In the Shadow of the Dolomites. A self-guided walking holiday among vines, chestnut groves, meadows and lakes.
This is a walking holiday in the very heart of the “Alto Adige” region, in the shadow of the Dolomites mountains. Just south of the Alps, between Bressanone, cultural centre of the Tyrol region and Bolzano, this is where the German world meets the Italian dolce vita, where north and south Europe meet. The first part of the tour is on the Keschtnweg, the ‘Chestnut Way’, from which you can admire the beautiful Dolomites mountains as if you were gazing from a terrace. The walk continues on the Renon plateau, to arrive at the region’s capital, Bolzano and the Val Gardena. Vineyards and orchards flank the route, the landscape is dotted with castles and handsome palazzi, whilst one of the highlights is Lake Kaltern; and the majestic mountains are always in view.
Price:
£875 per person sharing a room (from 16th April
£975 per person (High Season 15th July – 18th October 2023).
Single supplement £160 / Half board £150 per person.
EXTRA NIGHTS IN BRESSANONE/BRIXON
Per person and night in a double room, incl. breakfast £82.00
Single room surcharge, per night £20.00
EXTRA NIGHTS IN MERANO
Per person and night in a double room, incl. breakfast £90.00
Single room surcharge, per night £25.00
Included:
Not Included:
Departure Dates:
Sundays from 16th April 2023. Other departure dates for minimum of 5 people.
Arrival dates from 16/04/2023 to 14/07/2023
High Season: arrival dates from 15/07/2023 to 08/10/2023
Day 1: Arrival at Bressanone (Brixen)
If you have time, visit the old town in Bressanone: the Romanesque cathedral, the Palace “dei Principi Vescovi” and the city arcades. Not far (2km) there is the Novacella abbey, the biggest monastery of the Tyrol, famous for its white wine.
Day 2: Bressanone – Chiusa (Klausen)
From Bressanone climb up to the Pfeffersberg. Natural terraces allow you to admire the Dolomite mountains, whilst the path passes through little villages and farms. Passing by Velturno and the Sabiona monastery, arrive at the gorgeous village of Chiusa, where you can visit the civic museum which exhibits the renowned Loreto Treasure. 15 kms. 5-6 hours walking. Height gain: 560m
Day 3: Chiusa – Bolzano (Bozen)
After a short bus transfer to Barbiano come to Renon (Ritten) and a plateau with remarkable views of the Dolomites and the Schlern. After passing the Earth Pyramids take the cable-car down to Bolzano, a city where Italian and German culture meets. 19 kms. 5-6 hours walking. Height gain: 550m
Day 4: Bolzano – Lake Kaltern and area
A route taking you past the most famous lake in the southern Tyrol, an area that is also renowned for its wines, as well as a landscape covered in castles, farms and churches. Worth visiting is the wine museum in Kaltern. 18 kms. 5 hours walking. Height gain: 550m
Day 5: Lake Kaltern area – Tramin – Lake Kaltern/surroundings
The wine route – picturesque vineyards and fascinating landscapes. In Kurtatsch, the home of the “Gewürztraminer”, walk the ‘wine nature trail’, which highlights the relationship between wine, grape and vines. 20 kms. 6 hours walking. 600m.
Day 6: Lake Kaltern – Lana – Meran (Merano)
Transfer to Lana. Then the path takes you along the Marlinger Waals, constructed centuries past as irrigation corridors and which today make excellent paths through the countryside. The route continues beneath Tyrol Castle towards Meran. 20 kms. 5 hours walking. Height gain: 500m
Day 7: Departure
There is a regular train service (approximately hourly) if you wish to return to Bressanone (1h 15) or Bolzano (40 min). Return transfers by shuttle-bus can also be organised, to be paid locally.
Hotels:
Day 1: Best Western Grüner Baum – Brixenb www.gruenerbaum.it
Day 2: Park Hotel – Klausen www.parkhotel-post.it
Day 3: Hotel Luna Mondschein- Bozen www.hotel-luna.it
Day 4 & 5: Hotel Kalterer See Hof – St.Josef am See www.kaltererseehof.com/de
Day 6: Hotel Flora – Meran http://www.merano-flora.it/
