The Dolomites
Overview
The spectacular Dolomites Mountain Range is a unique natural paradise in northeastern Italy. Dolomite rock is a white or coloured limestone formed by marine deposits and coral 230 million years ago. Forced up by tectonic events they were then sculpted into snow-clad peaks, deep valleys and lakes by retreating ice ages. Enjoy landscapes of alpine meadows and evergreen & deciduous larch and spruce woods, dwarfed by soaring peaks and glaciers. In late spring and early summer anemone, pasque flower, gentian and the beautiful globe flower abound. This is habitat for ibex, roe deer, chamois, marmots, eagles, and huge anthills. Sleep restfully in quiet rooms in delightfully luxurious alpine hotels with spa, sauna, and swimming pool facilities. Savour the wonderful variety of Tyrolian cuisine, the atmosphere of mountain refuges and charming villages. Our Dolomites walks are an invigorating dive into incredible scenery.
More about
On our small-group walking tour of the Dolomites, we hike among the most spectacular scenery in the northern Italian Alps. Ride to the top of a mountain in a cable car and walk out into a landscape of snowy peaks and alpine lakes and descend into the lower forest trails and grassy meadows dwarfed by soaring mountains and glaciers. Keep your eyes open to spot a curious marmot or chamois deer.
These highly distinctive mountains are of exceptional natural beauty and their dramatic vertical ramps and pale coloured peaks rise in a variety of distinctive sculptural forms. This is a paradise for walking and hiking adventures in sublime, monumental and colourful landscapes with unique panoramic views. The Dolomite Alps are a melting pot for the Tyrolean and Italian cultures, and despite being in Italy, you can sometimes feel as though you are in another country.
The spectacular Dolomites Mountain Range is a unique natural paradise in northeastern Italy. Dolomite rock is a white or coloured limestone formed by marine deposits and coral 230 million years ago. Forced up by tectonic events they were then sculpted into snow-clad peaks, deep valleys and lakes by retreating ice ages.
Enjoy landscapes of alpine meadows and evergreen & deciduous larch and spruce woods, dwarfed by soaring peaks and glaciers. In late spring and early summer anemone, pasque flower, gentian and the beautiful globe flower abound. This is habitat for ibex, roe deer, chamois, marmots, eagles, and huge anthills.
Sleep restfully in quiet rooms in delightfully luxurious alpine hotels with spa, sauna, and swimming pool facilities.
Enjoy the wonderful variety of Tyrolian cuisine, the atmosphere of mountain refuges and charming villages.
Our Dolomites walks are an invigorating dive into incredible scenery.
Highlights
- Explore trenches and fortifications of the Austrian-Italian battles during WW1.
- Spectacular scenery. UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
- Enjoy mountain landscapes of alpine lakes and meadows dwarfed by soaring peaks.
- Walk around Lake Braies a magnificent, emerald green alpine lake.
- Charming and luxurious alpine hotels with spa, sauna and swimming pool facilities.
- Watch a short video
INFO AT A GLANCE - Activity level: Challenging & Strenuous
MORE ABOUT THIS TOUR
Places You'll See
D’yodeling in the Dolomites
Itinerary
INFO:- Pick up & Drop off - Bolzano Train Station
TRAVEL TIP: - Before the trip starts, spend a night in Bolzano to enjoy the shopping arcades and the archaeological museum where the "Iceman" is resting.
Day 1: 14.00 Pick up at Bolzano train station - Alpe di Siusi walk, 4 km
We meet at 14.00 at Bolzano train station and drive (1h) into the Dolomite Alps to Compatsch in the Alpe di Siusi. A lovely introductory stroll across open meadows carpeted with flowers in the heart of Dolomite landscape with pine forests and scattered wooden alpine huts. A lovely introductory stroll in the heart of Dolomite landscape.
Meals | Dinner
Walk | Elev. +/- 100mt / 1.30 hr / 4 km
Altitude | Between 1750 and 1600 m asl
Day 2: In the Alpe di Siusi, 6 + 8 km
A short trip up a cable car and we are out in the Alpe di Siusi pure mountain air and ready for a fabulous leisurely loop-walk (3 hours). There are fairytale witch benches to explore and breathtaking lookout points with unforgettable views over the Val Gardena. Stop for a rest and take it all in before the second part of the walk (about 4 hours) across the Goldknopf alpine pasture, a special place in the South Tyrol with a fantastic panorama of the Dolomite peaks.
With our feet firmly on the ground, we walk among blankets of flowers, listening to the occasional ring of cowbells. When we reach the magical and mystical Spiegelwald forest we tread over moss, fir cones, and larch needles and are accompanied by the sounds of silence. Breathe deeply as you go and listen to the wind blowing through the treetops.
Meals | Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk | Total Elev. +/- 400 m /7 hrs / 14 km
Altitude | Between 1800 and 2150 m asl
Day 3: Fredrico Augusto Trail, 12 km
We walk directly out of our hotel and ride up a cable car to reach 2100 mt. From here we follow a panoramic goat trail leading from to the Sella Pass keeping the majestic Sasso Lungo and the Sasso Piatto mountains always in sight.
Much of this walk follows a stunning mountain crest offering breathtaking views over the Catinaccio group and the Marmolada Glacier and a spot of marmot watching!
Meals | Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk | Elev. +/- 200 m /6 hrs / 12 km
Altitude | Between 2100 and 2300 m asl
Day 4: Le Cinque Torri, 10 km
We leave from Passo Falzarego and walk out across meadows where wildflowers abound, climbing gradually as the trail gives way to loose rubble around the Nuvolau.
After lunch in a mountain hut we cross an open area of high-altitude meadows which was the site of fierce Austrian-Italian battles during WWI. We can walk through trenches and fortifications at the foot of the Cinque Torri, five stone massifs which, despite continuous erosion, are important for rock climbing practice. Gradually the trail loops around the Nuvolau.
Meals | Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk | Elev.+300/- 550 m / 5 hrs / 10 km
Altitude | Between 1900 and 2400 m asl
Day 5: Tre Cime de Lavarado, 12 km
A scenic drive to the north-eastern Dolomiti di Sesto takes us past the chic ski resort of Cortina D’Ampezzo and past enchanting Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo the start of today’s circular walk. This is a long and enjoyable trail which undulates around the base of the magnificent pinnacles of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (the Three Buddhas) and marvel at the honey coloured shadows reflecting on its perpendicular limestone walls in the afternoon sun.
Meals | Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk | Elev.+/- 150 m / 5 hrs / 12 km
Altitude | Between 2300 and 2450 m asl
Day 6: Santa Croce Massif, 10 km
We take a walk beneath the Santa Croce Massif through pastures and farmland with many wildflowers. The majesty of the mountains around us makes us feel so small. In times gone by, during winter months farmers were isolated from the rest of the world and farmsteads had to be self-sufficient. Faith, skill-sharing, cooperation, and hard work helped them survive arduous conditions.
Meals | Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk | Elev.+600/- 100 m / 4 hrs / 10 km
Altitude | Between 1400 and 2000 m asl
Day 7: Lake Braies & Brunico, 5 km
Early departure to drive to Lake Braies to make a circular walk around a magnificent, emerald green alpine lake whose waters reflect the peaks dominating the skies above. On our return to S.Vigilio in the minibus we stop on the way for a stroll in the charming old town of Brunico.
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Walk | Elev. + /- 50 m / 7 hr / 5 km
Altitude | 1300 m asl
Day 8: Drop off at Bolzano Train Station at 11.00
We depart from our hotel at 9.00 after breakfast to drop off at Bolzano train station at 11.00 am (or earlier as long as this accommodates everyone in the group).
Meals | Breakfast
Accommodation
Alpe di Siusi - 2 nights
San Cassiano - 3 nights
San Vigilio - 2 nights
What's included ?
" Items that are included in the tour price "
- 2 experienced tour leaders
- All meals as per itinerary
- Wine, water & coffee with meals
- Accommodation & tourist taxes
- Walking sticks (1 each on loan)
- Gratuities for hotel service and waiters
- Minibus transport from start to finish
- Local specialist guiding fees
- Entrance fees as listed on itinerary
What's not included ?
" Items that are not included in the tour price "
- Flights
- Transfer to the meeting point
- Travel insurance
- Visa and entry clearing fees
- Gratuities for your tour leaders
- Minibar & bar consumption
- Postage stamps :-)
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Pay a deposit of 25% or a commitment fee of
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D’yodeling in the Dolomites
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