • South Tyrolean Wine Road • Easy mountain hikes • Local cooking class • Alpine Cheese • Lago di Braies • Törggelen feast • Transhumance Festival • Seceda Mountain Peak • Fairytale Castles
Magical! Beautiful! I’m a bit of a dreamer and I just got lost there last night. Lost in this beauty.. Magnificent! I just loved it – view video
We have been to Italy several times, but never like this. It has been a wonderful experience – view video
Aside from every little surprise around every corner, I’ll remember Cosimo and the genuine excitement and pride that come out of him and his storytelling – view video
Dolomites Tour Itinerary
Day One
WELCOME TO SOUTH TYROL
Meet your tour host and group in the capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano for the first day of our fun adventure. We head straight to a traditional South Tyrolean lunch at a restaurant dating back to 1277. Get to know your new friends over a wonderful feast as you enjoy your first taste of South Tyrol’s traditional culinary culture.
This afternoon we meet up with a local guide and explore the charming streets of Bolzano together. Enjoy the unusual and pretty architecture, and take in the local culture with both Austrian and Italian influences as our guide shares tales of the city.
Later, we transfer to nearby Merano. Soak up the gorgeous mountain views and see how many castles you can spot on the drive. We check-in to our gorgeous historic hotel where you have time to relax and use the indoor pool and spa facilities before we meet for an apericena at the hotel and toast a perfect first day.
Day one inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Walking tour of Bolzano
- MEALS: Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Historic alpine hotel with spa near Merano
Day Two
DISCOVER MERANO
After a nourishing breakfast, get your sneakers on because we are off to explore Dorf Tirol and take a beautiful walk to Merano. Enjoy the mix of Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation all set across an incredible panoramic mountainous backdrop. The views are magnificent.
Invigorated after our walk, next it’s off to lunch at a favorite country inn. Our restaurant is perched high above Merano which means there are incredible views to soak in over platters of local speck and mountain cheeses. All washed down with an icy beer or glass of wine.
Day two continued
This afternoon, you have some free time to explore Merano’s Medieval old town or unwind and relax at the city’s famous thermal baths. Enjoy the therapeutic pools and alpine wellness amenities or book in for an optional massage.
We have a special dinner in-store this evening at a classic Tyrolean restaurant. Here we enjoy both Mediterranean and Tyrolean dishes and, of course, delicious homemade desserts – many featuring apples from the orchards surrounding Merano.
Day two inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Dorf Tirol, Tappeiner promenade walk, Thermal baths visit
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine / beer, Dinner with wine / beer
- ACCOMMODATION: Historic alpine hotel with spa near Merano
Day Three
Orchards AND WINE TRAILs
South Tyrol truly seems like it’s straight out of a fairytale and today we show you why. This morning starts with a gorgeous walk through vineyards, orchards, and forests overlooked by charming chapels and castles. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, and let it sink in that you’re really here.
This region makes some of Italy’s best white wines, so of course we have to try them. We venture to one of our favorite local wineries for a tasting and light lunch where you’ll learn about the organic and sustainable practices the winemakers are passionate about.
We have some time to relax back at the hotel before departing for a local restaurant for dinner. Make sure to take advantage of the indoor and outdoor pools and wellness center at our gorgeous hotel.
Day three inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Guided Algunder Waalweg walk, Wine tasting
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Historic alpine hotel with spa near Merano
Day Four
CASTLES AND VINEYARDS
Say goodbye to Merano this morning as we’re bound for the Dolomites! En route, we stop at the extraordinary garden grounds of a castle for a guided tour. Soak up stunning views above Merano and surrounding mountain ranges and explore more than 80 different garden landscapes.
As we cruise along the oldest wine road in Italy, it only makes sense to make a detour and try a drop. Sit down to a wine tasting over a light lunch and reflect on the day’s adventures with your group. Perhaps you’ll fall for deep red Lagrein today? With aromas of wild berries, cocoa, violets and spices, we think we’ll have a few fans.
Day four continued
Totally relaxed from our time in spa town Merano, our next adventure takes us to a dramatic change of scenery. Nestled in the Val Gardena, our next base for the tour is Ortisei – a charming alpine town found at the foothills of the incredible Dolomite mountains.
Before dinner you have time to relax at the hotel or make use of their wellness facilities – a spa or massage is always a good idea. Tonight we are off for an extra special dinner by candlelight.
Day four inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Trauttmansdorff Castle visit, Wine tasting
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Boutique alpine chalet hotel
Day Five
EXPLORE ALPE DI SIUSI
Today’s the day you’ve been dreaming of – we are hiking in the Dolomites! Don your best walking shoes and embark on a casual guided hike on the Alpe di Siusi. We visit authentic mountain huts along the way and have plenty of time for photo stops.
All that walking calls for a feast, so there’s no better time to head to a local alpine cheese farm. We tour the farm before donning an apron for a local cooking class where we learn about edible flowers and the best mountain herbs before sitting down to enjoy our creations.
Day five continued
As we make our way back to Ortisei, prepare to travel in style. Snuggle into your horse drawn carriage as we trot across the alpine pathways and enjoy the stunning views.
This afternoon we head into town and wander the quaint cobblestone streets dotted with wooden chalets, and discover its centuries-old woodcarving tradition at a local artisan’s studio.
Relax back at our hotel before we head out into a local restaurant in town together. Nibble on the region’s favorite cured meat ‘speck’ or why not try some ragu made with deer.
Day five inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Guided hike, Cooking class, Cheese farm, carriage ride and Artisan visit
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Boutique alpine chalet hotel
Day Six
DOLOMITES PEAKS AND Almabtrieb Festival
Are you ready for an unforgettable day? We depart early for one of the famous Dolomites viewpoints (weather permitting of course). Boasting dramatic limestone peaks surrounded by fields and mountain trails, it’s one of the most spectacular sights in the Dolomites.
Awed beyond belief, it’s onwards to a nearby village to experience an incredible local festival. The whole town gets into the spirit to celebrate the ancient practice of bringing cows and sheep down from the mountain pastures in the Fall. This ritual, laden with generations of wisdom, reflects the deep connection between the land, its people, and their animals.
Day six continued
The entire village gets into the spirit with a parade, cows decorated with bells and flowers, local food stands and of course everyone is decked out in traditional costume.
After a spectacular day in the Dolomites, head back to our hotel in Ortisei where you have time for a swim, massage, long hot shower, or simply time to read a book. We have a casual dinner at the hotel this evening.
Day six inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Dolomites peak viewpoint, Local festival
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- ACCOMMODATION: Boutique alpine chalet hotel
Day Seven
LAGO DI BRAIES AND A LOCAL FEAST
Today we visit perhaps the most photographed place in the Dolomites – the famous Lago di Braies. We set out early to make the most of this incredible natural lake known for its clear, turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Enjoy some free time here to walk the circuit trail around the lake, rent a vintage rowboat or simply relax on the shoreside and enjoy the views.
Lunch is at a gorgeous local bistrot where you can continue to admire the view of the Lago di Braies as we nibble on tasty panini and cake with a glass of wine in hand.
Day seven continued
In the afternoon, we make a stop at a historic monastery and the home of one of the world’s oldest operating wineries. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Abbey before we sample some of their wines.
There is something very special in store for our final dinner. Together we sit down to enjoy a traditional Törggelen feast in celebration of the harvest’s new wine and our new friendships. Held in a rural tavern, we sit at a communal dining table and munch on roasted chestnuts, dumplings, sausages, and plenty of wine.
Day seven inclusions
- Activities: Lago di Braies visit, Monastery visit with wine tasting and Törggelen feast
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with wine, Dinner with wine
- Accommodation: Boutique alpine chalet hotel
Day Eight
A fairytale castle & fond farewells
With hearts full, pack your bags and bid farewell to our mountain home this morning after a leisurely breakfast. Our final day is upon us but not without one last adventure.
As we make our way back to Bolzano, we stop for a guided tour at a fairytale castle built around 1130. Gaze out over the sweeping views over the entire Adige Valley, Bolzano and idyllic vineyards.
One of the most famous residences and most important fortifications in South Tyrol, we enjoy a guided tour of the castle and its unique Romanesque chapel. Inside the chapel, we discover incredible 13th century frescoes depicting hunting scenes and our favorite – the famous ‘dumpling’ eater.
Day eight continued
All good things must come to an end, but not before a final meal together. We head to the castle’s Medieval tavern after our tour and share some of the region’s most delicious dishes together from canederli to cotoletta and of course one last slice of apple strudel.
Finally, we make the journey back to Bolzano where our tour wraps up. Leave dreaming of South Tyrol and the Dolomites for many years to come.
Day eight inclusions
- ACTIVITIES: Castle visit
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch with wine
Dolomites Tour Inclusions
We have strived to make our tour of the Dolomites and South Tyrol as all inclusive as possible with no hidden surprises. Included in your tour are:
- 3 nights in a boutique family run alpine hotel near Merano and 4 nights in a modern chalet style hotel in Ortisei
- Unique experiences: 3 guided walking tours / easy hikes, 3 winery visits, alpine cooking class, Merano, Dorf Tirol, Trauttmansdorf castle, Lago di Braies, Seceda Peak, Alpe di Siusi, Transhumance festival, Monastery and castle visits, Törggelen feast
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners as specified in the itinerary, Wine and bottled water are included with most meals other than breakfast
- Luxury air-conditioned transportation and all lift passes
- Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides
Dolomites Tour FAQ
Accommodation on Tour
Traditional meets Modern Alpine Accommodation
We have chosen two beautiful 4 star properties for your alpine escape in the Dolomites and South Tyrol. Both hotels have wellness facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and more.
Meet Your Tour Host
Olivia is an Australian woman living in Rome, with a passion for the land of la dolce vita, cooking and wine. Her super powers include finding the most charming villages and delectable cheeses.
Olivia is your local host that ensures your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
Arrivals and Departures
The tour begins at Bolzano train station at 12 noon where we meet together before our welcome lunch. Our activities conclude back at Bolzano train station at approximately 2.30pm on our final day.
Bolzano is well served by direct train connections from Rome, Florence and Bologna. If traveling from Milan or Venice there is a simple change in Verona. It is also possible to reach Bolzano from Munich in Germany in around 4 hours by train and Innsbruck in Austria in around 2 hours.
Upcoming Tour Dates
- 2024 – September 30 – October 7 – book now
- 2025 – Sepember 29 – October 6 – book now
- Exclusive tours available on request for groups of 6-10 – inquire
Booking information
- Price from $US 8,690 per person based on double or twin share accommodation
- A supplement applies for solo travelers wanting a private room
- 30% deposit required to reserve your spot
- Cancel for a full refund up to 120 days before departure
- Read complete terms and conditions
Essential Trip Information and Disclaimer
This trip includes moderate walking of up to 8 kilometers / 5 miles per day. Some short sections of the terrain can be steep and rocky and are not suitable for those with mobility issues. Please contact us at info@untolditalytours.com prior to booking this tour if you would like more information or to discuss if this trip is suitable for you.
Our itinerary has contingencies for all weather and we will adjust our plans as best we can so you can experience all of the incredible natural beauty of the Dolomites and South Tyrol should there be significant rain and / or cloud cover.
Discover the Dolomites and South Tyrol
Italy’s northern alpine region remains somewhat of a mystery to English speaking travelers. Beloved by Europeans, the Dolomites and South Tyrol is an area of outstanding natural beauty and unique culture, waiting to be explored.
