The Italian Dolomites

ITINERARY

Saturday - Very early morning departure from Dorset for channel crossing to Calais and on through France to overnight stop at Novotel Metz Amneville with dinner and breakfast.

Sunday - Follow the mighty River Rhine south and cross into Switzerland passing Lake Zurich and crossing the Alps into Italy. Arriving Fondo with a welcome drink while the bags are portered. Dinner and free bar that evening.

Monday - At your leisure to explore the pretty village of Fondo - it has two beautiful churches and a historical centre with houses bearing original 16th century frescos. You can walk along the 50 metre deep gorge "The Rio Sas" which contains swirling river and waterfalls and leads you to the idyllic Lake Smeraldo. Maybe enjoy the hotels superb leisure facilities and excellent hospitality.

Tuesday - Touring the Brenta Dolomites. Distinct from the classic Dolomites, the Brenta's to the west are more remote and sharper with more dramatic spires often featuring red hued sandstone rather than grey. We shall drive past a well kept secret - the blue-green waters of Lake Molveno hidden in the mountain forests. Arrive at Riva on Lake Garda with its harbour and maze of narrow streets. After time for lunch resume through a series of tunnels alongside The Sarca River and Lake - through Tirone and Pinzolo - stop at Madonna di Campiglio from where there are spectacular views of the Brenta range. Return to Fondo via the verdant and lush Val di Noce.

Wednesday - Visit two unmissable cities today. The beautiful city of Merano is a must see - known as The Pearl of Tyrol. Enjoy strolling the town's vibrant centre with its beautiful architecture, perhaps take a chair lift to enjoy the best views, or visit the botanic gardens. This afternoon we shall drive through the Adige Valley "wine-route" with its many vineyards to Bolzano. An unusual fusion of central European and Mediterranean influences - take time to admire the medieval old town and gothic cathedral

Thursday - Classic Dolomites today - Less sharp and more domed in shape being formed from mainly granite. We tour through spectacular mountain scenery on a route full of hairpin bends and cliff hangers. From Ora ascend the lovely Val di Fassa, before taking in the stunning views from the Passa Pordoi - a cable car rises to 3000 metres. Turning back through the delightful Val Gardena - the most famous of the Dolomite valleys with such attractive towns as Selva, Santa Christina and Ortisei, famous for woodwork, crafts and artists.

Friday - We shall bid our attentive hosts a fond farewell and head northwards back to Novotel Metz Amneville for overnight stay with dinner and breakfast.

Saturday - Across France to join afternoon channel crossing to Dover and so return to Dorset that night.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner