Little Trains of the Dolomites by Rail
Little Trains of the Dolomites by Rail
Little Trains of the Dolomites by Rail
10 Days
Visiting: Bolzano & Renon Narrow Gauge Mountain Railway, Riva del Garda & Limone, The Castle Train, Mendola Mountain Funicular, Trento, Free Time
Tour operator:
Tour code:
r-et10ilt
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the Dolomites with the "Little Trains of the Dolomites by Rail" tour. This enchanting adventure begins with a Eurostar journey from London to Paris, followed by a scenic train ride through Germany, Austria, and into Italy's stunning South Tyrol. Over ten days, explore the picturesque landscapes of Lake Molveno, the historic charm of Bolzano, and the breathtaking views from the Renon Narrow Gauge Mountain Railway. Delight in a boat trip across Lake Garda, a ride on the Castle Train, and the exhilarating Mendola Funicular Railway. Discover the cultural treasures of Trento, including the Buonconsiglio Castle, and enjoy leisure time in the serene surroundings of Molveno. With comfortable accommodations and guided tours, this rail tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
We journey by Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris and continue by train to our hotel in southern Germany where we stay overnight.
Day 2
Today, we leave our hotel and travel by train to cross the German-Austrian Border at Kufstein, before travelling through the Austrian Tyrol to Innsbruck.
From Innsbruck, this scenic journey climbs the Brenner Pass over the Alps to around 3,000 feet, before descending to the South Tyrol of Italy, taking in more stunning views before disembarking at Trento.
After a short transfer by coach to your hotel, there’s time to settle in and explore Lake Molveno before your evening meal.
Day 3 Bolzano & Renon Narrow Gauge Mountain Railway
Location: Bolzano & Renon Narrow Gauge Mountain Railway
Our excursion by coach today starts with a guided tour of Bolzano, followed by a cable car ride from Bolzano to the village of Soprabolzano, which nestles on a high plateau on the Renon Mountain. The scenery here is amazing, with undulating meadows, woods and superb views of the Dolomites.
Next, we join the Renon Railway to Collalbo. This little train is over 100 years old, but still elegantly carries passengers across the plateau. On our return to Bolzano, you have free time to explore the historic centre, with its Italian, Austrian and German cultural influences.
Day 4 Riva Del Garda & Limone
Location: Riva del Garda & Limone
This morning our excursion by coach takes us to Riva Del Garda, a bustling town located at the northern side of Lake Garda with a backdrop of lake, valley and mountains rising either side. You can take a stroll at leisure along its atmospheric network of winding streets, visit the historic centre or relax in the waterfront squares.
We include a boat trip across the lake to Limone so you can sit back, relax and take in the views. There’s free time in Limone before we return to the hotel.
Day 5 The Castle Train
Location: The Castle Train
This morning, we board our coach and are transferred to Mezzolombardo train station, where we board the Castle Train. Sit back and relax for a journey on line ‘700’ between Mezzolombardo and Caldes, with spectacular views of the Dolomites and castles along the way.
On arrival in Caldes, we enjoy an included guided tour of the castle before travelling by coach to the village of Cles, where we include a visit to the Assessorile Palace before heading back to our hotel in Molveno.
Day 6 Mendola Mountain Funicular
Location: Mendola Mountain Funicular
This morning, we board our coach and make a stop at Madonna di Campiglio, an elegant town that nestles at an altitude of 1,550m between the Brenta Dolomites and the glaciers of Adamello and Presanella.
We then venture into the South Tyrol of the Dolomites for a return journey on the Mendola Funicular Railway. This is one of the longest and steepest railways of its kind throughout Europe, offering spectacular views as it climbs 1,363m up to the Mendola Pass.
After our trip, you have some free time in Caldaro. Highlights include the market square and the lake, which is believed to be the warmest in the Alps. We then take the coach to Mezzocorona, where we enjoy a guided visit and wine tasting before returning to our hotel.
Day 7 Trento
Location: Trento
We travel by coach to Trento and enjoy a walking tour, before discovering the symbol of the city – Buonconsiglio Castle. Parts of the castle date back to the 13th century and it is the residence of the Prince Bishops; today, it is also a museum of arts, monuments and collections.
Later this afternoon, we return to the hotel by coach.
Day 8 Free Time
Location: Free Time
Enjoy a day at leisure in historic Molveno, home to the second largest lake in the area.
Day 9
We transfer by coach to the railway station and head to Turin for an overnight stay.
Day 10
Travel by high-speed train to Paris and then by Eurostar to London St. Pancras International.
What's Included
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Accommodation
You will stay for seven nights in Molveno and have an overnight stay in Germany in a city-style hotel.
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Transportation
Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, and continue by train to southern Germany. Includes scenic train journeys through the Austrian Tyrol and the Brenner Pass to Italy.
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Guided Tours
Includes guided tours of Bolzano, the castle in Caldes, and a walking tour in Trento.
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Excursions
Includes excursions such as a cable car ride from Bolzano to Soprabolzano, a boat trip across Lake Garda to Limone, and a journey on the Mendola Funicular Railway.
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Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included on most days of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Accommodation
You will stay for seven nights in Molveno.
Overnight stay in Germany will be in a city-style hotel.
Mode of Transport
Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, continue by train to Germany, and then through Austria to Italy. Enjoy scenic train journeys, including the Renon Railway and Mendola Funicular, with coach transfers for local excursions.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
You will stay for seven nights in Molveno, and there will be an overnight stay in a city-style hotel in Germany.
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What is the highlight of the journey on Day 3?
On Day 3, the highlight is the excursion by coach to Bolzano, followed by a cable car ride to Soprabolzano and a journey on the historic Renon Railway to Collalbo, offering superb views of the Dolomites.
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What activities are included on Day 4 of the tour?
Day 4 includes a coach excursion to Riva Del Garda, where you can explore the town or relax in the waterfront squares, followed by a boat trip across Lake Garda to Limone with free time to explore.
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What can participants expect on the Castle Train journey on Day 5?
On Day 5, participants will board the Castle Train from Mezzolombardo to Caldes, enjoying spectacular views of the Dolomites and castles. The day also includes a guided tour of a castle in Caldes and a visit to the Assessorile Palace in Cles.
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What unique experience is offered on Day 6?
Day 6 offers a return journey on the Mendola Funicular Railway, one of the longest and steepest of its kind in Europe, providing spectacular views as it climbs to the Mendola Pass.
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What is the main attraction in Trento on Day 7?
The main attraction in Trento on Day 7 is a walking tour of the city, including a visit to Buonconsiglio Castle, which is a museum of arts, monuments, and collections.
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What is planned for the free day in Molveno on Day 8?
Day 8 is a day at leisure in historic Molveno, allowing you to explore the area, which is home to the second largest lake in the region.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?
Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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