FOOD AND WINE TOURS ALONG THE LAKES IN AUTUMN

Lake Caldonazzo in the Valsugana is surrounded by a dense network of forest roads and connects the farms and the hamlet of Santa Caterina, with diverse landscapes. Discover the Trentino villages rich with centuries-old history set against the colours of autumn. The ‘Chestnut farms tour’ winds through the woods on this side. From Bosentino, you can reach Migazzone; from there, through cultivated areas and woods, the hamlet of Santa Caterina can be found with a view of the Valsugana, the Tenna hill and the lake. Continue your journey up towards the farmsteads until you reach the forest road of Monte di Bosentino. Then, travel back towards Vigolo Vattaro and up to the Castello di Vigolo, a manor from the 16th century that is now a private residence, the sanctuary of the Madonna del Feles and then back to Bosentino. We also recommend a visit to Agriturismo Berry House in Vigolo Vattaro.

Whilst staying in Valsugana, you can stroll along the romantic Strada dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Path) in Levico Terme which you’ll find close to the water and set in the pristine nature surrounding Lake Levico. Relax and be amazed by the colours, shadows and reflections that are drawn on the lake, and stop to rest on the numerous benches scattered along the trail. It starts from the beautiful beaches of the lakefront at the foot of Panarotta. From the narrowest point of the lake, you will then follow a path that runs along the other shore and enters the biotope, and then goes back to the starting point. In this section, you will find the signs to climb the Colle di Tenna, where it is possible to go up to the small church of San Valentino. We recommend visiting Ristorante Boivin in Levico Terme for a gourmet break.

Lake Lavarone on Alpe Cimbra, can be reached from the hamlet of Nosellari Est along the 19th century road that connects the town to the Pra’ di Sopra farm. This road was once used by the locals to lead the cows to the meadows around the lake. It is one of the most beautiful places of Alpe Cimbra, chosen at the beginning of the 20th century by Sigmund Freud, father of psychoanalysis, to take his holiday in what was then Italian Tyrol. Once you reach the village of Pra’ di Sopra you can visit a small church in the square dedicated to San Rocco before continuing on to the lake. We recommend Bazzario Bistrot on the lake shore.

The tour of the Altopiano di Piné plateau, Serraia Lake, and Piazze Lake is a relaxing walk, that is suitable for all members of the family. It starts from the lakeside at Baselga di Pinè or from the Lido on Serraia Lake. Follow the path along the western shore of the lake, cross the Paludi di Sternigo Nature Reserve and continue to Fabbrica along the eastern shore of Lake Piazze. This is where the journey home along the northern shore begins. We recommend Agrigelateria La Cà sul Lago, where you can find strawberries, raspberries, currants, and blueberries that are locally sourced and made into the most delicious gelato.

Visit the blue waters of Lake Molveno, which are among the most beautiful in Italy according to Touring and Legambiente, and the bold peaks of the Brenta Dolomites. Between these impressive peaks, the colours of the forest accompany hikers who climb from Molveno to the pasture of Malga Andalo, in front of Croz dell’Altissimo. Begin your journey from the campsite by the lake and then follow a steep but easy path (SAT no. 332) that climbs into the woods and reaches Malga di Andalo. You can return along the same route or, from the Bondai road travel to Ristorante Baita Fortini di Napoleone, an excellent place to stop for a snack at the end of your hike in an explosion of autumn colours.

The ridge of Monte Gazza separates Lake Molveno from the Valle dei Laghi where, every morning and in every season, the ethereal profile of its iconic 16th century castle emerges from the mists with its battlements and towers directly reflected on the water of Lake Toblino. In this quintessentially romantic destination, you can breathe in the scent of rosemary, of the northernmost olive trees on the planet, and of holm oaks, which benefit from the microclimate common to the whole territory north of the Trentino shore of Lake Garda. Do not miss out on seeing the surrounding areas; the Sentiero della Roggia di Calavino which tells of the close link between the town and its Roggia full of waterfalls. Set off from behind the car park for the Giardino delle Spezie restaurant in Padergnone. From Calavino return through the beautiful Nosiola vineyards. We also recommend Hosteria Toblino in Sarche.

The beech woods surrounding Lake Tenno in autumn are a delight to see, and so are the waters that turn from turquoise to emerald-green with the help of the changing light. The woods are 570m above sea level and close to the medieval village of Canale di Tenno, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. You can reach the village by starting out from the car park by the lake and following the trail on the left, which runs along the entire perimeter. Once you get near the islet, continue up towards the kiosk to a dirt road and follow the signs for Canale until you reach the village. We recommend Agritur Calvola.

Lake Ledro is worth exploring by paddling a canoe along the waters to discover its hidden beaches — enjoy this exciting adventure with the little ones, especially in the morning before the wind picks up so you can glide effortlessly on the water of the lake. Or, set out from Mezzolago through the beech woods that light up with bright colours in autumn, and travel up to the Madonna di Besta vantage point; our secret tip is to visit at sunset to see the pink and orange autumn sky and its reflection in the waters of the lake. We recommend Ristorante Slow Elda.

The small Lago di Cei is immersed in nature and surrounded by luxuriant woods above the Vallagarina. You can easily reach the lake from these woods. It is a memorable experience to see this area in autumn, when the beech woods around the lake light up with a thousand warm colours and the trees are reflected in its waters. There is a trail that lets you walk around the whole lake to experience this for yourself. We recommend Malga Cimana which is within walking distance of the lake.

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