 The Italian Dolomites provide a perfect backdrop for a truly magical Christmas. This holiday is based in a traditional hotel, nestling invitingly in the verdant foothills of spectacular snowy mountains, which are speckled with emerald forests and chocolate-box villages. Although it is Italian by definition, a strong sense of Austria still flavours all aspects of life, for before the long, bitter battle in the mountains for its border, the area did indeed belong to Austria. Today the two cultures sit amicably side by side, with the locals speaking both Italian and German, and it is quite usual for diners to be offered pizza and bratwurst on the same menu!
Day 1 London • Milan • Rodengo
We begin our break with a VIP Home Departure Service™ to London Heathrow or Gatwick airport, where we board our scheduled British Airways or Alitalia flight direct to Milan. On arrival, our coach is waiting to transfer us to the Alpenland Hotel Rodeneggerhof, our base in Rodengo for the next five nights, where a welcome drink will be waiting for us. Dinner is included in our hotel tonight.
Day 2 Bolzano • Collalbo
After our first hearty breakfast, our coach will take us through the majestic Dolomites to the charming ancient village of Bolzano, which is markedly Tyrolean in atmosphere, and whose Walther Square is home to Italy’s largest Christmas Market. There will be time to browse, to the sound of barrel organs, amongst 60 or more stalls, all laden with irresistible hand crafted, jewel coloured wooden toys and delicate, shining glass decorations, and a glass of mulled, spiced glüwein and slice of cinnamon stollen bread are sure to keep us warm and fortified! This afternoon there maybe the chance to take the cable car up the slopes of the Colle, where we will join a piece of rail history – the Renon Railway. This little gem is an electric narrow-gauge railway, dating back to 1907, and still features the wood panelled trains which for decades have meandered through the forests and meadows of the Dolomites. We return to our hotel for our included dinner.
Day 3 Tesero Christmas Eve
This morning, after breakfast, we will visit the small village of Tesero, renowned for the skills of its local craftsmen, who have for centuries displayed their talents on the ornate buildings, and particularly at Christmas, when life-sized, hand carved crib scenes reverently watch over the festivities. We return to our hotel for free time, dinner and, for those who wish, Midnight Mass held at the Rodengo Church, just a stroll away.
Day 4 Rodengo Christmas Day
We begin this special day with a view of the Rodengo Castle – an imposing but fairytalefortress that was built around 1140. The medieval drawbridge, towers, walls and battlements can still be seen, and it houses the famous early 13th century frescoes which tell the story of Ivanhoe. A traditional Christmas lunch awaits. This afternoon is free to relax or perhaps take a stroll, before enjoying a Christmas evening dinner in our hotel, followed by music.
Day 5 Vipiteno • Merano Boxing Day
Today we depart for Vipiteno, a well conserved ancient mining village, the medieval houses still embellished with fine wooden carvings. After lunch at leisure, we will move on to Merano, aptly called the City of Flowers, an Alpine ski resort surrounded by snowy peaks, yet set in a lush valley only 1000 feet above sea level. An elegant town, spangled with pastel coloured buildings, Merano features two promenades, one built under gigantic trees and the other under a covered Art Deco portico lined with original paintings, leading to an ancient castle and bridge. We return to our hotel for our last included dinner.
Day 6 Rodengo • Milan • London
Following our last breakfast, we return to Milan airport for our flight back to London Heathrow or Gatwick airport. Our staff will great you upon arrival and transfer you to your transport, for your journey home to your own front door.
- Duration 6 days, 5 nights in hotel in Rodengo.
- VIP Home Departure Service™ from your front door to London Heathrow or Gatwick airport and return to your front door.
- Check-in service by Titan staff.
- Direct scheduled British Airways or Alitalia flights from London Heathrow or Gatwick airport to Milan and return.
- Transfers from and to Milan airport.
- First class air conditioned coach with experienced driver, and the services of a Titan tour manager throughout.
- Accommodation as specified or of a similar standard.
- Meals as specified with 5 breakfasts, 5 evening dinners and lunch in hotel on Christmas Day.
- Entertainment as described in itinerary.
- Excursions as specified in itinerary, including cable cars rides, electric train ride and entrance to the National Museum in Bolzano.
- Hotel porterage (1 bag per person).
- All airport taxes, security charges and UK Air Passenger Duty, which is £5 per person.
- Airline imposed fuel surcharge.
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