The Dolomites to Lake Garda

Cosmopolitan Trento is located in the wide glacial Adige River Valley and is  framed by Südtirol’s mountains. Take time to explore Trento’s Medieval and Renaissance centre, with its pastel-hued buildings with wooden balconies, 12th-century cathedral, frescoed Piazza Duomo and Buonconsiglio Castle.

Trento is easily reached by train from across Italy; just 2h10 from Venice, 2h50 from Milan or 4 hrs from Rome.

Today’s walk starts with a transfer (approx. 35 mins) high into the mountains, to Fai della Pagnella at 1000m. Drink in the outstanding views over the wooded valley as you walk towards the aqua tones of Lake Molveno.

Molveno itself is a sleepy lakeside town, with a handful of hotels and restaurants.  Why not try a Trentino speciality—tender white zambana asparagus or carne salada—cured beef sausage rolled in a mixture of coarse salt, laurel, black pepper, juniper, crushed garlic and rosemary. Delizioso!

Ascent/Descent: 830m/940m

Pack your daypack with your essentials as you’ll be staying the next 2 nights deep in the Brenta Dolomites, in remote huts. A cable car then chairlift whisks you high above the lake to Palon di Tovre at 1530m, where you’ll find Rifugio Montanara, the perfect spot to fuel up on honey strudel cake before your hike.

This trail offers a challenging but exhilarating experience, with a via ferrata section between Rifugio Selvata and Rifugio Malga Andalo. This section is fully equipped with safety lanyards to help you navigate the exposed terrain, and should be no problem for experienced hikers. Just remember to tread carefully and pay attention to where you place your feet. For those seeking a gentler alternative, a shorter route directly from Molveno to Malga Andalo is available.

Your destination for the day is the cozy and traditional Rifugio Malga Andalo, where you can relax in a comfortable dormitory room with shared facilities, ready to unwind after a day of adventure.

Dinner: Rifugio Malga Andalo

Set off along mountain slopes towards Rifugio Cacciatore, following a well-marked trail that winds through the rugged beauty of the Brenta Dolomites. Today you’ll need a head for heights as you follow remote footpaths around the great rocky bulks of the Brenta Dolomiti. You’ll feel as if you’re on top of the world as you soak up the silence and drink in the vistas over craggy pinnacles and into the wooded valleys below. While the trail is awe-inspiring, it is also demanding, particularly in the higher sections. Steep snow patches, loose rock, and dramatic drop-offs—especially early in the season—require a steady head for heights and careful footing. However, the alpine scenery is nothing short of spectacular, making the effort worthwhile. If you prefer a less strenuous option, please consider our alternative route for the day.

On the alternative walk to Rifugio Cacciatore you descend from Rifugio Malga Andalo through the forest to Molveno or opt for a taxi ride (EUR 20). Take a bus to San Lorenzo-Chiesa (be mindful of the schedule). From there, you can either take a taxi up to Ristorante Dolomiti (EUR 35) or enjoy a scenic 45-minute walk from the bus station, following track 325 to Rifugio Cacciatore (7km, approx. 3 hrs). This lovely route winds through a peaceful valley with a gradual ascent, offering a relaxed yet equally stunning way to reach your destination.

Rifugio Cacciatore is nestled in a natural amphitheatre of meadows and mountains. The Rifugio offers rooms with simple wooden bunks for 2, 4, 6 or 8 people, and bathrooms are again shared. The dinner here is included and perfect for hungry hikers, with hearty stews, polenta and wild mushrooms, washed down with a well-deserved cold beer or two!

Dinner: Rifugio Cacciatore

After breakfast surrounded by peaks of 2500-3000m, you start your descent through the lush green pastures and shady forests of the Val d’Ampiez and back towards civilisation.

Reach San Lorenzo in Banale, from where a bus will take you to Comano Terme. The area of Comano Terme is known for its healing waters and after three days of rewarding mountain hikes, you’ll be ready to relax at your spa hotel with its sauna, Turkish baths, Jacuzzi, sensory showers and a large outdoor pool. 

Ascent/Descent: 60m/1180m

Continue walking south through the leafy Val di Lomasone as you leave the highest summits behind to reach Ville del Monte. Here a taxi transfer is arranged in the late afternoon to take you to Riva del Garda (30 mins). Alternatively, if you’d prefer a lazy day then take the bus all the way from Comano Terme to the lake (1hr).   

‘Riva’ is a bustling town on the northern shores of Lake Garda, with a mountainous backdrop.  Protected by the town’s fortress you'll find the historic centre - tall buildings and narrow lanes, with the Torre Apponale clock tower, looming above.  Opposite the waterfront, there is a string of cafés, a harbour, a park and a beach—perfect for people-watching with a gelato. 

Ascent/Descent: 580m/400m

Ferries depart regularly from Riva, whisking you away to the picture-postcard towns of Limone, Torbole, Malcesine and further south on the lake. Jump on board or opt to enjoy a walk close by.

Alternatively, take the ferry to Torbole, and walk the Busatte-Tempesta Trail, with outstanding vistas over the lake, flights of metal stairs and 400 steps. Return by bus then ferry. The Busatte-Tempesta trail is currently officially closed, so we have planned an alternative hike up Monte Brione for the day.

Departing Riva you can take the bus west to the train station at Rovereto (40 mins) then catch the train to Venice (1h50). Alternatively take a (scenic!) bus ride all the way along the eastern side to the southern shore of Garda to Peschiera del Garda (1h50) where there’s a train station on the Milan-Verona-Venice line, making onward travel easy from here.