The Dolomites cast a magical spell. The backdrop of sky-scraping limestone mountains, sublime alpine lakes, and green forests and pastures with spectacular alpine flora. We will explore Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites, visit San Candido with a decidedly Tyrolean flavour, explore the mountain environs of Cortina d'Ampezzo and drive in search of the source of the River Piave at Sappada.
Day 03 / Tue / Jun 27
We visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology this morning to learn about the amazing 5300-year-old mummy which was discovered near the top of a nearby mountain some 30 years ago. Affectionately nicknamed Ötzi after the Ötztal Alps where the body was discovered, this is to date the oldest and best-preserved human body ever found in Europe, and has been the source of some of the most valuable information about life in copper-age Europe.
(Overnight at Bolzano)
Day 04 / Wed / Jun 28
Leaving Bolzano for Cortina, our alpine guide will lead the group up by chairlift to Cinque Torri, where we shall have lunch at the Scoiattoli Refuge, followed by a hike around the five towers to visit one of the open-air war museums retelling the battles between Italy and Austria during the First World War. In the event of unsuitable weather, we shall head straight to Cortina to check in, and embark on an alternative hike, either to Rifugio Dibona or to Rifigio Metres.
In the event of rain, we can visit the Paleontological Museum, leaving the hiking to the following day.
(Overnight in Cortina d’Ampezzo)
Day 05 / Thu / Jun 29
Day 07 / Sat / Jul 01
Day 08 / Sun / Jul 02
We transfer to San Candido today, with a stopover at Lake Landro for some sightseeing. Once we dropped off our bags at our hotel, we shall make our way up to the Baranci Refugio by either chairlift or, for those inclined, a hike up to the restaurant, for lunch.
Following our meal, we have the options of hiking in surrounding areas, or descending the mountain on foot following an easy trail, or we can take the luge to the foot of the mountain.
(Overnight at San Candido)
Day 10 / Tue / Jul 04
Day 11 / Wed / Jul 05
Day 12 / Thu / Jul 06
Today we make our way to Rifugio Calvi at the source of the River Piave, one of the most important waterways of northeast Italy, where we shall have our lunch after a hike over to the nearby Sesis Pass continuing all the way to the Austrian border for a spectacular view of the valley beyond.
(Overnight at Sappada)
Day 13 / Fri / Jul 07
Tour ends after breakfast this morning. Transfers are provided to Venice Marco Polo Airport or Venice-Mestre railway station.
For those who wish to extend their trip in Venice or elsewhere, please contact Ergo: Travel.
Dolomites 2023 is graded as an Active tour, a more energetic vacation which includes walks and bicycle rides.
Activities on our active tour range from Easy to Moderate. In our activity grading below, we have indicated the ‘difficulty’ or expectations to allow participants to understand the physical requirements of an Active tour.
(In addition to the requirements in Walks/Hikes above)
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By specialising in Italy, we focus our energies on crafting unique tours so you get to enjoy truly authentic experiences. In fact, our trips are good enough that we have a few Italian families as customers!
We plan our trips with a good balance of organised group activities and leisure time. This means you can explore the town on your own, visit that special museum, go shopping, spend time with the family or just getting into the Italian spirit of il dolce far niente.
By limiting our group size to 12, we ensure that you get the attention and support you need throughout your trip, so that you can feel safe knowing that things are being taken care of. Small sizes allow better access and interaction with the locals.
Our trips are leisurely paced and usually in a limited area of travel, staying a few days in each place. This way, you can maximise your enjoyment, and spend minimal time travelling and packing and unpacking every day.
This soft adventure trip is collaborated with and facilitated by Ergo: Travel, a bespoke agency specialising in travel experiences to Italy.
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