Best of South Tyrol – A Journey Across Villages, Vineyards, & Mountains

Arrive in Bolzano / Bozen on your own (private transfer available on request) and check into your hotel. Bolzano (240m / 787') is the capital city of the province of South Tyrol (Südtirol in German and Ladin, Sudtirolo in Italian, and also known by its Italian name Alto Adige). The city sits in a valley, surrounded by green vistas. It’s quite something to gaze up from the main square of pretty Piazza Walther, at the forest-clad slopes and ridges of jagged limestone that surround it! The city center is traffic-free, so as you meander away from the piazza, you hear sparrows cheeping, coffee machines whirring, old women gossiping, cups and saucers clinking. Dinner included at your hotel.

In the morning meet your local English speaking Hiking Guide and take a breathtaking gondola ride up to Collalbo, located on the Renon / Ritten Plateau, perched above Bolzano to the north. This area, also called Soprabolzano, offers an impressive variety of landscapes, people, fauna, and flora.

Enjoy a hiking circuit today that will take you to the famous Earth Pyramids, among the most celebrated natural features on the plateau, and the most photographed landscape in South Tyrol. The so called pyramids or "pinnacles" are capped by large boulders that create unique mushroom-like structures, standing as high as 15 meters (50').

In the morning check out of your hotel and take a private transfer to the village of Caldaro / Kaltern, and on to several wine and culinary tastings. Caldaro is blessed with a distinctive Mediterranean climate which allows it to grow olive trees, palms, grapevines, and apples. Wine has been cultivated here for centuries, and vineyards can be found everywhere. The local wine is purposely called Kalternsee, distinguished by its ruby-red color and fresh, fruity aroma.

Located between the Ötztal Mountains in the Gruppo di Tessa and the vineyards of Val d'Adige, the city of Merano (324m / 1,063') guarantees mild Mediterranean climate and some of the most beautiful flower gardens in Europe. Each April, the town opens its doors to the internationally recognized ‘Merano Flower Festival’, attracting thousand of flower lovers and tourists from all over Europe.

After breakfast take the cable-car to Merano 2000 and the Salto Plateau.
The Salto High Plateau is among the most important mountain ranges around Merano, it boasts rich mountain flora, several hiking and biking trails with panoramic views across to the Dolomites and nearby ranges. The abundance of traditional tyrolean huts offer a wide choice of lunch options serving delicious home-made dishes and refreshing drinks. Located almost at the top of the pleateau, Stoaneren Mandln is so called for the abundance of man-made rock towers with stunning 360degrees view over the neighboring mountain ranges.
(~4-5 hours hiking 13,3 km / 8,2 miles, 422m / 1,384' ascent, 700m / 2,296' descent.)

After lunch, descend to Val Sarentino / Sarntal, an unspoilt hikers paradise. Your hotel for tonight is a truly magical place set on a lush green hillside overlooking the Dolomites. A hotspot for gourmets, wine lovers and explorers, the hotel offers a complete experience to all. The team of highly qualified chefs have recently been awarded the second Michelin star, guaranteeing excellence standard and delicious gourmet meals, a real treat that should not be missed!
Dinner included at the Michelin 2-Star-Rated restaurant at your hotel. 

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Bolzano (train station) and continue your journey on your own, additional transfers available on request.