Itinerary
Ciao
Villabassa!
Start at 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 a relaxing drink?
Lago di Braies
or Rossalmhütte
Lago di Braies (Level 3 departures)
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. 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. Distance: 8.7mi (14km); ascent: 2,133ft (650m); descent: 837ft (255m)
Rossalmhütte (Level 5 departures)
Some departures on 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.Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 2,461ft (750m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)
Accommodation: Hotel Adler
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nemes Alm
or Knieberg
Kreutzberg Pass to Nemes Alm (Level 3 departures)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.Distance: 8.7mi-9.9mi (14km-16km); ascent: 1,969ft-2,297ft (600m-700m); descent: 1,969ft-2,297ft (600m-700m)Kreuzberg Pass to Knieberg (Level 5 departures)Following a different track to the Level 3 weeks, we aim to summit Knieberg, descending later in the afternoon to Alpe Nemes hut.Distance: 13mi (21km); ascent: 3,281ft (1,000m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)
Accommodation: Hotel AdlerMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Strudelkopf
or Durrenstein
Climb up towards Strudelkopf (Level 3 departures)We start at 6,562ft (2,000m) altitude, walking among beautiful wildflowers and ascend to the summit of Strudlekopf (7,579ft/2,310m). We stop at the Durrenstein hut in the early afternoon to try the local Kaiserschmarrn speciality. On a clear day, from the summit, we can enjoy views of the Tre Cime, Monte Piana and Monte Cristallo.Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 1,640ft (500m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)Durrenstein Summit (Level 5 departures)Starting at Platzwiese, we walk to the summit of Durrenstein (9,314ft/2,840m), a majestic peak with views all the way to the Austrian Tyrol.Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 2,953ft (900m); descent: 2,953ft (900m)
Accommodation: Hotel Adler
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Free
Day
A free day to relax in the hotel wellness centre or take a self-guided cycle around this wonderful area. Alternatively, make your way to Bolzano to visit a museum dedicated to Ötzi, the 5,000-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.
Accommodation: Hotel Adler
Meals included: Breakfast
Tre Cime
di Lavaredo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Level 3 departures)We enjoy a memorable walk under the 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 restaurant will delight your palate with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.Distance: 11.2mi (18km); ascent: 1,804ft (550m); descent: 3,609ft (1,100m)Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Level 5 departures)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 restaurant will delight your palate with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.Distance: 11.8mi (19km); ascent: 1,969ft (600m); descent: 4,593ft (1,400m)
Monte
Piana
Monte Piana (Level 3 departures)To complete the week, we take the amazing eastern approach route up Monte Piana. After 1,969ft (600m) ascent we find ourselves upon the flat-topped mountain surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in the Dolomites. 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.Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 2,297ft (700m); descent: 2,625ft (800m)Monte Piana (Level 5 departures)We ascend the southern crag of Monte Piana, with the aid of a few bridges and a ladder; there is then time to explore the open-air museum, stretched between the northern and southern summits.Distance: 8mi (13km); ascent: 3,281ft (1,000m); descent: 2,297ft (700m)
Arrivederci
Villabassa!
Enjoy your final breakfast in Hotel Adler and take the opportunity to reflect on what has been an inspirational escape in the Dolomites. After, it’s time to start your return journey home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Bye
Istanbul!
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
