3 main Carnivals in the Dolomites + Verona & Venice
Bright, distinctive and diverse, carnivals are an important part of the traditions in Italy. They usually go in winter ahead of Easter: many markets and souvenir shops offer the masterpieces in wood, wool, and leather; and local restaurants and fairs are ready to serve traditional dishes and wines. Let’s join this feast vibe by immersing into the world of regional traditions and breathing a fresh air of the Dolomites!
The dates of the trip depend on the dates and program of the local carnivals. Some days and activities can be slightly changed.
Day 1
Flight to Verona.
A big sightseeing city tour where we will see the monumental medieval castle Castelvecchio (a modern museum that implies the richest collection of the historical artifacts), the legendary Archi Scaligeri, the famous Arena di Verona and many other sights. Overnight in hotel near the city. Visit the thermal bath is possible* (after 6 pm). For choice are Aquardens or Parco Termale del Garda.
Day 2
Free time in the city or excursion to Mantua*
Free time in the city or excursion to Mantua*, a unique town of the Renaissance implied many buildings erected by the Gonzaga family. Excursion in Palazzo del Te (depending on the program of Verona Carnival!)*. The palace has 20 halls striking by their paintings and frescoes. The most affecting are the “Horses Hall” (its vaults are painted by the panels with Greek motifs and the walls are decorated with the paintings with horses), the “Winds Hall”, and the “Hall of the Elements”. Don’t miss the “Hall of the Giants” too – this is a unique masterpiece Visit the Carnival Bacanal del Gnoco. This is one of the oldest carnivals in Veneto region which history goes back to 1531. The symbol of the carnival is presented by Italian potato dumpling, “gnocchi”, which saved the citizens from poverty and hunger. Return to hotel.
Day 3
Moving to Trento
Moving to Trento. Short walk in Trento which is the main town of Trentino region. Lunch*. Accommodation in hotel. Moving to the valley Val di Fassa where the little village Valfloriana welcomes colorful carnival procession “Matoci” on Fat Saturday.The main symbols of the procession are the bright wooden masks and elegant costumes. The event is ended up with the evening dances in these masks. Return to hotel in the evening.
Day 4
Acquaintance with the Dolomites.
Acquaintance with the world of ladin who are the indigenous people of the Dolomites. Visit the authentic mountain villages (for choice: Canazei, Cencenighe Agordino), lunch*. Participation in the Carnival in the centre of the Dolomites – La Zinghenesta which is famous for its cuisine, musical traditions, and colorful fancy-dressed processions. La Zinghenesta is also the most beautiful girl of the village who welcomes guests. Moving to Bolzano in the evening.
Day 5
Excursion in Bolzano
Excursion in Bolzano – an acquaintance with the capital of the South Tirol. Free time,lunch*. Moving to Madonna di Campiglio where the most unusual mountain carnival takes his end. The event is dedicated to the Habsburg family and it is affected by the royal events of the past, and all participants are dres sed up in the costumes of the former royal empire. Accommodation in hotel near Verona.
Day 6
Sightseeing tour in Venice
Sightseeing tour in Venice. Lunch*, riding on a gondola*. Participation in the famous Venice Carnival. Return to hotel.
Day 7
The end of the program
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR
For active travelers who is ready to often move on and open new interesting spots every day
For mountain lovers who adore serpentines and fantastic snowy peaks
For lovers of Italian cuisine, culture, and funny, bustling carnivals