The heart of the Dolomites is situated in the Italian Alps within a protected national park system and in a region rich in ancient Ladin culture and tradition. Enjoy a wide variety of guided walks/hikes through this vast network of trails where you discover an unusual geological beauty that is unique from all other ranges that comprise the Alps. Witness its many bizarre vertical peaks - steeples, pinnacles and towers of white rock soaring from the base of the highest, most brilliant green pastureland in Europe.
Inclusions
Not included
Enjoy six days of hiking within the world’s most unusual mountain range, “The Dolomites”. This protected national park system that drops down from the Austrian and Swiss borders into Italy impresses visitors with an array of bizarre vertical peaks--steeples, pinnacles and towers of white rock within the highest green pasturelands in Europe.
Your guide often makes use of the trams to access the most scenic routes within this vast network of trails and along the way explores the rich ancient culture and traditions of the Ladin people who first settled here. As we journey through three unique groups of massifs you are sure to be amazed and have a firm sense of how nature has shaped the people & history of this magical place.
Each day’s walk can be increased or reduced in distance so that you may walk at your preferred pace and distance.
The tour begins when we pick you up at the train station in Bozen/Bolzano at mid-day and spend the day to acclimate with a tour of the archeological museum to see the Oetsi man and or a visit to The nearby castle of Rhinhold Messner.. Day 2 we transfer to the heart of the mountain village Seis where you have an incredible view of the massifs that make the Dolomites so alluring. We take a tram up to the Puftlasch plateau where one can take in the vast expanse of Alpen landscape that stretches across both Austria and Switzerland. You see the Seiser Alm in all its glory and take note of the high trail we hike the next day. On our way down we are sure to stop for a warm drink to further absorb the distinct mountain atmosphere rife with hiker's tales. You meet for an evening aperitif with your guides and have a chance to discuss the variety of the next 5 days of hikes within the Dolomite range.
On our first full days hike walk up to the high plateau known as Seiser Alm (2160 meters). We stop at two lodges that have become magnets for mountaineers wishing to explore a region whose landscape is often described in architectural terms such as towers, curtains and walls. The second half of the hike takes in the incomparable peaks that make up the chameleon-like Rose Garden range known for its vibrant color.
Lodging: 3-star in Center of Bolzano & 2 nights in St Ullrich.
The trams take us high into the Dolomites were the trails meander within the peaks that loom high above the Tyrolean Val Badia. Located within the Parco Puez Odle this region is well-known for its ancient Ladin culture and rife with countless local legends. Our hike takes us from Heiligkreuz (S. Croce) and along a trail that varies from elegant fir trees housing a wide variety of bird life to a haunting rocky terrain of high elevation.
The Ladin ancestry is locally traced to 15 B.C. and today the language is still taught in school while laws are in place to protect this rich cultural identity. Each alpen village we pass shows evidence of its traditional woodcarvings displayed on its farmhouses and available in its shops. We then transfer to an easy to manage panoramic trail where the Marmolada Glacier is seen in all its glory. This trail leads down to a beautiful lake where our second guide is waiting to take us on a short transfer to Canazei.
Lodging: in a very charming 4-star lodge located in he heart of Canazei.
We start at the Col Rodella located within the heart of the Dolomites for our last look at the Sella group and our first glimpse of the eastern edge of massifs. The favorite highlight of today’s hike is the wide variety of wild flowers seen along the trail. We are sure to see patches of the illusive edelweiss as we skirt the grazing herds of sheep & goats.
The following day we take a tram up to Rifugio Lagazuoi where incredible vistas open up and at times one can even see Venice. Then examine the extensive network of WWI bunkers before descending down through the Fanes Valley to Cortina D'Ampezzo (trails are dependent on what you choose after discussing the possibilities with the guide).
A second choice into Cortina D'Ampezzo is a hike through the long Travenanze Valley. All these trails are bound to conjure up images of a fairy tale land as we pass by the many colorful towering peaks such as the Cinque Torri. The end of the trail is renowned Cortina D'Ampezzo, the setting of the 1956 winter Olympics that still retains this magical air. Surrounded by 4 major tofane-peaks, one of which was the first peak within the Dolomites to have been surmounted by a woman in 1874 is deserving of its reputation.
Lodging: Day 4: same as previous night. Day 5 & 6: 4-star in the heart of Cortina D'Ampezzo
Enjoy what is most likely the most photographed region within the Dolomites, Parco Naturale di Sesto. Here the Drei Zinnen/Tre Cime stands alone. This massif’s beauty is accentuated due to the fact that it stands alone with no other peaks in the immediate vicinity. While the name indicates three towers, there are actually six named towers, from West to East.
The easy access to the base of the Drei Zinnen/Tre Cime allows us the opportunity to get an up-close view of one of the most famous rock-climbing peaks in the world and we will most likely see more than one adventurous soul scaling these vertical faces. Along our path there are many WWI bunkers and we hike high up to one of them that now serves as a starting point for the many rock climbers and those venturing along the via ferrata. At the end of our hike we should have time to visit Lago di Misurina or visit the geological museum and stroll the active center one last time.
The following is a list of train schedules for transportation to and from the tour start and end locations. Train departure times and tracks are subject to change, so verify before boarding.
Note: From Bolzano it is a 40 minute van transfer to tour start in Seis. If guest miss meeting time then there are buses that leave from train station or you will have to hire an expensive taxi. Castelrotto on a map is very near Seis, our tour start.
As soon as you enter the hotel, you will be delighted the large, bright and friendly foyer with the reception, the reading area, the bar and the garden. The refined combination of traditional wood and modern interior design radiates a comfortable friendliness, letting you feel the soothing peace and harmony which are often missed in the frantic daily routine. After your hike enjoy the wellness center or explore Ortisei.
This beautiful hotel is tastefully decorated as it offers a wonderful kitchen, spa facilities and equipped with all the modern comforts while being located just steps for the village for exploring
This superior 3 star hotel is an extremely friendly family run hotel that tends to attract a wide range of hikers. Located just outside the center of Cortina it serves as the perfect for exploring both the trails and town at the end of any day.
*Please note: while these hotels are typically featured, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality due to availability. Please call us if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.
DAY-TO-DAY DISTANCES & HIGHLIGHTS
All the towns & lodgings we stay are highlights in themselves
KEEP IT PRIVATE ON AN EXISTING TOUR or CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
If you have at least 6 participants we can keep it private on any of our sheduled tours or on an alternative date (subject to availability). For less than 6, prices may vary and for more than 12 discounts may apply.
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Sometimes a custom trip is participating in one of our exisitng trips on a private basis with a few alterations to trip length, activity level, or adding some side trips. Other times we get to work to create a unique itinerary specific to your groups desires or budget. We then use our expertise to organize a tour especially tailored to your vision.
The first thing we do is get to know you a little. We learn your interests and preferences, find out who’s going and why. Family, friends or associates? Birthday, reunion or corporate retreat? When you speak with our tour designer he/she will work together with you to design a trip that is sure to create great anticipation and excitement for all.