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Day 1 Overnight in Bolzano Breakfast & dinner included Begin the day with a visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology (Museo Archeologico dell’Alto Adige) which documents the early history and pre-history of this region of the Alps from 15,000 BC to 800 AD. Explore four floors of exhibits including the museum’s highlight: Otzi the “Ice Man.” Found west of Brenner Pass in the Otztal Alps on the Austrian/Italian border this unique glacier-preserved mummy is estimated to be 5,300 years old. The excellent state of preservation of the organic components of the Iceman’s clothing and equipment provides a wealth of information about life during the Early Copper Age. This afternoon, stroll the cobblestoned lanes of the pedestrian-only core of Bolzano on your own, or opt for wine tasting and/or a visit to a local castle. Day 2 Overnight in Bressanone Breakfast included Travel by vehicle to the Val di Funes, an alpine valley northeast of Bolzano and the birthplace of Reinhold Messner, one of the most celebrated mountain climbers of our time. Stroll the quiet farm lanes of the village, walk up to a classic photo spot where you'll enjoy a stunning view of a village church backdropped by the peaks of the Odle Geisler. Feel yourself relax into the centuries-old rhythms of the rural Alps. Lodge tonight in a small family-run inn. Day 3 Overnight in the Val Gardena Breakfast & dinner included Today’s walk traverses one of the most expansive high country meadowlands in the Alps--the Alpi di Siusi, or Seiser Alm, in German. After traveling by vehicle from the Val di Funes, ride an enclosed cablecar from the town of Ortisei in the Val Gardena to the Alpi di Siusi, and select a short or moderate stroll through rolling, flower-filled meadows that offer 360 degree views out to the skyscraping peaks that surround the meadows. Spend the night in a comfortable small hotel in the heart of the Alpi di Siusi. |
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Day 4 Overnight in the Val Gardena Breakfast & dinner included Another cable car ride whisks you to the Mastle Alm, where a short walk rewards you with views of serrated peaks and possibly a sighting of edelweiss! If you wish for a longer walk, continue across the meadows passing farmer’s huts where you can taste fresh milk, homemade soup, or apple strudel. Continue descending along well-made tracks and paths to Col Raiser where another cable car ride brings you back to the floor of the Val Gardena. Lodge at an inn run by three generations of the same family. Enjoy views of peaks, meadows and a castle from the hotel’s front door as well as from its indoor pool. Day 5 Overnight in the Val Gardena Breakfast & dinner included Select a nearly level stroll in the neighboring Vallunga ("Long Valley") hemmed in by limestone cliffs, or choose a longer walk along the route of the Val Gardena's old narrow-gauge railroad. This "rails to trails" path connects the three principal villages of the valley and provides walkers with views of flower-filled meadows, towering peaks, waterfalls, and alpine chalets decorated with hand-painted murals and festooned with geraniums cascading from window-boxes. Return by vehicle to your hotel. Day 6 Overnight in the Val Badia Breakfast & dinner included Journey to the neighboring valley known as the Val Badia. Choose a short walk through meadows and forests from one village to the next, or enjoy a four mile walk from Passo Gardena to your hotel in Colfosco, 1,600 feet below. Overnight at a small locally-run hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your week in the northeastern Italian Alps. Your breakfast tomorrow morning is included as is a transfer back to Bolzano (estimated arrival time of 12:00 noon). |
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Other Details about this Trip
Trip Dates: July 17-22, 2009 |
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 Printable version of itinerary 
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