Planning a holiday in Trentino is simple when you have a ready-made plan. Here you will find three itineraries, one for 3 days, one for 5 and one for 7, designed for those who want to see the best of the region without rushing and without losing time studying maps. The idea is a single one: a comfortable base to return to each evening, and short day trips to lakes, towns and mountains. We at Italy Holiday have welcomed guests in this area for a long time, and these are the itineraries we would suggest to a friend who is arriving.
The base we suggest is the lakes area of Valsugana, around Lago di Caldonazzo, about twenty minutes by car from Trento. It is a central spot: in a short time you reach the city, the lake beaches and, on a day trip, even the great mountains of Trentino. All the travel times below are indicative and calculated by car.
Trentino in 3 days
Three days are enough to taste the soul of Trentino: a lake, a city of art and a first view of the Dolomites. This itinerary keeps the journeys short, so you spend more time enjoying the places than driving.
Day 1: the lakes of Valsugana
Start gently from your base. Lago di Caldonazzo is one of the warmest lakes in Southern Europe and in summer it is perfect for a day at the beach, with swimming, canoeing and SUP. The shores of the lake and of the nearby Lago di Levico are a few minutes away by car, and they are the best way to ease into the rhythm of the holiday.
If you want more ideas for the area, look at our guide on what to do at Lago di Caldonazzo and the one on the 8 lakes to visit in Trentino.
Day 2: Trento, city of art
On the second day go down to Trento, about twenty minutes by car. The old town is compact and can be explored entirely on foot: Piazza del Duomo with the Neptune fountain, the frescoed houses, the Castello del Buonconsiglio and the modern science museum. It is a city that combines history and daily life, ideal for a day of museums, cafés and walks.
To plan the day in the city, read what to do in Trento. And at the table, discover our guide to Trentino cuisine: a plate of canederli or polenta is the right way to close the day.
Day 3: a first view of the Dolomites
For the last day head up to the mountains. From your base you can reach in about an hour and a quarter the area of Madonna di Campiglio, gateway to the Dolomiti di Brenta, a mountain group with unmistakable spires that is part of the world heritage. A high-altitude walk or a cable car ride gives you views you will remember for a long time.
You will find all the details in the guide to the Dolomiti di Brenta.
Trentino in 5 days
With five days you can keep the same relaxed rhythm and add two great destinations: an alpine valley and Lago di Garda. The base stays the same, so you never have to unpack and repack.
Day 1: arrival and the lakes of Valsugana
As in the 3-day itinerary, dedicate the first day to your base. Enjoy Lago di Caldonazzo and Lago di Levico, a walk along the shores and a first dinner with local flavours. It is the best way to settle in without hurry.
Day 2: Trento
The second day is for Trento, about twenty minutes by car. Old town, Castello del Buonconsiglio, museums and squares: a full day in the city goes by very fast. Use the guide on what to do in Trento to choose the stops that interest you most.
Day 3: Dolomiti di Brenta
The third day go up to the Dolomiti di Brenta, about an hour and a quarter from the base, in the area of Madonna di Campiglio. Between trails, alpine lakes and cable cars, it is the most scenic day of the itinerary. The guide to the Dolomiti di Brenta helps you organise it.
Day 4: Val di Sole
Change scenery with a day in Val di Sole, about an hour and ten from the base. It is a valley made for those who love the outdoors: bike routes along the river, rafting, parks and small mountain villages. It is perfect for families too.
For the details read what to do in Val di Sole.
Day 5: Lago di Garda
End on a high note with Lago di Garda. The Trentino shore, around Riva del Garda and Torbole, is about forty-five minutes by car from the base. Here the climate is almost Mediterranean, with olive trees, palms and a lively lakefront, and the water is loved by those who sail and windsurf.
All the tips are in the guide to Lago di Garda from Trentino.
Trentino in 7 days
A week lets you see Trentino with real calm: lakes, towns, two different Dolomite groups, an active valley and Lago di Garda, with at least one free day to slow down. Here too the base stays a single one.
Day 1: arrival and relaxing by the lakes
Dedicate the first day to the arrival and to the lakes of Valsugana. Caldonazzo and Levico are perfect for settling in: beach, a walk and a quiet dinner.
Day 2: Trento
The second day is for Trento, about twenty minutes. Take all the time for the old town, the museums and the flavours of Trentino cuisine. The guide on what to do in Trento gives you the main stops.
Day 3: Dolomiti di Brenta
The third day go up to the Dolomiti di Brenta, about an hour and a quarter, in the area of Madonna di Campiglio. A day among panoramic trails and cable cars. See the guide to the Dolomiti di Brenta.
Day 4: Val di Sole
The fourth day is dedicated to Val di Sole, about an hour and ten. Biking along the river, outdoor activities and mountain villages: a day full of energy. The details are in what to do in Val di Sole.
Day 5: a slow day
Mid-week treat yourself to a day without long journeys. Go back to the lakes of Valsugana to swim, read in the shade or take a bike ride along the shores. Resting is part of the holiday, and it prepares you for the final stops.
Day 6: Lago di Garda
On the sixth day go down to Lago di Garda, about forty-five minutes. The area of Riva del Garda and Torbole offers a mild climate, a lakefront and water sports. Use the guide to Lago di Garda from Trentino.
Day 7: the Catinaccio Dolomites
For the last day choose a different face of the Dolomites: the Catinaccio, in the Val di Fassa area, about an hour and a quarter from the base. It is famous for the phenomenon of enrosadira, when at sunset the rock turns pink and red. A perfect close to your week in Trentino.
Where to stay for your itinerary in Trentino
The secret of all these itineraries is a comfortable and central base. The lakes area of Valsugana, around Lago di Caldonazzo, puts Trento, the great Dolomites and Lago di Garda within easy reach, and brings you back each evening to a quiet place near the water. With Italy Holiday you find well-kept stays in this area, designed for families and travellers who want comfort and the freedom to explore.
Choose your holiday home and book your stay with Italy Holiday: the ideal base to experience Trentino in 3, 5 or 7 days.
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