South Tyrol Active Discovery

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). Bolzano is also the gateway to the Dolomite Mountains. 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. As a nod to the green surroundings and lovely mountains that frame the urban area of Bolzano, the town itself is closely interwoven with nature. Peaceful and tranquil areas to explore are within easy reach; there are footpaths for keen walkers, and three cable cars for those seeking the thrill of heights and panoramic view over the city. Bolzano is the ideal place for sport enthusiasts and for those who enjoy open-air activities! Despite all of the outdoor opportunities this city offers, Bolzano’s biggest attraction may be Ötzi: a mummy discovered in 1991. After spending the 5,300 years frozen in mountain ice, he was found completely by chance. Most intriguingly, he was murdered. You can see Ötzi at the Museum of Archaeology, where he is kept in a frozen state at 21-degrees Fahrenheit (-6˚C). The exhibit also includes a thrillingly vast number of artifacts that were found with him, from a bear-fur hat to a bow and arrows, and fascinating footage of the police extracting his body, not realizing how old he was. There is also a stunning new reconstruction of how tattooed and muscly Ötzi would have looked on the last day of his life. The chance to come face to face with a man who lived some 500 years before the building of the Pyramids makes the journey to Bolzano worthwhile on its own! Depending on what time you arrive, spend the afternoon exploring the life of this mysterious mummy at the Museum of Archaeology.
In the evening meet your local English speaking guide for a trip briefing and orientation, to discuss the activities available and to check the equipment necessary for your exciting days in Bolzano and surroundings.

Today you have tow options, you can either cycle on probably the most beautiful cycling route of the entire Sudtirol region, or spend the day hiking on the spectacular Renon High Plateau. The choice is yours! Should you choose to bike, you will follow the South Tyrolean Wine Route, through vineyards and apple trees, past charming villages and rolling hills, and celebrate the day's conclusion with a plunge into a lake. This is sure to make a stellar introduction to the stunning South Tyrolean wine region!(75km / 46 miles biking, 750m / 2,461' ascent and descent.)

After breakfast take a private transfer to the cable-car station in Bolzano and reach the Salto Plateau. Once again today you can choose among E-Biking or Hiking. The Salto High Plateau had once been a volcanic area and today reaches an altitude ranging between 1,100m/3,608’ and 1.500m/4.920’. Its highest point is the Tschaufenhöhe pass 1.468m/4.815’. Together with the Renon, the Salto High Plateau is among the most important mountain ranges around Bolzano. The Salto Plateau 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. Whether you hike or E-bike, a visit to ‘Stoanernen Mandln” or Little Stone Men is a must! 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 (Hike or E-Bike 2-5 hours, depending on your level, to be discussed with your guide).
In the afternoon, en route to Bolzano, you will stop in Meltina for a visit to Europe’s highest sparkling-wine producer, located at an altitude of 1.200m/3.940’. Discover the Italian Metodo Classico sparkling wine and unearth the century-old tradition. The Reiterer family produces fruity, elegant sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes, using only the classical method of bottle fermentation. These sparkling wines ripen in their own yeast for a period of at least 24 months. Take a private transfer to your hotel and enjoy some relaxation in Bolzano.

Due to their structure and their composition, the Dolomites are unique in the world. Their origins date back to over 200 million years ago. Some 200 million years ago in a shallow sea which geologists refer to as Tetide, coral reefs began to form in the warm, agitated waters. With the impact of the African and the European continents approx. 200 million years ago, the sea bottom was gradually lowering, the coral, seaweed and a myriad of other tiny organisms continued to raise their constructions in order to stay close to the light. It was this rising of the sediments which formed the Dolomites. This movement has still not concluded, we can however not foresee it. Over the course of millions of years, the mountains were exposed to thunderstorms and the various ice ages. Due to this exposure, the rocks were slowly worn down layer after layer through the impact of water, ice, and wind. This is how the bizarre shapes, that often fascinate us so much, were formed.
The name "Dolomites" appeared almost 200 years ago. These mountains received their name in honour of the French geologist Deodat de Dolomieu. He was the first to get this type of limestone analysed and then established a chemical formula: calcium magnesium carbonate.
Today you will discover the beauty of the Sciliar/Carinaccio group, surrounded by a “masterpiece” of mountains including the Sella Group, Sassolungo, and Marmolada, home to the Dolomites largest remaining glacier, and the Catinaccio with its remarkable Torri del Vajolet. These mountains of culture, tradition, legend, and sport offer much to be discovered, and over time the Ladin people of Val di Fassa have guarded this valley of incomparable beauty. The kingdom of the legendary King Laurino was said to be set here, and the famous king was the guardian of this enchanted valley. 
Retun to Bolzano and get ready for your last night in town and enjoy a beautiful dinner in one of Bolzano’s renowned gourmet restaurants.

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request)