Lake Garda & the Brenta Dolomites – Escorted
Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites are areas of outstanding natural beauty – a vast mountain-ringed azure lake fringed by delightful historic and picturesque villages and, just two hours to the north, a spectacular range of daunting rock pinnacles that tower above upland meadows and pine forests. This is a trip in a dramatic mountain region, which visits two diverse but equally lovely regions.
Our first base at San Verolo, which lies a few kilometres from Lake Garda on the edge of the Valpolicella wine producing region, allows us to explore the lovely countryside and impressive ridges that encircle the lake, as well as some of the small settlements on its shore and, by boat excursion, the exclusive ‘Isola del Garda’. From the mountain resort of Madonna di Campiglio we then explore both the granite Adamello range to the west and the limestone Brenta Dolomite range to its east, to experience their dramatic and unique landscapes and flora. The trip offers you an excellent opportunity to extend your visit to Italy independently in the gracious and delightful city of Verona.
Duration: 8 days
Trip dates:
27 Jun - 04 Jul 2026
Itinerary
After arrival at Verona airport we travel by road (30 mins) to the hills to the east of Lake Garda where we stay in a wine-growing area for three nights.
The largest lake in Italy, Garda is nearly 52km long and nearly 17km wide, with an average depth of136m (maximum depth 346m!). It is surrounded by a number of charming medieval towns and villages and has numerous small islands, the largest being Isola del Garda.
Converted farmhouse dating back to 1700 with pool and gardens
We walk following paths through olive groves and vineyards, and past prehistoric rock carvings, down to the Lake and town of Garda (5 hours).
Garda sits in a stunning bay surrounded by hills with an historic old town and charming lakeside promenade.
Converted farmhouse dating back to 1700 with pool and gardens
We drive (35 mins) up into Lake Garda's eastern mountain range, which is popularly known as Europe’s botanical garden. We walk through meadows and mixed woods before ascending to the top of a ridge dotted with vestiges from World War I. We continue along the top of the ridge enjoying magnificent views of the lake and the Adige Valley before beginning our descent back down to the starting point of the walk (4 hours). We return to the hotel by road and enjoy a late afternoon wine tasting in the nearby Valpolicella region.
San Verolo is a tranquil village situated in the Veneto region of northern Italy, near Lake Garda. The area is renowned for its scenic beauty and historic architecture. The notable establishment in San Verolo is the Locanda San Verolo Boutique Hotel. San Verolo offers a serene environment, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.
Converted farmhouse dating back to 1700 with pool and gardens
A charter boat trip across Lake Garda brings us to the ‘Isola del Garda’ (also known as Isola Borghese) with its Venetian/neo-Gothic 19th century villa and extensive Italianate and English gardens. After a private tour of the villa and opportunity to explore the park and gardens, we return to the lake shore by boat. We then drive (2.5 hours) through fertile hill valleys to the Brenta Dolomites. Our mountain-style hotel, situated near Madonna di Campiglio, has unrivalled views of the Brenta range, an indoor pool and spa and excellent restaurant.
The island of Isola del Garda has probably been inhabited since Roman times, when archaeological evidence suggests that it was perhaps used as a burial site. After having been abandoned following the decline of the Roman Empire, the island is believed to have served for a long time as a hideout for pirates who preyed on the shipping on Lake Garda. A Franciscan monastery was constructed on the island in the 15th century and later abandoned in 1795.
Mountain-style hotel with views, indoor pool and excellent restaurant
From Madonna di Campiglio, we ascend via well-made paths and pastures to the granite Presanella, renowned for its lakes, great variety of flowers and excellent views of the Brenta (3.5 or 6 hours).
A ski resort in winter, this alpine town is the starting point for a number of spectacular routes into the mountains. The pedestrian friendly town centre is adorned with elegant boutiques, gourmet restaurants and lively après-ski venues, reflecting its aristocratic heritage. In summer, the region transforms into a haven for hiking, mountain biking and exploring glacial lakes within the Adamello Brenta Nature Park.
Mountain-style hotel with views, indoor pool and excellent restaurant
From Campo Carlo Magno we ascend in a cable car to the Grostè Pass at 2,442m. After time to enjoy the magnificent views, keen walkers descend from here to an intermediate station (1 hour), while the others arrive via the cable car. From here we walk through flower-filled meadows beneath the peaks of the Brenta, before descending through woods and past picturesque waterfalls to the valley and our hotel (3.5, 5 or 7 hours).
Campo Carlo Magno is a scenic mountain pass located at 1,682 metres in the Italian Alps near Madonna di Campiglio. Surrounded by the Brenta Dolomites and Adamello-Presanella ranges, it offers stunning views and year round outdoor activities. In winter, it’s a hub for skiing and cross-country trails, while summer attracts hikers, golfers and cyclists. Rich in history and natural beauty, the pass is named after Charlemagne and serves as a gateway to Trentino’s alpine adventures.
Mountain-style hotel with views, indoor pool and excellent restaurant
We drive (15 mins), then walk up in to the Brenta following well-made paths. The ascent to the first refuge (bar), through woods, takes 1 hour 15 mins. From here we continue through mountain meadows, with extensive views, to a second refuge (restaurant and bar), set in spectacular scenery with peaks, pinnacles and a glacier. We descend to the valley (5.5 or 7 hours). Optional walk back to hotel via magnificent Cascate di Mezzo waterfall. NB. There are no cable car options for this walk.
Cascate di Mezzo is a stunning waterfall located in the Vallesinella valley near Madonna di Campiglio in northern Italy. Fed by glacial waters from the Brenta Dolomites, it cascades 120 metres in multiple tiers through lush alpine forest. Easily accessible via well-marked hiking trails, the falls offer breathtaking views and a peaceful natural setting.
Mountain-style hotel with views, indoor pool and excellent restaurant
We return to Verona airport by road (2.5 hours). OR... Extend your stay in Verona and enjoy opera in the magnificent Roman amphitheatre. Verona airport is a short taxi ride from the city.
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Moderate to challenging walking. This is an 8 day trip, with walks offered on 5 days. The length of each day varies from 3.5 hours to a maximum of 7 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. Long days are compensated for by shorter days.
It is important to note that this is a trip in the mountains! Monte Baldo rises to over 2000m. Madonna di Campiglio is situated at 1550m with dramatic mountain backdrops. The highest level at which we walk is over 2000m. This isn’t high enough to be affected significantly by the altitude, although a few people may notice that the air is a little thinner than at home. Several of the walks involve walking which is occasionally steep or sustained. Most days the uphill climb can optionally be avoided by using ski lifts (although not on Day 7). Some of the walks also feature sustained, occasionally steep descents, which can be tiring on the knees. Some of these may also be avoided by using lifts. A reasonable degree of fitness and strength is however required due to the nature of the terrain and the length of some walks.
Paths may be rocky and uneven even when they are well maintained. Occasionally paths may be wet, slippery or snowy. On our highest walks, following well used paths we may cross scree slopes. Although less frequent by July, we may also pass above the snow line in places. Trekking poles are recommended for walkers of all ages to help reduce strain on the knees and to aid balance. Please also make sure that your footwear provides sufficient foot and ankle support/protection.
The pace is fairly gentle, and we can expect to pause frequently. However, the mountain weather can be cool even at this time of the year, so the group does tend to keep moving; an after-lunch ‘siesta’ may not always be possible.
Due to the mountainous nature of this trip, access to a vehicle at lunchtime is sometimes not possible. The Tour Leader and Manager normally carry the picnic lunches up the mountain on these days. A packed lunch may be provided on Day 5. Some of our mountain walks are inevitably weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Some sections of path may run along or above steep hillsides and short sections of path might therefore be uncomfortable for those suffering from a strong fear of heights. All the paths are safe, well-used by walkers, and do not present a problem to those who have no, or only a slight fear of heights.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Walking & Terrain
Moderate to challenging walking. This is an 8 day trip, with walks offered on 5 days. The length of each day varies from 3.5 hours to a maximum of 7 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. Long days are compensated for by shorter days.
It is important to note that this is a trip in the mountains! Monte Baldo rises to over 2000m. Madonna di Campiglio is situated at 1550m with dramatic mountain backdrops. The highest level at which we walk is over 2000m. This isn’t high enough to be affected significantly by the altitude, although a few people may notice that the air is a little thinner than at home. Several of the walks involve walking which is occasionally steep or sustained. Most days the uphill climb can optionally be avoided by using ski lifts (although not on Day 7). Some of the walks also feature sustained, occasionally steep descents, which can be tiring on the knees. Some of these may also be avoided by using lifts. A reasonable degree of fitness and strength is however required due to the nature of the terrain and the length of some walks.
Paths may be rocky and uneven even when they are well maintained. Occasionally paths may be wet, slippery or snowy. On our highest walks, following well used paths we may cross scree slopes. Although less frequent by July, we may also pass above the snow line in places. Trekking poles are recommended for walkers of all ages to help reduce strain on the knees and to aid balance. Please also make sure that your footwear provides sufficient foot and ankle support/protection.
The pace is fairly gentle, and we can expect to pause frequently. However, the mountain weather can be cool even at this time of the year, so the group does tend to keep moving; an after-lunch ‘siesta’ may not always be possible.
Due to the mountainous nature of this trip, access to a vehicle at lunchtime is sometimes not possible. The Tour Leader and Manager normally carry the picnic lunches up the mountain on these days. A packed lunch may be provided on Day 5. Some of our mountain walks are inevitably weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Some sections of path may run along or above steep hillsides and short sections of path might therefore be uncomfortable for those suffering from a strong fear of heights. All the paths are safe, well-used by walkers, and do not present a problem to those who have no, or only a slight fear of heights.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
The hotels we stay in are characteristic of the area and the towns we visit.
All evening meals are included and are taken either in the hotel or in local restaurants. At dinner, the Tour Manager will tell you about each evening’s menu and if there is anything else that you would prefer, you have only to ask.
Each day the Tour Manager will meet you with one of ATG’s celebrated picnic lunches. You will be greeted with mineral water and a starter followed by wine and an abundant lunch of local organic produce and specialities. Picnics are colourful, varied and nutritious. Buffet-style, there is a choice of meats, cheeses, substantial salads, bread and fruit…and pudding. If it is cold there will be a hot dish and where there is a particularly spectacular and remote picnic spot, we will carry packed lunches.
Food & Wine
We enjoy the elegant cuisine and seafood of the Veneto while we are staying near Lake Garda, and the more robust mountain cuisine, drawing on traditional mountain recipes and fresh, local produce when we head north into the Dolomites. On this trip locally produced red wines include Valpolicella, Amarone, Teroldego and Marzemino. Whites include Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Muller Thurgau.
History
The mountain area north of Verona is not without historic interest despite its relative in accessibility. Both the Etruscans and the Romans settled there for a while, leaving evidence of their stay. The Adige valley, north of Verona, constituted one of the most important strategic thoroughfares through the Alps, from the earliest times. Later, it saw Napoleon’s campaigns and a considerable amount of WWI activity. It has a number of interesting fortifications, dating back to various periods, some of which we drive past, on our way north from Verona, and again on our return journey. Verona itself (for those choosing to extend their trip) is a fine and ancient city with a rich history. Already an important settlement by the 1stcentury BC, it has preserved the outlines of the original Roman settlement, Augusta Verona. In the Middle Ages the city developed its own distinctive style of art and housed one of the most flourishing theological Academies of the period, the Schola Sacerdotum. At this time the Palace of Theodoric was begun on the banks of the river Adige and the city was enriched with Early Christian Basilicas and pre-Romanesque churches. Throughout the war-torn medieval period Verona continued to flourish in trade, the arts and as apolitical centre. In1308, Can Francesco became Lord of the city, under the name Cangrande I. The court became a cultural refuge for anti-papists, amongst them artists and writers. Dante dedicated the third section of his Divine Comedy to Cangrande. With Cangrande’s death in 1329 began the city’s decline. By 1405 it had become part of the Venetian state and remained so for nearly 400 years. During the 19th century Verona was split between Austria and France, staying mainly under Austrian domination until it finally became part of Italy in 1866. The city suffered during WWI when it was one of the most badly damaged in Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Escorted trips are accompanied by two of ATG’s fully trained Tour Consultants, from the moment they welcome you at the airport, through to the end-of trip airport transfer. The Tour Manager looks after the practical side of the trip – luggage transport, hotels, food and drink. The Tour Leader will lead each day’s walk, and after dinner each evening will tell you about the following day’s itinerary. Both Tour Consultants will explain their role, and how the trip will run, on the first evening at dinner.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Tour Consultants can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Tour Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently. We will advise you of the group meeting time at the destination airport and return transfer time to the airport at the end of your trip to enable you to book compatible flights.
Yes. All of our escorted trips can be booked privately, you can book a set departure or a date to suit you (subject to availability). In most instances if the group is 13-16 clients we will offer the trip at the published price. For 12 or fewer clients we would provide a bespoke costing.
On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from items of a personal nature and snacks or drinks outside of the set meals.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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