We are conquering the Italian Dolomites and unwinding on the shores of Lake Garda—the ultimate SYB adventure in balance, beauty, and thrill!
We’re kicking off our journey in Merano, a mountain spa town surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites. It’s the perfect launchpad for exploring Europe’s most breathtaking trails, and with medieval castles, charming biergartens, and Italy’s finest spa, there’s no better place to begin. From here, we’ll hit the mountains, where iconic Rifugios—rustic huts tucked along the trails—offer us a taste of Northern Italy’s mountain cuisine, cold lagers, and incredible views. Imagine trekking through lush landscapes, pausing to refuel with local delicacies, then setting off for an afternoon summit or an alpine lake plunge. Our evenings in Merano are for unwinding: wander through the medieval town, mingle with locals, and soak in those legendary mountain sunsets from the hotel spa.
Our hikes get even more epic as we tackle the iconic Seceda trails in Val Gardena and the enchanting cliffs and waterfalls of the Catennacio and Val di Fassa. Each trail offers jaw-dropping scenery straight out of a fantasy, with cliffside Rifugios and summit views that you’ll remember for a lifetime. And after days of adventure, we’ll relax back at our infinity pool with sweeping mountain vistas.
When it’s time to shift gears, we’ll head south to Lake Garda. The beach awaits as we dive into the clear waters and soak up the Italian sunshine. We’ll toast to the week with Italian nightlife, good food, and all that lake life has to offer. And just when you think it couldn’t get better, we cap off the adventure with our legendary MF Boat Day—Dolomites style! We’ll cruise around the turquoise waters of Lake Garda, swim, celebrate, and soak up every last bit of Italian magic.
Pack your hiking boots, your beachwear, and your sense of adventure—this is #SYBDolomites, where mountain trails meet lakeside luxury.
GETTING THERE
Arrive to Venice International airport (VCE) by 12pm to catch the SYB shuttle, no worries if you can't make that we can alway set you up with some trusted transport services if needed.
COMING HOME
We'll have our early transport service take everyone back to Venice Airport (VCE) by 8am. Either way our check out is at 10am from out hotel. If you choose to stay in the area for longer, we can recommend some private drivers.
In Merano we're staying at the 4-star hotel Prinz Rudolf Smart Hotel. It's just 300 meters from the Meran cable-way, located amongst rich forest and apple orchards, and offers a peaceful setting, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Prinz Rudolf Smart Hotel is set in a perfect position to enjoy trekking in the summer. The hotel has a beautiful outdoor pool and wellness facilities with two saunas.
In Lake Garda, our hotel is the 4-star Hotel Caesius Terme. Nestled along the lake’s edge, this serene retreat is surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil waters, creating a perfect oasis for rejuvenation. With its renowned thermal spa, elegant outdoor pool, and direct access to scenic trails, Hotel Caesius Terme is an idyllic escape. With an elegant outdoor pool, a relaxing spa, and lush gardens, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure and soak in the beauty of Lake Garda.
We will provide all meals except two dinners; one in Merano and one in Lake Garda and lunches in town. These are opportunities to try out some really amazing smaller restaurants that can't accommodate big groups like ours.
Alcohol will not be provided.
Bring cash to buy drinks for yourself, or even your new friends if you’re feeling sexy!
The Merano town and it's region especially are known for these dishes:
- Speck: Speck is a cured and smoked ham that is a specialty of South Tyrol, including the Merano region. It is a delicious and flavorful cold cut that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of various dishes.
- Schlutzkrapfen: Schlutzkrapfen are a type of filled pasta similar to ravioli. They are often stuffed with ingredients such as spinach and cheese, making them a popular and savory choice in the region.
- Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel): Apple strudel is a classic dessert in the Merano region, made with thinly rolled pastry filled with apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nuts. It's a delightful and iconic sweet treat that you should definitely try when visiting the area.
The Lake Garda area is renowned for its delicious regional specialties:
- Bigoli: A thick, spaghetti-like pasta often served with a rich duck ragù or anchovy sauce, Bigoli is a traditional Venetian pasta dish that has become popular around Lake Garda for its hearty flavors and satisfying texture.
- Tortellini di Valeggio: This delicate, hand-made tortellini, typically filled with meat or cheese, hails from Valeggio sul Mincio near Lake Garda. It’s often served with a light butter and sage sauce, highlighting its refined taste.
- Lavarello (Whitefish): As a lake specialty, Lavarello is a local whitefish, usually grilled or prepared with lemon and herbs. It’s a fresh, light dish that showcases the region’s lake-to-table cuisine.
- Olive Oil from Garda: Known for its delicate and fruity flavor, the extra virgin olive oil produced around Lake Garda is highly regarded and adds a special local touch to dishes or bread.
- Sbrisolona: This crumbly, almond-based dessert from nearby Mantua is a beloved treat around Lake Garda. Often enjoyed with coffee or sweet wine, it’s a perfect ending to any meal in the region.
We're going to be very active on the trails, so our fitness programming is going to be mainly warm-up and recover based. We'll combine that with our hotel's saunas and spa to really get your body ready for any epic trails we throw your way!
No need to whip out your phone or camera at any point throughout this trip because we have got you covered. We will have a professional photographer and videographer joining us on this trip to capture every moment. These will be the best travel photos and videos you will ever get - you're friends better be ready for a photo dump out of their wildest dreams!!
This experience is included in trip fees.
We highly recommend you get travel and/or medical insurance. This is just for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
Merano is a sexy little town in northern Italy known for the unreal alpine mountains and natural thermal baths... a perfect combo for us!
Other cool known things about Merano include:
- Alpine Setting: Merano is situated in a picturesque Alpine landscape, surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Italian and Austrian Alps. Its natural beauty, with mountains, valleys, and a mild climate, makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers.
- Thermal Baths and Wellness: Merano is famous for its thermal baths and spa facilities. The town has a long history of offering relaxation and wellness opportunities, with several thermal spas and wellness centers that make it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Historical Charm: Merano boasts a charming and well-preserved old town with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and historic architecture. The town's history can be traced back to the Roman era, and it has a rich cultural heritage.
- Gardens and Parks: Merano is known for its beautiful gardens and parks, including the renowned Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens (Giardini di Castel Trauttmansdorff). These gardens showcase a wide variety of plants and offer visitors a pleasant and educational experience.
- Apples and Agriculture: The region around Merano is known for its apple orchards and fruit cultivation. South Tyrol is a major apple-producing area in Italy, and visitors can explore apple-themed attractions and enjoy fresh, locally grown produce.
- Festivals: Merano hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its local traditions and heritage. These events often include music, food, and cultural exhibitions.
If you’re asking this, it’s time for a geography refresher! But let’s get into it: Lake Garda, Italy, is a dazzling spot where the Alps meet shimmering blue waters, creating a scene that’s straight out of a dream. Imagine charming lakeside villages like Sirmione and Limone sul Garda, where ancient castles and lemon groves coexist with vibrant cafés and gelato stands. You can explore medieval fortresses, like Scaliger Castle, sail across the lake’s turquoise waters, and taste local wines and olive oil produced right on the lake’s shores. It’s a paradise for hiking, swimming, and enjoying Italy’s natural beauty. With a mix of Italian elegance and alpine charm, Lake Garda is waiting—so come see it now before everyone else catches on!
The local currency in Italy is Euros. Italy does not accept international currency outside banks or money exchange institutions.
We suggest bringing about €300 to €400 to use at bars and a few of our dinners (bring more if you're worried about running out!), but otherwise, we've got you covered! For reference, the average price of an alcoholic drink is €12.
There are ATMs in both Merano and Venice. If you are planning on using an ATM, inform your bank that you are traveling abroad, and beware of additional fees for withdrawing money. We suggest withdrawing money in your home country!
Northern Italy is incredibly safe for travelers! The only risks we may experience are pickpockets or scammers.
Our accommodations will have safes for us to leave our valuables in, and we suggest leaving all important items in the safe while we are out exploring - but maybe keep your Yeezys and nice jewelry at home!
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