south tyrol: via claudia augusta
TRANSCRIPT
SOUTH TYROL’S VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA
Follow the Via Claudia Augusta, the first true road across the Alps built by Emperor
Claudius to connect the Adriatic sea port Altinum with the Danube, through Italy’s
South Tyrol.
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
(Reschensee) just south of the 1,508m Reschen Pass 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
(Vinschgau Valley) with the snow capped 3000m summits of the Ortler Massif dominating the skyline to
the south. The valley slopes clad with cypress and Swiss stone pines open up to broad leafed woods, lush
pastures, fragrant blossoming orchards of succulent apples and apricots and carefully tended vineyards.
Step back in time along the route passing the Benedictine Marienberg Monastery and Bronze and Iron age
settlements of Ganglegg. Explore the many fortresses and castles including 13th Century Churburg and
Juval Castle perched like an eagle’s nest on the sheer slopes and housing the Reinhold Messner
museum. Relax in the mild Mediterranean climate at the spa town of Merano and indulge in a glass of light
red berry rich Vernatsch, dark Lagrein or calming Cabernet in the shade of strawberry trees and palms.
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
vineyards and toe dipping charms of Lago Di Caldaro (Lake Kalterer See) the largest and warmest lake in
South Tyrol.
Your holiday includes 8 nights accommodation in traditional 3 star small hotels, daily breakfasts and
baggage transfers. You will also a receive comprehensive information pack with turn by turn directions,
detailed maps and suggestions of places to eat, things to do and the local secrets that you would battle to
find on your own.
Relaxing with a glass of full bodied Pinot Noir in the spa town of Merano.
Gazing up at the 3,905m peak of Konig Ortler, ‘king’ of the Ortler Massif.
Exploring the myriad of exhibits at the Reinhold Messner Museum in Castle Juval.
Tasting the crisp fresh apples fresh from the orchards in the Val Venosta Valley.
Walking in the footsteps of Emperor Claudius through the Alpine landscape.
SOUTH TYROL: VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA
WALK THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE OF ITALY
SUMMARY
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Accommodation: 8 nights in traditional 3 * Hotels.
Meals: A hearty breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not included but always available
at accommodation or nearby.
Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage
transfer as per itinerary.
Information Pack: Comprehensive route
directions, information pack and maps
Transfers: Available, but not included: Lago
Di Caldaro to Resia.
IS IT FOR ME?
Enjoy walking amongst the verdant fruit rich
valleys nestled deep within between the
towering alpine peaks of Italy’s South Tyrol.
Mountains, history and fine wines all com-
bine to make this a perfect choice for all.
Tour: South Tyrol: Via Claudia Augusta
Code: WITSVCA
Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday
Price: See Website Dates: April - October Nights: 8 Days: 9 Walking Days: 7 Start: Resia (Reschen) Finish: Lago Di Caldaro (Lake Kalterer)
Distance: ~123km (76miles)
HIGHLIGHTS
Walking Days: 7
Nights: 8
Average Daily Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Grade: Moderate
Day 1: Arrive Resia (Reschen)
Your adventure in Italy’s South Tyrol begins in
the village of Resia (Reschen) just south of the
1,508m Reschen Pass which forms the Austrian
border.
The nearest airports are at Bolzano (80km) and
Innsbruck (110km). From Bolzano trains run to
Mals (2hrs) where you may take a connecting
bus or taxi to Resia (30m). From Innsbruck there
are trains that serve the town of Landeck (1.5hrs)
which has bus connections to Resia (1.5hrs).
The Lago di Resia is the largest lake in South
Tyrol and was created by unifying two smaller
lakes in 1950. In doing so the village of Graun
was submerged though the steeple of the 14th
century church tower still rises above the
surface. Legend says that the bells still ring out
on cold winter nights.
Upon arrival at your hotel you will be greeted by
our local representative and provided with your
comprehensive information pack for the journey.
Overnight: Resia
Day 2: Walk to Burgusio (Burgeis) -
7.5m (4.5 - 5.5hrs walking time)
Today you start by walking into the rich Val
Venosta along the shores of the Lago di Resia
and on to Lake Haider. Following the Adige river,
the route runs along the largest alluvial fan of the
Alps and the rich soil is carpeted in lush
pastures. The idyll of Lake Haider is framed by
views of Koenig Ortler, the ‘King’ of the peaks, in
the Ortler Massif, whose ice covered flanks rise
to a heady summit of 3,905m.
The scenic pathway follows old irrigation
channels leading you to the 12th century
Benedictine Monastery of Marienberg, which
boasts the highest abbey in Europe at 1,340m.
Romanesque frescos, recently discovered in the
crypt, are amongst the best preserved in Europe.
You finish your days walk in the nearby town of
Burgusio, birthplace of the Baroque painter
Johan Evangelist Holzer.
Overnight: Burgusio
Day 3: Walk to Sluderno (Schulderns) - 6m (4hrs walking
time)
You start by walking along the Sonnensteig Path,
where wooden sculptures portraying the
mythology of the Val Venosta line the route.
Moving upward and onward on to the rocky
hump of Tarcer Hill you pass the Ganglegg, a
group of fortified hilltop settlements that date
back to the Bronze age and you will be rewarded
by panoramic views along the length of the Val
Venosta. A real highlight of the day is the 13th
century Churburg Castle, one of the mightiest
fortresses of the South Tyrol and holding the
world’s largest armoury.
Overnight: Sluderno
Day 4: Walk to Silandro (Schlanders)
- 12.5m (5 - 6hrs walking time)
The day starts through dense broad leafed
forests accompanied by the rich songs of
warblers, flycatchers and finches. Reaching the
enchanting town of Lasa you will be struck by the
brilliant sparkle of the locally quarried marble that
adorns the buildings and has been used all over
the world.
Moving on you now enter the richest fruit growing
area of the Val Venosta walking through sun
drenched orchards of succulent apples and
apricots amidst a white fragrant spring carpet of
blossom. Take time to enjoy the bounty at hand
as you arrive in the market town of Silandro
situated at the foot of the massive dentritic cone
of Rio Gadria.
Overnight: Silandro
Day 5: Walk to Naturno (Naturns) -
14.5m (6 - 6.5hrs walking time)
Walking out of town through the rich fruit
orchards you join the Latschander Waal path
following the irrigation channels. You arrive at the
13th century imposing Kastelbell Castle perched
on a mighty rock on the left bank of the Adige
River. Kastelbell is home to a permanent
exhibition on the Via Claudia Augusta and is
worthy of much exploration.
Following the path onward you come to the Juval
Castle, situated precariously on the steep
mountain slopes high above the entrance to the
Vals Senal. Bought in the 1970s by the famous
mountaineer Reinhold Messner, the castle
houses a museum dedicated to the ’Magic of the
Mountain’ and has several fine art collections.
From here the path winds its way down the valley
to the town of Naturno for a well deserved
ITINERARY: WITSIST
SOUTH TYROL: VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA
WALK THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE OF ITALY
Day Route Miles
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9
Arrive Resia (Reschen) and overnight Walk to Burgusio (Burgeis ) Walk to Sluderno (Schluderns) Walk to Silandro (Schlanders) Walk to Naturno (Naturns) Walk to Merano (Meran)
Walk to Nalles (Nals) Walk to Lago di Cala-dro (Lake Kaltern) Onward Travel
7.5 6
12.5
14.5
11.5
12.5 12.5
Total Distance 77
DETAILED ITINERARY
overnight stop.
Overnight: Naturno
Day 6: Walk to Merano (Meran) -
11.5m (4.5 - 5hrs walking time)
Beyond Naturno you join the path of Rablander
Waal winding through forests and past mountain
farms with fine views across the Val Venosta.
Following the Partschinser and Algunder Waal
paths down to the Meraner basin you arrive at
the spa town of Merano. The climate is so mild
here that palms thrive on the mountain slopes.
Manicured gardens and spacious parks testify to
a grand past. Walk past the shady poplars, limes
and cedars that mix with the alpine flora and
stroll along the Passer river through the town to
admire Zenoburg Castle built on a granite cliff
overlooking the Passer Gorge.
A fitting end to the days walk is to rejuvenate
yourself in the thermal spa and indulge in the
medicinal properties of the sweet dark Merano
grape.
Overnight: Merano
Day 7: Walk to Nalles (Nals) - 12.5m
(5.5 - 6.5hrs walking time)
The route now takes you along the Marlinger
Waal path through the largest apple growing
region of Italy where the town of Lana harvests
700,000 tons annually. The views across the
Merano and Adige Valleys stretch far to the town
of Bolzano before you pass into the sweet
chestnut forest of Tisens.
Today you walk through an area famed for
castles and fortresses, with 16th century
Stachelburg, renaissance Schwanburg and
medieval Paysberg all vying for your attentions
as you walk into the village of Nalles. Known as
the ‘’Village of Roses’, the flowers thrive in every
corner of the community.
Overnight: Nalles
Day 8: Walk to Lago di Caladro (Lake Kaltern) - 12.5m (5.5 - 6.5hrs
walking time)
You continue through an area rich in castles and
fortresses. Indeed, at the 13th century settlement
of Missiano, you will join the ‘Walk of the Three
Castles’ trail taking in Castel Corba, Castel
d’Appiano and Castel Boymont, all worthy of
exploration. However with vineyards as far as the
eye can see you will surely wish to move on and
sample the delights of the famous vernatsch
grapes.
Your walk takes you to the village of Caldaro
(Kaltern) in the Eppan region, at the epicentre of
the region’s viticulture. Home to the South
Tyrolean Wine Museum and frequent wine
events, you may choose to toast your walk by
tasting the red berry rich Lagrien and Merlot or a
crisp Pinot Blanc. At nearby Lago di Caldaro
(Lake Kaltern), you can dip your feet in the warm
waters and maybe finish off the day and the trip
with fresh apple strudel and a nightcap of ruby
rich Kalterersee Auslese.
Overnight: Caldaro
Day 9: Onward Travel
Your holiday is complete following breakfast
though you may wish to take some time to enjoy
the delights of the Lago di Caladro. For return
travel to Resia there is an optional transfer that
may be booked in advance.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point along
the walk. We particularly recommend a longer
stay in Caldaro to enjoy the delights of the Lago
di Caldaro and the famous local wines.
Grade
This holiday is graded moderate and it is suitable
for those who are in good physical condition. The
area is undulating with ascents and descents and
during summer, temperatures are high. Most of
the route follows dirt tracks and stepped trails
although you will be following minor paved road
occasionally.
Navigation
The route is way-marked on certain sections with
the distinctive signage featuring an aqueduct
symbol above the Via Claudia Augusta name.
However other sections do not have signs and
due to the terrain It is necessary to follow the
detailed walking notes and maps provided.
Accommodation
Carefully selected, family run and authentic
accommodation is a wonderful feature of this
holiday and your experience of the Via Claudia
Augusta route through the South Tyrol. This
package includes hand-picked 3* hotel
accommodation which offer a warm welcome,
delicious local food and a good standard of
rooms.
Single Rooms/Solo Walkers
If you require single rooms within your party we
would be happy to accommodate you although
there is a single room supplement payable.
This holiday is available for solo walkers but we
would recommend that you are more
experienced in walking and navigating alone. If
you are travelling solo the holiday is more
expensive as some costs are not shared.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning, in Italy this is
generally a continental breakfast. Lunch and
dinner are not included but are available from
your hotel or nearby restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your
accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask
SOUTH TYROL: VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA
WALK THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE OF ITALY
HOLIDAY INFORMATION
you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to
20kg per person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment
list which includes standard walking gear such as
good walking boots or shoes, warm and
waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Getting to Resia
By Air - Bolzano is the closest airport (80km)
and has links with Rome to the UK and rest of
Europe. The airport has a rail link to the town of
Mals (2hrs) from where it is possible to take a
taxi or bus (30mins) to Resia.
Innsbruck Airport is 100km from Resia and has
direct flight links to the UK with British Airways
and Easyjet. From the airport it is possible to
take a shuttle bus to the town centre (18m) and
then train or bus to Landeck (North Tyrol /43m -
1hr). From Landeck you may take a direct bus to
Resia (1.5hrs). For rail and bus travel in the
region we suggest that you check the South
Tyrol public transport resource.
By Train - For train travel to Italy we recommend
the checking the ItaliaRail website or alternatively
www.raileurope.co.uk for an English site that
covers the whole of Europe.
Onward Travel from Caldaro
Bolzano is the closest airport (20km). There are
buses that serve the route via Bolzano town
centre (1hr). Check the South Tyrol public
transport resource for the most up to date
schedules. An optional transfer from Caldaro to
Resia is also available and may be booked in
advance.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you have
suitable travel insurance that covers you for
cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
Availability/Price
This tour is available to start on each Saturday
and Sunday between 20th April and 13th
October. Holiday prices do change during the
season so please see our website or give us a
call for up to date prices and availability
High season: 13th July - 25th August
www.macsadventure.com
Included:
8 nights in 3* hotels in double/twin rooms with private facilities
8 Breakfasts
Welcome meeting at hotel on arrival night.
Door to door baggage transfer as per itinerary.(1 bag per person/ max. 20 kg).
A detailed info pack, route notes and map for your group leader.
Emergency telephone support from our office/local representative in the event of a problem.
Excluded:
All travel to and from Italy and to/from Resia/Caldaro.
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
Travel Insurance.
Personal Equipment.
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.
Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886. Fax/Post:
Download or request a booking form and post it
to Macs Adventure, 44 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow,
G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 527 5688.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on
+44 (0) 0141 530 8886 or email:
[email protected] if you have any
queries and one of our expert customer service
team will be happy to help.
Financial Security
In accordance with "The Package Travel,
Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations1992" all passengers booking with
Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the
initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all
monies paid to us, including repatriation if
required (this insurance will not cover repatriation
to the country of origin for the passengers
outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or
curtailment of your travel arrangements due to
the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd. There is
no requirement for Financial Protection of day
trips, and none is provided. This insurance is
only valid for packages booked that DO NOT
include flights. Consumer aware: Your booking is
insured by IPP Ltd and its panel of insurers. This
insurance is only valid for passengers who book
and pay directly with/to Macs Adventure Ltd. For
further information please go to
www.ipplondon.co.uk. This Insurance has been
arranged by International Passenger Protection
Limited and underwritten by Insurers who are
members of the Association of British Insurers &
Lloyds Syndicates.
ABTA Member Statement
Macs Adventure Holidays
is a Member of ABTA.
ABTA and ABTA.
Members help
holidaymakers to get the most from their travel
and assist when things don’t go according to
plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard
of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.
For more information on ABTA, the Code of
Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to
you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30
Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117
0581 www.abta.com
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SOUTH TYROL: VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA
WALK THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE OF ITALY
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