Leisure Experiences

The Roots of Silence – Ancient Routes in Val Venosta

A series of unique and unforgettable experiences will take you off the beaten track in Val Venosta, in Northern Italy's South Tyrol, to a world where time is on your side and culture is on your doorstep, all drawn together by common threads of pure authenticity, complete exclusivity, and genuine hospitality.

Trip Overview

In today’s fast paced, hyper-connected world, you rarely expect to find silence. Much less in a destination popular with travelers. Yet the Val Venosta / Vinschgau offers unexpected treasures, hidden behind the silence of history.
 
Located in the westernmost part of Alto Adige / South Tyrol, the Val Venosta stretches 80 kilometers (49+ miles) from Naturno near Merano in the east, and follows the Adige River up to Passo Resia in the north west, where it’s headwaters arise. The majestic Alps that tower above the Val Venosta offer a natural landscape full of contrasts, and provide an ideal and varied terrain for adventures. You certainly wouldn’t expect rough mountain peaks and glaciers on one side of the valley to be paired with Apple orchards and apricot trees on other!
 
On this itinerary, you’ll discover churches and castles, monasteries and museums, and medieval towns, guardians of their secrets: the delicate beauty of San Procolo's church in Naturno which houses important European art treasures; Castel Juval, built in 1278, and restored in 1983 by famous South Tyrolean alpinist Reinhold Messner for use as a mountain museum; the Abbey of Monte Maria in Burgusio, the highest Benedictine abbey in Europe; the medieval town of Glorenza, the smallest city in Italy, which fascinates visitors with its charm; and, beyond the Swiss border, the famous monastery of St. John in Müstair, renowned internationally for its rare architecture dated back to the Carolingian era.
 
Whether visiting small towns on mountain slopes, walking on quiet and shady forest paths, or admiring skies of rare beauty, you will discover traces of ancient routes. Silent monasteries, historic villages and Romanesque chapels whisper the gestures of medieval knights, pilgrim monks, and fierce struggles between Swiss and Tyrolean warlords. These are places of worship and power that will introduce you to the mystery of an age full of contradictions and secrets.

Highlights

  • Discover the Val Venosta, taking in medieval villages and towering peaks, exploring ancient castles and monasteries, each with their hidden secrets waiting to be revealed
  • Cross the border into Switzerland and visit the famous monastery of St. John in Müstair, renowned for its rare Carolingian architecture and frescoes from the early Middle Ages
  • Explore the magic of the mountains – experiencing them for yourself, and as interpreted by climbing pioneer Reinhold Messner through his Messner Mountain Museum Juval

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Hotel in Merano (D)

  • Day 2

    Hotel in Merano (B,D)

  • Day 3

    Hotel in Glorenza (B,D)

  • Day 4

    Hotel in Glorenza (B,D)

  • Day 5

    Hotel in Bormio (B,D)

  • Day 6

    Hotel in Merano (B,D)

  • Day 7

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

About our Accommodations
At Dolomite Mountains, we hand pick accommodations that best reflect the style of each region, to provide you with the most authentic experience of the unique cultures found in the different cities and towns where we travel. We work directly with the owners of each property, forging strong relationships to ensure you receive the best service and care during your stay. Regardless of whether it is a five-star luxury hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast you desire, we choose the best-in-class accommodations within each category, providing you stays at the most sought after hotels in each region. And, we always make sure you have access to inspired, regional cuisine!

About Dolomite Mountains Luxury Trips 

On Dolomite Mountains Luxury Trips, we invite you to discover hidden gems and experience the authenticity of Northern Italy. Embark on a journey through ancient lands and spectacular landscapes – around the edges of the Dolomite Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uncover the treasures tucked away in small hamlets, medieval castles, and ancestral monasteries. Explore away from the classic tourist routes, and delve into unexpected landscapes, cultures, artistic treasures, architectural wonders, and incredible cuisine. Absorb the colors, flavors, and breathtaking scenery of Northern Italy. Lifestyle at its best.

Our Luxury Trips are full of options, to ensure the trip you choose best fits your travel style. Select a guided trip, and enjoy private transfers and a dedicated guide throughout your entire journey. Or choose a self guided itinerary, where you’ll have local city guides at each destination, but will enjoy private transfers all the way. More adventurous? Use your own vehicle, and take the self guided version of this trip! You’ll still have the benefit of local guides at each destination, but the freedom to explore the countryside from behind the wheel.

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Prices for this trip are on request. Please contact us for a quotation.

Helicopter Sightseeing & Airport Transfers – There's Nothing Else Like It!
Take to the skies for an aerial look at the spectacular Dolomite Mountains, and make memories to last a lifetime! Whether on a panoramic sightseeing ride or an airport transfer, you'll appreciate a bird's eye view of the stunning scenery aboard state-of-the-art single-engine helicopters. With over 30 years in operation, our experienced pilots and ground crew employ the utmost safety standards, quality, and service. Contact us for a quotation.
Rides are weather dependent. Heli-transfers from/to airports require advanced reservation. In-resort rides can be reserved with shorter notice.
High season supplement from July 16th to September 10th: 15% surcharge

Cost Includes:

  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and map of the area
  • 3 nights accommodations in 4-star hotel in Merano / Meran
  • 2 nights accommodations in 4-star hotel in Glorenza / Glurns
  • 1 night accommodations in 4-star hotel in Bormio / Worms im Veltlintal
  • All breakfasts and dinners
  • Local English speaking guide (guided trips)
  • Private transfers as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees – Castles of Merano or Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, Church and Museum of San Procolo, MMM Juval, Abbazia di Monte Maria, Monastery of St. John, Aquaprad, and Terme di Merano
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax
Airport transfers available on request.

Area Map