Verona, Lake Garda, Venice & Highlights of the Dolomites

Day 1  Verona        
Arrive into the beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage listed city and settle into your central hotel. For those keen and ready to see it all, a visit to the impressive Roman amphitheatre, dating back to the 1^st Century, is a must on any trip to Verona. For those wishing for a more leisurely start, a stroll around the charming, cobbled streets with its array of shops and restaurants is a perfect start to the trip.        

Day 2  Verona        
Start today with a scenic stroll over the grand Ponte Pietro, under which the Adige River flows, before climbing up to the medieval fortress of Castel San Pietro, offering unparalleled views over the rooftops of Verona from its terraces. Reward yourself with an authentic pizza at Piazza delle Erbe, the city’s bustling market square, where you can find a multitude of inviting cafes and restaurants. Afterwards, perhaps pick up a few souvenirs from the artisan market stalls.        

Day 3  Verona to Lake Garda      
Arrive into Lake Garda after a scenic train journey through Italy’s lake region. While staying in Lake Garda, try out a wide variety of seasonal outdoor activities including hiking, cycling and kayaking - all terrific ways to make the most of the dazzling scenery.

Day 4  Lake Garda        
If you’ve had your fill of the sporting activities, make the most of the historic charms of the ancient villages surrounding the lake. Perhaps, visit the village of Sirmione, which is renowned for its magnificent and imposing Scaligero Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Italy. Continue onto enchanting Limone sul Garda, recognised for its centuries-old, terraced lemon houses, carved out of rocky mountain slopes. If seeking the best views of Lake Garda, why not ride the phenomenal Malcesine Monte Baldo Cable Car, transporting you above the beautiful valley below and delivering you to a stunning mountaintop, where you can enjoy a walk followed by picnic with a view?        

Day 5  Lake Garda to Venice        
Board your high-speed train to Venice, passing beautiful scenery before arriving to your centrally located hotel. Get acquainted with this romantic city, perhaps indulge in some fresh Italian gelato whilst soaking up the atmosphere around Rialto Market and even stay on till the evening to see the iconic Rialto Bridge at sunset.  

Day 6  Venice        
Take a full day to explore this mesmerising and intricate city with beautiful views around every corner. Visit St Mark’s Square, home to the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the grand Palazzo Ducale. Experience the beauty of Venice from the water as you cruise along on your Grand Canal Boat Tour, exploring the majestic waterways framed by towering Venetian Palaces.

Day 7  Venice to Campitello      
Make your way to Venice airport where you can then make use of Exodus’ transfer to the charming village of Campitello, the beginning of your exciting guided group walking tour. The gateway to Italy’s mesmerising Dolomite region, this pretty village is a perfect starting point due to array of nearby hiking trails. Later in the day meet your tour leader and fellow travellers where the varying routes will be discussed.  

Day 8  Rifugio Sasso Piatto        
Today’s walk will start with a cable car ride to Col Rodella to walk the southern flank of Sassolungo/Sasso Piatto to Rifugio Sasso Piatto.

Day 9  Catinaccio Range      
Start your day in the pretty mountain village of Vigo di Fassa and take the cable car to the Ciampede Refuge at 2,000m. A moderate level walk will take you northwest to Gardeccia then up Val di Vaiolet to Rifugio Principe for lunch. Enjoy the stunning views before descending to Pera.  

Day 10  Alba        
Take a short bus journey to Alba where you can choose between a moderate or more challenging walk. The moderate walk will travel east along the Viel dal Pan with spectacular views of Marmolada, whereas the challenging route will traverse the higher level of Piz Boe.  

Day 11  Campitello        
Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Campitello by foot or bike. Rest your legs and take in the views or revisit a favourite spot and absorb more of the wonderful vistas. Alternatively, enjoy one of the optional local activities, including a tour to see the remains of Oetzi, the ‘Ice-Man’, in Bolzano.        

Day 12  Piz Boe Mountain      
Travel by bus to Pozza for a gondola ride to Buffaure. Make your way to Col Valvacin to journey up the minor peak to Forca Neigra, after lunch descend via Val di Contrin to Alba for a bus back to Campitello.    

Day 13  Catinaccio Range        
There will be two options available again today. For a more moderate walking day venture to the Catinaccio Range, walking over high passes along high-level footpaths. Take a bus journey over Passo Costalonga and once at the top, walk on the western side of the massif making your way east, finishing following the route to Ciampedie for a cable car descent.

Day 14  Campitello        
The trip ends after breakfast, say goodbye to your fellow travellers and transfer back to Venice airport in time for your onward flight.