Dolomites and Milan: Seceda Hikes, Merano Thermal Spa and Lake Garda

Highlights

• Milan: the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the historic centre for participants arriving early enough.
• Bolzano and the Dolomites: alpine villages, limestone peaks, meadows, valleys and panoramic ridgelines.
• Seceda: an approximately 15 km hike with about 900 m of elevation gain and one of the Alps' most recognisable viewpoints.
• Gilfenklamm Gorge: waterfalls, forest trails and wooden walkways above rushing water.
• Merano: a thermal-spa session after the gorge hike.
• Lake Garda: a scenic roadtrip stop on the return to Milan, subject to timing and weather.

Dates, meeting point and finish

• Start: Friday, 9 October 2026 at around 12:00 at Milan Central railway station. The exact meeting point is provided to confirmed participants in the coordination group.
• Finish: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 in the morning, at the Milan accommodation or at the airport. An airport drop-off may be possible depending on departure times.
• Participants arriving earlier or later should provide their timing after booking so the Friday meeting arrangements can be coordinated.
• The accommodation details are shared with confirmed participants.
• Group size is advertised as up to 12 people, and the official booking form presents an Adults 15+ category.

Level and required equipment

The official page rates the hiking level as intermediate to advanced. The trip includes well-marked mountain trails, moderate to high elevation gain, long hiking days and uneven ground. Good fitness, previous hiking experience and comfort with four to six hours of mountain hiking are recommended. No technical climbing equipment is required.

• Mandatory hiking shoes
• Day backpack
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water bottle
• Sun protection

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 — Milan and transfer to the Dolomites

Meet the guide and the group at Milan Central railway station and travel directly towards the Dolomites. Participants who arrive the night before can spend the morning walking through Milan's historic centre, including the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, before the meeting. Continue to the Bolzano region, check in, then join the group dinner and trip briefing. Overnight in the Bolzano/Dolomites region for the next four nights.

Day 2 — Seceda, the iconic Dolomites hike

Hike approximately 15 km with around 900 m of elevation gain to the Seceda ridgeline. The route offers views across jagged peaks, alpine meadows and the wider Dolomite range, with a planned mountain-hut lunch stop. The package includes a return cable-car journey for one of the hikes, weather permitting.

Day 3 — Flexible Dolomites hike

Walk approximately 11–15 km with 500–700 m of elevation gain. The route is selected according to weather and group fitness and may include hidden alpine valleys, mountain meadows, panoramic viewpoints and traditional villages. Overnight in the Bolzano/Dolomites region.

Day 4 — Gilfenklamm Gorge and Merano thermal spa

Complete an easier hike of approximately 14 km over about four to five hours through Gilfenklamm Gorge near Vipiteno, following forest paths, bridges and wooden walkways beside waterfalls and dramatic canyon scenery. Afterwards, travel to Merano for the included thermal-spa session, followed by dinner in town. Overnight in the Bolzano/Dolomites region.

Day 5 — Lake Garda roadtrip and Milan

After breakfast and a relaxed morning in the mountains, drive towards Lake Garda to enjoy views of Italy's largest lake. Scenic viewpoints, villages or coffee stops may be included according to timing and weather. Continue to Milan, check in, and join a farewell dinner with the group. Overnight in Milan.

Day 6 — Departure

After breakfast, check out and say goodbye to the group. Participants can continue their travels or head to the airport; a drop-off may be arranged depending on flight schedules.

Included

• Community leader and guide throughout the trip.
• English-speaking trip leader, also fluent in German.
• Four nights of shared accommodation in the Bolzano/Dolomites region.
• One night of shared accommodation in Milan.
• Return cable car for one hike, weather permitting.
• Transport from the meeting point through to the trip finish.
• Daily breakfast.
• Admissions required for the planned hiking routes.
• Entry to the thermal spa in Merano.
• The scenic roadtrip from the Bolzano region to Milan via Lake Garda and surrounding areas.
• Access to the participant coordination group and shared photo album.

Not included

• Lunches and dinners.
• Flights to and from Milan.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses.
• Drinks and snacks.

Billetweb prices

Billetweb currently lists the main package, “GA with Shared Accommodation (5 Nights)”, at €1,145. It also lists a €250 twin-sharing room supplement for five nights and a €445 single-room supplement for five nights. These supplements are optional additions and do not replace the base trip price.

Weather, safety and programme flexibility

Mountain weather and trail conditions can change quickly. For safety, the guide may adjust routes, timing, activities, accommodation or venues according to weather, trail conditions, group fitness, group size or other safety considerations. Participants may be removed if their conduct is disruptive or unsafe, or if they are considered unfit for the planned activity. Participants remain responsible for their belongings, health and personal safety, and should hold suitable travel insurance.

Cancellation conditions

• Free cancellation with a 100% refund of the trip price, excluding flights, is available up to 14 full days before departure.
• After that deadline, cancellation up to five days before departure gives a 50% refund of the trip price, excluding flights.
• If the organiser cancels the trip, the trip price is refunded in full, excluding airfares; a flight-inclusive package purchased directly from the organiser is refunded including its flights.
• A minimum of five participants is required for the trip to take place.

After booking

Confirmed participants receive access to the coordination group, the detailed trip briefing and accommodation information. A group video information session is planned closer to departure, and a shared album is available for trip photos and videos.