Trekking through Dolomite pearls and tales

Thanks to the lifts, we are able to collect many of the Dolomites highlights in just one 6-day hiking package.

With a fantastic view on the Sella group, we start in Alta Badia towards Arabba and Porta Vescovo. The Marmolada glacier, also called the “Queen of the Dolomites” will be our backdrop, while hiking direction Val di Fassa. Lake Carezza and the Rosengarten group will show us impressive landscapes. Once we reach the picturesque village of Tiers, all that is left for us to do is to climb to Europe's largest plateau-the Alpe di Siusi, from where we will be able to admire a breathtaking view of the Dolomites and the surrounding valleys.

Length 7 nights

Level: °°°

Arrival in Alta Badia: Chek-in at the hotel and general briefing with a local Holimites expert.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

1st day: approx. 9,6 km (6 miles) / +304 m (997 feet) elevation gain; -503 (1650 feet) elevation loss

The starting point of our hiking tour is Badia, from here we follow the path along the river to the Piz La Ila cable car valley station. The cable car takes us up to the wide meadows of Piz La Ila and Col Alto. During our hike towards Boè, at the foot of the Sella massif, we enjoy breathtaking views of Val Badia and the surrounding mountain peaks. Afterwards, a gentle descent leads us through the imposing rock formations of the Bec de Roces towers until we finally reach the Campolongo Pass.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

2nd day: approx. 10,5 km (6,5 miles) / +414 m (1358 feet) e.g.; -665 m (2165 feet) e.l.

We leave the Campolongo Pass behind us, make our way to the little mountain village of Arabba and ascent by cable car to Porta Vescovo. And here you are, in front of us rises the majestic Marmolada glacier, which will be our frame as we hike the panoramic trail Viel del Pan. Thanks to lifts and cable cars we will soon reach the cozy accommodation, where we will spend the night.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel/hut.

3rd day: approx. 7,8 km (3,8 miles) / +500 m (1640 feet) e.g.; -574 m (1883 feet) e.l.

From Ciampac, we cross the mountain pass into Val Jumela, a wild valley where pease and silence still rule. Here the cattle find their summer rest in the green pastures. Descending down the valley, we will encounter ever-changing and truly incredible landscapes. Today’s stage ends in Val di Fassa. For those interested in the characteristic mountain villages, we suggest to extend the tour (+3 km), and visit Pozza and Vigo di Fassa.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

4th day: approx. 12 km (7,5 miles) / +513 m (1683 feet) e.g.; -400 m (1312 feet) e.l.

This stage takes us on a discovery jourey of Dolomite legends. We visit the famous Lake Carezza, in whose waters, as legend has it, dwelt the nymph Odina, who made the sorcerer of Mount Latemar fall in love with her. We then continue to the Rosengarten mountain group, where legend tells of the dwarf king, Laurin, and his rose garden, which due to a curse can only be admired at dusk.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel/hut.

5th day: approx. 6,6 km (4,1 miles) / +1275 m (4183 feet) e.g.; -0 m (0 feet) e.l.

From the picturesque village of Tiers we ascent through the famouns bear trap (Bärenfalle), an interesting canyon, built with bridges and steps that lead us to Sella Cavaccio. We are not intimidated by the wooden bear at the side of the trail… and once we reach the top, we continue on our hike to Rifugio Bolzano (Schlernhaus), where we will stay overnight. We recommend adding to the stage the short climb to the summit of Mount Petz, which is not only the highest point on the Schlern Plateau, but is one of the most scenic peaks in South Tyrol.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hut.

6th day: approx. 12 km (7,5 miles) / +480 m (1575 feet) e.g.; -730 m (2395 feet) e.l.

We leave Rifugio Bolzano, which is also called “the castle of the Dolomites”, and cross the Alpe di Siusi, which with its flowering meadows is a real jewel in the Dolomites. Our tour ends in Ortisei, famous for its wood sculptors and painters.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

7th day: Departure.

You have the possibility to do this tour with one of our local tour experts, or, if you prefer, a self-guided tour.

What are the advantages of an escorted tour – a tour with a local expert?

• The local expert knows the trails like the back of his hand, and is also well informed about mountains, fauna and flora, and the many traditions of the Dolomites world. Are you already fascinated by the Dolomite legends?
• The tour is enriched with so much knowledge and information.
 Tales, stories, and high quantity of tips from locals - from people who grew up here and have much more to tell than the best book.
• Luggage transport from hut to hut is also a big plus.
You can hike with a small backpack, because your luggage is already waiting for you in the next hut.
• In addition to breakfast and dinner, lunch is also included. Of course, the local expert knows where you get the best dumplings, the most delicious pasta, and the most fluffy cake.
• The weather, or more specifically, bad weather, is not to be underestimated in the mountains, and our local experts have years of experience with it. In case of thunderstorms, rain or even snowfall (yes, even in August it can snow sometimes), they know exactly what to do.
• The correct estimation of the hiking pace is a skill learned over time. When hiking alone, it’s difficult to keep the same pace. This can result in a serious miscalculation of walking time. The guide know exactly when it’s time to take a break, or to push the group with a chocolate bar.
• The community: during our guided tours, people meet who already have something in common from the beginning: the love for nature and being active. The popularity of our guides with the various hut owners can also turn out to be a great benefit (we just say: Grappa!).

ESCORTED TOURS 2024

• on request

KEEP IT PRIVATE

Do you want to reserve one of our guided tours exclusively for you and your group of friends? Choose any tour that you like, contact us and remember to tell us how many people are in your group. We will send you a personalized quote based on the number of participants.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS

from mid June to the beginning of October

If you opt for the self-guided tour, you can choose your preferred travel time. Send us your estimated dates of arrival/departure and we will send you a detailed offer.

ARRIVAL

Holimites is keen to help you plan and organize your arrival and departure.

Together we will find the best travel solution, and we will help you to book bus or train tickets, arrange the car rental, or book a private transfer service.

Here you will find more information about travel to the Dolomites.

We recommend arriving in the Dolomites one/two days prior to your tour departure to acclimatize and adjust to the time change.

 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Bookings of all accommodations
• Accommodation with half board (breakfast+dinner)
• Detailed maps and roadbook
• Briefing with a Holimites trail expert
• Lift/cable car tickets
• All taxes
• Special Holimites Souvenir

INCLUDED DURING THE ESCORTED TOURS

• All the services mentioned under “Included in the price”
• Local tour escort at your disposal during the tour
• Transfer as per offer
• Baggage transfer from hotel/hut to hotel/hut (where possible)
• Lunch in mountain huts (starter or main dish)
• Hiking maps and roadbooks are not included during the escorted tours

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Beverages and anything not mentioned under "Included in the price"
• Cancellation insurance

SUPPLEMENTS

• Extra days: from € 150,00 per person and night
• Single room: € 380,00
• Mid season (August till mid of September): € 80,00 per person
• High season (July):  € 120,00 € per person

Is some training necessary before participating in this trekking tour?

Yes, even though the use of cable cars will facilitate some descents/climbs, it is still recommended to be trained. Sore legs, blisters, or other ailments related to walking after the first stage can possibly ruin the entire week for someone. The hiking programs are suited for people that are already strong walkers that can manage treks with fully packed backpacks.
Participating in a trekking group requires having to keep up a certain pace in order to finish the scheduled stages. If your legs are shutting down or your physical preparedness is constraining the rest of the group to slow down and making group compatibility problematic, your tour escort may decide you need to tone down, leaving the pack. Your alternatives in this case are:
a) to shuttle throughout the day on the service van, each day, to the next hut or
b) to take a shuttle 'bump up' to the last hotel, where you can finish your vacation doing some great day hikes.

Are there minimum skills requested?
It is absolutely necessary to have some trekking experience on mountain trails and exposed sections. A good ability to read maps is a must for self-guided tours.

What happens in the case of bad weather?
Sir Alan Flemming once stated: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. But, it’s surely possible that bad weather conditions may prohibit our planned tour in some cases. If this happens to
be the case, a phone call to our office from the hut you are staying at is all that’s needed. We will gladly reorganize all of the upcoming stages of your trekking tour so that you can arrive as planned at the end of the
Alta Via; even if you have to take a 1 day break to allow weather conditions to clear up.

What specific clothing do you recommend?
We suggest you always carry a light hydration pack with a few layers such as a light insulation jacket, gloves and a hat. Also, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can quickly change. If your offer includes baggage transfer, we suggest you to pack some warmer and comfortable clothing, which can be left in your bag that we will transfer for you from hut to hut.

I have some Issues with elevation, is that a problem?
The runs each day are between 1.500 and 2.300 meters altitude (between 4,900 and 7,500 feet). In addition, the huts for the overnight stays are above 2000 meters (6,600 feet) If you have trouble with high elevations,
please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.

I want do to a self-guided trekking. Are the trails well marked?
Yes, the trails are well marked, but it‘s important to pay attention and be sure to stay on the correct path. During the briefing a local trail expert will explain you every stage exactly.

The programs on the catalog don‘t match my expectations. Are there alternative offers?
On request, Holimites can customize a program for you. Is the tour too long or the stages to challenging? Do you prefer a different itinerary? Would you like to book some extra days to relax in the hotel or on a mountain hut? Just send us a request and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Should I expect to climb a Via Ferrata?
Our standard programs don't include a Via Ferrata. But gladly we can organize one for you with a certified IFMGA-UIAGM Alpine Guide. There is the opportunity to do the Via Ferrata during a stage or you can add an extra day at the beginning or at the end of your tour.

Overnight stay on the mountain huts...
You will be surprised of how lovely our mountain huts are. However, they have to be considered a rifugio in the mountains and not a hotel. So you won’t find all the luxury features you find in the towns.
In the huts there are blankets and pillows. We suggest to bring sleeping bags inlay with you.
All hotels and huts are well informed about dietary restrictions, like gluten or lactose intolerance. Everywhere you will find a vegetarian or vegan alternative.
Not all huts accept credit cards. So we suggest to bring some cash with you, to pay drinks, snacks or extras which are not included in the offer.

What about having lunch in the mountains?
For lunch you can stop in one of the huts to taste some traditional food or you have the possibility to buy a lunch package in the hut where you overnight.