Arco
Arco is a commune in the autonomous province of Trento in Italy. This was our destination on a recent Italian Getaways holiday over the Christmas break.
Tourism thrives in this area, particularly windsurfing on nearby Lake Garda and rock climbing. The town is surrounded on one side by sheer limestone cliffs protecting its ancient hilltop castle. World Cup climbing competitions are held at the town’s outdoor artificial wall. Mountain biking is also popular, attracting international riders, mainly from Germany via the Brenner Pass. Opposite the castle lies a wide green valley filled with vines and citrus fruits.
The town also has agro-chemical plants lining the River Sarca toward the lake. Our hotel was the Villa Della Rose, a four-star establishment close to the centre of Arco. During this trip we visited Arco, Venice, Bolzano and its Christmas markets, Lake Garda, and Verona.
For more photographs of Arco click here or view on YouTube.
Bolzano
The city thrives on a mix of traditional agriculture (wine, fruit, dairy), tourism, handicrafts, and advanced services. Heavy industry installed during the 1930s has largely been dismantled, though the economy remains dependent on public-sector employment.
Bolzano’s Italian-Austrian character is enhanced by cobbled streets, Habsburg-era churches and bilingual signage, giving the city a unique cross-cultural atmosphere.
This is a delightful and picturesque city with a wonderful Christmas market and striking architecture. The shopping arcade with its many unique boutiques is well worth a visit.
The Ice Man (Ötzi)
Ötzi was discovered by two German hikers on 19 September 1991. Initially believed to be a modern body, it was later identified as prehistoric. The mummy has been on display since 1998 at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano.
For more photographs of Bolzano click here or view on YouTube.
Venice
Venice is the capital of the Veneto region and is known as the “Queen of the Adriatic” and the “City of Water”. Built on 118 islands connected by over 400 bridges, the city remains entirely car-free.
Venice was once a major maritime power and centre of Renaissance art and commerce, particularly the spice trade.
For more photographs of Venice click here or view on YouTube.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, formed by glaciers at the end of the last ice age. It lies between Venice and Milan and is a major tourist destination.
For more photographs of Lake Garda click here or view on YouTube.
Verona
Verona is an ancient city in Veneto, situated in a loop of the Adige River near Lake Garda. Flood risk was dramatically reduced in 1956 with the construction of the Mori–Torbole tunnel.
For more photographs of Verona click here or view on YouTube.
This was a five-day tour of Northern Italy. While an extra day in Arco would have been welcome, the trip to Verona was unmissable. The scenery around Lake Garda, backed by mountains, was spectacular, and local wine, olives, cheese and salami were excellent.
Leave a Reply