Hiking Around South Tyrol – Merano Discovery

Arrive in Merano at your leisure (private transfer available on request) and check into your hotel. Located between the Ötztal Mountains in the Gruppo di Tessa and the vineyards of Val d'Adige, the city of Merano (324m / 1,063') guarantees a mild Mediterranean climate and some of the most beautiful flower gardens in Europe. Each April, the town opens its doors to the internationally recognized 'Merano Flower Festival,' attracting thousands of flower lovers and tourists from all over Europe.
A long tradition as a spa town has left its mark on Merano: modern design hotels stand right next to traditional buildings from the Belle Epoque. Highlights of a feel-good holiday include the new Merano Thermal Baths spa complex and the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle botanical gardens.

In the afternoon (time to be confirmed), meet a Dolomite Mountains representative who will provide a trip briefing and orientation, route maps and everything necessary for your self-guided adventure.
Dinner is included in your hotel's restaurant.

Meet your local English-speaking Bike Guide for a trip briefing and orientation in the morning and start your exciting adventure in Val Venosta.
In the morning, take the train from Merano to Malles, and a bus to Lake Resia, where you can rent your bike. Popular among leisure cyclists, the 80Km / 48 miles designated cycling route unfolds from Lake Resia 1,498m /4,913’ to Merano along the ancient Roman road ‘Via Claudia Augusta’. For the most part the route runs on flat terrain with gentle downhills, along the shore of San Valentino Lake and passing through several traditional small villages of South Tyrol. This cycling adventure can be shortened by using the efficient Venosta Valley railway system that operates regular services to Merano. Return to Merano and enjoy a relaxing evening at the Wellness centre of your hotel, or take a stroll along the charming town centre.
(Bicycle ~82 km / 49,2 miles, 1,217m / 3,991’ descent. Option to shorten the ride.)

Alta Via di Merano(Meraner Alta Via) is one of the most enchanting circular hiking trails in the Alps, covering 100 kilometers (62 miles) within the Tessa/Texel Nature Park. Along this fabulous path, you can admire the valley of Merano, Val Venosta/ Vinschgau, Val Passiria/ Passeiertal, Val Sarentino/Sarntal, and the highest peaks of the Stubai and Oetztal Alps (western Breonias).

Today you will hike a portion of the E5 European Long Distance Path. One of 12 European Long Distance Paths, the E5 originates in Britanny, on the French Atlantic coast, and unfolds through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, over the Alps to end in Venice. Five countries, countless valleys, and summits. The alpine section is to be considered the highlight of the trail: rightly named 'The King's Segment,' the alpine portion begins at the Mittelbergferner Glacier (3,570m / 1,170') in the Ötztal Alps, across to Passo del Rombo/Timmelsjoch Pass (2,474m / 8,115') to Moos in Passiria/Passeier, in the Italian side of the Alps.
(~6 hours hiking, 14 km / 8,4 miles, 870m / 2,853' ascent, 987m / 3,237' descent.)

After breakfast, take the cable car to Merano 2000 (not included on self-guided trips).
The Salto High Plateau is among the most significant mountain ranges around Merano; it boasts rich mountain flora, several hiking and biking trails with panoramic views across to the Dolomites and nearby ranges. The abundance of traditional tyrolean huts offers a wide choice of lunch options serving delicious homemade dishes and refreshing drinks. Located almost at the top of the plateau, Stoaneren Mandln is so-called for the many handmade rock towers with a stunning 360-degree view over the neighboring mountain ranges.

After a hearty lunch stop, begin your descent to Val Sarentino/Sarntal, an unspoiled hikers paradise lying in between the Salto and the Renon high plateaus. Your hotel for tonight is a truly magical place set on a lush green hillside overlooking the Dolomites' Rosengarten/Catinaccio group and the Renon High Plateau. A hotspot for gourmets, wine lovers, and explorers, the hotel offers a complete experience to all. The team of highly qualified chefs currently holds a 2nd Michelin star, guaranteeing excellent standard and delicious gourmet meals, a real treat that you shouldn't miss!
(~5 hours hiking, 14,5 km / 8,7miles, 395m / 1,295’ ascent, 736m / 2,414’ descent.)

After breakfast, take a private transfer to San Martino and ride the cable-car to the top station (not included on self suided trips).
An evocative itinerary with wide panoramic views of the Dolomites, today’s excursion unfolds along a grassy and rocky ridge leading to three summits. On the way to the third and last summit Kassianspitze, the paith leads to the sanctuary of Santa Croce di Latzfons (2.298m /7,537’), the highest pilgrimage destination in Europe. Return to the cablecar station on an alternative path stopping at local mountain huts for a well deserved rest and to taste some delicious home-made specialities. Descent into town by cable-car and take a private transfer to your hotel.
(~5-6 hours hiking, 14 km / 8,4 miles, 950m / 3,116'’ ascent, 970m / 3,181’ descent.)

Breakfast and private transfer to the Bolzano train station.