Classic Dolomites - Premium Adventure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Responsible Travel

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

On this trip, we spend the week in locally owned Hotel Adler that has a strong commitment to use 100% clean energy where hot water is supplied from central heating supplied by solar energy, whilst electricity is hydro-powered. They also employ local staff and uses local produce wherever possible which ensures that we are directly benefitting the local community.

As a walking holiday, we actively encourage clients to interact with the locals, visit local cafes and bars, support local produce and craft and to experience what life is really like in this region of Italy. Additionally, walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals as it is a quiet, low impact activity requiring comparatively little resources to support.

In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here…

Itinerary

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Villabassa

Fly to Venice; transfer to Villabassa.
Fly to Venice; transfer to Villabassa.
Day 1
Start Villabassa.
Start at the Hotel Adler in Villabassa. The leader will give a short briefing to give an overview of the week ahead. The hotel is handily located on the village square, so any free time can be spent with a little stroll around, perhaps up past the church or down to the river. Alternatively, why not soak up the atmosphere with relaxing drink.
Day 2
Lago di Braies (level 3 weeks)
The ideal start to visiting this vast area is a walk straight from the hotel through the very pretty, flower-filled Braies Valley. We walk through small villages and farmland until we reach the magnificent Lago di Braies itself, one of the 297 glacial lakes in the area. It is certainly one of the most beautiful, surrounded by jagged peaks that are reflected in the extraordinary mirror-like surface of the water. We follow the route of 'SS hostages', the leaders of 19 countries who were freed after the First World War by the inhabitants of Villabassa.
Approx. distance 14km, 650m ascent, 255m descent.
Rossalmhütte (level 5 weeks)
Some departures of this trip are at Level 5. On these weeks the walks completed are slightly different.
We start our walk today from the beautiful Lago di Braies and ascend to Rossalmhütte.
Approx. distance 15km, 750m ascent, 1000m descent.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 3
Kreutzberg Pass to Nemes Alm (level 3)
Today we explore high pastures and ridges along the Austrian border. We walk steadily exploring the meadows under the ridge of Knieberg. We have great views towards the Rotwand and Monte Popera. Later in the afternoon we visit Alpe Nemes hut, a great spot for a drink and a bite of homemade apple strudel.
Approx distance 14-16km. 6-700m ascent, 6-700m descent.
Kreuzberg Pass to Knieberg (level 5 week)
Following a different track to the level 3 weeks, we aim to summit Knieberg, descending later in the afternoon to Alpe Nemes hut.
Approx. distance 21 km, 1000m ascent, 1000m descent.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 4
Climb up towards Strudelkopf (level 3 weeks)
We start at 2000m altitude walking amongst beautiful wildflowers and ascend to the summit of Strudlekopf (2307m). We stop at the Durrenstein hut in the early afternoon to try the local Kaiserschmarren speciality. On a clear day, from the summit, we can enjoy views of the Tre Cime, Monte Piana and Monte Cristallo.
Approx. distance 15km. 500m ascent, 1000m descent.
Durrenstein Summit (level 5 weeks)
Starting at Platzwiese, we walk to the summit of Durrenstein (2839m), a majestic peak which boasts views all the way to the Austrian Tyrol.
Approx. distance 15km, 900m ascent, 900m descent.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5
Free day
A free day to relax in the hotel's wellness centre or take a self-guided cycle ride around this wonderful area. Alternatively, you can make your way to Bolzano to visit a museum dedicated to Oetzi, the 5000 year-old 'iceman' whose remarkably well-preserved body was found in 1991 high on a glacier on the Austro-Italian frontier. Or you could journey to the attractive provincial capital of Lienz in Austria; or closer to the cosy town of Brunico.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (level 3 weeks)
We enjoy a memorable walk under the famous 'Three Chimneys', or Tre Cime di Lavaredo (or Drei Zinnen in German). Set amid one of the classic mountain groups of this area, our walk around these impressive peaks is certainly a highlight of the week. Tonight the hotel's restaurant will delight your palate with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.
Approx distance 18km, 550m ascent, 1100 descent.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (level 5 weeks)
Today we complete a beautiful walk near the spectacular Tre Cime di Lavaredo; we then follow the path on the north side of Paternkofel heading to the Comici hut above Fischleintal. Tonight the hotel's restaurant will delight your palate with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.
Approx. distance 19km, 600m ascent, 1400m descent.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7
Monte Piano (level 3 weeks)
To complete the week, we take the amazing estern approach route up Monte Piana. After 600m ascent we find ourselves upon the flat-topped mountain surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in the Dolomites. It is the site of an open-air museum dedicated to the First World War where trenches, dugouts and shell craters can be seen amongst the many alpine flowers. On our return, we have time to spot the brilliant blue gentians, alpine white edelweiss and bright saffron that create a beautiful scene around Lake Misurina, thanks to the beautiful pink of the limestone rock.
Approx distance 15km, 700m ascent, 800m descent.
Monte Piana (level 5 weeks)
We ascend the southern crag, with the aid of few bridges and a ladder; there is then time to explore the open-air museum, stretched between the northern summit of Monte Piano and the southern summit of Monte Piana.
Approx. distance 13km, 1000m ascent, 700m descent.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Transfer to Venice; fly to London.
To Venice; fly to London.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8
End Villabassa.
The tour ends in Villabassa.
Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Wellness Centre at the Hotel Adler

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Hotel Adler

Chef Helene Markart

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Essential Info

Visas

Italy

No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

Vaccinations

Italy

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners, one of which will be an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner

Please note an evening meal is not included on the first night, as flight schedules can mean a later arrival in Villabassa. Sandwiches or snacks are available at the airport.

For breakfast, the hotel offers a large selection of cereals, fruit, cheese and cold meats, (along with tea and coffee of course).

5 packed lunches are provided by the hotel. Each morning there is a small buffet with items to make your own lunch (e.g. bread rolls, ham, salad...). In an effort to minimise the use of plastic and single-use items, the hotel provides Tupperware-type boxes and reusable cutlery.

Head Chef Hélène Markart is a devotee of old traditional recipes but is not afraid to give them a modern twist. At the heart of her philosophy is a reliance on local produce, from the local farmer to vegetables from the Adler's garden. It's no surprise to learn her prowess has been favourably reported in reputable guides such as Michelin.

There is a set menu for standard evening meals (usually 3 or 4 courses), which may include some local specialties such as Speckknodel (dumplings type of dish).

Our gourmet dinner will undoubtedly be the culinary highlight, though as keeping things fresh and seasonal is part of the charm, there's no way to know quite yet what delights may be served!

Weather

In the Dolomites, (as always in the mountains), the weather is very changeable. On average in summer months you can expect some rain on one day in two, but it is likely to come in heavy and thundery outbursts of relatively short duration rather than prolonged showers. In the valleys, daytime temperatures range on average from 12º to 22ºC, although 25º is not unusual. Up in the mountains, it will be a few degrees colder. There are always patches of snow remaining on the higher peaks late May and early November, and sometimes due to unpredictable winter weather, this can remain for a little longer. There is always a possibility of snowfall at any time of the season, therefore you need to be ready for anything, so pack shorts as well as warmer clothes; full waterproofs as well as sun cream.

Is this trip for you?

Due to the nature of the terrain on this trip, neither walking levels are recommended for vertigo sufferers.

Level 3 - Moderate Walking or Level 5 - Challenging Walking, date dependent.

We enjoy walks in the same areas on each trip, but the length and difficulty vary according to the walking level. Please make sure you choose the week that best suits your ability.

Most weeks offer moderate walking (level 3), where we usually walk between 5 and 7 hours per day. The area we are visiting is criss-crossed by a network of long-established trails and walking paths, most of them well maintained and waymarked. Even so, paths are rocky and on occasion exposed. A reasonable level of fitness is required for these weeks.

On some weeks, we offer challenging walking (level 5). On these departures, we usually walk between 6 and 8 hours per day at a steady pace. We use established trails and mountain paths, which are often steep, rocky and more exposed than the level 3 walks. For these departures, you will need to be surefooted and have a good level of fitness. Some fixed equipment and easy via ferrata may be encountered.

The exact itinerary (and therefore the length of each walk) may vary depending on weather conditions or other factors beyond our control. Whilst aiming to always follow the routes described in these trip notes, it will be the leader's decision to amend the itinerary if and when necessary. Altitude maximum 2839m, average 2300m.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Call for general departures:

1 800 267 3347

Call for private group trips:

1 800 267 3347

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Accommodation

Hotel Adler - 4 Star *

The week is based at Hotel Adler, a 4-star hotel in Villabassa. Located on the village square, this quality hotel is considered the 'best in town'. All bedrooms (some with showers and some with baths) have tea/coffee making facilities (for a fee), minibar and TV.

Renewed cosy bar and restaurant often busy with locals and with a relaxing lounge for peaceful reading
Superb indoor pool and wellness centre with sauna, steam room, solarium and small fitness centre
The passion of hospitality in rooms that write 400 years of history

The Spa at the Adler

ROOM UPGRADE - EXODUS SPECIAL OFFER

If you wish for even more comfort, the Hotel Adler is able to offer upgrades for a special price, exclusive to Exodus. There are various types of rooms you can choose from. Contact us for prices and availability.

Single rooms

A limited number of double rooms for single use are available for a supplement.

The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance, however we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. While we will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.

Call for general departures:

1 800 267 3347

Call for private group trips:

1 800 267 3347

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

See all experts

Call for general departures:

1 800 267 3347

Call for private group trips:

1 800 267 3347

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.