Alpine Retreat: Explore the Hidden Charms of Merano
Kefi invites you to join on a journey to off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy. Our first destination is Merano, located in the foothills of the Alps in the South Tyrol region, renowned for its sweeping views, easy comfortable vibe, spas, thermal waters and retreats.
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Merano, Italy
Winery Tours
Wool Mill Visits
Regional Farms
Gardens and Museums
Castle Tours
Cable Car Rides
Alpine Retreat: Explore the Hidden Charms of Merano
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Kefi invites you to join on a journey to off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy. Our first destination is Merano, located in the foothills of the Alps in the South Tyrol region, renowned for its sweeping views, easy comfortable vibe, spas, thermal waters and retreats.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Our carefully curated itineraries are designed to immerse guests in the local artisanal flavors and traditions of the region. You’ll meet locals who are stewards of time-honored traditions and gain a deep appreciation for their way of life. Additionally, we will explore the cosmopolitan side of Merano, enjoying local cuisine, wine tasting, beautiful architecture, and shopping along palm-tree-lined streets with stunning views of snow-capped mountains.
To welcome you properly, we'll begin with a guided tour of Merano. We'll enjoy an introduction to this vibrant small city, learn it's history, walk it's beautiful streets, take in the antiquity and consume some local flavor-literally, enjoying lunch. Later we'll visit an 800 year old winery, walk the grounds, visit their museum with incredible wine making instruments from long ago. Our visit will culminate in a wine tasting and a chance to learn more about this specific winery.
Day 2:
We'll take a very short ride to San Virgilio and take a Cable Car to the almost top-ha! The sweeping views of Merano and Avelengo and the amazing valley below is quite amazing. Once at the almost top-we'll take the cutest darn single chair lifts to the very top where the views are truly breathtaking! We'll enjoy a great a robust walk(at your own pace)-nothing crazy, and enjoy the fresh air of the mountain top, hear cow bells in the distance which are at once both melancholy and a beautiful reminder of ancient traditions. WE'll have lunch atop the mountain at a tradition Hutte and enjoy the views again on the way down!
Later, we'll go to the majestic Tirol Castle, originally built in prior to 1100! We'll delve into their museum, immerse ourselves into history starting in the middle ages and enjoy more stunning views!
Day 3:
We'll leave the hotel early in order to get a jump to the Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO HERITAGE SITE and a very special region renown for their amazing rock formations that are like nothing I've ever seen! The scenery is spectacular, the culture and food-very particular to this region. The specific itinerary for this day will be weather dependent🤞🏻, but there will be ample time for a great walk, very small hikes(at your own pace-nothing dramatic!). We plan to visit San Martino in Badia as well as Canazei with a stop for a fabulous lunch in Bressanone/Brixen. During this Northern Italy tour-you will see the signs in BOTH Italian and German as the population is very much 50/50!
DAY 4:
We hope we’ve found the perfect balance for your experience, and we know the itinerary is active. With that in mind, Day 4 is all about relaxation! You’ll have time to enjoy the stunning hotel, its pools, the incredible spa, and the walking trails at your own pace. Please note that spa services are not included in the trip cost, allowing you the freedom to select any treatments that interest you.
Day 5:
So excited for this day-we get to introduce you to the art of making woolen fabrics from fiber to finished garment! You'll see how fiber is transformed to yarn, then woven to fabric and fashioned into traditional Tyrolean garments as well as items for your home! This is a great chance to witness time honored tradition of creating fabrics in an artisinal manner!
We'll then go to Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens in Merano! This is a very popular site in Southern Tyrol, with over eighty garden landscapes, plants and flowers from all over the world. There is a great juxtaposition between old and new, the gardens have a contemporary vibe against a back drop of the Castle built it 1300! This castle would later serve as a retreat for Empress Elizabeth of Austria(Empress Sissi),when she came to Merano to enjoy the healing properties of the Merano's thermal baths.
Day 6:
This day brings a very unique experience, we'll visit a local vineyard. We'll learn about their process, what makes the region and these grapes so special while enjoying a scenic walk touring the vineyards, of course we'll have the chance for tasting as we enjoy a picnic set for us in the vineyard itself!
Pricing Information
You have two payment options:
Pay in full:
$5,100 per person at the time of booking.
Payment plan:
$500 down payment to secure your spot.
Followed by 3 equal payments of $1,534
This pricing includes comfortable European-style accommodations, where double occupancy means sharing a room with one bed. Reserve your spot today with the payment option that works best for you!
Map of the Region:
Click on the map to view a larger version. This map highlights key landmarks near our destination, including Bolzano (the closest airport), Cortina (a well-known destination in the Dolomites), and Innsbruck, Austria.
Key Experiences
- Winery Tours: We'll visit an 800 year old winery, enjoy their amazing museum of wine making history and tools. gain an appreciation for a centuries old wine producer and taste the fabulous wines!
- Wool Mill Visits: Gain an intimate understanding of how woolen fabrics are made and the many steps taken to produce fabric. We'll witness traditional techniques fashioning garments and other unique items from wool cultivated in this very region.
- Regional Farms: Understand the history and special qualities of local farm produce. This can be added on to the itinerary.
- Gardens and Museums: Together, we'll explore beautiful gardens and learn about local history.
- Castle Tours: Our group will visit one of the several castles in the area.
- Cable Car Rides: We'll snap photos of awe-inspiring perspectives from above.
Who is this trip for?
Our trips are designed for individuals 30+ who are ambulatory. We tend to attract individuals who are craving an opportunity to spend some time with a group of safe new friends or couples who want to share a once in a lifetime trip together.
Enjoying Nature
Merano has breathtaking natural beauty! To ensure you get to see as much as possible, our daily itineraries feature gentle walks and hikes suitable for most ages and abilities. These excursions depart directly from our hotel and take advantage of the many trails on the property, including a pristine lake and a nature preserve.
Trip-Specific FAQs
Have a question? Find answers to common inquiries about our expertise and personality.
Merano, located in the South Tyrol region and in the Alps, is known for its spas, thermal retreats, and stunning natural beauty. It’s the perfect place to embrace the great outdoors and enjoy a healthy amount of communing with nature. Merano has a decidedly laid back vibe-no need for formal or dressy attire. It’s a place where you can be yourself, no heirs-just enjoyment.
Yes!!
We want you to experience ALL that Merano, Italy has to offer - especially the AMAZING food. Get ready for a treat!!
Our daily activities in Merano include gentle hikes and walks, some that depart directly from the
hotel, visits to local attractions such as wineries, a wool mill, a day trip to the remarkable Dolomites, beautiful gardens, museums, and castles. We’ll also explore the city of Merano, enjoy local cuisine, and take a cable car ride for awe-inspiring views.
We will provide ‘timely tips’ and ‘best practices’ on our site, including what to bring and what to anticipate wearing based on the itinerary and average temperatures. This will help you pack and prepare effectively for your trip. But generally speaking expect a laid back, comfortable aesthetic!
The closest airport to Merano is Bolzano Airport, with connections available from major cities like London (Gatwick), Milan (Linate), and Munich. Merano is also accessible by train, and we will provide detailed information on the best routes and connections.
Our accommodations are located across the valley from Merano in Avelengo. The accommodations are luxurious yet laid back and unpretentious. Conveniently located with direct access to walking trails,. The hotel also offers luxurious spa services for your relaxation and rejuvenation.
If you are traveling to Europe with Kefi Tours, you should be aware of the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) requirements. Starting in 2024, citizens of visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., must apply for ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen Area, which includes Italy. This is not a visa but a travel authorization that can be obtained online and is valid for up to three years. For more details, visit the official ETIAS website.
This is not something I handle but I encourage you to look into this for yourself.
Yes, there are a few additional expenses to consider. Drinks and alcohol are not included. The cost of the spa day will be separate, allowing you to choose your own services. Room service and other in-room fees are also not covered. Shopping, souvenirs, and tips are not included either. While tips are not expected, if you choose to give one, that is entirely up to you.