DAY 4 / SUNDAY / JUNE 13
ALTO ADIGE ~ THE SOUTH TYROL
OVERNIGHT IN MERAN, ITALY
The South Tyrol, or Alto Adige in Italian, is a veritable paradise,
a Garden of Eden with lush apple orchards and vineyards surrounded on
all sides by snow-capped peaks.
Reschen Lake in the Italian Alto Adidge
We stop at the Reschen reservoir, created in 1950 on the site where 163 houses in the
villages of Graun and Reschen were destroyed and the people forced to settle
elsewhere. The steeple of the former village of Graun still stands within the lake and
is an attraction for all travellers over the Reschen Pass.
Castle Churburg lies above the village of Schluderns in that part of South Tyrol known as
the Vinschgau. The castle was named after its builders, the bishops of Chur, Switzerland,
who governed the Vinschgau for more than 1000 years.
Meran is the quintessential spa town. It was a favorite retreat of the Hapsburg
Empress Elizabeth of Austria,
whose statue stands in Meran's public park. In 1870, the Empress known as "Sissi" and her
daughters visited Meran to take the waters and so began Meran’s heyday as a spa.
Empress Elizabeth spent two winters at
Trauttmansdorf Castle.
Since 2001 the castle gardens have been used to display flowers and plants
from all over the world. The famous Merano climate is so mild that even exotic specimens
flourish. The thirty-acre grounds are divided up into cool woodland, sunny Mediterranean
gardens, exotic water gardens and terraces, and the landscapes of South Tyrol.
The gardens also boast eleven artistically designed pavilions, three greenhouses and
many other attractions.
The castle now houses the
Touriseum - the Museum of Tourism. In the restored rooms that Empress Sisi
used to inhabit, fascinating displays and interior arrangements document the development
of South Tyrol into one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations.
DAY 5 / MONDAY / JUNE 14
THE QUINTESSENTIAL SPA TOWN
OVERNIGHT IN MERAN, ITALY
The Kurhaus on the promendade
along the River Passer in Meran
Meran’s mild climate makes it a Mediterranean island in the heart of the Alps.
In winter the temperature seldom drops
below freezing, the sun shines all day, there is very little rain, hardly any wind,
and no fog. Therefore, it gained a reputation as a winter health resort with a perfect
climate in the 19th century.
In the summer, Meran's extensive green areas provide ample shade and
cooling. The town is one of the greenest in Europe and is famous for its lovely parks
and gardens, promenades and footpaths.
The Kurhaus
is a fine Art Nouveau building, the hallmark of Meran, opened in 1874
as an attractive setting for the various cures and a place of entertainment at
the same time.
The old Kurhaus accordingly had a smoking room, a games room and a lounge,
as well as a ballroom and concert hall. Later a casino was added. Today the
Kurhaus is used for balls, gala evenings, concerts, conferences and other events.
The Laubengasse at Night
The heart of Meran dates from the 13th century, when the town was the capital of the
Duchy of Tyrol. The Laubengasse is a busy shopping street with low arcades on either side
plus a host of interesting details like decorative oriels, archways, tucked-away
courtyards and winding stairs.
There are quaint, romantic castles, beautiful Art Nouveau spa buildings and villas,
ancient Romanesque and Gothic churches with rare frescos, statues and intricate carved
altarpieces, interesting museums, and a modern art gallery.
The brand-new 4-star Steigenberger Hotel Therme Meran
is located on the river Passer, next to the spa gardens.
The hotel boasts a 1,150-square meter deluxe spa with 9 treatment cubicles, a swimming pool
with indoor and outdoor baths and integrated Kneipp circuit, Whirlpool, special "Experience
showers," sauna, steam room, and soft aroma bath.
In addition, guests have "direct bathrobe access" to the new 7,650-square meter
Terme Merano Baths, with 25 indoor and outdoor pools and a wide variety of special
treatments.
