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Alpine Walking in Austria and Italy

Program Number: 3331RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/28/2013 - 6/10/2013; 7/9/2013 - 7/22/2013; 10/8/2013 - 10/21/2013; 5/27/2014 - 6/9/2014; 6/17/2014 - 6/30/2014; 10/7/2014 - 10/20/2014;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Austria/Italy
Price starting at: $3,593.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 33; 12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian    

Explore the unparalleled beauty of two regions on opposite sides of the Alps: the Tyrol in Austria and the South Tyrol in Italy. Unearth similarities and contrasts in their culture, history, environment, and architecture as you immerse yourself in the splendid beauty of the Dolomite mountain valley and gain appreciation for these two varied and unique cultures.




Highlights

• Explore the magnificent Tyrol regions of Austria and Italy to discover their cultural similarities and differences.
• Visit Oetzi, the mummified Ice Age man.
• Walking lectures highlight the botany of the Dolomites -- including herbs and their healing powers.



Activity Particulars

Walking 4-7 miles (3-6 hours) per day. Terrain can be very uneven in the mountains, small roads, and trails that are mainly gravel and dirt, fields and meadows that have small stones. Temperatures range from 65-75 F in spring and 50-65 F in autumn. Walking boots required.




Date Specific Information

5-28-2013

Program will operate in reverse: 5 nights Castelrotto, 6 nights Seefeld and final night in Munich.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Munich (Germany), coach to Seefeld (Austria), 6 nights; coach to Castelrotto (Italy), 5 nights; coach to Munich, 1 night, departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Munich (Germany)
Coach to Seefeld (Austria)
6 nights

Seefeld is an enchanting town marked with traditional Tyrolean farmhouses. Noted for its beautiful countryside, it has the largest continuous strand of arolla pines in the Eastern Alps. Experts discuss the Edelweiss, architecture and Austrian farm life. Excursions include a train ride to Garmisch Partenkirchen and the charming town of Innsbruck.



Coach to Castelrotto (Italy)
5 nights
Coach to Munich
1 night
Departure

Secluded in the Dolomites, Castelrotto’s storied culture is captured in time. Walk the area’s network of paths that lead to breathtaking views. Along the way, experts discuss the rich geology and botany of the Dolomites -- including herbs and their healing powers -- as well as local legends of witches and Oetzi, the mummified Ice Age man. Visit the village of Bressanone for its baroque Duomo, and Bolzano’s archaeological museum.
Accommodations
Seefeld: Full-service hotel; Castelrotto: Tyrolean-style hotel; Munich: Comfortable airport hotel.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Brigitte Tennyson
A native of Austria, Brigitte Tennyson has been leading walking adventures throughout Europe since 1984. Fluent in English, German and Italian, Brigitte is studying Croatian as she splits her time between Croatia and Austria. Brigitte shares her interest and expertise in European history, music and environmental issues with participants as she leads them on mountain walks and explorations of European towns.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Albergo al Lupo Hotel
  Castelrotto, Italy 5 nights
   Hotel Veronika
  Seefeld, Austria 6 nights
   NH Munich Airport Hotel
  Munich, Germany 1 night
 Albergo al Lupo Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Contact info: Via Oswald Von
Wolkenstein, 5
Castelrotto,  I-39040 Italy
phone: +390471706332
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: N/A Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

 Hotel Veronika
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Contact info: Riehlweg 161
Seefeld,  A-6100 Austria
phone: +4352122105
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 NH Munich Airport Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Airport hotel located at the Munich airport area.
  Contact info: Lohstrasse 21
Schwaig/Oberding,  D-85445 Germany
phone: +4981229670
web: www.nh-hotels.com
  Room amenities: Wi-Fi, telephone, wake-up calls, AC, hairdryer, iron, minibar.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: na Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Munich Airport. Meet your group at 10:00 AM for the group transfer to Castelrotto. (Hotel check-in is at 2:00 PM.) You will be staying at Albergo al Lupo Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Munich, Germany. After breakfast on the last day. (Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM.) You will be staying at NH Munich Airport Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date of the program.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Instructions will be provided in final program packet.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Castelrotto
  Transportation to site: From the airport in Munich take a train to Bolzano, then take a bus to Castelrotto.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Munich
  Transportation from site: The NH Munich Airport Hotel has a hotel shuttle service. The shuttle leaves every 30 minutes between 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Elevation Note: 5570 feet is the highest elevation.

Equipment Requirements: Ankle high walking boots.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1:
(Tuesday, May 28)
   
 In Transit: In-flight.

Day 2: Munich-Castelrotto (3470 feet) "Arrival Day"
(Wednesday, May 29)

Note: Upon arrival at Munich airport you will be met by your Group Leader and transfer by private coach to Castelrotto (3.5 hours). After check-in, time permitting, brief orientation walk around the picturesque village.
   
 Arrive To: Arrival Munich airport and 3.5-hour transfer to Castelrotto, Italy.
 Afternoon: Time permitting, after arrival a short orientation walk around this delightful village.
 Dinner: Briefing and welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Albergo al Lupo Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Castelrotto, "From Compatsch to Puflatsch"
(Thursday, May 30)

Note: Field lecture: “Puflatsch” and “The Mountain Range of the Witches”. Mode of transportation: coach and walking. Approximate walking time: 3.5 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Travel by local coach (30 minutes) to Compatsch (5904 feet) and from here a walking field trip to Puflatsch.
 Lunch: Lunch at a picturesque Tyrolean inn.
 Afternoon: Continue walking to Saltria with views of Sciliar, "Mountain Range of the Witches".
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Albergo al Lupo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Castelrotto, "The Ancient Mill"
(Friday, May 31)

Note: Field lectures: “How Grains are Milled” and “Botany of the Area”. Mode of transportation: coach and walking. Approximate walking time: 4 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Walking field trip from the hotel to Telfen and on to Siusi (5577 feet) and to the "Old Mill" to watch the miller work with different grains.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at the mill.
 Afternoon: Walk back to Siusi and transfer back to the hotel by private coach.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Albergo al Lupo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Castelrotto, "A Day in Bolzano" - 3287 feet
(Saturday, June 1)

Note: Field lecture: "Bolzano and Otzi". Mode of transportation: coach and walking. Approximate walking time: 3 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Local transportation (55 minutes) to Bolzano, the capital of the region. Walk through the park to the Archeological Museum known for the world famous "Otzi", the 4000 year old mummy that was discovered on the glaciers of the Italian-Austrian border. "Otzi" was bought back to Bolzano some years ago. In addition to listening to the museum docent you may rent headphones for approximately USD 2.00 that allows you to learn about each exhibit at your own pace. Following the museum there will be a walking field trip in the area.
 Lunch: Light lunch at a local establishment.
 Afternoon: Remainder of the day independent, return to Castelrotto on your own by local transportation.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Albergo al Lupo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Castelrotto, "Alpe di Siusi"
(Sunday, June 2)

Note: Field lecture: “Flora, Fauna of the Tyrolean Mountains”. Mode of transportation: coach, walking. Approximate walking: 4 hours.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Travel by private coach (45 minutes) to Compatsch (5576 feet), from here a walking field trip to the Molignon hut (6737 feet).
 Lunch: Lunch at the hut.
 Afternoon: Continue walking to the Passo Duron (7216 feet), breathtaking views await from the summit over the Dolomite mountains. Circular trail back to Saltria and return to Castelrotto by private coach.
 Dinner: Farewell drink and dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Local entertainment at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Albergo al Lupo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Castelrotto - Seefeld (2950 feet) "Transfer Day"
(Monday, June 3)

Note: Field lecture: Information on the areas between Castelrotto and Seefeld. Mode of transportation: private coach and walking. Approximate walking time: 1.5 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast depart by private coach to Seefeld with a field trip to Bressanone, the walled town with the 12th century Duomo with frescoes from the 14th and 16th century.
 Lunch: Light lunch at a local establishment en route to Seefeld.
 Afternoon: After arrival in Seefeld, Austria and, time permitting, a short orientation walk in this beautiful village.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Veronika
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Seefeld "Wildmoosalm" - 4330 feet
(Tuesday, June 4)

Note: Field lecture: "Wildmoosalm Flora and Fauna". Mode of transportation: walking, horse and buggy. Approximate walking time: 4 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Walk from the hotel partly through a wooded area of Scots pine to “Wildmoosalm", an area offering splendid views. Continue along the golf course to the "Lottenseehuette" (hut) for a picnic lunch.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at the hut.
 Afternoon: Following lunch walk on the scenic trail overlooking the Inn Valley for the horse and buggy ride back to Seefeld.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Veronika
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Seefeld "The Partenachklamm" - 3000 feet
(Wednesday, June 5)

Note: Field lecture: "Partenachklamm Gorge". Mode of transportation: train and walking. Approximate walking time: 4 hours.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Take the local train (30 minutes) to Garmisch Partenkirchen. Walk to and through the beautiful Partenachklamm gorge, an area of natural beauty.
 Lunch: Lunch at Wettensteinalm.
 Afternoon: Return to Seefeld by train, remainder of day independent.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Veronika
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Seefeld "Day in Innsbruck" (1885 feet)
(Thursday, June 6)

Note: Field lecture: “Innsbruck”. Mode of transportation: local transportation and walking. Approximate walking time: 2 hours.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart by local transportation (40 minutes) to Innsbruck (1883 feet) and a field trip of the Tyrolean capital.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment located in the old town of Innsbruck.
 Afternoon: Afternoon independent, return to Seefeld at your own time. Optional activities recommended: Tyrol Museum of Popular Art.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Veronika
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Seefeld "Rosshuette to Seefelderspitze" (weather permitting)
(Friday, June 7)

Note: Field lecture: “Seefelderspitze” and “Seffelder Joch”. Mode of transportation: funicular, walking. Approximate walking time: 4 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Take the funicular to the Rosshuette (5763 feet) for the field trip walk to the Seefelderspitze (7786 feet).
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on the trail.
 Afternoon: Walk down to Seefeld via the Seffelder Joch.
 Dinner: Farwell drink and dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Veronika
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Seefeld "Achensee"- lake-walk - (3123 feet)
(Saturday, June 8)

Note: Field lecture: "Ice Man" and "Lake Achensee area". Mode of transportation: coach, ship, train, walking. Approximate walking time: 3 hours.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Travel by private coach (45 minutes) to Lake Achensee, an area famous in Austria for its outstanding natural beauty offering wonderful walks and hikes. Walk from the charming village of Pertisau to Geisalm.
 Lunch: Picnic on the trail.
 Afternoon: Continue walking around the lake through Achenseehof and on to Scholastika. From here a relaxing boat trip to Seespitz, then the steam engine train to Jenbach. From Jenbach return to Seefeld via private coach.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Veronika
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Seefeld - Munich - 1703 feet "Transfer Day"
(Sunday, June 9)

Note: Approximate transfer time: 2 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast transfer by private coach to Munich for a short orientation of the city (2.5 hours). At the conclusion of the walking city field trip, you can return with the Group Leader to the hotel or remain in the city and return on your own. Remainder of the day is independent to explore Munich with lunch and dinner on your own.
 Afternoon: Independent time in Munich with lunch on your own.
 Dinner: Independent time in Munich with dinner on your own.
   
Accommodations: NH Munich Airport Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14: Munich - USA - "Departure Day"
(Monday, June 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Independent shuttles to the airport for your flight back to the U.S.A.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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