Italy Winter Snow and Alps

Welcome to the Dolomites! With your rental car reach your amazing accommodation. Unpack and relax! Begin to get the Dolomites vibes in this amazing, enchanted valley! You can try the hotel spa and reserve a lovely dinner at leisure.

***Please note that the room occupancy tax is not included, and it must be paid locally***

Buongiorno! Meet your private guide and get ready for a white day with snowshoes full of fun. You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the Five Towers.

The 5 Torri landscapes are without doubt one of the symbols of Cortina d'Ampezzo.Thanks to their peculiar shape, they are instantly recognizable from any other peak or valley in the area and this makes them unique. The area extends next to the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites, which preserves its unspoilt nature and allows the preservation of incredibly rich biodiversity.

The snowshoes — "Ciaspe", as they are called in the dolomites — make it possible to follow the paths leading to high-altitude refuges. Originally the snowshoe was a “working tool” of farmers and hunters. Today, snowshoeing is a popular winter sport, allowing anyone who wants to roam through forests and high-altitude meadows in winter to move without too much effort and without sinking into the snow.

There is the silence of the snow-covered slopes all around, a magical, secluded atmosphere where you only feel peace and a deep closeness to nature. With snowshoes, you can explore the beauty of the mountains in winter with peace of mind. Snowshoeing is rewarding and stimulating, the relationship between man and nature is simple and at the same time extraordinary.

In the afternoon, there will be a mini lunch, included with Trentino Specials from your guide. However we suggest you buy a slice of the famous Apfelstrudel that can be found around local bakeries. Also, do not forget a provision of water.

Buongiorno! Today, we will go on a a skiing paradise, which can be reached just 15 minutes drive from your hotel. There, you will be greeted by your private instructor to give you skiing lesson (10:30 am–12:30 pm) for the adventure that awaits later in the day.

Alternative activity: Downhill skiing

If you are not interested in cross-country skiing, there is the option of downhill skiing. You can easily reach the skiing spot from your hotel. There will be a 1.5 hours private lesson (8:30 am–10:30 am) before your adventure.

Today, at around 9:00 am your private guide will pick you up from your hotel for another amazing walking tour with snowshoes. The highlight of today's tour is the Valley of Castle of Andraz.

Andraz Castle stands just below the Falzarego Pass, in Livinallongo del Col di Lana, in a strategic position to control the communication routes that, already in the Middle Ages, connected the territories of Belluno, and then those of the Serenissima, with the areas north of Caprile, belonging to the Bishop of Bressanone.

In communication with other fortresses, Andraz Castle was part of an organized system of surveillance of traffic between Agordino and Val Pusteria. Today it is home to the Andraz Museum. The Andraz Castle was built, using local stone, on a gigantic rocky spur that in the Ice Age had detached from the Dolomite Group of Settsass: these very special characteristics give the fortress an extraordinary integration with the surrounding natural environment and increase its charm.

(Note: Christmas Markets operate from end of November to 6 January)

After a lovely breakfast, complete your check out process and drive at leisure in your rental car directly to Bolzano (1 hours 45 minutes travel with a beautiful landscapes). Once you reach Bolzano, check in to your hotel.

Bolzano it is very easy to walk alone, you will find in less than one square mile all the places mentioned below. Following lunch, join us on a 2-hour private tour of the city. In the afternoon,

go on an unforgettable art, culture and food tour.

Bolzano is also famous for its aromatic wines, so be sure to taste it. You should also try Apfelstrudel (apple strudel).

Later in the evening, you are free to relax or explore on your own. If you are visiting between November and January, we suggest that you check out the enchanting Christmas markets.

Today is the day day to discover local excellences of Bolzano. We will start with a private wine tasting session at Termeno Sulla Strada del Vino, a lovely village near 20 minutes drive from Bolzano.

Termeno is renowned for producing aromatic white wines, thanks to its unique microclimate and calcareous soils. The most typical and representative grape varieties of this area are:

• Gewürztraminer: The undisputed king of Termeno. This grape variety produces aromatic wines with hints of rose, lychee, and spices.

• Pinot Grigio: also called Ruländer, monocultivar excellent wines

• Pinot Bianco: A noble grape that gives rise to elegant and mineral wines, with fruity and floral notes.

• Chardonnay: An international grape variety that expresses great minerality and freshness in Alto Adige.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Produces aromatic wines with herbaceous and fruity notes.

You will be welcomed by an expert sommelier who will guide you on a discovery of the local wines. The tasting will take place in a cozy atmosphere, perhaps surrounded by wooden barrels and ancient winemaking equipment.

The tasting could include:

• Welcome with a glass of classic method sparkling wine: A great way to start and stimulate the senses.

• Excellent white wines: You could taste a young and aromatic Gewürztraminer, an elegant and structured Pinot Grigio or Bianco, and perhaps a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to discover the different facets of these grape varieties.

• Pairings: Each wine will be accompanied by small tastings of local products, such as speck, cheeses, bread, and cured meats, to enhance its characteristics and create a complete taste experience.

• Sommelier's explanation: During the tasting, the sommelier will explain the characteristics of each wine, the history of the winery, and the winemaking techniques used.

What you will learn:

• How to taste a wine: You will learn how to evaluate the visual appearance, aroma, and taste of a wine.

• To recognize the different aromas and flavors: You will understand the differences between the various grape varieties and the influences of the terroir.

• To pair wine with food: You will discover how to best pair wines with different dishes.

• The history and culture of wine: You will learn about the winemaking tradition of Alto Adige and the unique characteristics of Termeno wines.

After lunch we suggest some nice activity at leisure:

Visit Castel Roncolo Castle, a medieval jewel that dominates the city of Bolzano (just 2 miles from the city center). Its panoramic location and fascinating paintings make it an unmissable destination for history and art lovers. Admire the splendid murals that decorate the halls of the castle, including cycles of frescoes depicting scenes of hunting, tournaments and court life. The castle also houses a rich collection of weapons and armor.

In addition to the frescoes and collections, you can explore the various rooms of the castle, the inner courtyard, the chapel and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Bolzano and the surrounding mountains.

The Renon cable car is a comfortable and suggestive way to reach the Renon plateau, a natural paradise a few kilometers from Bolzano.The cable car ride offers breathtaking views of the Dolomites and the city of Bolzano. You can admire the changing landscape, from vineyards to alpine meadows.

Finally, arrive at Renon. Here you can visit the characteristic villages of Renon, such as Soprabolzano, Collalbo and Longomoso, and discover local traditions and culture.

Your Italy winter tour ends today. After checking out from your hotel, transfer to the Milan airport for your onward journey. It has been a pleasure!

Grazie & Arrivederci!