TREKKING THROUGH THE DOLOMITES
The small village of Villabassa, just north of Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestles close to the Austrian border between the spectacular, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Enjoy an excellent choice of routes with the opportunity to relax in comfort at the end of a day’s walk. During the week, venture into the Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto National Parks for great views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Historically the front line between Italy and Austria-Hungary during the First World War, the trails meander through incredible open-air museums.
At a Glance
• 7 nights 4-star hotel with comfortable en suite rooms and wellness center
• 5 days center-based walking
• Not recommended for vertigo sufferers
• Altitude maximum 9500 feet, average 8000 feet
Day 1
Start in Villabassa.
Day 2: Walk to Lago di Braies
The ideal start to visiting this vast area is a walk straight from the hotel through the pretty, flower-filled Braies Valley. We walk through small villages and farmland until we reach the magnificent Lago di Braies (Pragster Wildsee), one of the 297 glacial lakes of the area. It is certainly one of the most beautiful thanks to being surrounded by jagged peaks that reflect in the extraordinary mirror-like surface of the lake. We follow the route of "SS hostages," the leaders of 19 countries who were freed after the First World War by the inhabitants of Neiderdorf/Villabassa. Challenging grade weeks will also include a traverse across the flanks of Croda Rossa (Hohe Gaisle), famous for the way it gleams red in the sun, before descending to Ponticello (Bruckele).
Day 3: Climb towards Strudelkopf
We walk amongst beautiful wild flowers on our climb to the summit of the Strudlekopf (2307m). We stop at the Durrenstein hut in the early afternoon for a rewarding homemade apfelstrudel. On our descent down the valley, we explore fortifications and tunnels from the First World War on our return. Challenging grade weeks ventures first to the summit of Durrenstein (2950m), a majestic peak that boasts views all the way to the Austrian Tyrol. After a short rest at the summit, we traverse to the Strudlekopf, a route that offers exceptional views across this range of colorful jagged spires.
Day 4: Walk from the Kreutzberg Pass to the Nemes Alm.
Today, we visit the Kreutzberg Pass with its Napoleonic trenches and enjoy a quick stop in a wonderfully hospitable mountain hut for some local Kaiserschmarren, a filling pancake dessert usually accompanied by homemade apple or plum sauce – just don’t have one all to yourself! Challenging grade weeks enjoy an extended walk towards the ridge and can include a climb up Col Quaterna or Knieberg (2503m) alongside the Austrian border.
Day 5: Free time to relax or enjoy optional activities
A free day to relax in the hotel’s wellness center or take a self-guided cycle ride around this wonderful area. Alternatively, you can make your way to Bolzano to visit a museum dedicated to the Oetzi, the 5000-year-old "iceman" whose remarkably well-preserved body was found in 1991 high on a glacier on the Austro-Italian frontier. Or you could journey to the attractive provincial capital of Lienz in Austria to sample some Austrian hospitality.
Day 6: Walk to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo
We enjoy a memorable circuit around the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Chimneys). Set amidst one of the classic mountain groups of this area, our circuit around these impressive peaks is certainly a highlight of the week. Challenging grade weeks take a more challenging and exposed route, which includes a spectacular traverse across the scree beneath Mt Paterno or Paternkofel (2722m) and may include a visit to the Bullejochhutte.
Day 7: Walk around the summits of Monte Piano
To complete the week, we take the amazing attacking route of the Austrians to the summit of Monte Piano (2324m). Using an impressive network of safe paths, bridges and ladders, we find ourselves upon the flat-topped mountain surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in the Dolomites. It is the site of an open-air museum dedicated to the First World War where trenches, dugouts and shell craters can be seen amongst the many alpine flowers. On our return, we have time to spot the brilliant blue gentians, alpine white edelweiss and bright saffron that create a beautiful scene around Lake Misurina, thanks to the beautiful pink off the limestone rock. Challenging grade weeks enjoy a dramatic traverse of Mt Piano’s summits, including an exploration of the exposed gun galleries.
Day 8: Time to say goodbye to Villabassa
What’s included
• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
• All accommodation (4-star hotel with wellness center)
• All transportation and listed activities
• Tour leader throughout
What’s not included
• Travel insurance
• Single accommodation (available on request)
• Visas or vaccinations
At a Glance
• 7 nights 4-star hotel with comfortable en suite rooms and wellness center
• 5 days center-based walking
• Not recommended for vertigo sufferers
• Altitude maximum 9500 feet, average 8000 feet
Day 1
Start in Villabassa.
Day 2: Walk to Lago di Braies
The ideal start to visiting this vast area is a walk straight from the hotel through the pretty, flower-filled Braies Valley. We walk through small villages and farmland until we reach the magnificent Lago di Braies (Pragster Wildsee), one of the 297 glacial lakes of the area. It is certainly one of the most beautiful thanks to being surrounded by jagged peaks that reflect in the extraordinary mirror-like surface of the lake. We follow the route of "SS hostages," the leaders of 19 countries who were freed after the First World War by the inhabitants of Neiderdorf/Villabassa. Challenging grade weeks will also include a traverse across the flanks of Croda Rossa (Hohe Gaisle), famous for the way it gleams red in the sun, before descending to Ponticello (Bruckele).
Day 3: Climb towards Strudelkopf
We walk amongst beautiful wild flowers on our climb to the summit of the Strudlekopf (2307m). We stop at the Durrenstein hut in the early afternoon for a rewarding homemade apfelstrudel. On our descent down the valley, we explore fortifications and tunnels from the First World War on our return. Challenging grade weeks ventures first to the summit of Durrenstein (2950m), a majestic peak that boasts views all the way to the Austrian Tyrol. After a short rest at the summit, we traverse to the Strudlekopf, a route that offers exceptional views across this range of colorful jagged spires.
Day 4: Walk from the Kreutzberg Pass to the Nemes Alm.
Today, we visit the Kreutzberg Pass with its Napoleonic trenches and enjoy a quick stop in a wonderfully hospitable mountain hut for some local Kaiserschmarren, a filling pancake dessert usually accompanied by homemade apple or plum sauce – just don’t have one all to yourself! Challenging grade weeks enjoy an extended walk towards the ridge and can include a climb up Col Quaterna or Knieberg (2503m) alongside the Austrian border.
Day 5: Free time to relax or enjoy optional activities
A free day to relax in the hotel’s wellness center or take a self-guided cycle ride around this wonderful area. Alternatively, you can make your way to Bolzano to visit a museum dedicated to the Oetzi, the 5000-year-old "iceman" whose remarkably well-preserved body was found in 1991 high on a glacier on the Austro-Italian frontier. Or you could journey to the attractive provincial capital of Lienz in Austria to sample some Austrian hospitality.
Day 6: Walk to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo
We enjoy a memorable circuit around the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Chimneys). Set amidst one of the classic mountain groups of this area, our circuit around these impressive peaks is certainly a highlight of the week. Challenging grade weeks take a more challenging and exposed route, which includes a spectacular traverse across the scree beneath Mt Paterno or Paternkofel (2722m) and may include a visit to the Bullejochhutte.
Day 7: Walk around the summits of Monte Piano
To complete the week, we take the amazing attacking route of the Austrians to the summit of Monte Piano (2324m). Using an impressive network of safe paths, bridges and ladders, we find ourselves upon the flat-topped mountain surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in the Dolomites. It is the site of an open-air museum dedicated to the First World War where trenches, dugouts and shell craters can be seen amongst the many alpine flowers. On our return, we have time to spot the brilliant blue gentians, alpine white edelweiss and bright saffron that create a beautiful scene around Lake Misurina, thanks to the beautiful pink off the limestone rock. Challenging grade weeks enjoy a dramatic traverse of Mt Piano’s summits, including an exploration of the exposed gun galleries.
Day 8: Time to say goodbye to Villabassa
What’s included
• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
• All accommodation (4-star hotel with wellness center)
• All transportation and listed activities
• Tour leader throughout
What’s not included
• Travel insurance
• Single accommodation (available on request)
• Visas or vaccinations
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