Dolomites

We walk directly out of our hotel and ride up a cable car to reach 2100 m; from here we follow a panoramic trail leading from the Alpe di Siusi to the Sella Pass keeping the 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. (6hrs/12km)(Elev. +/-300m)

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.

We have lunch in a rifugio before crossing 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 which despite continuous erosion is an important area for rock climbing practice.   (5hrs/10km*)(Elev. +/-650m)

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. We hike along a trail with many more WWI tunnels still evident, to 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.(5hrs/12km) (Elev. +/-150m)

Dolomite legend tells of inhabitants in these valleys called Fanes, who had an alliance with marmots, but who tried to expand the kingdom by making a secret pact with eagles. Eagles and marmots never got on very well and the fate of the Fanes people was sealed.

The area in which we hike evokes such magical and fairytale-like feelings. As we eat lunch and watch for marmots dashing in and out of the rocks, you can almost hear songs in the breeze.

We end the day in S. Vigilio, a village where they speak the old Ladin language. (7hrs/16km) (Elev. +/-900m)

We take a walk beneath the Santa Croce massif through pastures and farmland with many wild flowers. The majesty of the mountains around us makes us feel so small! For centuries, during winter months, farmers were isolated from the rest of the world and farmsteads had to be self-sufficient. Faith and hard work helped them survive arduous conditions.
(4hrs/10km) (Elev.+600m)

We drive out to Lake Braies to walk around this magnificent emerald green alpine lake whose waters reflect the peaks dominating the skies above. We continue along high mountain pastures amid expansive scenery to a small hut for refreshments (you have to try the Kaiserschmarren!). We continue around the lake, enjoy the pastures and return to S.Vigilio in the minibus.

Time permitting we stop for a stroll in the charming old town of Brunico. (3hrs/10km) (Elev. +/-200m)

Scheduled drop off at Bolzano station at 10.00am (or earlier as long as this accommodates everyone in the group). If you wish, we can help you to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements such as early taxis to the airport.