Sud Tirol is a province in Northern Italy and home to the spectacular Italian Dolomites, which is one of our most popular Air & Space Adventure destinations.
I was fortunate to spend a long weekend there recently and to sample a few of the tours and activities that the region has to offer. These are a few of my highlights.
Bolzano & Renon
Bolzano is the region’s capital and a buzzing city with plenty of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants. Rather than staying in the center, we were located in the beautiful village of Renon, which is located on a plateau just above Bolzano and is accessible by road or just 10 minutes via cable car. As well as being known for its connections to Bolzano, the area is famous for its wine. We visited a local vineyard which offers farm tours and tasting in a spectacular location.
Kronplatz
This is another great area in Sud Tirol and there are a few wonderful things to do and see here. The city or Brunico is a great place to stroll around for the afternoon. It has a variety of shops and traditional Italian bars and restaurants.
Just a 30-minute drive into the valley will take you to Campo Tures and the location of one of my favorite activities, Ziplining. With 10 zip lines, it’s the largest center in Europe and it is great fun! It’s not for those afraid of heights though. It certainly gets the adrenaline flowing.
The same distance from Brunico in the opposite direction will bring you to the beautiful Lago di Braies. This is a top Instagram spot and is stunning on a sunny day. You can hire small rowing boats to take out on the lake or simply take a stroll all the way around it.
Alta Badia
Alta Badia is home to four very pretty villages, a couple of which we also offer for skiing in the winter. They are just as popular in the summer and offer so much for families looking to have a mixture of relaxation and activities.
All of the hotels have brilliant wellness facilities and swimming pools and are the perfect base for exploring your spectacular surroundings. Hiking and biking are two of the most popular ways to explore and for those using the E-Bikes, cycling is easier than it looks! The bike’s engine gives your legs a break – you’re on holiday after all!
I got a chance to take part in an E-Biking excursion, which I’d highly recommend.
I set off from our Hotel in San Cassiano with my private guide who led me up a beautiful path all the way to Rifugio Bioch Hutte restaurant at 2,079m. Here we were greeted by a stunning view and the opportunity to sample local wine, cheese, and meats. The ride up can be tailored to different abilities and the E-Bikes make even the steepest sections incredibly easy. You also have the option of taking the Piz Sorega lift up and then just cycling the last few 100 meters.
I also had time for some hiking which meant a 5am start but it was absolutely worth it. A short 10-minute drive out of town preceded a gentle but adventurous hike up to a viewpoint. My private guide led me via torchlight through protected climbing routes once used by soldiers in the First World War. We reached the top in just over an hour and after a short wait, we witnessed the most spectacular sunrise over the rest of the region. For those who prefer a lie-in, we can arrange daytime hikes instead and there are plenty of routes to suit all ages and fitness levels.
Where to stay
There are a variety of incredible hotels in the area so adventure certainly does not come at the expense of enjoying beautiful rooms, the very best service and all the amenities you’d expect from a Powder Byrne holiday.
Getting There
The region can be accessed via 3 different routes: Innsbruck (1 hour 45 minutes), Verona (2 hours 30 minutes) or Venice (3 Hours). The latter two options offering the perfect opportunity to tag on a city break either before or after your trip – or both!
Our itineraries are completely individual so we can tailor a trip based on your preference, needs and interests – everything’s possible!
To find out more, call 020 8246 5300 or click here.
