A walk in the beautiful South Tyrol, the heart of the Trentino Alto Adige region, where German and Italian culture perfectly combine: the itinerary follows the “Chestnut route”, a walking route in the shadows of the Dolomites Mountains that offers breath-taking views of the landscape dotted with castles, farms and ancient abbeys, passing through orchards and vineyards where some of the best wines in Italy are produced. Along the way you find picturesque villages like Chiusa, home to artists and poets, and lively cities like Bolzano, the gates to the Dolomites.
Your travel starts from Bressanone, a colorful, lively city and the oldest of the whole Tyrol: if you arrive early, take the chance to stroll through its colorful alleys and visit the frescoed rooms of the bishops’ palace.
A morning transfer takes you to the Augustinian monastery of Novacella, also well known for the delicious white wine produced here. From here you follow dirt tracks and countryside paths among woods and vineyards to reach Velturno: this town surrounded by chestnut trees boasts such a great climate that it was chosen as a summer residence by several noble families throughout the centuries.
Today’s nice walk packs in more than a few surprises: the Sabiona Monastery, spiritual heart of the Tyrol area, perched on the top of a steep cliff; Chiusa, home to artists and poets, among the most beautiful Italian hamlets; and finally Barbiano, a nice village located on the banks of River Isarco.
Today’s walk takes you to Collalbo through woods and orchards: this village located on the Renon plateau is a wellknown ski centre and a real heaven for nature lovers. A brief detour along the way allows you to see a rock with prehistoric signs.
This easy, panoramic walk along the Renon plateau runs through forests and the typical Alpine meadows: on your way you skirt the nice Kematen lake and the typical earth pyramids, cone shaped formations created by moraine silt that was brought here by melting Ice Age glaciers. At the end of the walk you take the Renon train and go back to Collalbo through beautiful views on the surrounding mountains.
Today’s hike is easy but not particularly difficult: from Collalbo you head to Castel Roncolo through orchards, forests and cultivated fields, in a countryside dotted with castles, manor houses and farms. At the end of the excursion you take a bus to Bolzano (you should start walking before 8am to avoid missing the last bus, but you can also walk the whole way to the city): this lively town perfectly unites Italian and Austian cultures, and boasts many artistic beauties.
After a bus ride from Bolzano to Siusi, you take a cable car to the Compatsch: here starts this easy circular walk along the biggest Alpine plateau in Europe. The itinerary passes through mountain huts and small hamlets, offering beautiful views on the Dolomties jagged peaks. The walk leads you back to Compatsch, from where a ride in cable car and bus takes you back to Bolzano.
Our services end after breakfast.
7 nights in double rooms in hotel 3/4*
Hotel is centrally located in Bressanone and it offers comfortable, spacious and clean rooms. These have free Wifi, TV, air-conditioning/heating. The restaurant offers regionale cuisine, highly recommended. Staff are very kind and helpful. It also offers a luxurious SPA.
Hotel Feldthurnerhof is a smart hotel located on sunny slopes of Eisacktal Valley. It offers comfortable, spacious, cleand and modern rooms with free Wifi, TV, telephone and a splendid balcony with an amazing view. The restaurant offers italian dishes and regional and international specialties. Breakfast is very good, rich and abundant.
Hotel Rösslwirt has a very beautiful view. If offers clean, comfortable and spacious rooms with free Wifi, TV, balcony. The restaurant is very good. Breakfast is rich with savory and sweet dishes. Staff is very kind and helpful.
The family run Hotel Dolomiten is set in Renon and offers panoramic views of the Dolomites. It offers comfortable, welcoming and loving rooms with mountain style with free Wifi, TV. The restaurant proposes a combination of Mediterranean cuisine and specialities from South Tyrol. Breakfast is very good, savoury and sweet. Staff is very kind and welcoming.
This modern hotel is located only 200 m from the city center of Bolzano. Rooms are well-furnished, comfortable and clean with free Wifi, TV, telephone, air conditioning/heating. Breakfast is rich with savoury and sweet dishes. Staff is helpful and kind.
From both Bolzano (BZO) and Innsbruck (INN) ariports, you can reach the railway station bys bus, and then take a train to Bressanone.
On departure, if flying from Bolzano (BZO), you can easily reach the airport by bus.
In case you are flying from Innsbruck, you can get there by train and then take a bus to the airport (INN).
Train timetables available on www.trenitalia.com.
GPS tracks are available on request.
What is included:
· 7 nights in double rooms in hotel
· maps and detailed description of the itinerary
· Transfer luggage Bressanone-Velturno; Velturno-Barbiano; Barbiano-Collalbo; Collalbo-Bolzano
· Ritten Card
· 24h phone assistance
What is not included:
· Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
· lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
· visits and entrance fees - tips
· personal expense
· possible sojourn taxes
· everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.
Optional Services
These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:
· Single room supplement
· Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.