BOLZANO AND SOUTH TYROL
Italy’s northernmost province is a region full of contrasts, from the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the gentle slopes covered with vineyards. This diversity is combined in a perfect symbiosis, an ideal blend of serene Alpine charm and the Italian art of living.
DAY 1: LAKE BRAIES
Arrival in the early afternoon at Lake Braies, undoubtedly the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites: nature is the absolute protagonist and there are no words to describe such beauty! The emerald-coloured water reflects the grey dolomite walls of the mountains without ripples. In the evening, on to the hotel, accommodation, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2: STANGHE GORGE – BRESSANONE (BRIXEN)
Breakfast and departure for Vipiteno (Sterzing), the northernmost city in Italy. From here you continue along the Ridanna Valley, a small valley between Vipiteno (Sterzing) and the Val D’Isarco (Eisack Valley), to reach Racines (Ratschings). Beginning of the walk to reach the Stanghe gorge, where, walking among landscapes carved into the rock, suspended bridges and walkways entirely carved out of white marble, you can admire the spectacular waterfalls.
Free time for lunch. In the afternoon guided tour of Bressanone (Brixen), a South Tyrolean city that boasts more than 1000 years of history and is the oldest city in Tyrol. The city is a fascinating combination of joie-de-vivre and worldliness. The unique Piazza Duomo, the large medieval old town, the arcades and alleyways with their traditional battlements, cafés, excellent restaurants and exclusive shops. Afterwards, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: RITTEN PLATEAU – BOLZANO (BOZEN)
Breakfast and meeting with the guide in Bolzano. Ascent by cable car on to Renon (Ritten Plateau) in Soprabolzano, from where the narrow-gauge train that leads to Collalbo departs, one of the best ways to admire the colours of the plateau. From here you can take the path that leads up to the earth pyramids for a short visit. Free time for lunch. Return to Bolzano by coach and guided tour of the city. Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, is the gateway to the Dolomites, the meeting point between Central European and Mediterranean culture. A perfect combination that can be traced in the historical and artistic beauties, in the Italian-German and Ladin multilingualism, in the traditions and in the cuisine. In short, an authentic museum in every field. At the end, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: WINE ROUTE
Breakfast and departure for the return journey along the Strada del Vino, one of the oldest wine routes in Italy, which runs parallel to the Adige Valley. On the way, stop in a wine cellar to taste a selection of Trentino wines and typical products.
