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South Tirol: The Chestnut Route (Self-Guided)

Follow the Chestnut route through the Eisack Valley, rich in flora & fauna, with views of the magnificent Dolomites. Taking in picturesque villages home to artists and busy cities as you walk through the gateway to the Dolomites.

  • Italy

  • 7 nights
  • Breakfast
  • Landscape

    Long Distance Paths

  • May - October

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Walking grade

Grade 6

Full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent and longer distances covered.  Whilst you will be mainly on paths, these may be rough, steep, and loose at times. We take the whole day to enjoy some fabulous walks.  

Usual daily walks - Distance: 8 miles; Ascent/Descent 850m; Terrain: sometimes rough, loose or steep sections; Walking Time: 8hrs / Full Day walks.

The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s key walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary".

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Self-Guided Collection

Expertly planned, flexible walking itineraries, led by you, with accommodation, route plans, and luggage transfers all taken care of by us.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • An area rich in flora and fauna
  • Wild open spaces with panoramic views
  • Superb local dishes
  • Views of the magnificent Dolomites

A walk in the beautiful South Tyrol, the heart of the Trentino Alto Adige region, where German and Italian culture perfectly combine. This itinerary follows the “Chestnut route”, a walking route in the shadows of the Dolomites Mountains that offers breath-taking views of the landscape dotted with castles, farms and ancient abbeys, passing through orchards and vineyards where some of the best wines in Italy are produced. 

Along the way you find picturesque villages like Chiusa, home to artists and poets, and lively cities like Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites.

  • 7 nights' accommodation on BB basis
  • Luggage transfers on Days 2,3,4 and 6
  • Ritten card for 3 days
  • Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
  • Access to route information on an app.
  • 24 hour local assistance in English
  • Flights
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Local Tourist Tax where applicable (paid locally)
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, tips etc
  • Local transport where not specified in the itinerary
  • Insurance
  • Printed detailed route information (available at an additional charge of £30, and is available at your first hotel)

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

66000

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Bressanone

Accommodation

Arrive into Bressanone, a colourful, lively city and the oldest of the whole of Tyrol. If you arrive early, take the chance to stroll through its colourful alleys and visit the frescoed rooms of the Bishop's Palace.

Day 2

Novacella Abbey-Velturno

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Luggage transferred today

  • Time

    5 hours

  • Distance

    9 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    720/471m

This morning you take a public bus to Augustinian monastery of Novacella, well known for the delicious white wine produced here.  From the monastery you follow dirt tracks and countryside paths among woods and vineyards to reach Velturno. This town is surrounded by chestnut trees and boasts such a great climate that it was chosen as a summer residence by several noble families throughout the centuries.  

Day 3

Velturno-Barbiano

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Luggage transferred today

  • Time

    6 hours

  • Distance

    10 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    778/798m

Today’s nice walk packs in more than a few surprises: the Sabiona Monastery, spiritual heart of the Tyrol area, perched on the top of a steep cliff; Chiusa, home to artists and poets, among the most beautiful Italian hamlets; and finally Barbiano, a nice village located on the banks of River Isarco.

Day 4

Barbiano-Collalbo

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Luggage transferred today

  • Time

    6 hours

  • Distance

    9 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    715/403m

Today’s walk takes you to Collalbo through woods and orchards. The village, located on the Renon plateau, is a well-known ski centre and a real heaven for nature lovers. A brief detour along the way allows you to see a rock with prehistoric signs.

Day 5

Collalbo Loop

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

  • Time

    4 hours

  • Distance

    7 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    400/366m

This easy, panoramic walk along the Renon plateau runs through forests and the typical Alpine meadows. On your way you skirt Kematen lake and the typical earth pyramids, cone shaped formations created by moraine silt that was brought here by melting Ice Age glaciers. At the end of the walk you take the Renon train and go back to Collalbo through beautiful views on the surrounding mountains.

Day 6

Collalbo-Castel Roncolo

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Luggage transferred today

  • Time

    8 hours

  • Distance

    11.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    591/1396m

Today’s hike is long but not particularly difficult: from Collalbo you head to Castel Roncolo through orchards, forests and cultivated fields, in a countryside dotted with castles, manor houses and farms. At the end of the walk you take a bus to Bolzano (you should start walking before 8am to avoid missing the last bus, but you can also walk the whole way to the city if you prefer) This lively town perfectly unites Italian and Austian cultures, and boasts many artistic beauties.  

There are opportunities to shorten the hike today to bring the descent walked down

Day 7

Alp of Siusi Loop

Accommodation

  • Time

    6 hours

  • Distance

    13 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    316/484m

Take the bus from Bolzano to Siusi, and take a cable car to the Compatsch. Here starts an easy circular walk along the biggest Alpine plateau in Europe. The route passes through mountain huts and small hamlets, offering beautiful views on the Dolomites jagged peaks. The walk leads you back to Compatsch, from where a ride in cable car and bus takes you back to Bolzano.  

Day 8

Final day

Meals

Breakfast

Departure after breakfast for your onward journey.

Travel Details

Arrival in Bressanone

From both Bolzano (BZO) and Innsbruck (INN) ariports, you can reach the railway station bys bus, and then take a train to Bressanone.

Departure from Bolzano

If flying from Bolzano (BZO), you can easily reach the airport by bus.

In case you are flying from Innsbruck, you can get there by train and then take a bus to the airport (INN).

Train timetables available on www.trenitalia.com.

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is an example of the type of accommodation you will be allocated on this holiday. Your final accommodation list will be confirmed on your travel documents, these will usually be with you around two weeks prior to departure.

Residence Gassner or similar

The Residence Hotel Gasser is conveniently located a few minutes walk from the town's centre. Rooms are en suite with TV, mini-bar, in room safe and wifi

Hotel Feldthurnerhof or similar

The Dorfmann family offer a warm welcome to their hotel which offers a fantastic panorama, sociable atmosphere and cosy place to stay. Rooms are modern in design with all the facilities you would expect - en suite bathroom, phone, TV and in room safe. The hotel also offers a restaurant and wellness facilities.

Gasthof Kircher Sepp or similar

Located in the small holiday village of Barbiano, just a 10 minute stroll from the village centre, our accommodation is surrounded by green meadows, deep forests and shady chestnut trees. Most rooms have a balcony with a view of the Isarco Valley. All are en suite with TV, radio, in room safe, hairdryer and wifi. 

Hotel Dolomiten or similar

The family-run Hotel Dolomiten offers wonderful views of the Dolomites. Typically Alpine in design it comes complete with a spa and Finnish sauna. Rooms are all en suite with TV, in room safe, hairdryer and telephone.

Hotel Regina or similar

Just a short walk from the town's railway station and the city's historical centre, the Hotel Regina offers modern style rooms with TV, telephone, AC, and hairdryer

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

Full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent and longer distances covered.  Whilst you will be mainly on paths, these may be rough, steep, and loose at times. We take the whole day to enjoy some fabulous walks.  

Usual daily walks - Distance: 8 miles; Ascent/Descent 850m; Terrain: sometimes rough, loose or steep sections; Walking Time: 8hrs / Full Day walks.

The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s key walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary".

Spending Money

Holiday Budgeting

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

If your holiday does not include dinners (see itinerary) we recommend budgeting an additional £25-30 per day.

Currency in Italy

The currency in Italy is the Euro.

Tipping

Tips are not included in the holiday price. Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high.  We strongly recommend when receiving good service you make a tip to the local supplier.

Your Travel Details

Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements

Arrival in Bressanone

From both Bolzano (BZO) and Innsbruck (INN) ariports, you can reach the railway station bys bus, and then take a train to Bressanone.

Departure from Bolzano

If flying from Bolzano (BZO), you can easily reach the airport by bus.

In case you are flying from Innsbruck, you can get there by train and then take a bus to the airport (INN).

Train timetables available on www.trenitalia.com.

Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents

Should you have decided to book any overseas flight arrangements through us, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Documentation

After booking your holiday, expect to receive a confirmation and holiday information sheet soon after.

Once you've settled your balance, about 2 weeks before your holiday, you'll get instructions on how to log into your ActiveNav or GUIBO App. Grab your Apple or Android smartphone and head to the app store for a quick download. Once installed, the app grants you access to all route information and provides guidance on how to navigate it.

Around 2 weeks prior to your departure, you'll also get a destination manual & road book. This comprehensive guide includes detailed information on your walking route and interesting facts about the areas you'll stay in. Alongside, a trip voucher will confirm all the services booked for you, complete with the names and addresses of your hotels and other service providers. Be prepared to present this voucher as confirmation at your accommodations, and don't forget to bring along a valid form of ID.

Passports and Visas

European Passport Advice

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For some Schengen countries your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.

Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.

Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.

Meals

In general all of our self-guided holidays are on a bed and breakfast basis with breakfast provided at your accommodation. Depending on the route you are walking and access to local services such as restaurants, cafes and supermarkets, your itinerary may include packed lunches, dinners or a mix of both. Please refer to the individual itinerary and what is included for accurate information.

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Footwear is a walker’s personal choice; however, we suggest lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good, moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support and may be essential for some walks.

Luggage Transfers

On a self guided holiday, the days you walk from one property to another, your main luggage will be transferred for you as part of your holiday arrangements. This leaves you free to just carry what you need for the day. Please refer to your individual itinerary for which days your luggage will be transferred. Before you leave your accommodation in the morning, please speak with your host for where the luggage should be left and by what time. 

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
  • Day sack liner
  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Compass
  • Map case
  • Whistle
  • Lightweight quick-drying trousers
  • Walking T-shirt/shirts
  • Walking socks
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
  • Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
  • Water bottle - at least 2 litre capacity (more may be required)
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)
  • Sit mat
  • Mobile
  • Power Bank for charging mobile if needed.
  • Phone charging lead

This list is not exhaustive, and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Travel Documents Checklist

Documents and Information to take with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday money
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details' pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Electricity in Italy

Electricity in Italy is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Maps, Guidebooks & Other Information

Weather

Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

Staying Healthy On Holiday

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Health Advice for Italy

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Italy.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK. 

You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.

Further Travel Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

If you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you are unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

EHIC & GHIC Cards

Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.

It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic

Personal Safety

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

Cultural Awareness

Italian Laws & Customs

In some Italian towns and cities, you may be fined for dropping litter and in some towns or cities it’s an offence to sit on monument steps or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of main churches, historic monuments and public buildings. It’s also an offence to enter or bathe in public fountains.

In May 2019, the Municipality of Capri introduced a law forbidding the use of any disposable plastic objects such as bags, cutlery, plates, cups, food packaging, trays, straws on the island of Capri. Violations can incur a fine of up to 500 euros.

Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities, particularly tourist cities like Florence, Venice and Rome. Don’t buy from illegal street traders. You could be stopped by the local police and fined.

It is illegal to remove sand, shells or pebbles from coastal areas in Italy. Doing so may result in heavy fines. It’s also forbidden to collect various species of flowers, plants and herbs from mountain and wooded areas. For more information, check with the regional authorities of the area you’re visiting.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

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Useful Information

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Italy

  • Capital

    Rome

  • Currency

    Euro

  • Language

    Italian

  • Time Difference

    UTC +02:00

  • Flight duration

    2.5hrs from UK

Visas and Passports

No Visa Required

Average weather

  • January

    6°C

    Avg. Rain: 67mm

  • February

    7°C

    Avg. Rain: 62mm

  • March

    9°C

    Avg. Rain: 63mm

  • April

    12°C

    Avg. Rain: 61mm

  • May

    16°C

    Avg. Rain: 56mm

  • June

    20°C

    Avg. Rain: 47mm

  • July

    22°C

    Avg. Rain: 35mm

  • August

    22°C

    Avg. Rain: 48mm

  • September

    20°C

    Avg. Rain: 64mm

  • October

    15°C

    Avg. Rain: 89mm

  • November

    10°C

    Avg. Rain: 96mm

  • December

    7°C

    Avg. Rain: 82mm

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