Arrive in Merano, check into your hotel in the heart of the town. Merano is full of charm with arbour alleys, grand architecture and colourful alpine flower boxes. The town is not only popular for its fantastic walking and wines but it is also a traditional spa town and was a firm favourite with Emperess Sissi. The thermal waters have long been used for their therapeutic benefits and you will find a large modern Therme in the centre of town, which makes the perfect place to spend the afternoon relaxing. Depending on the time of your arrival we recommend taking a stroll through the town along the river Passer and enjoy a gelato in one of the riverside cafes; after all you are in Italy. In the summer months you will often spot families paddling in the river or fisherman trying their luck in the flowing waters. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the fantastic Trauttmansdorff castle and botanical gardens. The town's location within the basin of the valley provides the perfect Mediterranean like conditions for the botanical gardens to bloom and with the backdrop of the high peaks it is made even more beautiful. In the evening, a KE representative will meet you at your accommodation to answer any questions you may have and you will find plenty of restaurants to enjoy an evening meal.

Your first walk of the week is one of contrasts. You will discover the fantastic 'Waalwegens' of the South Tyrol (old irrigation channels); walk through thriving orchards and chestnut fields; delight in the shade of the deciduous forests, and arrive in Nals teeming with castles for you to explore. All this and it is only your first walk of the week! Walking on irrigation channels is something most people associate with walking on Madeira, but 'Waalwegens' have long been used in this area of Italy to feed the water from the high mountains to the vineyards and orchards that fill the valley floor. Your walk begins following the Marlinger Waalweg, the longest of the Waals in South Tyrol, to lead you to Lana. This lovely market town is known as the 'Orchard of South Tyrol', set in the heart of the Mediterranean- alpine landscape the town's main produce is apples making a great coffee stop to enjoy a slice of Apfelstrudel and admire the breath-taking views up and down the valley. Continuing, your route takes you through fragrant forests to Tisens where chestnuts now fill the fields and the fantastic views towards Bolzano come into sight. Your final goal for the day is Nalles where the castles of Strachelburg, Schwanburg and Payrsberg punctuate the skyline. You will have time to explore the town and its castles before enjoying dinner in one of the inviting restaurants.

After a long day of exploring yesterday, today is much more relaxed as you make your way towards the capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano. You will have time to further explore before leaving Nalles to ascend to a high path allowing you to traverse the mountains and appreciate fantastic views too. Part of today's route leads you along the 3 castle route before dropping down into the extensive wine producing area of Eppan. You will have chance to wander through the town, soak up its characteristic flair, and perhaps sample some of the tasty wines they produced here before catching the bus to Bolzano. This fascinating city was once a popular stop on the coach route between Austro-Hungary and Italy, making this natural basin not only the meeting point of valleys but also cultures. You will have time to explore this picturesque city of meticulously painted houses against a backdrop of mountains green pastures. We recommend visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology, home to Otzi the Iceman, dating back to 3300 BC or pay a visit to the imposing 13th Century fortress of Maretsh Castle. Your day draws to a close with dinner in one the city's buzzing restaurants- possibly with a glass of wine from the vineyards you have walked through earlier in the day.

Feeling refreshed, today begins with taking the Jenesien cable car allowing you to experience the South Tyrol's most stunning facets (please note this is currently undergoing maintenance work and is replaced by a shuttle service). Arriving at the top of the cable car you can enjoy a morning coffee in the mountain town of Jenesien before heading on along today's route. It won't be long before you will be rewarded with a unique panoramic view from lake Kalterer See over the castles and palaces of the wine route and the jagged peaks of the Dolomites. Simply stunning. Following a high mountain path you are accompanied by views across the vast meadows dotted with cattle and horses and in the spring, alpine flowers too. Continuing through ancient larch trees you begin your descent into the mountain village of Molten. Set upon the high plateau of Tschoggelberg the village is filled with alpine charm and your traditional chalet style home for the next two nights is sure to provide you the warm alpine hospitality which makes the alps so popular. The perfect place to unwind and watch the sun set over the mountains.

Waking up to views across the rolling plateau to the impressive high peaks; you can take time to have a relaxed breakfast before beginning today's walk. Your route today is a circular one allowing you to soak in the landscapes of the Tschoggelberg plateau; meadows filled with spring alpine flowers, insanely fragrant larch forests and perfect alpine pastures. Ascending to a high point you will reach the Stoanernen Mandln (stone men) sat proudly. Walking through the sea of cairn-like sculptures you cannot help but wonder what their purpose is. The Stoanernen Mandln have often served as a means of orientation but the large quantity of these stone men have given rise to the legend that they were created as part of a witches gathering in the Sarntal Alps. We will let you make your own conclusions, but whatever their purpose they make for a great walk. When you have finished appreciating the 360 degree panoramas you will return to the old charm of Molten/Meltina you can take advantage of the pool and spa facilities of your hotel. Alternatively, you can perhaps enjoy a coffee and the local delicacy 'Kaiserschmarrn', a chopped pancake dessert introduced to the area from Austria which is dusted with icing sugar and served with stewed apples from the valley below. If like us here at KE you have a sweet tooth, you will love it.

Your final walk of the week explores the glorious alpine pastures and green meadows occupied by grazing cattle leading you to the inviting Leadner Alp. This welcoming alpine hut is set within a working farm and offers some of the best homemade dumplings in the Alps. We recommend stopping off for lunch before continuing along the high-path accompanied by more panoramic views. As you begin to descend towards Merano you will pass the impressive Trauttmannsdorf palace providing further opportunity to explore the palace and its immaculate botanical gardens before arriving at your hotel for your final evening in this wonderful town. In the evening you can delight in dinner at one of the many restaurants and toast to a great week in the South Tyrol.

Enjoy a final breakfast in this alpine haven and perhaps take a final stroll through the town before making your onward journey.