Official 'Crystal cup' Merano tour
PRICES FROM £995.00 PER PERSON
Merano, Italy
Friday 25th September - Monday 28th September 2026
Each autumn, the elegant town of Merano in South Tyrol bursts into life for one of Europe’s great racing festivals. The historic Merano racecourse, framed by the Alps, plays host to top jockeys and trainers from across the continent, all building up to the highlight of the weekend – the Gran Premio Merano, Italy’s most prestigious steeplechase.
Crowds of more than 10,000 gather to soak up the atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why. The racing is fast, thrilling and fiercely competitive, and the Gran Premio itself is a real test of stamina and courage for both horse and jockey. Its roll of honour is full of famous names which includes the back-to-back winner Speed Emile who retained his crown with a dominant performance in 2025.
But Merano is about more than just racing. The town has a charm all of its own, with a mix of Italian and Austrian influences that give it a unique feel. You can wander through the gorgeous town, enjoy a glass of local wine, or even take the cable car up into the mountains for breathtaking views. It’s a place where you can happily lose yourself over the weekend.
We can’t wait to head back to Merano in the heart of South Tyrol in September 2026 for another incredible weekend.
Flights available from UK and Ireland. Talk to us at time of booking for flight options.
Fly from London Gatwick to Verona before a private transfer through the vineyards of Northern Italy and into the foothills of the Alps. On arrival in Merano, check in for a three night stay before enjoying an evening at one of the town’s excellent local restaurants.
FRIDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER
After breakfast, take in a guided walk of the beautiful Merano racecourse or spend the morning exploring the town at your own pace. You may wish to take the cable car into the surrounding mountains or collect your race badges ahead of an afternoon of racing, best enjoyed with local Italian wines. Evening at leisure.
Saturday 26th September
Following breakfast, make your way to the racecourse for the highlight of the weekend, the Gran Premio Merano. Set against a spectacular alpine backdrop, it is one of the most unique race meetings in Europe. After racing, enjoy a relaxed afternoon and evening in Merano.
SUNDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER
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After breakfast, transfer back to Verona and enjoy time at leisure to explore this historic city. Later, depart on your evening flight to London, bringing the trip to a close.
MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
Convenient return flights are included as part of your package, with timings carefully selected to maximise your time in Italy.
All transfers are taken care of, with comfortable coach travel between the airport, hotel and key
locations throughout your stay.
Enjoy a three night stay in a carefully selected 4 star hotel in Merano, with daily breakfast included to start each day at your own pace.
Start the trip with a
hosted evening
meal in Merano, offering
the chance to settle in
and enjoy the local
cuisine at one of
Merano's fantastic
local restaurants.
Stay in the heart of
Merano in a quality 4 star
hotel, perfectly
positioned to enjoy both
the racing and
the surrounding alpine
setting.
Take time to explore Verona at your own pace, discovering one of Italy’s most historic and picturesque
cities before your return journey.
Enjoy full access to both days of racing, with official tickets included and upgrade options available
for an enhanced experience.
Make the most of race day with access to the dedicated Italian Wine Area, showcasing a selection
of local wines in a relaxed setting.
Go beyond the raceday experience with exclusive access to the course and a behind the scenes look at the spectacular Merano racecourse - one of Europe's most picturesque.
Travel with confidence knowing an experienced Racing Around The World tour manager will be on hand throughout to ensure everything
runs smoothly.
HOTEL FLORA
Hotel Flora combines modern comfort with a relaxed atmosphere, featuring an outdoor pool, wellness facilities and cosy rooms. Ideally situated near the Passer River and just a few minutes’ walk from Merano’s historic centre, it’s a perfect base for your stay.
gran premio merano
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The Gran Premio Merano is the undisputed highlight of the Italian National Hunt season. First staged in 1935, this famous steeplechase has grown into one of the most prestigious jump races in Europe and every September it brings more than 10,000 spectators to the picturesque Merano racecourse in South Tyrol.
The roll of honour tells its own story. In 2004, Jim Crowley, who would later become Champion Flat Jockey in Britain, guided Masini to a famous victory, underlining the international appeal of the race. In recent years, the spotlight has belonged to Speed Emile, who has captured the last two renewals with his relentless stamina. His back-to-back wins have made him a modern-day star of the race, and all eyes will be on him in September 2026 as he bids to complete a remarkable hat-trick.
Every running of the Gran Premio brings high drama, as horses and jockeys are tested to their limits around Merano’s unique course. The atmosphere inside the racecourse is electric, with passionate Italian supporters mixing with racing fans from all across Europe to witness one of the most iconic steeplechases on the calendar.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
LIZ D,
September 2025
Wonderful weekend!
Thanks for a wonderful weekend in Merano.
We enjoyed the course walk and the great racing and hospitality on the Sunday.
Gareth R,
September 2025
Superbly organised!
Thanks for a great trip which was superbly organised.
Merano is truly special and it was topped off by a lovely day in Verona.
Carol S,
September 2025
Spectacular arrangements.
Thank ou all so much for a wonderfully memorable time in Merano and Verona.
Huge thanks to Harry, Simon, Marc and Hazel for their spectacular arrangements and professional attention to detail.
This was our third Venatour trip and we are already looking forward to Vienna!
Amanda T,
February 2024
A fabulous trip!
Thank you so much to the team and to the great company!
It was a fabulous trip.