Welcome to Hooked on Walking Holidays and our walking holidays in Italy. This particular hiking vacation in Italy is a walking along the chestnut and wine trail through the Dolomites. This walking tour is a level 2-3 self guided walking tour. South of the Alps and in the shadow of the Dolomites you can hike through some of the prettiest parts of South Tyrol, the main part of the tour exist between the cultural capital of Tyrol, Brixen, and the provincial capital of Bozen, linking the northern Tyrolean and Southern Italian cultures. The first part of the walk goes down the Chestnut Path (“Keschtnweg”) before presenting you with a vista of the beautiful plateau south of the Dolomites above Bozen. Vineyards and orchards line the way on the hike through one of the most beautiful areas located in the centre of the South Tyrolean wine region. Lake Kaltern, 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 make this hike an unforgettable experience.

Available Sundays 29th April to 30th September
Level 3 self guided tour

Day 1 Arrival in Brixen.
Arrive at the hotel in Brixen. Have a look round the fascinating lanes of the town; see the cathedral and the Bishops Castle Residence.

Day 2 Brixen – Neustift - Klausen, approx. 560 m in altitude / approx. 5–6 hours /approx.
9.6 miles 15 km.
From Brixen you hike up to the Pfeffersberg. You pass small hamlets and mountain farms on our way along the plateau. To the south you have a wonderful view of the Dolomite summits. You reach Feldthurns and carry on to the Sben convent, the Acropolis of South Tyrol, before arriving in the small town of Klausen.

Day 3 Klausen – Ritten – Bozen, approx. 550 m in altitude / approx. 5-6 hours / approx. 11.8 miles 19 km.
After a short transfer by bus to Barbian, you reach the Ritten, a wonderful plateau above the Eisack Valley with impressive view of the Dolomites and the Schlern. After passing the Earth Pyramids, you can enjoy an afternoon trip in the Ritten cable car which brings you back down to Bozen. In the evening you can discover this European city, a place where the Italian and South Tyrolean cultures are closely entwined.

Day 4 Bozen – Lake Kaltern/surroundings, approx. 550 m in altitude / approx. 5 hours / approx. 11.25 miles 18 km.
The sunny south of South Tyrol is awaiting you! Today you will discover the area around South Tyrols most famous lake, Lake Kaltern, 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 Kaltern, which gives an insight into the history of South Tyroleans wine.

Day 5 Lake Kaltern/surroundings - Tramin – Lake Kaltern/surroundings, approx. 600 m in altitude / approx. 6 hours / approx. 12.5 miles 20 km.
The South Tyrolean wine route: a tip for every wine lover and connoisseur. Picturesque vine yards and fascinating landscapes are accompanying you on your way. The most famous wineries of the region and many of the well known wine producers are found in this area. In Kurtatsch, the home of the “Gewrztraminer”, we invite you for a walk on the “wine nature trail” to learn more about the interaction between wine, grapes and vines.

Day 6 Lake Kaltern/surroundings - Lana – Meran, approx. 500 m in altitude / approx. 4 hours / approx. 12.5 miles 20 km.
After breakfast transfer to Lana. Shortly after Lana the hiking route continues along the famous Marlinger Waals – the longest irrigation ditch in South Tyrol. These irrigation ditches known as , Waale were constructed hundred of years ago to supply dry corridors with water. Today these ditches make wonderful paths used for hiking and walking. The route continues below Tyrol Castle along the famous ,Tappeiner Weg towards Meran. 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.

Day 7 Departure.

Departure or an extension of the stay can be organised.

Accommodation: 3 or 4 star guest houses or hotels.

Difficulty: Level 3 self guided tour.

2012 Prices

How to get there
Innsbruck, Venice, Verona or Bergamo airport and the train to Brixen.

To view other Walking Holiday in Italy Umbria , Piemonte , Chianti , Cinque Terre , Sicily , Dolomites , Island of Elba , Sicily Active Volcanoes Tuscany Dream , North of Siena , Lake Como, Walk Resort Dolomites , Glimpse of Sardinia , Pisa to Lucca .

Click below to view our
Cycling Holidays in Italy

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