At a Glance
Breathe fresh alpine air on an invigorating adventure amid Italy’s dramatic mountains. Reach new heights of adventure as you are barraged with a kaleidoscope of sensations; from ethereal views, to delectable cuisines, and to the fascinating history and culture on this 6-day hut-to-hut hiking journey of the Dolomites.
Your exciting adventure begins in Bolzano, after which we shuttle to the quaint village of San Vigilio—Trek across sweeping pastures and wildflower meadows in the heart of the Dolomites. Settle into lovely family-run rifugi (mountain huts), and with the aid of a local guide, learn about the region's flora, fauna, and geology. Traverse Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, a World Heritage site with craggy cliffs and pristine alpine lakes. Explore the highlands and appreciate the wildflowers and resplendent limestone massifs. Tour the mountain hamlet of ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- 5 nights accommodation in charming lodges on a twin share basis
- All breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner
- Professional guiding: two support vans and three expert leaders
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
 |
Level 1, Approx 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1,200 ft) On the first day of the trip, meet with your tour leaders at 9:30 a.m. in front of the main entrance of the Bolzano-Bozen train station in Bolzano, Italy. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). Following our meeting in Bolzano, we shuttle east to the scenic village of San Vigilio in Marebbe, where we begin our journey by foot through this spectacular region. Historically, this secluded area of South Tyrol has been mostly isolated from Italian and German influences, so a strong sense of pride in the native Ladibn culture and language is visible here. Go through the Mareo Valley to Lake Creeds, where we sit to enjoy lunch along the shore. From here, navigate a wooded path, gradually climbing through an increasingly narrow valley. When the road ends we see Rifugio Pederu, the first of our picturesque alpine huts located at the entrance to Fanes-Sennes-Braies, the Dolomites' gorgeous parco naturale (nature park). This park is a World Heritage area that houses diverse wildlife, including ibex, golden eagles, deer, marmots, and chamois (a European species of goat-antelope). Settle into your simple yet cosy room in the charming mountain refuge located in the heart of the Dolomites in South Tyrol, Rifugio Pederu. Enjoy your downtime with a beverage and perhaps a good book. We convene for a welcome reception tonight, accompanied by a dinner of wholesome mountain fare featuring South Tyrolean specialties like dumplings and wild game. |
Rifugio Pederu, St. Vigil
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a hearty breakfast and explore the rifugio's magnificent backyard: a vast plateau dotted with green pastures, craggy peaks, and alpine lakes accessible only by foot and bike. We are accompanied by a local guide who joins us on the hike and shares insight into the area's flora, fauna, and fascinating geology. Traversing well-established travel and dirt trails, we move through the Scuro Valley and up to the family-run Fodara Vedla hut, where we are welcomed for lunch. Then, descend by foot to Pederu, where you can relax and appreciate the gorgeous view from the deck. Tonight, we savor another sumptuous meal prepared by chef Walter in the dining room. |
Rifugio Pederu, St. VigilBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: We bid Pederu farewell as we navigate the heart of Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. Following the trail, we burst into the Fanes highlands. The landscape is heavily adorned with Dolomite limestone interlaced with clusters of vibrant green grasses and colourful beds of hardy wildflowers. As we journey farther into the high country, we explore the park through rocky trails etched into the jagged terrain. The route includes climbs over gentle mountain passes and descents into rural valleys surrounded by towering cliffs. En route, refuel with a delicious lunch at your own expense. |
|
 |
After our descent from the high alpine zone, we arrive at Capanna Alpina hut, the ideal spot to end today's adventure if you are ready to shuttle to tonight's chalet-style accommodations. Otherwise, keep going by foot on the trails up to the Saraghes meadows and the doorstep of Las Vegas Lodge. This lodge is a sophisticated towering oasis at an altitude of 2050 m, surrounded by nature and providing picturesque views. Soak in the tranquil views at the terrace before we convene in the lodge's cosy dining room for a lovely dinner featuring regional specialties. |
Las Vegas Lodge, San CassianoBreakfast, Dinner  |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Soak in the picturesque mountain landscape as we traverse green meadows toward Malga Valparola, one of the last traditional Ladin cheese farms in the area, where we take a break to enjoy lunch. Continue your hike up to Passo Valparola, a 7,100-foot mountain pass. It's hard to believe that this tranquil setting was once the site of heavy combat during World War I, but we see traces of it in the old trenches and armored war posts. Our local guides enlighten us on the impact of the war on the Dolomites and the events that took place atop these remote mountain passes. We also have time to explore some of the tunnels used as natural bunkers during the war. Relish the scenic views from Passo Valparola as you take in the spectacular panorama of alpine meadows dwarfed beneath limestone monoliths and pinnacles extending along the horizon. Following that, a long descent (or a shuttle) to San Cassiano, a quintessential Dolomite village where you can catch a gondola the rest of the way back to the lodge. Freshen up and perhaps return to San Cassiano for a stroll through its enchanting mountain hamlet exhibits the local culture of the Alta Badia region. |
|
 |
Feel free to de-stress at the lodge—occupy the sunny terrace or relax in the outdoor sauna. (sauna is at own expense.) Tonight, enjoy dinner at your leisure at the hotel. |
Las Vegas Lodge, San CassianoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: This morning, we leave the hotel in a gondola and take a quick shuttle further down the valley to the nearby town of La Ila. There are two choices today: a gentle hillside path through Corvara and Colfosco en route to Col Pradat gondola and hut or a more challenging adventure up into the Puez Odle World Heritage Park. If you opt for the second route, after a short chairlift ride, you'll get to warm up those legs from the get-go with a daunting rocky ascent through a coniferous forest to reach the Gardenaccia plateau. We quickly stop at a charming hut of the same name and gaze out at the Sassongher, Para dai Giai, and the Marmolada with its glacier. Carry on from here, hiking a path that crosses a rough rocky alpine pasture to a saddle above the treeline. From there, it is a short distance to Puez Hut, our lunch spot, at the entrance of this lunar landscape and park. The two routes reconnect at Col Pradat Lodge, our welcoming family-run mountain home for the night with gorgeous front-row views of the Sella massif's north face. Settle in before it's time to savour an Aperol spritz on the terrace, soaking in some of the area's striking cliffs, or snuggle up in your cosy Tyrolean room with a book or for a nap. Later, we toast our journey together through the Dolomites over a multi-course feast. |
Col Pradat Lodge, ColfoscoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Level 3, Approx 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1,000 ft) If you'd like to tour the Dolomites one last time before leaving, rise early and join your leaders on an energising loop hike from the resort, or join the group a bit later by gondola for one last exceptional view. Enjoy a wholesome buffet breakfast or spa treatment if you'd prefer a relaxed morning. Regardless of your choice, you'll have the chance to freshen up before the shuttle departs for Bolzano late morning. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Bolzano
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Bolzano. The closest major airport is Bolzano Airport and is 8 km from the center of Bolzano.
Weather: while generally sunny and mild in the summer, can quickly change. A typical day begins with clear blue skies, but by late afternoon, showers, cold temperatures or heavy mist can occur. The mountain passes especially can be windy and cold. Make sure to come prepared with waterproof breathable rain gear as well as warm layers for cooler mornings.
Altitude: The thin air of the Dolomites may require some adjustment. The lower supply of oxygen at high elevations makes exercising more difficult, and you may experience shortness of breath during hikes. The altitude in this area can prove challenging at the beginning. Usually, it takes no more than a day or two to feel comfortable at higher elevations. To acclimate, we suggest taking it easy, eating light meals, drinking lots of water and avoiding alcohol. The combination of high altitude, warm temperatures and strenuous exercise greatly increases your body's need for fluids. It is extremely important to drink lots of liquids to prevent heatstroke and dehydration. It's a good idea to consume at least two liters of water per day and to drink as often as possible—don't wait until you are thirsty!
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 3-5.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
