Every Sunday through June and the first Sunday of July 2016, visitors can enjoy Brunch with Sissi in the splendid gardens of the Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano (Alto Adige), where the much-loved Austrian empress Elizabeth (Sissi) came regularly on holiday. The meal is served on the terrace with a classical music accompaniment.

Romantic aperitifs are served every Friday evening through June, July and August in the Cafè delle Palme, as well as guided tours and candlelit dinners in the Schlossgarten Restaurant. More modern ethnic music is programmed during the annual World Music Festival event, featuring international artists, staged on various evenings throughout the summer.

The landscaped gardens of Trautmansdorff Castle extend over 12 hectares and are a treasure house of botanical rarities. This year, the park inaugurated a special Giardino degli Innamorati (Lovers Garden), in a secluded corner, described as an oasis of tranquillity dedicated to whoever wishes to rediscover feelings, memories and emotions.

The garden is celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of its opening to the public. It has won many awards, including Italy's Most Beautiful Parkť in 2005, Europe Park 6 in 2006 and International Garden of the Year 2013

Info: www.giardinidisissi.it-  www.meran.eu