Trentino-Alto Adige is an area of contrasts. While Italian remains the mother tongue in most areas, German is more commonly heard among the peaks of the Alps in the north. The mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to Lake Garda and the southerly city of Trento, whose lively and architecturally spectacular central square, Piazza Duomo, should not be missed.

Further up the valley, between the Alps and the Dolomites, lies Bolzano (Bozen), home to Otzi the Iceman who now resides in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Otzi lived during the Copper Age, and was frozen into a glacier after passing away around 3,300 BC. Accidentally unearthed in 1991 by two hikers, he is the oldest preserved mummy on display anywhere in the world. For a more modern day experience, a visit to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (known to the locals as Mart), located in Rovereto, will uncover works by modern Italian artists and pop art from the likes of Warhol and Lichtenstein. Merano, famous for its spas and springs, is a great option for taking it easy, and the thrill seeker can enjoy superb skiing in Passo del Tonale and Madonna di Campiglio.