Our travel recommendations for a unique summer trip to the Dolomites and Lake Garda
Two weeks in an unspoiled setting of exceptional beauty for a mental and physical getaway.
The Dolomites, a set of mountain ranges in the Eastern Alps of Italy and UNESCO World Heritage Site, must be mentioned among Italy's most prominent peaks, included in the Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino Alto Adige, and Veneto regions. At 3348 meters, Marmolada stands as the highest point, also home to the largest glacier in this mountain range.
South Tyrol, and especially the stunning Val Gardena with Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva di Valgardena, Castelrotto, Val Badia, and Alpe di Siusi, is undoubtedly one of our favorite places to visit. You will experience the traditions, the breathtaking sceneries, and the culture of Alto Adige, a little slice of heaven in the North of Italy.
Our top destinations in detail:
• Ortisei
The most densely populated and main town in Val Gardena. Bordered on the north by Funes, on the east by Santa Cristina Valgardena, on the south by the hamlet of Oltretorrente (Überwasser) in the municipality of Castelrotto and on the west by Laion. Ortisei became well-known for its artistic wood carvings, which have been created here for years by families of experienced carvers.
• Mount Seceda
One of Val Gardena's symbols, because of its singular and overwhelming beauty. There are a number of walking trails and cable car routes that lead from Ortisei or Santa Cristina/Selva di Val Gardena to the Seceda. The view from the cable car is amazing. After a few minutes of fast-paced journey, you arrive at the granite walls of Seceda and, after the ride is over, you reach a panoramic terrace overlooking the Odles, limestone poles peaks rising in the sky of South Tyrol.
• Mont Seuc – Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi is reachable from Ortisei and, more specifically, from Mont Seuc. From Ortisei, you will reach Castelrotto to take the typical oval red cable cars which will depart from Mont Seuc. Breathtaking views on the Sciliar and Passo Sella once you reach the top.
• The Sciliar, the gateway to the Dolomites
A natural paradise and symbol of South Tyrol. The Sciliar, with its two mighty peaks Santner and Euringer, looks over Castelrotto, Fiè allo Sciliar and Siusi. The surrounds of the Sciliar-Catinaccio Natural Park are the most spectacular and ravishing, but also the most mythological in all of South Tyrol and the Dolomites; the Sciliar Witches are in fact the subject of several legends. Those interested in knowing more about the witches and their stories might take one of the many excursions around the Sciliar. A must-see place for all mountain enthusiasts who like to delve into the local mysterious folklore.
• From Ortisei to Selva through Santa Cristina
The Train Path is a wonderful alternative way to visit the entire Val Gardena from Ortisei to Selva, passing through Santa Cristina. It is a light urban path that retraces the historic Chiusa-Plan railway, which was built during World War I to carry munitions to the front lines.
Other must-visits if you would like to fully immerse in these wonderful and unique locations: the city of Vipiteno, the Stelvio National Park, Val Venosta and Curon, Brunico, San Candido, Dobbiaco, Lake Braies, Karersee (Lake Carezza), the cities of Merano, Bolzano and Cortina D’Ampezzo.
After a week or more (depending on your trip planning) spent exploring a part of South Tyrol, it is worth moving down to Trentino to discover another area of enchanting beauty that will leave you equally amazed. The area of Lake Garda in Trentino offers a myriad of possibilities for nature lovers in unspoilt places.
Top recommended activities: windsurfing, sailing, canoeing on the lake, rafting on Adige River, excursions by bike along the cycle paths and hiking on trails with amazing lake views.
Lake Garda is Italy's largest and most important lake, covering 370 square kilometers and measuring 350 meters deep. It narrows to a funnel to the north and widens to the south; its thirty-kilometer shoreline to the north is in the province of Trento and overlooks the towns of Nago-Torbole, Riva del Garda, and Arco. The Mediterranean climate of the lake, which only on this side is ideally blended with the mountain scenery and atmosphere, makes the Trentino area for many the most attractive and suggestive thanks to the clear landscape contrast between mountains and greenery. Here you are surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters high, but on the lakeshore, olive trees and lemons flourish.
To start planning your trip in the Dolomites and Lake Garda, do not hesitate to contact us by filling in the form in the Contact Section or write an email at info@zestitalytours.com
