Hiking in the Dolomites

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 Small group
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A hiking adventure with creature comforts in the heart of the Dolomites

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and stunning scenery of the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking adventure. This trip offers a comfortable yet active way to enjoy this scenic region. Base yourself in the pretty Italian town of Dobbiaco and spend each day exploring the Dolomite’s iconic backdrop of towering cliffs, lush pastures and emerald green lakes. With easy to moderate walks, conveniently located accommodation, and a knowledgeable leader, this hiking adventure is filled with natural wonders.

Why you’ll love this trip

  • Revel in the beauty of the sheer rock walls, deep valleys and lush pastures of the Dolomites, a mountainous area in the northern Italian Alps.
  • Base yourself at a charming hotel surrounded by parkland and native woods, within easy walking distance of the pretty town of Dobbiaco.
  • Hike the Three Peaks of Lavaredo loop, a full day walk which is widely regarded as the most scenic hike in the Dolomites.
  • See the Earth Pyramids of Platten, naturally formed earth towers which are the tallest and most perfectly shaped earth pyramids in Europe.
  • Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch featuring some of the region’s famous produce on the edge of Toblacher See, a spectacular scenic lake.

Itinerary

Map of Hiking in the Dolomites including Italy

Day 1: Dobbiaco

Welcome to Venice! Meet your leader and your group in the Arrivals Hall at Venice Airport Marco Polo at 3.45pm. Settle back and relax during the drive to the pretty town of Dobbiaco which is nestled in a green valley surrounded by alps. Settle in at your comfortable guesthouse which is within easy walking distance of Dobbiaco. Surrounded by parkland and nearby woods, this is your home for the next eight days as you explore the natural beauty of the Dolomites.

Day 2: Lago di Braies walk

After breakfast, catch the public bus and begin your Dolomite hiking adventure with a ramble around Lago di Braies. This popular walk is relatively flat and a great introduction to the towering cliffs and emerald green waters of the Dolomites region. If you wish, there is time to enjoy lunch in a mountain hut after the walk.

Day 3: Brunico & the Earth Pyramids of Platten

Hit the road in your private vehicle and travel to Brunico, a pretty town at the heart of the Kronplatz region. Join your leader for a walk around town where you will see Bruneck Castle perched high on a hill and the distinctive slender tower and onion dome of Rainkirche Church, together with plenty of charming boutiques and cafés. After you have toured Brunico, spend the afternoon hiking to the unique Earth Pyramids of Platten which are more than 25,000 years old. These naturally formed earth towers are the tallest and most perfectly shaped earth pyramids in Europe. After the hike, enjoy a cheese tasting with cheese master and certified beer sommelier Hubert Stockner before returning to your hotel.

Day 4: Cortina d’Ampezzo & Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park

After breakfast, take the public bus to Cortina where you will catch a cable car and enjoy unbelievable views on your way to the start of today’s walk which explores the Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park. During the 6 hour walk, keep an eye out for Sempervivum dolomiticum, the rare endemic plant which is the symbol of this park. Enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls, the Boite River, and perhaps rest a while at Malga Ra Stua, a café housed in a traditional building surrounded by lush green pastures. Today, you will also have the opportunity to sample the region’s authentic and delicious apple strudel.

Day 5: Dobbiaco

Today is slightly different, with a free day for you to enjoy your way. You can take a bus to the start of one of the many trails in the area and enjoy more hiking on your own, or visit local museums, experience WWI history in Monte Piana and Monte Piano, rent a bicycle or do anything else that interests you. Or, you may want to visit Bolzano, home of the Europe’s oldest natural human mummy known as the Ice Man. Your tour leader will be able to help you with arrangements.

Day 6: Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Today is a full day excursion which explores the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. This loop walk is widely regarded as the most scenic hike in the Dolomites and is packed with rugged peaks, lush alpine meadows and pristine lakes. Keep your camera handy as there is superb scenery at every turn, especially at Lake Misurina and Lake Antorno where the group will make a special photo stop.

Day 7: Toblacher See

Enjoy a sleep in and an easy walk to Toblacher See, a picturesque lake near the hotel, where you can enjoy the view and a ‘merenda Tirolese’ picnic, a traditional meal eaten by farmers. Sample some of the many cuts of speck, an IGP delicacy of Alto Adige, typical local cheese from a ‘malga’ (a traditional farmers’ house), Kaminwurze (smoked salami), butter, pickles, and rye bread from South Tyrol known as Schüttelbrot. Fill your glass with Schiava, a typical wine from the region, and toast your amazing Dolomites adventure. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure, perhaps with a final celebration at one of the many bars or restaurants in Dobbiaco.

Day 8: Dobbiaco to Venice

After breakfast, your Dolomites hiking adventure finishes with a group transfer to Venice Airport Marco Polo, arriving at approximately 1.30 pm. Please book any flights from 4 pm onwards.

 

Inclusions 

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

walking, Private vehicle, Taxi

Accommodation

Guesthouse (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Group Arrival Transfer from Venice Airport
  • Lago di Braies walk
  • Brunico town leader led walk
  • Earth pyramids of Platten hike
  • Exclusive cheese tasting with Master cheesemaker in Montana
  • Cable car ride in Cortina d’Ampezzo
  • Hike in the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites
  • Local apple strudel tasting
  • Tre Cime di Lavaredo scenic hike
  • Lake Misurina and Antorno
  • Toblacher lake hike
  • Authentic Tyrolean Mereta Picnic
  • Complimentary Group Departure Transfer to Venice Airport

 

Images courtesy of Intrepid Group 

INT – ZMXI

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