MERANO (MERAN) an hour north by train from Bolzano, lies close to two great mountain ranges. The closest, the Giogáia di Tessa (Texelgruppe), less than 10km away, is characterized by steep traverses across pastureland, with old snow still on the slopes in summer; watercourses irrigate the south-facing slopes, planted below with vines, peach and apple trees. Further west, the Ortles mountains - an unbelievable expanse of glaciers and rocky spur... [More]