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Planning on visiting the Italian Alps? Follow this relaxing 1-week Dolomites itinerary for some of the best hiking and wellness activities in the beautiful region of Trentino.
Trentino is Northern Italy’s best-hidden gem.
Together with South Tyrol, it constitutes the Italian autonomous region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and integrates the historic Tyrol region (which also includes the neighboring Austrian state of Tyrol).
Trentino is home to a stunning landscape, magical lakes, picturesque villages, and of course the Dolomites.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mythical Dolomites mountains are known for their distinctive square shape and unique beauty, which makes them one of the most incredible natural landmarks in Italy.
I recently spent one week in Trentino, first for a travel blogging conference in Trento, and then exploring the Brenta Dolomites with Visit Trentino.
I was born on an island and grew up by the ocean, so I was never really a mountain person. But it was impossible not to fall in love with the picture-perfect scenery of Trentino.
If you’re into hiking, I definitely recommend visiting Trentino. It’s also the perfect place to connect with nature and your inner self through yoga, meditation, and so many other natural wellness activities on offer.
What follows is a 1-week Trentino itinerary based on my experience, to help you plan your own trip and enjoy the best of the region.
Read more:
- 21 Best Wellness Walks & Hikes in Europe
- The Essential Hiking Packing List for Beginners
- 15 Best Hiking & Yoga Retreats Around the World
- Top 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Italy
1-week Dolomites itinerary
Day 1/2: Trento
Start your Dolomites itinerary in Trento, the capital of Trentino and the best getaway to the region and the Brenta Dolomites, also known as the Western Dolomites.
Trento is a lovely surprise: a small town that combines all the Italian charm with its Austrian-Hungarian past and the epic scenery of the Alps as a backdrop.
You might also have heard about the Council of Trent, which was held right here in the 16th century by the Catholic Church.
I’d recommend staying at least 2 days in Trento to explore all it has to offer, and it’s a lot!
Make sure to stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the painted facades of the old town, visit the Buonconsiglio Castle, and take the cable car to Sardagna, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, to mention only a few of Trento highlights.
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Where to eat
Ristorante Al Vò
Ristorante Al Vò is the oldest and probably one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Trento.
It serves traditional dishes with a creative twist and in the cutest atmosphere.
I had a vegetable flan with Casolet cheese and walnuts, pumpkin, mushroom and a glass of Trento Doc, then a pumpkin, mushroom, rosemary and mozzarella lasagna as the main course, and finally a mini Sacher torte for dessert.
All well-seasoned and scrumptious!
Pizzeria Uva e Menta
Hidden in a quiet street of the old town, Pizzeria Uva e Menta offers a wide choice of pizza, cocci, and calzopizza, and a selection of local and imported beer.
It features also a nice terrace and a laid-back atmosphere.
I really liked the pizza here and would recommend this place for a casual lunch or dinner.
Where to sleep
Albermonaco
I stayed at Albermonaco during my 4 nights in Trento.
This is a budget-friendly hotel with a great location just a 5-minute walk from the historic center.
My room was nice and clean, with a balcony and a lovely view of the mountains.
Breakfast was okay, not the best I’ve ever had, but it did the job for a very reasonable price.
Click here for more info and booking: Booking.com
Grand Hotel Trento
If you’re looking for a more upscale stay right in the town center, Grand Hotel Trento is your best option.
Although I’ve only briefly visited and haven’t stayed here myself, I know other travel bloggers who have and loved it.
This is a beautiful 4-star hotel located only a 2 minute-walk from Trento train station and the historic center.
It also offers a fitness and wellness center and a restaurant.
Click here for more info and booking: Booking.com
Day 3: Madonna di Campiglio – S. Antonio di Mavignola
Trento and Madonna di Campiglio, in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites, are connected by the San Vili Pathway, a religious trek inspired in Saint Vigilio, the 3rd Bishop of Trento.
Take an early bus from Trento to Madonna di Campiglio, the starting point of your first day of hiking. This a popular and easier way of doing the San Vili Pathway, since mostly descent.
Walking from Madonna di Campiglio to S. Antonio di Mavignola, make a stop at the impressive Vallesinella Waterfall, as well as at the spectacular Malga Brenta Bassa, a natural amphitheater with a dreamy view of the Dolomites.
One of the highlights of my time in Trentino was taking a yoga class here with the Dolomites as a backdrop.
I also got to experience, for the first time, natural wellness activities like natural Kneipp and tree-hugging. You can book the same experiences here.
We had a guide with us the whole time, but it’s also possible to do the San Vili trek independently as the path is well-signposted all the way through.
Where to eat
Prà de La Casa
Prà de La Casa is a charming guest house and restaurant in Brent Bassa.
I had dinner here on my first day walking the San Vili Pathway and was in for a treat.
I tried some mouthwatering Tyrolean specialties, from local cheese and cold meats to strozzapreti (literally priest stranglers) gnocchi. And of course, a glass or two of the famous Trento DOC sparkling wine.
Click here for more info and booking: Booking.com
Where to sleep
Albergo Garni La Soldanella
La Soldanella was one of my favorite hotels in Trentino.
The whole property is beautifully decorated and has such a homely feeling to it. And don’t even get me started about the views.
All rooms feature a balcony with views of the Brenta Dolomites that make waking up here a dream come true.
The breakfast buffet is delicious, with a variety of local products and home-made cakes, and the owners go above and beyond to cater to all your needs.
Highly recommended!
Click here for more info and booking: Booking.com
Day 4: S. Antonio di Mavignola – Spiazzo
Your second step of the San Vili Pathway starts with a walk to the village of Pinzolo, in Val Rendena, to admire the small Church of Saint Vigilio.
Then hike your way up to the Church of Saint Stefano, in the village of Carisolo. This is a steep hike but well worth it, not only for the view but also for the church itself, extraordinarily located on top of a rocky mountain.
In the afternoon, continue your walk to the village of Spiazzo.
Here make sure to visit Primitivizia. This was one of the most delightful experiences of my trip and I truly recommend visiting this place!
We were received by Noris, the owner, and her family on their very special garden, and got to try some of her delicious local foods.
You can also find Noris’ products here.
Where to eat
Hotel & Bar Funivie Pinzolo
Hotel & Bar Funivie Pinzolo is another place along the San Vili trek serving some seriously tasty food.
I absolutely loved the bruschettas and the tiramisu and definitely recommend stopping here for a meal.
Casa Moresc
I had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant on my second night and haven’t regretted it.
I tried the carpaccio with goat cheese, grilled chicken breast with polenta, and chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was perfect.
They also have a wide variety of pizzas that were very pleasing to the eye.
Where to sleep
Casa Moresc
Casa Moresc is a nice rustic hotel in the village of Spiazzo.
My room was huge, clean and comfortable and had also a small balcony. Just two little things could be better: soundproofing and the automatic light in the bathroom that kept turning off when I was in the shower.
But everything else was great, especially the breakfast buffet with à la carte choices, which was one of the best I had in Trentino.
Click here for more info and booking: Booking.com
Day 5: Stenico, Adamello Brenta Nature Park, and San Lorenzo
Start your day exploring BoscoArteStenico, an open-air art museum displaying beautiful sculptures completely made from natural materials found right here in the forest.
Then hike through the Adamello Brenta Nature Park to admire the beautiful waterfall of Rio Bianco, as well as many other smaller cascades, lush vegetation, and the spectacular views along the way.
In the afternoon, take a perception walk through the narrow streets of San Lorenzo in Banale, considered one of the most beautiful Italian villages.
If you, like me, never tried a perception walk before, I’d really recommend that you do it!
I’m not going to give you many details so as not to ruin the surprise, but you can book it at Garni Lilly or by email at aleeshang[@]gmail[.]com.
Where to eat
L’Osteria
Located in Stenico, L’Osteria offers simple but tasty local food and a selection of beers.
It has also a nice terrace perfect for a break during the warmer months.
Where to sleep
Garni Lilly
Garni Lilly was another one of my favorite hotels in Trentino.
Located in San Lorenzo in Banale, just a short walk from the town center, this place is just perfect.
My room was spacious and comfortable and had a nice balcony with breathtaking views of the Brenta Dolomites.
All common areas are also lovely and cozy, and the garden is the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking.
The breakfast buffet was delicious and abundant, with a variety of local products and homemade cakes and cookies.
I also liked the hotel’s environmental consciousness, visible in little details like the recycled toilette paper and napkins.
Click here for more info and booking: Booking.com
Day 6: Lake Toblino, Ranzo – Deggia
Make one first stop at the stunning Lake Toblino to admire the views of the mountains and the romantic Toblino Castle.
Today, you’ll walk one last leg of the San Vili Pathway, this time between the village of Ranzo and Deggia.
This is a more challenging part of the San Vili trek, so I do recommend doing it with a guide – our English-speaking guide Linda from Mountain Friends was great and very knowledgeable about the area.
It’s also one of the more rewarding steps of the San Vili Pathway due to the amazing views over the Canyon of Limarò.
For lunch, have a picnic by the Santuario della Madonna di Deggia.
In the afternoon, visit the agricultural farm Il Ritorno, in San Lorenzo, to learn about the local medicinal plants, walk a sensorial path, and try the delicious home-made cakes.
This is also a nice setting for yoga if you’d like to stretch your body after all the hiking.
Where to eat
Garni Lilly
Just another reason to love this place, at Garni Lilly you can order a zero km packed meal for your picnic lunch.
Prepared with delicious local produce, it’s the perfect solution for a day of hiking in the Dolomites.
Hotel San Lorenzo
Hotel San Lorenzo is an elegant hotel and restaurant in the center of the picturesque village of San Lorenzo in Banale.
Even if you’re not staying here, you should at least visit for dinner once and enjoy its South Tyrolean specialties.
Where to sleep
Garni Lilly
Day 7: Thermal Park of Comano
Spend your last day in Trentino pampering yourself in the Comano thermal baths.
Comano is famous for its thermal waters with medicinal properties especially recommended for skin problems, and the ideal location to end your Trentino itinerary.
Relax at the gorgeous spa and wellness center of the Grand Hotel Terme di Comano, enjoy a beauty treatment – I had a facial and absolutely loved it! – or take a walk around the natural park and connect with nature.
They also offer a weekly program of well-being activities, including Pilates, hydro gymnastics, and much more, if you plan to stay longer than one day, which you definitely should!
Where to eat
Grand Hotel Terme di Comano
I enjoyed a fabulous 5-course dinner at Grand Hotel Terme di Comano that was probably the best meal I had during my time in Trentino.
Superb food, exquisite service, elegant atmosphere and a wonderful setting in the Terme di Comano Park – what else can you ask for?
Where to sleep
Grand Hotel Terme di Comano
I haven’t stayed here myself, but I did a tour of the hotel and I wish I had.
Grand Hotel Terme di Comano is a 4-star hotel featuring beautiful rooms, some of them with a spa tub.
Besides thermal treatments, it offers also a spa and wellness area, massages and beauty treatments, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, restaurant, and bar.
Its location in the heart of the Terme di Comano Park makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Click here for more info and booking: Booking.com
When to hike in the Dolomites
Trentino is a year-round travel destination.
But if you plan to follow this Dolomites itinerary, you should go on the hiking season, from Spring to Autumn.
I went in June, so late Spring, and I think it was a great time to visit: there were hardly any other tourists on the paths and the weather was nice but not too hot.
Summer is also a good and common season for hiking in Trentino but expect higher temperatures, more people and generally higher prices.
Autumn is another great time of the year to hike in the Dolomites and admire all its colors.
Read more:
How to get to and around Trentino
The easiest way to get to Trentino is to travel to its capital town, Trento.
Verona is the closest airport and from there you can easily reach Trento by train, bus or car in about an hour.
From Milan, Venice, Bologna or Innsbruck airports, you can get to Trento in about 2 hours.
Once in Trento, I recommend getting the Trentino Guest Card as it’s the best, easiest and cheapest way to explore the region.
The Trentino Guest Card offers free access to public transportation, more than 60 museums, 20 castles and 40 attractions in the whole region of Trentino, as well as discounts in many other services and events.
To receive your Trentino Guest Card for free you just need to book a stay of at least 2 nights in any of the participating hotels. Grand Hotel Trento, Garni Lilly, and Grand Hotel Terme di Comano have all adhered to the initiative.
If you’re staying only one night at any of the participating hotels, you can still request your card at a special price.
Alternatively, you can buy your guest card online or at any tourist office for 40 euros per person per week. Children under 18 do not pay.
Once you get your card, simply download the free app and start exploring.
There you have it. A 1-week Dolomites itinerary that will make you fall in love with Trentino.
More travel tips
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Cheap flights
Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.
Yoga Retreats
Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.
Tours
GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.
Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.
Car Rentals
Rentalcars.com is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.
* I was a guest of Visit Trentino during my time in the Italian Alps. As always, all opinions are my own.
Have you been to Trentino and the Brenta Dolomites? How was your experience? Share in the comments section below.
Read more:
- Top 15 Things to Do in Trento, Italy
- 10 Great Things to Do in the Dolomites in Summer
- 8 of the Best Hikes in Switzerland for Beginners
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Liz says
This is such a great guide and I love your photos! The food and scenery look incredible! I was recently to Italy, but missed going to the Dolomites! Next trip I will make sure I include it and reference this guide! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy Williams says
Your pictures are absolutely stunning. Italy is so beautiful – I can’t wait to visit someday.
Lauren says
I also grew up by the ocean so never considered myself a “mountain person” either – but yoga with those views would be a dream come true! It sounds like an incredible trip filled with all my favourite things – Italian food, yoga and hiking…*books flights*