South Tyrol is the most un-Italian part of Italy. It's not just the Alpine location that sets it apart but its languages, architecture and culture. This excursion mixes the best of both worlds with time in the regional capital, Bolzano, and a scenery-rich train ride through the Renon Plateau. Martin, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The railway first opened in 1907, and originally incorporated a cog section ascending around 1,000 metres from Bolzano, but in 1966 that section was replaced by cable car.'
You'll leave behind the Mediterranean scenery of Lake Garda and head into the lush Alpine meadows and mountains as you near Collalbo. From here, hop on the historic Renon mountain train to Soprabolzano. As you make your way across the plateau, look out for the peaks of the Dolomites rising in the distance. The final part of this journey is possibly the most exciting – the cable car down into the city of Bolzano.
Bolzano, or Bozen as German-speaking locals call it, is the elegant and prosperous capital of South Tyrol. It's where Austrian and Italian influences meet. You'll take a half-hour guided walk through the city before some free time to explore. You could visit the Gothic cathedral or head to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to meet Bolzano's most famous resident, Ötzi the Iceman. Discovered frozen in the Alps, this 5,000-year-old mummy and his belongings offer an extraordinary window into prehistoric life. Browse the shops and try some local specialities like apple strudel before your return journey to Lake Garda.
