Weekend Breaks: Trento – Northern Italy

10th October 2024

Trento Dolomites Vines

For those of us seeking a fine European destination that is full of wine tourism delights, shopping, culture, fine foods, action/adventure, architecture, relaxation and more then Trento needs to be a consideration. Located in the Northern part of Italy with train and flight connections (Veneto), if you are looking for either an action packed few days or a total zoned out and pamper experience, then check out the Visit Trentino website.

Following an invitation from Trentoc Festival to experience the atmosphere of the region and wines, along with our guides from Trentino marketing, we embarked on a few days stop over at Villa Madruzzo set on the foothills of the Dolomites overlooking Trento with the task to explore the immediate region.

How do I get from London to Trento in Italy?

You will start either by train to Gatwick or Stansted airports or you can drive and park. Flights can vary depending on timings from £100 to £300 with height of season escalating in costs. Wizz Air and Ryan Air are the more popular airlines to choose to book with and your destination you are looking for is Verona LGW.
Fly from London Gatwick (LGW) to Verona (VRN) LGW – VRN. Once at the airport you are some 100km away from Trento and you can choose between train (Verona Porta Nuova to Trento) or hire car.

Best accommodation to book in Trento.

There are plenty of hotels to choose from along with rentals to include a smaller selection on Airbnb (prices varying between £35 to £137 a night plus fees). Hotel prices will usually be from around £60 per night for decent standard with good review locations with £100 – £150 a night getting you a very decent stop over experience with extras (sometimes subject to small surcharges) of swimming pools, wellness spas, tennis courts and more.

Hotels are available both in the city centre of Trento and also the surrounding regions including on the foothills of the Dolomites. You can also expand overnight accommodation options to camping, bed & breakfast, guesthouses, mountain huts and much more – Recommendations can be found on Visit Trentino ‘where to stay’ page.

@glassofbubbly A short stay at #VillaMadruzzo @Visit Trentino #Trento ♬ Dreams – yourmusic4ever


Just a 35 minute walk and a ten minute bus ride from Trento is the Villa Madruzzo Hotel & Restaurant, a wellness theme location (5€ fee daily) with indoor swimming pool, Finnish sauna and Turkish baths and heated waterbeds along with outside hot tubs with sunbathing areas and views. You can also book wellness treatments at additional costs to include facial and firming/toning treatments.

Orrido di Ponte Alto.

Just a short walk from Villa Madruzzo you have Orrido di Ponte Alto which is a must visit spectacular waterfall display which is open to the public to book in a tour with a guide, the whole experience taking between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

@glassofbubbly Amazing waterfalls are just a short walk away when visiting @Visit Trentino #Trento @Italy! #Orridodipontealto @Visit Italy #waterfalls #trentodoc ♬ Waterfalls – TLC


The Orrido Canyon, a few km from the city of Trento, was only recently opened to the public after a considerable amount of work on making it safe. It can be visited in the company of a guide. It is a truly extraordinary experience to stand in the middle of this chasm, carved out over the course of millennia by the river Fersina, surrounded by falls over 40 metres high and layers of red rock.” source Visit Trentino

After some action and sports? E-Biking in Trento:

There are many walking and cycling routes in the region of Trento starting from the flat area around the base of the Dolomites and in Trento then you can venture up into the foothills. Bycicles and e-bikes are available with guided tours to suit all fitness / requirement levels. During our trip we were supplied with e-bikes from Centro EBIKE Montebaldo. Most routes are safe and easy to use being clearly signed, options go up to gravel tracks and scenic trails.

An afternoon in Trento city centre.

Having already visited on numerous occasions, my latest afternoon spend in Trentino was the same as my others before – A leisurely and relaxing walking of the streets delighting in the varied boutique shops and cafes along with browsing the fresh foods or flicking through old book stalls in the mini outdoor markets. The capital city of the Trentino region, Trento is located within the Adige River Valley and boast many fine shops, bars, restaurants, churches, a cathedral, a fortress, exhibitions, museums and much more. This historical city will cater for many and though a popular touristic destination both for Italians and those from abroad, it has always remained a clean, tidy, respectful and somewhat peaceful location.

@glassofbubbly An afternoon in #Trento #Italy @Visit Italy @Trento DOC ♬ original sound – Amor1506


When you arrive, the first place to visit is Piazza Duomo, the heart of the city. As soon as you are there, stop beneath the fountain of Neptune, and take a look around: on one side the mountains, with the small Sardagna waterfall, on the other towers and castellated palaces, which whisk you back to the times of the famous Council of Trent in the blink of an eye. This is the best way to introduce you, in one sweeping gaze, to the two souls of the city.” source Best things to do in Trento

Christopher Walkey

Co-founder of Glass of Bubbly. Journalist and author focused on Champagne & Sparkling Wines and pairing them with foods.