Merano weekend
Thursday 24th September - Monday 28th September 2026
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Official 'Crystal cup' Merano tour
PRICES FROM £2150.00 PER PERSON
Merano, Italy
Thursday 24th September - Monday 28th September 2026
We are delighted to have partnered with Royal Ascot Racing Club for our trip to Merano in 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.
Thursday 24th September
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British Airways flight from London Gatwick to Verona departing at 17:50 hrs.
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Executive Coach transfer from Verona Airport to Merano, winding our way through the Northern Italian Vineyards and up towards the Alps.
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Check in at your hotel for your four night stay.
Friday 25th September
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Today is a free morning for you to explore Merano at your own pace, giving you the chance to wander through the town, enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafés, or simply take in the surroundings. For those looking to head a little higher, we’d highly recommend taking the cable cars up into the mountains, where you’ll be rewarded with some truly spectacular views across the valley and beyond.
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This afternoon we will be Castle rametz to tour the wine museum and sample local Italian wines.
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Evening meal at local restaurant.
Saturday 26th September
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Breakfast at the hotel
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We have organised a guided walk of the magnificent Merano racecourse, followed by a relaxed day at the races featuring the highlight of the meeting, the prestigious Crystal Cup steeplechase, and the traditional Haflinger gallop races that help round off a fantastic card.
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OR, you can head back into Merano for further sightseeing!
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Evening meal at a lovely local restaurant in Merano, where we will reserve a table for anyone who would like to join us, with meals payable individually on the night.
Sunday 27th September
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Gentle stroll to the racecourse for the feature race day in Merano - the Gran Premio Merano. It’s a fantastic spectacle at one of the most picturesque racecourses in the world!
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You will enjoy full hospitality in the Merano Gardens with a three course meal with complimentary wines and beers available throughout.
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After racing, you have the rest of the late afternoon and evening at leisure.
Monday 28th September
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Executive coach transfer to Verona for our final day.
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Full day in Verona to experience what this great city has to offer.
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Evening flight from Verona back to London Gatwick departs at 20:30 hrs.
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.