Hike among the awe-inspiring and noble limestone peaks of Italy's northeastern frontier with Austria. Meander in a fairyland of scenic villages, alpine flora, tall pines and green meadows dotted with small farms. These majestic peaks are home to some of Italy's most exclusive mountain resorts, and the winter playground for Europe's social set. During the summer however, the landscapes open up into a symphony of alpine flowers, flowing meadows, dark forests and a dramatic play of light as the afternoon sun sets along the Dolomite's shear mountain faces. The lush valleys and high mountain passes of this spectacular mountain range with its unique Tyrolean culture have created one of Italy's greatest walking destinations.

Day 1 - The Sciliar Mountain Plateau - Meet in Bolzano, home to the "Iceman", a 5300 year old mummy recently discovered on the Italian / Austrian frontier. Shuttle into the foothills of the spectacular Dolomites overlooking the charming village of Fie allo Sciliar. Visit a Medieval feudal castle before meandering into the green meadows and small farm villages along the scenic slopes of spectacular Mount Sciliar.

Day 2 - The Gardena Pass & Alta Badia - Travel to the splendid Passo di Gardena and walk along flower filled meadows under the majestic peaks of Puez Odle Natural Park looking for Ptarmigan birds, marmots and Chamois antelope. Pass by the spectacular Pisciadu Falls and enjoy magnificent views of the Val di Badia as you enter into the beautiful alpine Ladin village of Corvara.

Day 3 - The Pralongia Plateau - Explore chalets, small mountain farms and the onion shaped domes of Tyrolean chapels. Listen to the sounds of cow bells, cascading mountain brooks and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Walk the Pralongia Plateau to find yourself surrounded in the Dolomites most photographic vistas.

Day 4 - Rifugio Santa Croce - Follow ancient farm trails through majestic pine forests and across glacial water streams to the hilltop "rifugio" mountain hut at 15th-century Santa Croce. Have a picnic or an outdoor alpine lunch of regional specialties while overlooking this alpine fairyland. Discover the Ladin culture, a blend of Italian, Austrian and Roman influences.

Day 5 - Fashionable Cortina d'Ampezzo - Hike the Plateau di Fanes past mountain huts to visit the historic First World War ruins and trenches at Passo Falzarego. Follow a ridge overlooking an alpine fairyland with Cortina d'Ampezzo below framed by the towering peaks of the Five Towers mountain range. Join the locals in Cortina during their evening "passeggiata" walk along the fashionable Corso Italia.

Day 6 - Venice - Homeward bound. Bid a final farewell to the majestic Dolomites and take a private transfer to Venice airport, the Mestre train station or Piazza Roma for convenient connections to your post-trip Venice hotel. As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !

NEED MORE TRIP INFORMATION? E-mail or call our professional travel advisers at Club Toscana Reservations at 1-866-563-4248 toll free 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (EST) Mon. to Fri., 8:30 am to 1:00 pm Sat. They are ready to answer your trip questions and arrange all your pre and post-trip travel needs for a truly all-inclusive European Active Vacation.

Please note that the above itinerary is typical for this trip and can be adjusted to accommodate optional route daily distances & effort levels, your daily walking pace and interests, and special local events. Weather conditions and trail repairs, etc. can also alter the routes.
In an effort to enhance this itinerary to help you get the most out this destination and your traveling experiences with Club Toscana, we are always in the process of researching additional local routes, accommodations and interesting places to visit.

Fie allo Sciliar - (1 night) - offers traditional Tyrolean hospitality in a four star luxury setting with a health spa and renowned restaurant.
Corvara - (3 nights) - a four star hotel renowned for its restaurant and wine selection, is set in a garden with a heated pool and a health spa.
Cortina d'Ampezzo - (1 night) - warm wood paneling, and antique furnishings within one of Cortina's oldest family run hotels is the perfect conclusion to our Dolomites walking trip.

Note: The above Michelin rated hotels are subject to accommodations availability upon trip request. Alternative accommodations meet or excede the above selection in ratings, settings, amenities and views.