Hotel Goldener Adler, Via Fraghes, 39043 Klausen, phone 001 39 0472-846111

From Klausen, the scenic road winds up to the picturesque town of Villanders. Its village street, captured by the Tyrolean painter Franz von Defregger, is alone worth the trip.

Continuing up the mountain you'll reach the Villanderer Alm, a high alpine pasture with a panoramic view of the Dolomite Mountains--a paradise for hikers.

Returning to the village, we visited the restaurant Capricorn for another gourmet meal. Here--the final stop on our special culinary tour--the historic rooms of the 16th century harmoniously combine history, tradition, and cuisine. The attraction here is the art of von Defregger and Andreas Hofer, and the history surrounding this romantic hideaway. Relax and unwind in the new garden lounge with its expansive views.

Award-winning Chef Alois Unterfrauner understands the presentation of cuisine that is both rustic and Mediterranean in a perfect combination. No wonder the Bertelsmann Big Restaurant & Hotel Guide chose to honor this exceptional establishment as its 2011 Südtirol Restaurant of the Year.

Hotel Restaurant Ansitz and Capricorn, St. Stefan 38, 39040 Villanders, 001 39 0472-843111

Additional travel information about the Südtirol is available online at Eisacktal.com, Sterzing.com, Klausen.it, and Villanders.info.

We wish to thank Armin Reindl for providing this classic touring feature to AutomotiveTraveler.com. The original version of this article and write-ups on many more delightful itineraries appear in German on his website DaCabrio.com. - Editors