Walking the Dolomites of Alta Badia

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8 Days from

CAD 3,645

incl. Taxes

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

3 out of 7 - Moderate

Group Size :

2 - 6

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

W07DS

Centre-based walking in the stunning natural landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.

In the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the Alta Badia region boasts some of the most spectacular alpine scenery as well as a reputation for excellent cuisine. The village of San Cassiano is no stranger to either and sits just 15km, as the crow flies, due West of Cortina d'Ampezzo (or 30km by road and the Falzarego Pass). Around 500m in altitude above the village lies a large area of beautiful alpine meadow, dotted with traditional wooden mountain huts and the most amazing panoramic views. At some points you have a 360-degree vista that spans from the Austrian Alps to the North to the Marmolada range to the South (the highest peaks in the Dolomites), with the Fanes Natural Park to the East and the Sella mountain range and Gardena Pass to the West - all stunning views in their own rights but when combined it's almost mind-blowing!

Highlights

Stunning natural landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites: jagged limestone peaks, high alpine meadows and pine forests
Over 400kms+ of marked walking trails; a great array of flora & fauna; unrivalled alpine views
Explore charming alpine villages connected by bus and mountain lift system
Historical WW1 museum and fighting tunnels in the nearby Lagazuoi mountain
Fabulous 4 star family-run hotel with four restaurants, spa, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna and steam room

Key Information

7 nights in a 4 star hotel with spa, all rooms en suite
6 days centre-based walking
Some travel on local buses
Altitude max. 2663m, average 2000m
Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts and 4 dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
Route notes and maps
Arrival & departure transfers (when booking a flight inclusive package)

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas or vaccinations

6 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Approximately 4-6 hours walking per day

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Day 2

17 km / 10.6 miles

Day 3

14 km / 8.7 miles

Day 4

16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 5

16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 6

7 km / 4.3 miles

Day 7

15 km / 9.3 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Arrive at your hotel in Armentarola, San Cassiano. Staying at 4 star Ciasa Salares for 7 nights, with 4 nights on Half Board. The below itinerary is only a suggestion and you can do any walk on any day.

Meals Included: Dinner

From the hotel, you ascend steadily along peaceful country lanes, through pine forest and up onto high alpine meadows with spectacular views of the surrounding Dolomites mountain ranges. Either enjoy a picnic en route or when you reach the mountain hut at Pralongia, take time over lunch and soaking up the mountain panorama. Return to San Cassiano for the hotel shuttle or walk back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares.

Optional shorter walk: 5hrs, distance 15km/9.5mi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Walk directly from the hotel or take the shuttle to San Cassiano. This pilgrimage route first skirts above the village then heads through some delightful pine woods. Along the route you pass depictions of the last hours of Jesus Christ's life on earth before you reach the church at Santa Croce with its amazing backdrop and views across the valley and the village of Badia. Descend to Badia and take the bus back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares.

Optional shorter walk: 4.5hrs, distance 13km/8mi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy truly spectacular scenery on this favourite Alta Badia trail. You can start the day with a gondola lift or you can climb the first 5km through pine forest and alpine meadows. Once up at the top there are fabulous views ahead to the Marmolada mountains, the highest in the Dolomites, and behind as far as the Austrian Alps in the distance. At some points you have the most incredible 360-degree panoramic views. Continue on with a variety of mountain hut options for lunch then descend to Corvara for a well-deserved drink before catching the bus back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares.

Optional shorter walk: 3.5hrs, distance 11km/7mi

Walking time 4hrs, distance 10km/6.5mi or walking time 5.5hrs, distance 13km/8mi.
Comfortable Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

A short bus trip to Badia before this lovely walk takes you to two small lakes close to Badia with the fabulous backdrop of the Somamunt, Col Plo Alt and Pre Janin mountains. There are some wonderful views over the village and across the valley to the Santa Croce mountain as you head to Lech dla Lunch (pronounced lek-dela-loonk). Bring a picnic and you could even stop here for loonk! A steep climb sets you on your way to Lech da Sompunt and its delightful swans. Descend back to Badia passing through tiny hamlets and take the bus back. Staying at Ciasa Salares.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you head up to one of the key strategic passes from WW1 – the Passo Valparola for fabulous views over the San Cassiano valley. Heading through the delightful Pre de Costa meadows, and past the Malghe Valparola, you head up towards the pass. When you get there, you may want to stop for refreshments at the rifugio at the top. You can make this a history trip and continue on to the nearby WW1 museum or even to Passo Falzarego and a cable car up to the top of Lagazuoi – one of the most fiercely fought over mountains in the Dolomites. Another alternative is a tough 13km walk across towards the Setsas mountain with more fabulous views and back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares.

Optional longer walks available.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Defintely worth the wait - the Fanes Natural Park is a huge expanse of outstanding natural beauty. You can either walk directly from the hotel or get the shuttle to the Capanna Alpina hut before starting the steep climb up to the panoramic Col de Locia. The verdant plateau beyond (Plan de Ciaulunch) and the climb up to the Forcela dl Lech provide awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and a sparkling, aquamarine mountain lake. You need a head for heights on this one as you descend via two steep gorges, with well trodden paths, to the Scotoni mountain hut and down a spectacular ski slope to the start point. Staying at Ciasa Salares.

Optional shorter walk: 4.5 hrs, distance 10km/6mi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The tour ends in San Cassiano.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccination

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and four dinners are included.

Weather

The Dolomite Mountains offer some of the best weather in all of the Alps – perfect for year-round active adventures. As a mountain range, the Dolomites receive less precipitation on an annual basis than do the majority of the Alps. During the summer temperatures vary between 20°C - 22°C, while temperature starts dropping a bit in September. Equally, at all times you need to be ready for the occasional stormy day.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

This is a centre-based independent walking holiday. Walks can be extended/shortened by using the local buses and selected cable cars. The walking is along varied and well signed footpaths, both at high altitude and in the lower valleys. There are moderate ascents on most days, and longish descents on days when a cable car can be used to gain altitude. Walkers should have a good fitness level and be confident on uneven terrain. This trip is unsuitable for severe vertigo sufferers, but will appeal to people wanting high level mountain walking by day, and luxury 4-star hotel accommodation at night.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotelier is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf

Accommodation Walking the Dolomites of Alta Badia

Ciasa Salares, Armentarola, San Cassiano

Ciasa Salares, your home for the week, is located just a short walk (or even shorter shuttle/bus ride) from the centre of San Cassiano. Run by the Wieser family, Stefan, Wilma and their son Jan Clemens, who is passionate about the hotel’s fantastic wine cellar, the hotel combines alpine chic in the décor with good old-fashioned hospitality.

The hotel’s four restaurants include an informal wine bar, a terrace restaurant, a main restaurant and tables in the wine cellar. There are also two other very special rooms – the Cheese Room and the Chocolate Room, used for tastings, individual courses during meals and special occasions. Complimentary grappa tasting is available once a week, as well as one glass of wine and cheese tasting in the wine cellar. You will also get 5 half board meals included at the half board restuarant. Customers wishing to eat at one of the other three restaurants at the hotel can use their ‘credit’ from the half board menu and pay any difference locally. Drinks are always excluded.

Other facilities include a library and lounge, a luxurious spa with indoor swimming pool, relaxation area, treatment rooms (3), sauna, steam room and an outdoor hot tub with fabulous alpine views to soak away those aching limbs after a day of walking. Headwater customers get free spa access (spa treatments available for a supplement.)

The hotel offers a free shuttle service to San Cassiano (village and the main Piz Surega lift) as well as to the Capanna Alpina restaurant for the Fanes Natural Park walk. One picnic lunch is included at the hotel’s private mountain hut (day of the week changes depending on the weather). This mountain hut can be reached on foot (1hr 30mins from the hotel) on Day 4 walking or by gondola (about 20mins.)

E-mountain bikes are available to hire for additional charge (payable locally.)

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes