SOUTH : WALK THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE OF

SOUTH TYROL’S VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA SUMMARY Follow the Via Claudia Augusta, the first true road across the built by Emperor Claudius to connect the port with the , through Italy’s .

Walk through verdant valleys ringed by snow capped summits. Traverse mountain passes between picture postcard villages and castles. Wander through immaculate vineyards and sun dappled woods.

Your Via Claudia Augusta starts in the town of Resia (Reschen) on the shores of Lago di Resia () just south of the 1,508m on the Austrian border. Once an ancient mule track the trail here was extended by the Roman Emperor Claudius in 46 A.D. to become the Via Claudia Augusta creating a trade route that joined the Adriatic with the Danube.

The section of the Via Claudia Augusta through Italy’s South Tyrol leads you through the Val Venosta Tour: South Tyrol: Via Claudia Augusta ( Valley) with the snow capped 3000m summits of the Ortler Massif dominating the skyline to Code: WITSVCA the south. The valley slopes clad with cypress and Swiss stone pines open up to broad leafed woods, lush Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday pastures, fragrant blossoming orchards of succulent apples and apricots and carefully tended vineyards. Price: See Website Dates: April - October Step back in time along the route passing the Benedictine Marienberg Monastery and Bronze and Iron age Nights: 8 Days: 9 settlements of Ganglegg. Explore the many fortresses and castles including 13th Century Churburg and Walking Days: 7 Juval Castle perched like an eagle’s nest on the sheer slopes and housing the Reinhold Messner Start: Resia (Reschen) museum. Relax in the mild Mediterranean climate at the spa town of and indulge in a glass of light Finish: Lago Di Caldaro (Lake Kalterer) red berry rich Vernatsch, dark Lagrein or calming Cabernet in the shade of strawberry trees and palms. Distance: ~123km (76miles)

Munch on Schuttelbrot brittle bread and crunchy Golden Delicious apples as you walk through the sun dappled sweet chestnut woods to Nalles, the ’village of roses’, before completing your trip amongst the IS IT FOR ME? vineyards and toe dipping charms of Lago Di Caldaro (Lake Kalterer See) the largest and warmest lake in Enjoy walking amongst the verdant fruit rich South Tyrol. valleys nestled deep within between the towering alpine peaks of Italy’s South Tyrol. Your holiday includes 8 nights accommodation in traditional 3 star small hotels, daily breakfasts and Mountains, history and fine wines all com- baggage transfers. You will also a receive comprehensive information pack with turn by turn directions, bine to make this a perfect choice for all. detailed maps and suggestions of places to eat, things to do and the local secrets that you would battle to find on your own. WHAT’S INCLUDED? HIGHLIGHTS Accommodation: 8 nights in traditional 3 * Hotels. Meals: A hearty breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not included but always available  Relaxing with a glass of full bodied Pinot Noir in the spa town of Merano. at accommodation or nearby.  Gazing up at the 3,905m peak of Konig Ortler, ‘king’ of the Ortler Massif. Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage  Exploring the myriad of exhibits at the Reinhold Messner Museum in Castle Juval. transfer as per itinerary. Information Pack: Comprehensive route  Tasting the crisp fresh apples fresh from the orchards in the Val Venosta Valley. directions, information pack and maps  Walking in the footsteps of Emperor Claudius through the Alpine landscape. Transfers: Available, but not included: Lago Di Caldaro to Resia.

SOUTH TYROL: VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA WALK THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE OF ITALY

was submerged though the steeple of the 14th century Churburg Castle, one of the mightiest ITINERARY: WITSIST century church tower still rises above the fortresses of the South Tyrol and holding the surface. Legend says that the bells still ring out world’s largest armoury. Walking Days: 7 on cold winter nights. Overnight: Sluderno Nights: 8 Upon arrival at your hotel you will be greeted by Average Daily Distance: 11 miles (18km) our local representative and provided with your Day 4: Walk to Silandro (Schlanders) Grade: Moderate comprehensive information pack for the journey. - 12.5m (5 - 6hrs walking time)

Day Route Miles Overnight: Resia The day starts through dense broad leafed forests accompanied by the rich songs of 1 Arrive Resia (Reschen) Day 2: Walk to Burgusio () - warblers, flycatchers and finches. Reaching the and overnight 7.5m (4.5 - 5.5hrs walking time) enchanting town of Lasa you will be struck by the 2 Walk to Burgusio 7.5 brilliant sparkle of the locally quarried marble that Today you start by walking into the rich Val (Burgeis ) adorns the buildings and has been used all over Venosta along the shores of the Lago di Resia 3 Walk to Sluderno 6 the world. (Schluderns) and on to Lake Haider. Following the river, 4 Walk to Silandro 12.5 the route runs along the largest alluvial fan of the Moving on you now enter the richest fruit growing (Schlanders) Alps and the rich soil is carpeted in lush area of the Val Venosta walking through sun 5 Walk to Naturno 14.5 pastures. The idyll of Lake Haider is framed by drenched orchards of succulent apples and (Naturns) views of Koenig Ortler, the ‘King’ of the peaks, in apricots amidst a white fragrant spring carpet of 6 Walk to Merano 11.5 the Ortler Massif, whose ice covered flanks rise blossom. Take time to enjoy the bounty at hand (Meran) to a heady summit of 3,905m. as you arrive in the market town of Silandro 7 Walk to Nalles () 12.5 situated at the foot of the massive dentritic cone 8 Walk to Lago di Cala- The scenic pathway follows old irrigation of Rio Gadria. dro (Lake Kaltern) 12.5 channels leading you to the 12th century 9 Onward Travel Benedictine Monastery of Marienberg, which Overnight: Silandro boasts the highest abbey in Europe at 1,340m. Total Distance 77 Romanesque frescos, recently discovered in the Day 5: Walk to Naturno (Naturns) - crypt, are amongst the best preserved in Europe. 14.5m (6 - 6.5hrs walking time) You finish your days walk in the nearby town of Walking out of town through the rich fruit DETAILED ITINERARY Burgusio, birthplace of the Baroque painter orchards you join the Latschander Waal path Johan Evangelist Holzer. Day 1: Arrive Resia (Reschen) following the irrigation channels. You arrive at the Overnight: Burgusio 13th century imposing Kastelbell Castle perched Your adventure in Italy’s South Tyrol begins in on a mighty rock on the left bank of the Adige the village of Resia (Reschen) just south of the Day 3: Walk to Sluderno River. Kastelbell is home to a permanent 1,508m Reschen Pass which forms the Austrian (Schulderns) - 6m (4hrs walking exhibition on the Via Claudia Augusta and is border. time) worthy of much exploration. The nearest airports are at (80km) and You start by walking along the Sonnensteig Path, Following the path onward you come to the Juval Innsbruck (110km). From Bolzano trains run to where wooden sculptures portraying the Castle, situated precariously on the steep (2hrs) where you may take a connecting mythology of the Val Venosta line the route. mountain slopes high above the entrance to the bus or taxi to Resia (30m). From Innsbruck there Moving upward and onward on to the rocky Vals Senal. Bought in the 1970s by the famous are trains that serve the town of (1.5hrs) hump of Tarcer Hill you pass the Ganglegg, a mountaineer Reinhold Messner, the castle which has bus connections to Resia (1.5hrs). group of fortified hilltop settlements that date houses a museum dedicated to the ’Magic of the back to the Bronze age and you will be rewarded Mountain’ and has several fine art collections. The Lago di Resia is the largest lake in South From here the path winds its way down the valley Tyrol and was created by unifying two smaller by panoramic views along the length of the Val Venosta. A real highlight of the day is the 13th to the town of Naturno for a well deserved lakes in 1950. In doing so the village of Graun SOUTH TYROL: VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA WALK THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE OF ITALY

overnight stop. Day 8: Walk to Lago di Caladro for those who are in good physical condition. The area is undulating with ascents and descents and Overnight: Naturno (Lake Kaltern) - 12.5m (5.5 - 6.5hrs walking time) during summer, temperatures are high. Most of Day 6: Walk to Merano (Meran) - the route follows dirt tracks and stepped trails You continue through an area rich in castles and 11.5m (4.5 - 5hrs walking time) although you will be following minor paved road fortresses. Indeed, at the 13th century settlement occasionally. Beyond Naturno you join the path of Rablander of Missiano, you will join the ‘Walk of the Three Waal winding through forests and past mountain Castles’ trail taking in Castel Corba, Castel Navigation d’Appiano and Castel Boymont, all worthy of farms with fine views across the Val Venosta. The route is way-marked on certain sections with exploration. However with vineyards as far as the Following the Partschinser and Algunder Waal the distinctive signage featuring an aqueduct eye can see you will surely wish to move on and paths down to the Meraner basin you arrive at symbol above the Via Claudia Augusta name. sample the delights of the famous vernatsch the spa town of Merano. The climate is so mild However other sections do not have signs and grapes. here that palms thrive on the mountain slopes. due to the terrain It is necessary to follow the Manicured gardens and spacious parks testify to Your walk takes you to the village of Caldaro detailed walking notes and maps provided. a grand past. Walk past the shady poplars, limes (Kaltern) in the Eppan region, at the epicentre of and cedars that mix with the alpine flora and the region’s viticulture. Home to the South Accommodation stroll along the river through the town to Tyrolean Wine Museum and frequent wine Carefully selected, family run and authentic admire Zenoburg Castle built on a granite cliff events, you may choose to toast your walk by accommodation is a wonderful feature of this overlooking the Passer Gorge. tasting the red berry rich Lagrien and Merlot or a holiday and your experience of the Via Claudia A fitting end to the days walk is to rejuvenate crisp Pinot Blanc. At nearby Lago di Caldaro Augusta route through the South Tyrol. This yourself in the thermal spa and indulge in the (Lake Kaltern), you can dip your feet in the warm package includes hand-picked 3* hotel medicinal properties of the sweet dark Merano waters and maybe finish off the day and the trip accommodation which offer a warm welcome, grape. with fresh apple strudel and a nightcap of ruby delicious local food and a good standard of rich Kalterersee Auslese. rooms. Overnight: Merano Overnight: Caldaro Single Rooms/Solo Walkers Day 7: Walk to Nalles (Nals) - 12.5m (5.5 - 6.5hrs walking time) Day 9: Onward Travel If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although Your holiday is complete following breakfast The route now takes you along the Marlinger there is a single room supplement payable. Waal path through the largest apple growing though you may wish to take some time to enjoy region of Italy where the town of Lana harvests the delights of the Lago di Caladro. For return This holiday is available for solo walkers but we 700,000 tons annually. The views across the travel to Resia there is an optional transfer that would recommend that you are more Merano and Adige Valleys stretch far to the town may be booked in advance. experienced in walking and navigating alone. If of Bolzano before you pass into the sweet you are travelling solo the holiday is more chestnut forest of Tisens. HOLIDAY INFORMATION expensive as some costs are not shared. Today you walk through an area famed for Meals castles and fortresses, with 16th century Additional Nights and Extensions Breakfast is included each morning, in Italy this is Stachelburg, renaissance Schwanburg and generally a continental breakfast. Lunch and medieval Paysberg all vying for your attentions You can add additional nights at any point along dinner are not included but are available from as you walk into the village of Nalles. Known as the walk. We particularly recommend a longer your hotel or nearby restaurants. the ‘’Village of Roses’, the flowers thrive in every stay in Caldaro to enjoy the delights of the Lago di Caldaro and the famous local wines. corner of the community. Baggage Transfer Overnight: Nalles Grade Your bags will be transferred between your This holiday is graded moderate and it is suitable accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask SOUTH TYROL: VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA WALK THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE OF ITALY

you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to queries and one of our expert customer service 20kg per person. PRICE & AVAILABILITY team will be happy to help. Availability/Price Equipment BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE This tour is available to start on each Saturday Your information pack has a detailed equipment and Sunday between 20th April and 13th Financial Security list which includes standard walking gear such as October. Holiday prices do change during the good walking boots or shoes, warm and In accordance with "The Package Travel, season so please see our website or give us a waterproof clothes and a day pack. Package Holidays and Package Tours call for up to date prices and availability Regulations1992" all passengers booking with TRAVEL INFORMATION  High season: 13th July - 25th August Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the www.macsadventure.com initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all Getting to Resia monies paid to us, including repatriation if By Air - Bolzano is the closest airport (80km) Included: required (this insurance will not cover repatriation and has links with Rome to the UK and rest of to the country of origin for the passengers  8 nights in 3* hotels in double/twin rooms with outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or Europe. The airport has a rail link to the town of private facilities Mals (2hrs) from where it is possible to take a curtailment of your travel arrangements due to 8 Breakfasts taxi or bus (30mins) to Resia.  the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd. There is  Welcome meeting at hotel on arrival night. no requirement for Financial Protection of day Innsbruck Airport is 100km from Resia and has trips, and none is provided. This insurance is direct flight links to the UK with British Airways  Door to door baggage transfer as per itinerary. (1 bag per person/ max. 20 kg). only valid for packages booked that DO NOT and Easyjet. From the airport it is possible to include flights. Consumer aware: Your booking is  A detailed info pack, route notes and map for take a shuttle bus to the town centre (18m) and insured by IPP Ltd and its panel of insurers. This your group leader. then train or bus to Landeck (North Tyrol /43m - insurance is only valid for passengers who book 1hr). From Landeck you may take a direct bus to  Emergency telephone support from our office/ and pay directly with/to Macs Adventure Ltd. For local representative in the event of a problem. Resia (1.5hrs). For rail and bus travel in the further information please go to region we suggest that you check the South Excluded: www.ipplondon.co.uk. This Insurance has been Tyrol public transport resource. arranged by International Passenger Protection  All travel to and from Italy and to/from Resia/ By Train - For train travel to Italy we recommend Caldaro. Limited and underwritten by Insurers who are members of the Association of British Insurers & the checking the ItaliaRail website or alternatively  Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks. www.raileurope.co.uk for an English site that Lloyds Syndicates.  Travel Insurance. covers the whole of Europe. ABTA Member Statement  Personal Equipment. Onward Travel from Caldaro  Taxi transfers or public transport should you Macs Adventure Holidays Bolzano is the closest airport (20km). There are need to skip a stage. is a Member of ABTA. buses that serve the route via Bolzano town ABTA and ABTA. centre (1hr). Check the South Tyrol public HOW TO BOOK Members help transport resource for the most up to date holidaymakers to get the most from their travel schedules. An optional transfer from Caldaro to Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com and assist when things don’t go according to Resia is also available and may be booked in plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886. Fax/Post: advance. of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. Download or request a booking form and post it For more information on ABTA, the Code of Insurance to Macs Adventure, 44 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 527 5688. you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 It is a condition of booking with us that you have Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 suitable travel insurance that covers you for +44 (0) 0141 530 8886 or email: 0581 www.abta.com cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury. [email protected] if you have any