Location: Italy

Merano (Meran) was one of the most fashionable spa towns of the Habsburg Empire and captivates with its mild climate, promenades and Art Nouveau architecture. Above the town lie the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, an award-winning botanical garden with plants from all over the world. The Therme Meran spa lies right in the centre.HighlightsBotanical Gardens of Trauttmansdorff CastleMild climate and spa promenadeTherme Meran…

Cogne is one of the finest gateways into the Gran Paradiso National Park. Through the Valnontey side valley, trails lead into the realm of ibex and chamois, and near the hamlet of Lillaz the Cascate di Lillaz waterfalls tumble over several tiers. In winter Cogne is a well-known cross-country skiing centre.HighlightsGateway into the Gran ParadisoCascate di Lillaz waterfallsIbex…

Bolzano (Bozen) is the capital of South Tyrol and blends alpine and Mediterranean influences, visible in the arcaded lanes of the old town and the surrounding vineyards. Its most famous resident is Ötzi, the more than 5,000-year-old Iceman, on display in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Three cable cars lead up to the surrounding plateaus.HighlightsÖtzi in the South Tyrol Museum of ArchaeologyMedieval…

Val Gardena (Gröden) is one of the best-known Dolomite valleys and part of the famous Sellaronda ski circuit around the Sella massif. Above the valley rise the Langkofel and the striking Seceda plateau. Gröden is also a centre of Ladin culture and centuries-old woodcarving.HighlightsPart of the Sellaronda ski circuitSeceda and Langkofel as a backdropLadin culture and woodcarvingUNESCO World Heritage DolomitesGood…

The Kalterer See (Lago di Caldaro) in South Tyrol’s Unterland is considered one of the warmest bathing lakes in the Alps, reaching summer temperatures that alpine lakes rarely offer. It lies in the middle of the wine-growing area along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, surrounded by vines and orchards.HighlightsOne of the warmest bathing lakes in the AlpsLocation on the South Tyrolean Wine RoadVineyard and orchard landscapeReed belt…

The Cinque Torri, the five towers, are a striking rock group near Cortina d’Ampezzo and a popular climbing area. Around the rocks stretches an open-air museum of the First World War with restored trenches and positions. A chairlift and easy paths make the area easily accessible.HighlightsStriking rock group for climbingFirst World War open-air museumEasily reached…