New Year in an Italian Castle

Your tour commences this evening in Munich. Dinner tonight is included, but first we enjoy a welcome drink. This is an ideal opportunity to meet and get to know your fellow travellers.

Our morning drive takes us to Wattens to visit Swarovski ‘Kristallwelten’ (Crystal Worlds)... a weird and wonderful crystal experience, before continuing to the winter resort of Innsbruck, in the spectacular Inn Valley. After checking into our centrally located hotel you will have plenty of time to explore the Old Town, which is on your doorstep. Make sure you see the picture perfect medieval square beneath the famous ‘Golden Roof’.  

Today we cross into Italy via the Brenner Pass and visit Bolzano, capital of Alto Adige region. Intricately carved gables, painted timber façades and an elegant arcaded main street illustrate the influence of both Tyrolean and Italian cultures. We have included a visit to the Museum of Archaeology where you can see the mummified remains of Ötzi – the famous Ice Man – along with a fascinating exhibition documenting the Ancient History of Italy’s South Tyrol. At Trento we cut across the scenic Valsugana and reach the foothills of the Dolomites and our superb CastelBrando. Located above the village of Cison di Valmarino this 2,000 year old Roman fortress was turned into a sumptuous Noble’s palace in the 13th century. On arrival we have included a guided tour of the castle – there is a lot to see – and this will be your home for the next three evocative nights.

New Year’s Eve! Today we visit nearby Venice – arguably oneof the most romantic cities in the world. At Tronchetto we board a boat to take us to St Mark’s Square where we join our expert local guide for a walking tour and to visit St Mark’s Basilica. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop and explore the myriad of narrow, water lined streets and canals spanned by humped back bridges. Tonight we enjoy a Gala New Year’s Eve Dinner in ‘our’ castle. Sit back and enjoy fine Italian dining, numerous courses with Venetian fish specialities, and selected regional wines.  This will be a night to remember!

Your choice today… Enjoy a day at leisure in your wonderful castle or, join us to have some fun in the snow as we drive north into the spectacular Dolomites to visit the chic Italian ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.  ‘My Time’ to shop and enjoy the breath-taking scenery of the dramatic, snow laden peaks surrounding you, or perhaps take the cable car (not included) up the mountain.  

Leaving our castle we head for the shores of Lake Garda where we take a morning break in the incredibly picturesque town of Sirmione with its tiny harbour surrounded by cobblestoned walkways and cafés. Later we continue to the stylish city of Milan for time at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Your special New Year tour ends after breakfast. Italy is at your feet!