Little Trains of the Dolomites by Rail

Little Trains of the Dolomites by Rail

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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:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

r-et10ilt

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

This tour is no longer available

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

  • Journey through the Austrian Tyrol to Innsbruck and cross the Brenner Pass into the South Tyrol of Italy.

  • Explore Bolzano and take a cable car ride to Soprabolzano on the Renon Mountain.

  • Ride the historic Renon Narrow Gauge Mountain Railway with stunning views of the Dolomites.

  • Visit Riva del Garda and enjoy a boat trip across Lake Garda to Limone.

  • Experience the Castle Train journey from Mezzolombardo to Caldes, with views of the Dolomites and castles.

  • Take a return journey on the Mendola Funicular Railway, one of the longest and steepest in Europe.

  • Discover Trento with a walking tour and visit the historic Buonconsiglio Castle.

  • Enjoy leisure time in Molveno, home to the second largest lake in the area.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Accommodation

    You will stay for seven nights in Molveno and have an overnight stay in Germany in a city-style hotel.

  • 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.

  • Guided Tours

    Includes guided tours of Bolzano, the castle in Caldes, and a walking tour in Trento.

  • 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.

  • Meals

    Breakfast and dinner are included on most days of the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

Suzanne Maylin (Google Reviewer)  

Having returned from a fabulous...

24-Sep-2024

Having returned from a fabulous tour of Austria with excellent tour guides/ drivers, it's disappointing to say the least that I'm left chasing a return for an excursion that was cancelled. I called Leger 5 days ago and am still waiting in a call back. Leger if you want to retain customers you need step up on service. Good training , good service costs very little, and once embedded in a company produces more income. I don't suppose anyone from Leger will respond to this, but who knows

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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