We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more

Valleys & Views of Garda

Early Booking Offer

Location: Italy

Duration: 7 nights

Board Basis: Half Board

Travel Dates: Jun-Oct 2027

Itineraries available: 1

Choice of Walking Grades: 3 & 4 details

Carbon Footprint: 498kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,749

pp

Inc flights

Members From

£1,699

pp

Inc flights

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Fringed by the mighty Dolomites, Italy’s largest lake has plenty to please. For those keen to explore mighty mountains, lakeside beaches, charming towns, promenades, and glittering waters, this superb holiday has it all. Highlights include riding the Monte Baldo basket lift, discovering the Valley of Mills, and exploring the olive groves, orchards, and vineyards that cover the landscape. To top it all, we’ll stay in an elegant hotel with a magical setting above Garda town, on the Veronese side of the lake.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
With an enviable location in Lake Garda's stunning valley between San Vigilio and La Rocca, the 4-star Poiano Garda Resort blends seamlessly into its picturesque surroundings. Set amongst immaculate gardens, it offers an outdoor pool, a panoramic terrace area, plus a wellness centre with an indoor pool, Turkish bath and sauna. Wherever you stand on the property the views are really something special. There’s also a restaurant with a terrace and panoramic views where you will enjoy buffet breakfasts with savoury and sweet choices and dinners with a salad bar, choice of starters, mains and desserts. Water, tea and coffee are included with dinner. All room types are the same size, are air conditioned and include satellite television with international channels, mini bars, safes, hairdryers and walk-in-showers. The Resort will attempt to allocate our groups to the same room type, but this may not always be possible due to availability. Some will have dormer windows others hills or Lake view with a balcony.
Piscina Olimpica (1).jpg

Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Gentle walking grade 3

Gentle walking grade 3

Slightly longer walks, mostly on well-trodden paths, with some gentle gradients plus stiles and steps possible. Typically, 5-6 miles (8-10km) with around 650ft (200m) of ascent.
Gentle walking grade 4

Gentle walking grade 4

The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.

What You’ll Love

  • Soaking up stunning lake views from the Rocca climbs
  • Enjoying the peaceful Valley of Mills in the hills above Garda
  • Riding the Monte Baldo basket lift
  • Taking a shore-to-shore ferry ride across sparkling Lake Garda waters
  • Exploring the ancient history and natural beauty of Garda town
  • Sampling classic Italian and regional dishes

What's Included

  • Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 7 nights' accommodation in Poiano, perched above Garda town
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • All in-destination transport

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

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    [title] => Arrival Day
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Arrive in Lake Garda and transfer to your hotel.

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Arrive in Lake Garda and transfer to your hotel.

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    [title] => The Rocche
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                            [title] => Rocca San Giorgio
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Distance: 5.6 miles (9km) 

Ascent: 820 feet (250m) 

Descent: 820 feet (250m) 

Our walk climbs gently uphill to the ancient hermitage of the Camaldolesi at Rocca San Giorgio. From here, the trail enters the woods leading to the beautiful viewpoint at Rocca Vecchia.

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Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 820 feet (250m) 

Descent: 820 feet (250m) 

Our option 2 destination is also the Rocche but we get there by taking a slightly longer route. passing through the vineyards of Bardolino and the olive groves of the famous Garda oil. 

) ) ) )
Option 1 - Rocca San Giorgio

Distance: 5.6 miles (9km) 

Ascent: 820 feet (250m) 

Descent: 820 feet (250m) 

Our walk climbs gently uphill to the ancient hermitage of the Camaldolesi at Rocca San Giorgio. From here, the trail enters the woods leading to the beautiful viewpoint at Rocca Vecchia.

Option 2 - Bardolino to the Rocche

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 820 feet (250m) 

Descent: 820 feet (250m) 

Our option 2 destination is also the Rocche but we get there by taking a slightly longer route. passing through the vineyards of Bardolino and the olive groves of the famous Garda oil. 

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    [title] => Valley of Mills
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                            [title] => Costermano
                            [content] => 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)  

Ascent: 820 feet (250m) 

Descent: 820 feet (250m) 

Walking from the hotel, we’ll climb up to Costermano and take the path leading us to the Valle dei Molini. Here, mills powered by the Tesina stream once ground the cereal crops from the surrounding countryside. A couple of these mills can still be seen today 

) [1] => Array ( [title] => Campagnola [content] =>

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)  

 Ascent: 820 feet (250m) 

 Descent: 820 feet (250m) 

 Our walk follows the route of the option 1 group to the Valle dei Molini, also passing through the small hamlet of Campagnola

) ) ) )
Option 1 - Costermano

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)  

Ascent: 820 feet (250m) 

Descent: 820 feet (250m) 

Walking from the hotel, we’ll climb up to Costermano and take the path leading us to the Valle dei Molini. Here, mills powered by the Tesina stream once ground the cereal crops from the surrounding countryside. A couple of these mills can still be seen today 

Option 2 - Campagnola

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)  

 Ascent: 820 feet (250m) 

 Descent: 820 feet (250m) 

 Our walk follows the route of the option 1 group to the Valle dei Molini, also passing through the small hamlet of Campagnola

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    [title] => Castelletto and Campo
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                            [title] => Castelletto to Campo
                            [content] => 

Distance: 3.7 miles (6km) with an additional 1.7 miles (2.7km) of uphill walking back to the hotel if chosen 

Ascent: 660 feet (200m) 

Descent: 660 feet (200m) 

We'll transfer from the hotel to Castelletto for the start of our walk options. Our path takes us through the beautiful alleyways of Castelletto and on to Campo, a medieval hamlet nestled in the green hills above Lake Garda. We'll return to Castelletto and take the boat back to Garda town (return by coach for April departure). We can pick up the hotel shuttle bus from Garda harbour or walk back up the hill to the hotel.

) [1] => Array ( [title] => Castelletto to Campo via Magugnano [content] =>

Distance: 5 miles (8km) with an additional 1.7 miles (2.7km) of uphill walking back to the hotel if chosen 

Ascent: 660 feet (200m) 

Descent: 660 feet (200m) 

This walk follows the same route as Option 1 to Campo then, following the old mule tracks, we descend to Magugnano and return to Castelletto along the beach. We'll join the option 1 group for the boat back to Garda  (return by coach for the April  departure). 

) ) ) )
Option 1 - Castelletto to Campo

Distance: 3.7 miles (6km) with an additional 1.7 miles (2.7km) of uphill walking back to the hotel if chosen 

Ascent: 660 feet (200m) 

Descent: 660 feet (200m) 

We'll transfer from the hotel to Castelletto for the start of our walk options. Our path takes us through the beautiful alleyways of Castelletto and on to Campo, a medieval hamlet nestled in the green hills above Lake Garda. We'll return to Castelletto and take the boat back to Garda town (return by coach for April departure). We can pick up the hotel shuttle bus from Garda harbour or walk back up the hill to the hotel.

Option 2 - Castelletto to Campo via Magugnano

Distance: 5 miles (8km) with an additional 1.7 miles (2.7km) of uphill walking back to the hotel if chosen 

Ascent: 660 feet (200m) 

Descent: 660 feet (200m) 

This walk follows the same route as Option 1 to Campo then, following the old mule tracks, we descend to Magugnano and return to Castelletto along the beach. We'll join the option 1 group for the boat back to Garda  (return by coach for the April  departure). 

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    [title] => Free Day
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Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. Options include: 

Garda 

Enjoy a relaxing lakeside walk along Garda’s promenade and soak up the atmosphere of the town. 

Verona – you’re within easy reach of UNESCO-listed Verona from Lake Garda. Visit the Roman amphitheater and take in the views from the postcard-worthy bridges over the Adige River. 

Malcesine 

Explore the cobbled streets of this medieval settlement, with its impressive fortress, Castello Scaligero. Enjoy panoramic lake views that have attracted many writers and artists over the centuries.  

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Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. Options include: 

Garda 

Enjoy a relaxing lakeside walk along Garda’s promenade and soak up the atmosphere of the town. 

Verona – you’re within easy reach of UNESCO-listed Verona from Lake Garda. Visit the Roman amphitheater and take in the views from the postcard-worthy bridges over the Adige River. 

Malcesine 

Explore the cobbled streets of this medieval settlement, with its impressive fortress, Castello Scaligero. Enjoy panoramic lake views that have attracted many writers and artists over the centuries.  

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    [title] => Monte Baldo
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                            [title] => Malga Pralongo
                            [content] => 

Distance: 5 miles (8km)  

Ascent: 425 ft (130m)

Descent: 2,300 ft (700m)

With the basket lift, we ascend to the Mondini hut and head towards Malga Ortigara. We walk through the beech forest, arriving at Malga Pralongo, from where there is a unique panorama. We’ll then head downhill to meet our transfer bus. 

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Distance: 6 miles (10km)  

Ascent: 1,300 ft (400m) 

Descent: 2,950 ft (900m)

We follow the same route as Option 1 but reach Malga Pralongo via the delightful Naole valley, also known as the valley of the marmots. With luck we'll be able to spot some. 

) ) ) )
Option 1 - Malga Pralongo

Distance: 5 miles (8km)  

Ascent: 425 ft (130m)

Descent: 2,300 ft (700m)

With the basket lift, we ascend to the Mondini hut and head towards Malga Ortigara. We walk through the beech forest, arriving at Malga Pralongo, from where there is a unique panorama. We’ll then head downhill to meet our transfer bus. 

Option 2 - Malga Pralongo via Naole valley

Distance: 6 miles (10km)  

Ascent: 1,300 ft (400m) 

Descent: 2,950 ft (900m)

We follow the same route as Option 1 but reach Malga Pralongo via the delightful Naole valley, also known as the valley of the marmots. With luck we'll be able to spot some. 

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    [id] => 01kwy7k41j7zw3pa34gc571kdj
    [title] => Across the lake to Maderno
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

Both groups will travel together from Garda to Torri del Benaco by coach and then take a ferry from Torri del Benaco to Maderno. From here, we will transfer to Muslone where both walks start. Initially the two groups will walk together on an easy route to the village of Piovere. This is a quaint village with photo worthy Medieval passageways. From here the full group takes a pleasant shaded walk to the Cascata Piovere waterfall which ends in a small pool.


 

 

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Distance: 3.7 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 490 feet (150m) 

Descent: 470 feet (140m) 

This walk returns to Piovere where the group will have some time to look around before boarding the bus for the return to Muslone. The second group will join here and then the bus will carry on to Maderno to join the ferry to Torri del Benaco. There will be time to explore the town before returning to the hotel.


 
) [1] => Array ( [title] => Muslone loop [content] =>

Distance: 5 miles (8.2km)  

Ascent: 1,150 feet (350m) 

Descent: 1,150 feet (350m) 

On this option we continue walking, descending a steep slope until we reach an an old mule track. Passing through fields, we come to a junction where a path leads up to Muslone. The climb is steep and through the woods but at Muslone we are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Garda. We will meet up with the other group and take the bus to Maderno where we will board the ferry to Torri del Benaco. There will be some time to explore before heading back to the hotel.

) ) ) )

Both groups will travel together from Garda to Torri del Benaco by coach and then take a ferry from Torri del Benaco to Maderno. From here, we will transfer to Muslone where both walks start. Initially the two groups will walk together on an easy route to the village of Piovere. This is a quaint village with photo worthy Medieval passageways. From here the full group takes a pleasant shaded walk to the Cascata Piovere waterfall which ends in a small pool.


 

 

Option 1 - Muslone to Piovere

Distance: 3.7 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 490 feet (150m) 

Descent: 470 feet (140m) 

This walk returns to Piovere where the group will have some time to look around before boarding the bus for the return to Muslone. The second group will join here and then the bus will carry on to Maderno to join the ferry to Torri del Benaco. There will be time to explore the town before returning to the hotel.


 
Option 2 - Muslone loop

Distance: 5 miles (8.2km)  

Ascent: 1,150 feet (350m) 

Descent: 1,150 feet (350m) 

On this option we continue walking, descending a steep slope until we reach an an old mule track. Passing through fields, we come to a junction where a path leads up to Muslone. The climb is steep and through the woods but at Muslone we are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Garda. We will meet up with the other group and take the bus to Maderno where we will board the ferry to Torri del Benaco. There will be some time to explore before heading back to the hotel.

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    [title] => Departure Day
    [introduction] => 
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We’ll leave Lake Garda for our flight back home.  

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We’ll leave Lake Garda for our flight back home.  

Accommodation

Hotel Poiano

With an enviable location in Lake Garda's stunning valley between San Vigilio and La Rocca, the 4-star Poiano Garda Resort blends seamlessly into its picturesque surroundings. Set amongst immaculate gardens, it offers an outdoor pool, a panoramic terrace area, plus a wellness centre with an indoor pool, Turkish bath and sauna. Wherever you stand on the property the views are really something special. There’s also a restaurant with a terrace and panoramic views where you will enjoy buffet breakfasts with savoury and sweet choices and dinners with a salad bar, choice of starters, mains and desserts. Water, tea and coffee are included with dinner. All room types are the same size, are air conditioned and include satellite television with international channels, mini bars, safes, hairdryers and walk-in-showers. The Resort will attempt to allocate our groups to the same room type, but this may not always be possible due to availability. Some will have dormer windows others hills or Lake view with a balcony.

More Information

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 

  • Waterproof jacket 

  • Waterproof trousers 

  • Insulated jacket/top 

  • Walking clothing  

  • Walking socks (plus spares)  

  • Sunhat 

  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat

  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  

  • Headtorch

  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  

  • Swimcap (compulsory in Itialian resorts)

  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 

  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  

  • Mobile phone 

  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 

  • Passport 

  • Visa (if applicable) 

  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 

  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 

  • Swimwear and travel towel

  • Snacks

  • Dry bags

  • Rubbish bags

  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 

  • Sit mat

  • Flask for hot drinks 

  • Durable lunch box

  • Gaiters 

  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

Drinking Water

Standards for drinking water vary widely around the world. In many destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink, brush your teeth with, or use for making ice. Where advised, you should drink only bottled or treated water and ensure that bottle seals are intact before use. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled or filtered.

Staying well hydrated is particularly important in hot climates and during active holidays. Carry water with you and drink regularly. 

If you are unsure about local water safety, check official country-specific health advice before travel, or ask your accommodation or local guides for guidance once you arrive.

The local currency is the Euro (€)

Carbon Footprint - 498kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Dates & availability

Valleys & Views of Garda

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

15 Jun - 22 Jun 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,999 £1,949

£1,799 £1,749

pp

Members

£1,949 £1,899

£1,749 £1,699

pp
Single rooms

£2,249 £2,199

pp

£2,199 £2,149

pp

£2,049 £1,999

pp

£1,999 £1,949

pp

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

7 Sep - 14 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,999 £1,949

£1,799 £1,749

pp

Members

£1,949 £1,899

£1,749 £1,699

pp
Single rooms

£2,239 £2,189

pp

£2,189 £2,139

pp

£2,039 £1,989

pp

£1,989 £1,939

pp

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

5 Oct - 12 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,799 £1,749

£1,599 £1,549

pp

Members

£1,749 £1,699

£1,549 £1,499

pp
Single rooms

£2,039 £1,989

pp

£1,989 £1,939

pp

£1,839 £1,789

pp

£1,789 £1,739

pp
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Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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