Explore the Italian Alps
Go on a life-enriching journey through the Italian Alps and visit the best wineries in Alto Adige and the dramatic beauty of the Dolomites, where Italian, Austrian, and Ladin cultures meet. This trip, hosted by Janis and Morgan of Pelletiere Estate, takes place September 23 - October 1, 2027. Complete with privately guided outdoor activities, closed-door culinary sessions, unforgettable views, and boutique sanctuaries designed with absolute comfort.
Overview:
Begin your journey with four nights at the exceptional mountain retreat, Hotel Marmolada* or similar, in the charming alpine village of Corvara— the perfect base for discovering the Sella Massif, Lake Braies, and the iconic alpine meadows of the Dolomites. Here, you'll experience the region's remarkable cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and the relaxed pace that defines mountain life.
Your journey then continues to Bolzano, the capital of Alto Adige, for four nights at Castel Hörtenberg*or similar. Discover high-altitude vineyards, meet passionate family winemakers, and taste the region's indigenous varieties, including Lagrein, while exploring the unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin cultures.
At each property, there is time to enjoy the pools and wellness facilities, allowing you to relax and recharge between experiences.
With a focus on slow travel, spectacular scenery, and world-class food and wine, this Italian Alps journey blends soft adventure, deep relaxation, and authentic traditions into an unforgettable experience.
What's Included:
- Four nights in a high-end Alpine lodge
- Four nights of luxury accommodation in the heart of Bolzano
- 19 meals - 8 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners, 3 Lunches
- Access to wellness facilities at each hotel
- Exclusive wine encounters
- Gondola passes
- Private English-speaking Driver and Guides
- All transport services and tours per the Itinerary
- English-speaking guide
- All tastings, tours, and group experiences.
- All gratuities & city taxes
Activity Level:
Easy Moderate
Group size:
Small group experience of 12 travelers.
Trip Investment:
€8900 per person
*Only two single-occupancy rooms are available with no single supplement.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1 | Arrive in Corvara
Arrive in Corvara and settle into Hotel Marmolada, your home for the next four nights in the heart of Alta Badia, with the Sassongher peak rising just outside. Take the afternoon at your own pace — there's no rush today, simply time to unwind after travel, wander through the hotel's own fossil museum, or settle into your room and take in the first views of the valley. As evening arrives, gather for a welcome aperitivo. Dinner is included in your stay this evening and every evening at the hotel, though it's entirely up to you how you spend it — dine together as a group, split off with a few others, or simply enjoy a quiet dinner on your own.
Included: Dinner
Day 2 | Lake Braies
Morning: After breakfast on the terrace, we meet our driver and guide for a visit to a unique cheese and beer tasting. Learn about the traditional ageing process while tasting a selection of local cheese paired with craft beer produced in the region.
Midday: Visit one of the Dolomites’ most stunning lakes, known for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain setting. Pause for a leisurely lakeside lunch or enjoy the gentle 3.5 km loop trail, taking in breathtaking views from every angle. Return this afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the pool and spa facilities.
Evening: Gather at Hotel Marmolada for a private wine tasting. Following the tasting, enjoy another memorable dinner at the hotel's restaurant at your own pace or venture into the village for something different.
Included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3 | Leisure, a Gondola Ride & Lunch with Mountain Views
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a relaxed morning at the hotel. Use this time to relax, linger over coffee, visit the wellness area, or explore Corvara independently.
Optional Activity: Take a scenic helicopter flight over the Dolomites and get a bird's-eye view of some of the world's most beautiful landscapes. Limited to 6 guests.
Midday: We’ll reconvene and take a short walk from the hotel to a nearby gondola. Ride together to the mountain station and enjoy lunch surrounded by panoramic views of the Dolomites. After lunch, explore the surrounding trails, relax and take in the scenery, or ride the gondola back to town whenever you’re ready.
Evening: The group will gather for a special dinner.
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 | Alpe di Siusi, Ortisei & Seceda
Morning: Begin your day with a generous breakfast before meeting up with our group and setting out. Ride the Mont Secu gondola up to Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow. Enjoy a guided walk through the open meadows with sweeping views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
Midday: After taking in the view and some refreshments, we'll descend by gondola to Ortisei, a charming village known for its centuries-old wood carving tradition. You'll have time to explore the historic center, shops, and galleries independently.
Those wishing to continue higher into the mountains may join an optional excursion to Seceda and its dramatic ridgeline.
Evening: The evening is at leisure, perhaps a rejuvenating massage at the spa or unwind in the pool. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel or venture out for something different.
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 | Corvara to Bolzano
Morning: Savor your final breakfast in Corvara, and enjoy the wellness center one last time. After check-out, we'll depart together for Bolzano. En route, enjoy a wine tasting at a biodynamic vineyard, featuring several local varieties, including Lagrein.
Midday: Arrive at Castel Hortenberg, a 500-year-old castle in the heart of Bolzano, and your home for the next four nights. The afternoon is at leisure, allowing time to settle into your room and enjoy the hotel's grounds.
Evening: Dinner at Castel Hortenbergs Le Meridiane Restaurante is included. Enjoy it together, or venture out into Bolzano's old town for something different.
Included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 6 | Bolzano, Ötzi & Historic Wineries
Morning: After a buffet breakfast at the castle, meet your local guide for a walking tour of Bolzano. Explore the arcades of Via dei Portici, Piazza Walther, and the historic city center before visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman.
Midday: This afternoon, the group will visit two of Bolzano’s notable wine producers, beginning with Cantina Bolzano’s striking contemporary winery and concluding at Muri-Gries, a historic Benedictine abbey particularly celebrated for its Lagrein.
Evening: Dinner at Castel Hortenbergs Le Meridiane Restaurante is included. Enjoy it together, on your own or venture out into Bolzano's old town for something different.
Included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 7 | The Gardens, History & Wines of Merano
Morning: Begin your day with breakfast in the garden before setting out for Merano, an elegant spa town where alpine traditions meet Mediterranean influences. Begin at the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, where more than 80 garden landscapes spread across the hillside overlooking the city. Explore the gardens and visit the Touriseum inside the castle, which tells the history of travel and tourism in the Alps.
Midday: Continue into Merano for lunch and a guided walk through the historic center, covered arcades, and riverside promenades. Later this afternoon, visit Rametz Castle for a tour of its wine museum and historic porphyry cellars, followed by a tasting of the estate’s wines.
Evening: This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner.
Included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 8 | The Alto Adige Wine Road
Morning: After breakfast at the hotel this morning, depart for a full day along the Alto Adige Wine Road. One of Italy's oldest and most scenic wine routes. Travel south of Bolzano through vineyard-covered hills and historic wine villages, stopping at carefully selected estates to meet local producers and taste the region's indigenous varieties, like Lagrein.
Midday: Continue to Lake Caldaro, one of the warmest alpine lakes in Europe. Settle in at Gretl am See for a relaxing afternoon by the water, with refreshments and time to swim, unwind, and enjoy the lakeside setting.
Evening: Return to Castel Hörtenberg for the evening and dinner.
Included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 9 | Departure
After one final buffet breakfast at Castel Hörtenberg. Say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your journey through the Dolomites and Alto Adige comes to a close.
Included: Breakfast
*Sample itinerary, subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond our control. Tours and activities may be replaced with similar experiences of equal or greater value.
Frequestly Asked Questions
Are flights included?
No - flights aren't included. Travelers are responsible for booking their own arrival and departure flights.
Which airport should I fly into?
We recommend Venice Marco Polo Airport, 2.5 hours from our Dolomite Accomodations.
How many travelers will be in the group?
This is a small group experience of 12 travelers.
What level of physical fitness is required?
No special fitness level is required — the pace is gentle and accessible, well-suited to a range of ability levels.
How structured is the itinerary?
Thoughtfully planned but relaxed — allowing for time to shop or relax at your own pace. All activities are optional; you're free to skip any activity and spend the time however you'd like.
Which meals are included?
8 Breakfasts, 8 dinners, and 3 lunches.
How much is the deposit?
€900 per person is due to reserve your spot. Fully refundable through February 15, 2027
Is there a single-room supplement?
This trip does not have a single supplement, though single rooms are limited (Only 2 available)
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- Fully refundable for cancellations before February 15, 2027
- All payments become non-refundable after February 15, 2027.
- Spot substitution (transferring your spot to someone else) is free at any time
Who should I contact with questions?
Contact Morgan at morgan@pelletiere.com with any questions.