Alto Adige, Italy
Bolzano, Italy is my happy place. I am fortunate enough to stay at Hotel Greif (which I podcasted about). They have a beautiful sister hotel literally down the path, ParkHotel Laurin. Both properties are welcoming and pay particular attention to me. When I visit South Tyrol, I stay with my friends at Greif, but if you prefer old school lifestyle, check out Lauren. The best thing is that you can access amenities at both places.
I love it here. If you like to stroll around Piazza’s, it’s here. If you like to go on strenuous hikes or just to listen to the cow bells, it’s here. If you like to walk and run along rivers, it’s here. We are welcomed and expected everywhere .
When in Bolzano, only a car drive away, the scenery, scents and hikes are magical. I have a few favorites that beg visiting. Trekking in the Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm is breathtaking, https://www.seiseralm.it/en/holidays-in-the-dolomites.html. Cable cars take you high up into the Dolomites and drop you off in the most picturesque setting. Pastures, cows, streams and endless paths for whatever you level of hiking is there.
For a more adventurous walk, UNESCO’s geopark, Bletterbach offers a more challenging trek for my two-legged friends. As my legs are short (and I have four), navigating the rocks and steep paths was easier for me. Just make sure you stop and keep an eye on your owners. IT may take them a while to reach the top. These stones and rocks are really old. I kept an eye out for Dinosaur fossils and got to chase a few lizards. https://www.bolzanosurroundings.info/en/mountains-activity/top-highlights/unesco-geoparc-bletterbach.html
I finally reached drinking age, so I can imbibe in vino once in a while! And the wines from this region of Italy are simply beautiful. Some of my favorite white wines are from the Terlan Vineyards right in South Tyrol. It must be the steep hills that make these wines so special. Actually, it doesn’t matter what makes them special, I am just so very glad they are!
Ciao Bella!
