WALKING IN THE HEART OF SOUTH TYROL	price from 596 €
Dolomites - South Tyrol - Independent walking - Walk & Drive - 7 days

This is a wonderful trip south of the Alps and in the shadow of the Dolomites, where you will walk through some of the prettiest parts of South Tyrol. This particular walk takes you between the cultural capital of Tyrol, Brixen, and the provincial capital of Bozen, linking the northern Tyrolean and Southern Italian cultures. The first part of the walk takes you along the Chestnut Path (“Keschtnweg”) before presenting you with a vista of the beautiful plateau south of the Dolomites above Bozen. Vineyards and orchards line the way on the walk through one of the most beautiful areas located in the centre of the South Tyrolean wine region. Lake Kaltern, the most famous lake in South Tyrol, is a further highlight on this route. Castles, palaces and manor houses emboss the landscape of the South Tyrolean Wine Route where numerous vineyards will invite you in to taste their superb wines. The excellent cuisine and the stunning views make this particular walking route an unforgettable experience. This route is well marked, mainly by signposts around the meadows and throughout the forests. The Dolomites are always in view and the paths are easy. You can use public transport on some of the routes to shorten the journey.

Program

Day 1 Arrival in Brixen Arrive and settle into your hotel in Brixen. Take a look around the fascinating town, visit the cathedral and the Bishop's Castle residence.

Day 2 Brixen to Klausen From Brixen the route takes you up to the Pfeffersberg, passing small hamlets and mountain farms on the way along the plateau. To the south you have a wonderful view of the Dolomite summits. After reaching Feldthurns you will carry on to the Säben convent, the Acropolis of South Tyrol, before arriving in the small town of Klausen. Distance: 15km Timing: Approximately 5-6 hours Altitude: 560m

Day 3 Klausen to Bozen After a short transfer by bus to Barbian, you will reach the Ritten, a wonderful plateau above the Eisack Valley with impressive views over the Dolomites and the Schlern. During the afternoon you can enjoy a trip in the Ritten cable car which brings you back down to Bozen. In the evening you can spend your time wandering about the streets of Bozen, a place where the Italian and South Tyrolean cultures are closely entwined. Distance: 19km Timing: 5-6 hours Altitude: 550m

Day 4 Bozen to Lake Kaltern Today is a chance to enjoy South Tyrol, as well as its wines! You will spend the day around South Tyrol's most famous lake, Lake Kaltern, a renowned wine growing region. The vineyards are impressive here, and dominate the surrounding scenery, along with numerous farms, manor houses, churches and castles. A must for every wine lover is a visit to the South Tyrolean wine museum in Kaltern, which reveals the history of South Tyrolean wine. Distance: 18km Timing: Approximately 5 hours Altitude: 550m

Day 5 Lake Kaltern circular loop Today follows the South Tyrolean wine route, taking in picturesque vine yards and fascinating landscapes. The most famous wine producers can be found in this area. In Kurtatsch, the home of the “Gewürztraminer”, you are invited for a walk on the “wine nature trail” to learn more about the interaction between wine, grapes and vines. Distance: 20km Timing: Approximately 6 hours Altitude: 600m

Day 6 Lake Kaltern - Meran After breakfast you will be transfered to Lana. Shortly after Lana the walking route continues along the famous Marlinger Waals – the longest irrigation ditch in South Tyrol. These irrigation ditches known as "Waale" were constructed hundred of years ago to supply dry areas with water. Today these ditches make wonderfully practical paths used for walking. The route continues below Tyrol Castle along the famous "Tappeiner Weg" towards Meran. The centuries old Arbours and superb parks add to the completion of a fantastic day. Distance: Approximately 20km Timing: 4 hours Altitude: 500m

Day 7 End of your holiday After breakfast your holiday will end. Unless you wish to extend!