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:

info@macsadventure.com 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

HOW TO BOOK

SOUTH TYROL: VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA

WALK THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE OF ITALY

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BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

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