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Dolomites Walking Holidays

The Dolomites are part of the Alps mountain chain and are located in Northeast Italy. Reaching 3343m at the highest summit, the Marmolada, they are considered to be one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Europe due to the gigantic rock formations, bright colours and monumental architecture. The Dolomites have over 40 glaciers, and are known for their wonderful walking and trekking, climbing, paragliding, hang-gliding and skiing. They also have a fascinating wartime history, having formed the line between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces during the First World War.

The Dolomites take their name from French geologist, Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu (1750-1801), who discovered and defined the unique composition of the carbonate rock, Dolomite, which gives the mountains their name. Formed 200 million years ago from an ancient ocean floor, they are now among the UNESCO nominees for consideration as a natural heritage site.

Guided Walking Holidays in the Italian Dolomites

On a guided walking holiday you will see the most beautiful parts of the Italian Dolomites with a fully qualified, locally-based leader.

The best way to explore the Dolomites is on foot. The area includes seven nature parks, and it is criss-crossed with a huge range of walking trails from gentle meanders through lush, flower-filled green meadows, to airy traverses on the infamous via ferrata routes (walking and climbing using fixed equipment - chains, ladders and cables). The Dolomites have a wealth of walking and hiking for all levels, and they are also scattered with "refugios" - high mountain hostels that are perfect for long-distance trekking and 2- or 3- day circuits amongst the most remote peaks.

Dobbiaco, Alta Pusteria, Italian Dolomites

Our Dolomites walking holidays are based in the village of Dobbiaco, situated at 1256m amongst the green meadows of Alta Pusteria valley. Dobbiaco is the gateway to two National Parks, with countless footpaths leading into what is perhaps the most beautiful hiking area of the Dolomites.

The Alta Pusteria valley is situated between the spectacular rocky walls of the Italian Dolomites on one side, and the Austrian Alps on the other. The valley has an untouched feeling, with pure mountain air, fragrant larch forests and mirror-calm lakes. The Alta Pusteria is dominated by the emblem of the Dolomites - the majestic Three Peaks formation in the Sesto nature park. The "Grand Peak" is 2999m high, and made of dolomitic limestone, ranging from cool grey to glowing red in colour. The Sesto park is known for its steep rising rocky walls and interesting and ragged Dolomite stone. The most famous peaks in this region are the ‘Three Peaks’, the ’Croda Rossa’ and the ‘Punta Tre Scarperi’.

As well as precipitous rock formations, Dobbiaco has its own lake, which forms part of the Fanes-Senes-Braies nature park and has varied vegetation and many species of rare waterfowl. The nature park is particularly well-known for its animals, including chamois, ibex and marmots.

The famous "Three Peaks"	Dobbiaco lake, Dolomites	Flower-filled meadows, Dobbiaco	Ibex

Guided walking in the Dolomites with a qualified mountain leader

All our Dolomites walking holidays are led by a qualified International Mountain Leader, Anne Brearley, who is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable guides currently working in the Dolomites.

We are keen for you to get the best out of your walking holiday in the Dolomites, and on a guided walk you will see so much that you risk missing on your own. You won't need to worry about straying across ugly ski lifts, or an uncrossable river, and walking routes will be designed to suit you. As a local resident of Northern Italy, and also as part of the knowledge required for the International Mountain Leader qualifications, Anne is full of interesting facts about the Dolomites - flora and fauna, geology, history, local culture, language and the way of life of the mountain people of the Italian mountains - and while you are out walking, you'll be discovering things first hand that no guide book could ever tell you.

Example week's walking itinerary - intermediate level

5-8 hour day length, 800-1500m ascending

Explore the Dolomites' mountain lakes, ridges, flower strewn meadows, hidden valleys and towering peaks. Hike from pretty villages to remote refuges, returning to a comfortable hotel at the end of the day for a hot shower and a delicious evening meal featuring specialities of the region.

Saturday - Day 1 - Walking Holiday, Italian Dolomites
Arrive afternoon. We suggest leisurely stroll along the Rienz river to the Lago di Dobbiaco. There is an interesting naturalistic path around the lake with various information points where you can learn about the fauna and flora of the natural parks. 1.30 – 2hr.
Sunday - Day 2 - Walking Holiday, Italian Dolomites - Corno di Fana (Pfannhorn), 2663m
We start our week with the Corno di Fana (Pfannhorn), which lies to the northeast of Dobbiaco. The summit lies on the border with Austria giving exceptional panoramas to the Austrian Alps in the north and the Dolomites peaks to the south. The walk begins from Candelle, 1604m, easily accessible by road about 5 km from Dobbiaco. At first we follow a forest road, then a steepening path above the Fana and Calvi rivers leads eventually to the ex-rifugio Corno di Fana at 2307m (currently in the process of restoration). Here a chance to admire the approaching summit , reached by a further hour’s climb. Descent from the summit along the northern ridge leads to the Bocchetta di Fana saddle at 2511m followed soon by the Malga Bergalm and alpine pastures. Finally a forest road leads back to Candelle. Ascent 3.30, descent 2.15.
Monday - Day 3 - Walking Holiday, Italian Dolomites - Piccola Rocca dei Baranci, 2158m
The Piccola Rocca dei Baranci offers a magnificent panorama of the great towers of the Tre Scarperi and of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. From the San Candido Baranci ski lift station, 1173m, a path ascends to reach the Rif. Baranci, 1499m, then traverses to the junction from which a path climbs to the Piccola Rocca dei Baranci through mountain woodland rich in beech and larch – and also the home of the rare martagon lily or Turk’s cap. The return is via the Val Campo di Dentro with the Rif. Tre Scarperi and Restaurant Zum Klaus for those needing refreshment before the walk or bus back to San Candido. Total time 6-7.
Tuesday - Day - Walking Holiday, Italian Dolomites - Monte Serla, 2378m
From Dobbiaco Rienz, 1200m, a path climbs to the Malga Troger, 1631m on the border of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. Above the Malga the stratifications of the cut-out Troger gorge are clearly visible. From Passo Sues, 2013m, right beneath Monte Serla, the path winds its way through rocks and mughi to reach the Forcella Serla, 2230m. The short optional diversion to the summit involving some scrambling, protected in exposed places by a fixed cable, is rewarded by a splendid panorama of peaks and valleys, including the Lago di Dobbiaco. The descent is by the Malga Serla and the Val di Serla leading back to the Lago di Dobbiaco. Ascent 3.45; total time 8.
Wednesday - Day 5 - Walking Holiday, Italian Dolomites
Your free day to use as you please. There are many possibilities such as the Lago di Braies or the Camping Olympia Mini-zoo near Villabassa. Not far from the centre of Dobbiaco is the Road of Meditation starting near the Sanctuary of Santa Maria to the small ancient church of S. Pietro in Monte. There are biking trails along the Rienz or a walk through the Natural Park to the source of the Drava river or visits to the Grand Hotel Dobbiaco Cultural Centre and to the Tre Cime Mondolatte milk and cheese bar. A walk through the woods or bus ride to San Candido can be followed by a walk along the Drava river to Vierschach, the last town before the Austrian border, or to Sesto, Moso and the Val Fiscalina. At the end of the day there always the Gustav Mahler Stube, which serves typical Sudtirol specialities such as Spezi and Schlutzkrapferl.
Thursday and Friday - Days 6 and 7 - Walking Holiday, Italian Dolomites - Two-day trip Tre Cime di Lavaredo: through the Sesto Dolomites following unfrequented valleys frequented by chamois and exploring the widespread remains of the 1915-18 war front.
Thursday - Day 6 - Walking Holiday, Italian Dolomites - Hotel Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Val di Landro, 1405m to Rif. Locatelli, 2405m (3hr 15min)
From just north of the Lago di Landro we follow a track into the Val di Rienza and the Sesto Nature Park. The path which follows ascends in zigzag fashion the Val Rinbon, frequented by marmots and dwarf mountain pine. Behind, the great Croda Rossa becomes further distant, and ahead come views of Monte Paterno - and the gigantic Tre Cime peaks seen from afar now loom closer. Rif. Locatelli, first constructed in 1883 but destroyed in World War I due to its position near the front line, is sited on the saddle Forcella di Toblin under the Torre Toblin. http://www.enrosadira.it/rifugi/locatelli.htm
Options from Rif. Locatelli Short circuit (3hr): To Rif. Pian di Cengia, 2528m. (1hr) - Rif. Lavaredo, 2344m - Rif. Locatelli Tre Cime circuit (5hr): Via Forcella Col di Mezzo, 2315m - Rif. Auronzo, 2320m (2hr) - Rif. Lavaredo, 2344m - Rif. Pian di Cengia, 2528m. (2hr) - Rif. Locatelli (1hr). Sasso di Sesto circuit (1hr): between Sasso di Sesto and Torre Toblin for trenches, fortifications, tunnels and views of far off peaks. Paterno wartime tunnels (30min): scrambling up past the Frankfurter Wurstel Salsicca via steps, ledges and tunnels. Lastron dei Scarperi, 2957m (3hr 30min return): the flat-topped summit offers superb views. Ascent involves some scrambling and exposure but the rewards are the magnificent panorama of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and surrounding peaks.
Friday - Day 7 - Walking Holiday, Italian Dolomites - Rif. Locatelli – descent to Val Campo di Dentro - ascent to Forcella dei Baranci, 2540m – descent to Valle di Landro – Lago di Dobbiaco
	The path leads NW towards the Torre Toblin, whose terraces and strategic position were used during World War I and whose fortifications and trenches still remain today. The nearby pass (2457m) marks the start of the descent to the Val di Dentro junction (1661m). Then the path climbs to the less frequented saddle Forcella dei Baranci, the low point between the Rocca dei Baranci to the N and the lower Croda dei Baranci to the SW. This wild spot offers great views and rest before the final descent to the green pastures of the Val dei Baranci and return to the Lago di Dobbiaco.
Saturday - Day 8 - Walking Holiday, Italian Dolomites
Packing and morning departure for Venice airport.

Accommodation in Dobbiaco, Italian Dolomites

Our Dolomites walking holidays are based from the traditional mountain village of Dobbiaco in the South Tyrol region of North-East Italy. This is a fascinating area, combining the language, culture and culinary delights of both Italy and Austria.

Gasthof Albergo Alpenrose **	Dobbiaco valley, Eastern Dolomites	The Dolomites - NE Italy

The Gasthof Albergo Alpenrose is a comfortable, family-run hotel, ideally situated in a tranquil, sunny position just North of the village of Dobbiaco. The hotel is close to the lake, and only 300m from the public swimming pool and tennis courts. Dobbiaco village is surrounded by the towering limestone peaks of the Dolomites, and the hotel has stunning views towards the mountains, It is a great base for both gentle local walking and sightseeing, and serious hiking in the high mountains. Gasthof Alpenrose has 12 bedrooms (sleeping a maximum of 25 people), all with shower and WC. Some have a private balcony. There is also a terrace, parking area and sunny meadow for the use by guests. The hotel has an excellent restaurant serving local specialities.

Gasthof Albergo Alpenrose **	Restaurant serving regional specialities	En-suite bedrooms with stunning views of the Dolomite mountains

We are now taking bookings for Summer 2008. Please contact us if any of the dates don't suit, and you have your own trip to propose. We specialise in the personal touch, and all our holidays are tailored to your particular interests and abilities, led by our qualified guide, Anne Brearley. If shopping around for a guided walking holiday PLEASE check the qualifications of the leaders, for your own safety in the mountains!

Independent "self guided" Walking Holidays in the Dolomites

If you would prefer an independent walking holiday in the Dolomites, we can arrange accommodation and suggest a suitable walking itinerary and places to visit during your stay. Our manager in Italy, Anne Brearley, is a qualified International Mountain Leaders and year-round in Italy. She has an in-depth knowledge of the mountains and will be happy to advise on walking routes. After a hard day out, relax on the sunny terrace at Albergo Alpenrose, and discuss the day's discoveries - flora and fauna, geology, history, local culture and language over a delicious evening meal, featuring Tyrolean specialities.

A tiny chapel overlooking Dobbiaco	Rifugio Biella	Dobbiaco lake, backed with snow-topped peaks	Hiking trail in the high Dolomites

Travel to the Dolomites

By air

The most convenient airports for the Dolomites are Venice Marco Polo and Venice Treviso (around 2h30m drive). We can provide an airport transfer for these airports, although we would advise you, where possible, to hire a car at the airport to give you complete flexibility during your stay. Other possible airports include Verona (2h45m) and Innsbruck (1h45m), or Milan (4h), Munich (3h30m) and Klagenfurt (2h45m).

Car hire in Italy starts from £130 per week, for a small hatchback (see www.holidayautos.co.uk, or book a special deal through your airline).

Flights for Venice

By car

Driving from the UK is straightforward via France, Germany, Austria and the Brenner pass into Northern Italy. You should allow at least 12 hours for the drive from Calais - ideally with an overnight stop en-route.

KIT LIST FOR DOLOMITES WALKING HOLIDAYS

• Clothing/footwear
  Sturdy walking boots
  Walking socks

  Comfortable walking shorts and trousers T-shirts/base layer
  Warm jumper or fleece
  Lightweight waterproof jacket
  Lightweight waterproof trousers
  Sun hat/peaked cap
  Sunglasses
  Sandals (optional)
  Swimming costume (for lakes and thermal baths)
• Other useful items
  Day rucksack (around 30 litres)
  Sun block and lip balm (minimum factor 25)
  Personal first aid kit (plasters, blister kit, pain killers)
  Water bottle
  Walking poles
• Optional items
  Camera and film
  Maps
  Snacks – cereal bars, dried fruit/nuts, chocolate etc