Explore Italy's Dolomites by train and visit Lake Garda
The magnificent Dolomite mountain range is in a sensationally scenic part of northern Italy, where you can soak in lake views, enjoy invigorating walks and sample wine from local vineyards.
These dramatic mountains are one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Italy, and exploring the Dolomites by train is a fantastic way to soak in some of Europe's most exquisite mountain scenery.
You can experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site on Good Housekeeping's unforgettable eight-day holiday where you'll explore this delightful mountain range and get the chance to visit nearby Lake Garda.
Where are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites form part of the northern Italian Alps, nestled between the between the Austrian border to the north and the vast Venetian plain to the south. The peaks span the provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Belluno.
In 2023, Italian airline SkyAlps, began offering direct flights from London Gatwick to Bolzano in South Tyrol, an easy and hassle-free way for visitors to reach these glorious peaks. The mountains can also be reached by flying to larger airports like Verona, Milan or Venice and booking a transfer, with the best option depending on where you intend to stay.
From Verona, it's easy to reach the Dolomites by train, with a direct journey to Bolzano taking around 90 minutes.
What's the best way to explore the Dolomites?
One of the best ways to see the Dolomites is by train. There are several historic railways lines that traverse these peaks, from the historic narrow-gauge Renon Railway to Italy's steepest funicular, the Mendola Funicular.
Another way to see the sights of the Dolomites by train is to ascend the Renon Mountains in a modern cable car. In the wine-producing town of Mezzolombardo, you can board a local train for a short railway trip with mountain and castle views.
Good Housekeeping's eight-day trip will whisk you through the mountains on several of the area's most nostalgic railway lines. You'll ride the bright red funicular to explore the Mendola mountain ridge, board the local train from Mezzolombardo to Caldes and explore the Renon Mountains by modern cable car and the historic narrow-gauge railway.
What's the best way to travel from Lake Garda to the Dolomites?
Along with the Dolomites, Lake Garda is one of Northern Italy's most inviting natural attractions. Italy's largest lake, Garda spans the three regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige.
With the lake's southern shores being just a 30-minute drive or a 15-minute train ride from Verona, Lake Garda makes a great stopping point for travellers flying from the UK and making their way to the Dolomites by train or car.
Once you've spent a day or two (or more) reveling in the relaxed atmosphere of Lake Garda's chic lakefront hotels, bars and restaurants, it's easy to continue your journey from Lake Garda to Dolomites.
You can reach the Dolomites from Lake Garda by rail with a short train ride back to Verona's Porta Nuova train station, where you'll catch the connecting 90-minute regional train to Bolzano.
Why you'll love our exclusive holiday to the Dolomites
Explore the castles of Northern Italy
You'll glimpse some of the region’s iconic castles, including Buonconsiglio Castle and Castel Caldes as you pass by on historic railways and explore them further on guided tours. The restored 13th-century castle in Caldes is particularly beautiful, standing proud in this tiny, apple-growing village.
Ride mountain trains
The railways are the stars of this trip. You'll get the chance to explore the Dolomites by train with rides on the one of the steepest funicular railways in Europe, the train from Mezzolombardo and the Renon Railway, a hundred-year-old train with original cars.
From your lakeside base in a hotel in pretty Molveno you'll enjoy four included railway journeys, allowing you to explore the Dolomites while taking in some jaw-dropping views.
Visit Lake Garda
Another highlight of this tour is an optional boat trip across Lake Garda, one of Italy's best-loved lakes, where you'll be surrounded by soaring mountains and sensational panoramas. You'll explore Riva del Garda, a bustling town located on the northern shores of Garda.
A backdrop of lakes, valleys and mountains makes this a beautiful spot for a stroll along an atmospheric network of winding streets.
Another highlight will be a visit to colourful Malcesine, from where you can take the cable car to the heights of Monte Baldo, above the famous resort town
How to book
Want to explore the Dolomites by train? Visit our holiday website to read all the details about Good Housekeeping's fantastic holiday and how to book.
Browse more extraordinary journeys from Good Housekeeping Holidays by downloading our latest brochure.
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