South Tyrol Hiking Tour of Chestnut Trails, Dolomites' Peaks and Villages

Arrive in Bressanone / Brixen (560m / 1,837') on your own (private transfer available on request), and check in to your hotel.
Bressanone (Italian) / Brixen (German), is located in the province of South Tyrol (Südtirol in German, and commonly referred to as Alto Adige in Italian), 45 kilometers (27-miles) south of the Austrian border. This 1,100-year-old town is the third largest and oldest city in the province, with its almost unchanged medieval center, splendid cathedral and cloisters, and baroque castle.
Flanked by mountains on either side, the rather austere climate of the north yields to the aura of the south here, and lush vineyards and sturdy old sweet chestnut trees adorn the mountainsides.

In the afternoon, meet with your guide (or a Dolomite Mountains representative for self guided trips) who will provide a trip briefing and orientation.

Today, you'll hike a portion of the famous “Keschtnweg" – the Eisacktal Chestnut Trail (keschtn means chestnut in the German South Tyrolean dialect). This well-marked route leads through a line of imposing groves filled with old chestnut trees, mixed forests vibrant with color, lush green meadows, and panoramic views of the Dolomites – a very special experience indeed. Along the "Keschtnweg," local farmers offer produce and other regional products for sale. This footpath spans 60 kilometers (37 miles), crossing the Isarco Valley from Bressanone to Bolzano, but don’t worry – today, you’ll only be tackling the first quarter of the trail!
(~5 hours hiking 14,9 km / 9,2 miles, 519m / 1,702' ascent, 480m / 1,574' descent.)

In the morning, take a private transfer to your hotel in Santa Maddalena / St. Magdalena (1,230m / 4,035') in Val di Funes. You’ll drop off your luggage at the hotel, and continue on to Zannes/Zans, a mountain pasture where today’s hike on the Adolf Munkel Trail begins.

The famous Adolf Munkel Trail – or Adolf Munkle Weg – lies below the majestic Puez-Geisler/Odle mountain group. This is one of the most spectacular trails in the Dolomites, in part due to the colorful array of plants along the trail. You will hike beneath the imposing northern walls of the Puez-Geisler/Odle Group (3,025m / 9,925'), bearing witness to the rock formations and layers of the Dolomites, which originated over millions of years. These mountains are a symbol of the Val di Funes, and also home to world-renowned mountain climber Reinhold Messner.
(~3-4 hours hiking 9 km / 5,6 miles, 393m / 1,289' ascent and descent.)

Depending on when you complete your hike, take time to explore the town of Santa Maddalena upon your return. Located at 1,339 meters (4,393') at the far part of the Val di Funes (Funes Valley), Santa Maddalena has about 370 inhabitants. Here, at the foot of the Ruefen Mountain, sits the church of Santa Maddalena. This church, with the Odle Mountains featured in the background, is one of the most popular photo motifs of the Dolomites.

In the morning take a private transfer to Russis Brücke (1,735m / 5,692') and start your hike on the Günter Messner Trail. This trail was named for Günter Messner, brother of world-renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner. The brothers were born and grew up in the Val di Funes / Valley of Vilnöß, and completed their first climbs on the surrounding mountains, quickly establishing themselves among the elite of the climbers of their day. Their routes through the Dolomites’ west faces are still counted among the most difficult routes of the area. Günther died in 1970 during the brothers' descent from Nanga Parbat, the western anchor of the Himalayas and the ninth highest mountain in the world. 
(~3-4 hours hiking 8 km / 5 miles, 515m / 1,689' ascent, 254m / 833' descent.)

You’ll complete your hike at a rifugio (2,006m / 6,581') located on Passo delle Erbe, where your luggage will await you. Passo delle Erbe is located in a broad saddle amidst beautiful flowered pastures at the foot of the Sass de Putia / Peitlerkofel mountain (2,875m / 9,432').

Today’s itinerary takes you on an exciting loop around the majestic Sass de Putia / Peitlerkofel (2,875m / 9432'). Located within Puez-Odle Natural Park, Sass de Putia is the northernmost summit of the Dolomites. The pale Dolomite formations of this massif rise from dramatic multi-colored rock strata below, and the magnificent views you’ll encounter throughout this make this circumnavigation one of South Tyrol’s highlights.
Begin your hike right from your rifugio and returning here at the end of the day. You’ll walk through a variety of beautiful meadows and pastures, across rocky landscapes, and continue through forest and pines as you make your way back to the starting point. At the end of the hike, take a private transfer to your hotel in San Vigilio di Marebbe.
(~5-6 hours hiking 13 km / 8 miles, 552m / 1,810' ascent and descent.)

The isolated summit of the Sass de Putia is known for the 360-degree views that it offers, an unobstructed panorama unlike any other of the peaks of the Dolomites. For adventurous souls seeking more of a challenge, it is possible to climb to the summit using the aid of a simple via ferrata. (Climbing equipment and guide are available for an additional fee.)

Imagine standing atop Lavinores or Sas dla Para, taking in the breathtaking panoramic view of Cortina d'Ampezzo and San Vigilio di Marebbe. The sight of the mighty, snow-covered Alps, stretching all the way to the Austrian border, is simply awe-inspiring. As you make your way up the grassy, scree- and stone-covered slopes, you'll find yourself lost in the beauty of the surrounding dolomite peaks. At an altitude of 2,462m / 8,077', the view is simply captivating. You'll be able to see not just the mountains already mentioned but also the Croda Rossa and the Muntejela de Senes. On one side, you'll see the charming town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, while on the other, you'll be able to take in the stunning alpine villages of Fodara Vedla and Sennes. Lavinores is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't want to miss.
(~5 hours hiking 11,5 km / 7,1 miles, 915m / 3,000' ascent and descent.)

After breakfast, departure on your own (private transfer available on request).