Merano 2026
with The Cheltenham Club & Cheltenham & South West Racing Club
Overview
We are delighted to have partnered with both The Cheltenham Club & Cheltenham & South West 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.
- Overview
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- Trip Includes
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We are delighted to have partnered with both The Cheltenham Club & Cheltenham & South West 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.
Provisional itinerary below.
Itineraries
Day 1
Date : 25 September 2026
Departure Day
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Depart from London Gatwick to Verona
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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 three night stay
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Evening meal in Merano
Day 2
Date : 26 September 2026
Walk The Course
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Enjoy a guided walk of the magnificent Merano racecourse, or choose to explore the town and take the mountain cable car. Alternatively, make the most of your race day tickets with a relaxed afternoon of racing and Italian wines.
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Evening at leisure.
Day 3
Date : 27 September 2026
Gran Premio Merano Day!
Breakfast at the hotel
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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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After racing, you have the rest of the late afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 4
Date : 28 September 2026
Explore Verona
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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 Italy back to London.
Merano Package Includes:
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Return flights from the UK to Italy as indicated in the itinerary.
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Airport transfers in Italy as indicated in the itinerary.
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Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis as indicated in the itinerary.
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Meal on the opening night (drinks not included)
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3-night stay in hotel in Merano
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Sightseeing day in Verona
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Official Race Day Tickets for both days (upgrades available).
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Access to the Italian Wine Area on the racecourse
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Walk The Course and Behind The Scenes Tour of the Racecourse
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An experienced Venatour ‘Racing Around The World’ Tour Manager
Travel insurance is not included.
If the event has been cancelled due to an ‘Act of God’ then unfortunately you will not be refunded. If the event is postponed your booking will be transferred over to the new dates. If you cannot travel on the new dates we will either transfer your booking to a new event or we will work with you to provide a refund.
If you have booked a package with us that includes a flight, then you will receive an ATOL certificate with your confirmation documents.
Read more about ATOL here.
We highly recommend taking out a travel insurance policy as soon as you have made your booking, as most policies cover you from the moment you take the policy out, and not just for the time you will be away. Different insurance providers provide different levels of cover so it is always best to check that the policy you take out meets your individual circumstances. We are unable to provide advice on travel insurance but can put you in touch with a recommended provider.
Hotel Flora
Flora’s 60 comfortable rooms and suites are your home away from home in the heart of Merano. Cozy rooms in different sizes, elegant suites, balconies with views, divided on 4 floors and easily accessible by lift. With everything you would expect from a modern hotel room.
Enjoy a colourful, healthy breakfast and the large Mediterranean garden with heated outdoor swimming pool. This is the base for your unforgettable holiday. In Merano’s best downtown location.