Wine Route in Tyrol

Introduction
Northern Italy Italy
South of the Alps and in the shadow of the Dolomites you will hike through some of the prettiest parts of South Tyrol, the main part of the tour is between the cultural capital of Tyrol, Bressanone, and the provincial capital of Bolzano, linking the northern Tyrolean and Southern Italian cultures. The first part of the walk goes down the Chestnut Path (Keschtnweg) before presenting you a vista of the beautiful plateau south of the Dolomites above Bolzano. You pass close to the village of Renon, the “in” summer place for the rich from the Capital city’s residents.
Vineyards and orchards line the way on the hike through one of the most beautiful areas located in the center of the South Tyrolean wine region.

Lake Kalterer See, the most famous lake in South Tyrol, is a further highlight on this route. Castles, palaces and manor houses emboss the landscape of the South Tyrolean Wine Route where numerous wineries avail a tasting of superb wines. The excellent cuisine and the amazing panorama create an unforgettable experience.

This hike runs along well-marked paths that are mainly signposted around the meadows and throughout the forests. The Dolomites are always in view and the paths offer no element of danger. You can use public transport on some of the routes to shorten the journey.

Highlights
✓ Diocese town of Bressanone
✓ Cloister Säben in Chiusa
✓ Typical South Tyrolean hamlets and mountain farms
✓ High plateau of Renon
✓ Lake Kalterer See
✓ The Provincial Capital Bolzano with its famous Arbours and Street-Fruit-Market
✓ Castle Sigmundskron and the Messner Mountain Museum
✓ Lush Orchards and thriving Vineyards along the South Tyrolean Wine Route
✓ Castle Schloss Tyrol and the famous Tappeinerweg
✓ Spa town of Merano and the promenades along the river Passer; beautiful arcades and the Botanical Gardens of Castle Trauttmansdorff

Accomodation

Accommodation:
Guesthouses or hotels in a 3*** or a 4****star category. Please note, in case of non-availability of the below mentioned Hotels on the requested dates, similar ones will be used.
The hotels that we normally use are as follows:

Brixen/Bressanone - Hotel Grüner Baum
Hotel Grüner Baum is set in the historic center of Bressanone, just opposite the main square. It features both indoor and outdoor pools, plus a wellness center. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
The guest rooms are comfortable and spacious.

Klausen/Chiusa - Parkhotel Post
Parkhotel Post is located in the center of Chiusa and features mountain-style rooms and an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath. The rooms with wooden floors and wooden furnishings come with a TV, and mini-bar. Wi-Fi is available at the hotel.

OR

Klausen/Chiusa - Goldener Adler
Hotel Goldener Adler offers free parking, spacious guest rooms with free WiFi, and comprehensive wellness facilities. Each room features air conditioning, flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

Bozen/Bolzano - Parkhotel Mondschein (main building or dependance)
This hotel is set in a tranquil yet central location, surrounded by a beautiful garden. There is WiFi in public areas and in some rooms, plus an internet point in the lobby. Each room comes with a TV, telephone, private bathroom with hairdryer and heating. Fitness lovers will enjoy the hotel's 24-hour free gym.

OR

Bozen/Bolzano - Hotel Post Gries
Hotel Post Gries offers free Wi-Fi, and is located less than 10 minutes walk to the center of Bolzano.
The rooms come with a satellite flat-screen TV, a safe and a private bathroom.

Kaltern - Remichhof / Kalterer Seehof
The origins of the former wine estate date back at least to the 17th century. In 1979 it was rebuilt into a modern comfortable bed breakfast with 25 rooms, retaining the historical shape of the old house. The rather spacious bedrooms are furnished in a timeless straight-forward style, each with a TV, a safe, telephone and an ensuite bathroom.  

Meran/Merano - Hotel City / Hotel Flora
The Flora Hotel & Suites is a friendly establishment set in a quiet area, in the heart of Merano. It features a garden with a relaxing hot tub. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Flora’s 60 comfortable rooms are cozy and come in different sizes. They are equipped with a TV, telephone and a private bathroom.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if you are travelling on your own.
Triple occupancy is possible at all accommodations based on availability.


Meals:
6 breakfasts are included in the cost of your trip. 
For meals other than breakfasts, it is possible to shop at supermarkets. There is also the option to buy a picnic from the hotel or at huts/inns/restaurants along the route. You will be given restaurant suggestions.

Dietary Restrictions
The hotels can usually cater to special diets if informed in advance.

Riding

Characteristics of the route
Well-marked paths are mainly signposted around the meadows and throughout the forests. The Dolomites are always in view and the paths offer no element of danger. You can use public transport on some of the routes to shorten the journey.
The tour is suitable for children from the age of 12.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Brixen/Bressanone
Individual arrival at the hotel in Bressanone.

Day 2: Brixen/Bressanone – Klausen/Chiusa
From Bressanone you hike up to the Pfeffersberg. You pass small hamlets and mountain farms on your way along the plateau. To the south you have a wonderful view on the Dolomite summits. You reach Velturno and carry on to Cloister Säben, the Acropolis of South Tyrol, before arriving in the small town of Chiusa. Brief tour information will be held in the evening in Chiusa.
Ascent: approx. 625 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 700 m / approx. 5 hours

Day 3: Klausen/Chiusa – Ritten/Renon – Bozen/Bolzano
After a short transfer by bus to Barbiano, you reach Renon, a wonderful plateau above the Eisacktal with impressive view of the Dolomites and the Schlern. After passing the Earth Pyramids, you can enjoy an afternoon trip with the Renon’s cable car which brings you from Soprabolzano back down to Bolzano. In the evening, you can discover this European city, a place where the Italian and South Tyrolean cultures are closely entwined.
To shorten the route you can take Renon’s cable car from Collalbo to Soprabolzano.
Ascent: approx. 675 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 275 m / approx. 6 hours

Day 4: Bozen/Bolzano – Kalterer See/Dorf
The sunny south of South Tyrol is awaiting you! Today you will discover the area around South Tyrol’s most famous lake, Kalterer See, a renowned wine growing region. But here, it is not only the vineyards that impress, but also the numerous castles, manor houses, churches and farms. A must for every wine lover is a visit to the South Tyrolean wine museum in Caldaro, which gives an insight into the history of South Tyrolean wines.
The way from the lake Kalterer See to the village can be shortened by using the bus.
Ascent: approx. 550 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 350 m / approx. 6-7 hours

Day 5: Kalterer See/Dorf – Tramin/Termeno – Kalterer See/Dorf
The South Tyrolean wine route: a tip for every wine lover and connoisseur. Picturesque vineyards and fascinating landscapes are accompanying you on your way. Enjoy the wonderful view from “Altenburg” over all the vineyards. The most famous wineries of the region and many of the well-known wine producers are found in this area. The way from the lake Kalterer See to the village can be shortened by using the bus.
Ascent: approx. 800 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 800 m / approx. 6-7 hours

Day 6: Kalterer See/Dorf - Lana – Meran/Merano
After breakfast transfer to Lana. Shortly after Lana the hiking route continues along the famous Marlinger Waale – the longest irrigation ditch in South Tyrol. These irrigation ditches known as ‘Waale’ were constructed hundreds of years ago to supply dry corridors with water. These ditches nowadays are used for hiking and walking. The route continues below Schloss Tyrol along the famous Tappeiner Weg towards Merano. The Empress Sissi knew how to appreciate the mild climate. Inviting centuries old Arbours and superb parks add to the completion of a perfect day.
Ascent: approx. 325 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 325 m / approx. 6-7 hours

Day 7: Departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.

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Variant 08 days/07 nights:

Day 1: Arrival in Brixen/Bressanone
Individual arrival at the hotel in Bressanone. Have a look around the fascinating lanes of the town; see the cathedral and the Bishop’s Castle Residence.

Day 2: Brixen/Bressanone – Neustift/Novacella – Vahrner See – Brixen/Bressanone
From Bressanone you hike along the river Eisack to the Abbey of Novacella. The order of St. Augustine invites you for a visit. Further your hiking day will take you to the lake Vahrner See – great place to enjoy a swim. The chestnut walk will lead you back to Bressanone.
Ascent: approx. 375 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 375 m / approx. 5-6 hours

Day 3: Please follow the program above, from Day 2.

Rates and Dates for Wine Route in Tyrol

Dates Note: Additional dates are possible for groups of 5+

Other Info
Meeting: Brixen
Airport: Bozen, Innsbruck (Austria)
Transfer:

Climate:
                                                Bolzano area