Chestnut and Wine Route in Tyrol 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 Walking Tour Meeting: Brixen Airport: Bozen, Innsbruck (Austria) Transfer: Riders: Min 2 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Because this is a self-guided trip, participants are expected to arrive independently to their hotel in Brixen/Bressanone.

Sample Itinerary: 6-day program  - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Individual arrival at the hotel in Brixen/Bressanone.
Meals included: none (if half board supplement booked, dinner is included)
Overnight in Brixen/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. 580 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 620 m / approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast (if half board supplement booked, dinner is also included)
Overnight in Klausen/Chiusa

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. 670 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 280 m / approx. 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast (if half board supplement booked, dinner is also included)
Overnight in Bozen/Bolzano

Day 4: Kalterer See
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.
Return to Bolzano by public bus.
Ascent: approx. 340 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 360 m / approx. 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast (if half board supplement booked, dinner is also included)
Overnight in Bozen/Bolzano

Day 5: Bozen/Bolzano - Lana – Meran/Merano
After breakfast take a train to Lana (ticket included). 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. 220 m difference of altitude / descent: approx. 240 m / approx. 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast (if half board supplement booked, dinner is also included)
Overnight in Meran/Merano

Day 6: Departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                Bolzano area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	44	49	59	66	75	81	85	84	76	65	52	44
Average Low Temperature (°F)	25	29	37	43	51	57	61	60	54	45	34	26
Average High Temperature (°C)	7	10	15	19	24	27	30	29	24	18	11	7
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-4	-1	3	6	11	14	16	16	12	7	1	-3

Source: NOAA


Seasons

Spring
The image of the landscape in the province of Bolzano is rather diversified in the spring season. While in the Alpine areas snow might fall, the fruit orchards in the valleys prepare for the spring blossom. From the end of March, there are more and more sunny days, making you get out to experience the landscape and make the first hiking and cycling tours. Even in April precipitations are quite rare.
The temperatures differ from area to area. In southern parts, in the surroundings of Bolzano (Bassa Atesina, Oltradige and Strada del Vino), May is already a rather mild month.

Summer
In the valleys of the southern areas it is getting hot. The southern municipalities of the valley basin, located between 200 and 500 m asl, are similar to the city of Bolzano as far as temperatures are concerned.

Autumn
Autumn is the period that is ideal for making walks in lower mountain ranges and high-plateaus. But what about the temperatures? Also in autumn lower located areas such as the valley basin of Bolzano, Merano and the Wine Route differ from higher realms, where already in late autumn the first snowflakes provide a foretaste on winter.

Winter
Snow falls regularly in the province of South Tyrol, but good weather and sunshine prevails. The reason for this constellation is the main Alpine divide and further mountain chains, paring South Tyrol from too heavy precipitations. Of course also in winter, there are regional differences.
The amount of snow in the valley basins round Bolzano and the Bassa Atesina for example are rather meagre. But the temperatures around zero make Lake Caldaro freeze, enabling you to experience ice skating. Larger amounts of snow fall in higher located areas such as the Val Venosta, Valgardena and Val Pusteria, ideal for skiing. In those areas, winter season lasts longer than in the south of South Tyrol.

Equipment list

Documents
• Validpassport or ID card
• Money, Cheques and/or credit card
• International travel health insurance certificate

Hiking equipment
• Backpack
• Small backpack pharmacy
• Hiking poles (depending on taste)
• Pocket knife, picnic dish, cup/mug
• Water bottle(s) 1 – 2 litres per person
• Food (eg bread, salami, cheese, chocolate, dried fruit, nuts)
• Handkerchiefs
• Camera or Digital Camera (film, batteries /do not forget memory card)
• Mobile phone and charger
• Sunglasses

Clothing
• Hiking shoes
• Functional sports underwear
• T-Shirts
• Scarf (if required)
• Hat or cap – Sun protection is important!
• Jacket (Windstopper)
• Shorts
• Hiking socks
• Raincover
• Warm clothing
• Towel
• Toiletry

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

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.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Brixen/Bressanone
Night 2: Hotel in Klausen/Chiusa
Night 3 & 4: Hotel in Bozen/Bolzano
Night 5: Hotel in Meran/Merano

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.

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.

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.

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
All 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.

Tack:		--
Horses:		--
Pace:		Well marked paths are mainly signposted. 5-7 hours per day. You can use public transport on some of the routes to shorten the journey.
Level:		(2 to 2.5 out of 5)    Easy to Moderate
Age:		Min 12
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

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.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passport Note

(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;

(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.