The social program for ESGCO 2014 will take place in the afternoon of Tuesday 27th of May, and will include a visit to, Castel Thun, a splendid example of Trentino castle architecture overlooking the Non Valley.
Built in the 1250s, 
it was the main residence of the Thun family,
one of the most powerful family in Trentino history. The civil-military body is built in typical Gothic style, surrounded by a composite fortification complex. Among its interior halls, special mention goes
to the Bishop's room, entirely lined with Cimbrian wood and inhabited by the Prince-Bishop Sigismondo Alfonso Thun, and the Fireplace room, characterized by a magnificent Renaissance style fireplace.
After the visit to the Castle, the participants will have the chance to live the atmosphere of the ancient court magnificence, assisting to an archer performance and then taking part to a medieval dinner.
POST-CONFERENCE SOCIAL PROGRAM
For those who will stay in Fai della Paganella after the conference, we are organizing a one-day hiking tour in the spectacular scenery of the Brenta Dolomites. The excursion is planned for Thursday, May 29th, and will start early in the morning, when the guests will be transferred by bus to the hiking starting location Pradel (1,370 m / 4,495 ft amsl).
There is the option to choose among two variants of different difficulty and physical demand. Both trails wind around the lakeside village of Molveno (864 m / 2,835 ft amsl) and its picturesque surrounding mountains.
Hiking Program
The easy trail will follow Val delle Seghe valley along a pleasant, mostly level, and woody path to Croz dell'Altissimo Refuge (1,480 m / 4,855 ft) (2 hrs long at most), where refreshing
drinks and food will be available to buy.
The moderate-high difficulty trail will climb steeply up to the Croz dell’Altissimo peak (2,339 m / 7,670 ft amsl) (2.5-3.5 hrs long), where the hikers will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Brenta Dolomites and western Trentino mountain ranges. The trail will then descend along the opposite ridge (or, if the snow conditions will not allow, descending from the way-up) and reach the other group at the Croz dell'Altissimo Refuge.
Both groups will hike back in the afternoon descending down to Molveno (1.5-2 hrs long) and concluding the adventure with a relaxing lakeside sightseeing. On the way back, it will be optionally possible to pass by Rifugio Selvata (1,630 m / 5,350 ft amsl) for a further outstanding view.
The easy trail will be overall 5 Km long with a difference in height of 300 m (980 ft), the moderate-high difficulty trail will be about 7 Km long with a difference in height of 1000 m (3300 ft).
The rough terrain requires hiking boots and, optionally, trekking poles. A small backpack to carry water and warm/rain-proofed clothing is recommended. Due to variable weather conditions and temperatures, dressing in layers is the key to warmth and comfort.
Advised Packing list:
- Backpack (to carry water and warm clothing)
- Mid weight hiking boots with ankle support (well broken in)
- Synthetic or wool padded hiking socks
- Lightweight hiking long pants/trousers
- Warm fleece
- Lightweight rain shell
- Wide brim hat, sunglasses and sunblock cream
Note that you don’t necessarily need to carry a backpack from home, because a small one will be given to all conference attendees as registration bag. What you really need to bring is a pair a comfortable shoes and proper clothes.
Note: if the weather conditions will not allow safe and enjoyable realization of the excursion, an alternative social program will be organized in the city of Trento.
Fig. 1: Molveno lake as seen from the beginning of the hike
Fig. 2: The stunning view from the starting point of both trails
Fig. 3: The vertical wall of Croz Altissimo peak looming above the trail
Fig. 4: Hiking along the trail
Fig. 5: Along the trail to Croz Altissimo peak