Walk & Discover: Italy’s South Tyrol & the Dolomites

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Walk & Discover: Italy’s South Tyrol & the Dolomites

8 Days - Walk and Discover Tour

The striking, jagged peaks of the Dolomites are instantly recognisable. Criss-crossed by a network of paths and trails, these towering mountains are a paradise for walkers and lovers of nature. The landscape is a natural habitat for marmots and mountain goats, the skies are patrolled by soaring birds of prey, and wildflowers, at their very best in the early summer months, fill the pastures and meadows. With breathtaking views at every turn you will have the opportunity to admire some of the finest mountain scenery in Europe on this incredible tour. The towns and cities of the Dolomites offer treasures, too, with their superb architecture and fascinating history. Until the end of World War One, Südtirol was under Austrian rule and today the region, now part of Italy, offers an intriguing mix of Austrian influence and Italian flair. Medieval Bolzano has a Germanic feel but further south we are transported to the ‘real Italy’. The pristine alpine landscape gives way to rolling hills and vineyards and the bustling streets and elegant piazzas of Trento present a more familiar Italian style. You are sure to be charmed by Ortisei as well, a lovely village considered by many to be the prettiest in the Dolomites.

Holiday Highlights

Take a guided walk through idyllic meadows and pristine forest to picture-perfect Lake Carezza;
Enjoy a guided walk in the mountains high above the Gardena Valley, taking in the glorious views of the Dolomites ;
Follow the trails of the iconic Tre Cime ;
Visit the beautifully sited mountain village of Ortisei, famous for its artfully decorated wooden sculptures;
Experience Bolzano’s intriguing mix of Italian, Austrian and German influences on a guided tour;
See the amazing earth pyramids that lie on a plateau above Bolzano;
Discover Trento, renowned for its commanding medieval Buonconsiglio castle;
Sample the Alto Adige wines accompanied by typical snacks of the region;
A 7-day Mobil card that grants access to all museums and public transport in the Südtirol region;
A local specialist walking guide to accompany you on all walks;

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Verona. We transfer by coach to Bolzano, where we stay for seven nights with breakfast at the three-star Hotel Città.

Day 2

Today we drive into the Ega Valley, known as the ‘the sunny side of the Dolomites’. We stop at a charming mountain inn from where we begin our choice of two walks. Easy walk Duration: 2 hours (3.4 miles) Altitude gain: 541 feet Terrain: forest footpath and gravel tracks We ascend through meadows and forests, pausing to admire the glorious views of the Siusi Alps and the Gardena Valley. As the path levels, we journey through forests before making our descent to Lake Carezza, also called Rainbow Lake – the colours reflected in its clear waters give the lake quite a magical feel. There’s time to explore the surrounding shores of the lake. Why not enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the cafés close by? Moderate walk Duration: 3 hours (4.4 miles) Altitude gain: 1,029 feet Terrain: forest footpath and gravel tracks For the more energetic, our moderate walk ascends through pastures into pine-scented forests. As the trail levels, we pause to enjoy sensational views of the Siusi Alps and Marmolada, the Dolomites’ highest peak. The trail continues through more lush forest and we catch breathtaking views of the mighty granite peak of Punta della Chiesa. During our descent, we circle Lake Carezza before arriving at the lakeside path and the end of our walk. After a wonderful morning enjoying the fresh air, we return to Bolzano in the afternoon.

Day 3

Morning This morning you’ll discover the delights of Bolzano with our local guide. This charming medieval city boasts porticoed streets lined with traditional shops and pastel-painted townhouses. Our tour includes visits to the historic Walther Square and the remarkable cathedral, a true gem of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Afternoon This afternoon we take the cable car to Renon, former summer playground of Bolzano’s upper class. Here, we take a short walk to see the earth pyramids – towering pointy pillars formed by moraine clay left behind after the last Ice Age when the glaciers melted away.

Day 4

Today is devoted to Val Gardena, renowned for its Olympic downhill run. We take the cable car from the charming town of Ortisei up to the largest alpine pasture in Europe. During our ascent we’re greeted by awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the Siusi Alps. From here, you have a choice of walks: Easy walk Duration: 2 hours (3 miles) Altitude gain: 537 feet Terrain: gravel tracks and grassy paths Moderate walk Duration: 3.5 hours (6.1 miles) Altitude gain: 1,221 feet Terrain: gravel tracks, grassy paths and a short section of tarmac Both walks circle the startlingly green plateau which, at certain times of the year, is carpeted by colourful wildflowers. As we climb ever higher, we see the jagged peaks of the Sassolungo Group – the highest summit, Mount Sassolungo, reaches a dizzying height of 10,436 feet. Our trail takes us past delightful mountain cabins and grazing sheep and cattle. En route you may wish to stop at a mountain inn for some traditional refreshments. These walks conclude at the cable car station, from where we return to Ortisei. You have free time to explore its enchanting, pedestrianised centre and to admire the gorgeous wood carvings which the village is famous for.

Day 5

Morning Our destination today is Trento, capital of the region of Trentino-Alto Adige, located in the fertile Adige Valley amidst vineyards and orchards. Accompanied by our local guide, we explore Trento’s fine piazzas, characterful medieval streets and the grand Buonconsiglio Castle. You are then free to explore the city at your own pace. Enjoy lunch at one of the many fine eateries or take the cable car from the banks of the Adige River for excellent views. Afternoon The Alto Adige is renowned for fine wine and this afternoon we stop at one of its famous vineyards. We discover the ultra-modern processes which, from grape to glass, produce superb and environmentally friendly wine. Of course, our tour includes a wine tasting and delicious snacks that showcase typical flavours of the region.

Day 6

On your free day, you may wish to visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home of Oetzi the Iceman, a mummified 5,300-year-old man. Perhaps take the train to the spa town of Merano to see its splendid botanical gardens, or to medieval Bressanone, which belongs to Italy but the spoken language and architecture are very much Germanic. We include a 7-day Mobil card that grants access to all museums and public transport in the Südtirol region.

Day 7

We have left the very best for last and today we enjoy some of the most magnificent scenery of the Dolomites. Our drive takes us through the magical Pustera Valley on our way to the iconic mountains of the Tre Cime. Aptly named ‘little peak’, ‘big peak’ and ‘western peak’, this trio of battlement-like crests can be viewed from all over the Dolomites. Before long we arrive at a classic mountain café from where we have a choice of walks. Easy walk Duration: 2.5 hours (3.7 miles) Altitude gain: 541 feet Terrain: rocky and gravel paths Moderate walk Duration: 3 hours (5.7 miles) Altitude gain: 1,037 feet Terrain: rocky and gravel paths Both walks begin on the southern side of the Tre Cime. The well-trodden path leads to a second mountain café, where we pause to take in the extraordinary view. From here both walks continue to the foot of the Tre Cime before circling around to what was formerly Austria until the end of the First World War. At this point, we can admire the classic vistas of these three world-famous obelisks of sheer rock. Our easy walk takes us below the peaks, across rocky outcrops and back to the original starting point. The moderate option heads north, almost skirting the former Austrian-Italian border. There are regular stops to absorb the stunning views and enjoy some refreshments. As we continue, the mountains appear to turn red and we pass a pristine lake before ending our walk where we started. You may wish to end a truly memorable day of walking with a drink at a mountain inn before our drive back to Bolzano.

Day 8

Transfer to the airport for our return flight home.

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Day 3

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Day 8

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