Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
19.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
In the heart of the northern Italian Dolomites, close to the border with Austria and dominated by the famous Tre Cime (Three Peaks), is the beautiful Tyrolean village of Dobbiaco. A week's self guided walking in the Dolomites allows you to discover the beauty and sheer magnificence of the majestic Alta Pusteria Valley.
With over 1,000kms of trails, the Italian Dolomites are a mecca for high-level walkers and we provide a selection of meticulously researched route notes for walks at various levels. highlights include a high ridge path along the Austrian border with 360-degree views over the Italian Dolomites and Austrian Alps, and a circular hike around the world-famous Tre Cime, three immense obelisks of sheer rock that have now become the symbol of the region. Amazingly, all of this is accessible on well-defined paths either directly from the hotel, or via a short bus or cable car ride.
The superb walking is matched by first class accommodation at the beautiful 4 star Park Hotel Bellevue, which combines old-world charm with good old fashioned hospitality. Facilities include a luxurious spa with sauna, steam room, swimming pool and massage/beauty treatments. There's also a cosy lounge to curl up in with a book, or you can take an aperitivo in the relaxing bar. Evening meals are served in the atmospheric dining room where the menu includes a weekly five-course banquet and themed Tyrolean buffet evening.
Superbly varied and well-signposted footpaths and forest trails, 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 is used to gain altitude. Walkers should have a good fitness level and be confident on uneven terrain - a couple of the suggested walks may be unsuitable if you have a fear of heights, however lots of other options are possible. In the unlikely event of extreme bad weather, cable cars may not operate. Walking boots are essential and walking poles are recommended. Some of the higher level walks may have snow in early/late season.
NB: Some cable cars/chair lifts and local buses do not operate in early/late season when alternative walks will be proposed.
Arrive at your hotel in Dobbiaco.
You stay at Park Hotel Bellevue.
You will spend 7 nights in the beautiful 4-star Park Hotel Bellevue. It combines old-world charm with good old-fashioned hospitality. Facilities include a luxurious spa with sauna, steam room, swimming pool, massage/beauty treatments; there’s also a cosy lounge to curl up in with a book, or take an aperitivo in the relaxing bar.
From the hotel, you ascend gently along peaceful country lanes, through picture-perfect Tyrolean villages and hamlets dotted across the hillside - each boasting a lovely chapel or church offering stunning views and decorated with frescoes. At Stadlern, take time over a picnic to soak up the mountain panorama before returning to Dobbiaco alongside the bubbling Rienza River.
There's a short bus ride before a spectacular gondola ride this morning to the high Rotwand pastures (1,914m), just below the mighty Croda Rossa limestone peaks. From here it's a gentle descent along pretty pine-scented forest trails to the ancient Kreuzbergpass, south Tyrol's most easterly mountain pass. You then head up to the refuge of Malga Nemes, a fabulous panoramic spot for lunch, with marmots foraging in the open sunny pastures, before descending along a wide woodland track to the Tyrolean village of Moos where you pick up the bus back to Dobbiaco.
Enjoy truly spectacular scenery on one of our favourite trails in the Dolomites. It's a fantastic full-day hike with ascents and descents of around 800m for unrivalled views. First an easy stroll along the shores of the turquoise Lago di Braies and then ascend via the Alte Kaser pastures to the idyllic mountain bowl of Hochalm for lunch. Your descent is through a deeply carved valley below colossal peaks and impressively striated cliffs.
Today you'll head into the heart of the Ampezzo National Park in the italian-speaking Veneto region. Setting off from Cimabanche along a disused railway line, you'll head up through the Gotres Valley on an old military road to reach the high mountain pasture of Forcella Lerosa. You descend to the idyllic meadows of Rifugio Ra Stua and follow a narrow forest footpath towards Cortina d'Ampezzo.
This fabulous walk takes you along the impressive crest of the Carniche Alps. You start the day with a bus then cable car ascent (payable locally) up towards Mount Elmo (2,041m). From there, an old military supply route takes you to the refuge Sillianer Hutte (in Austria). This ridge forms a border between Italy and Austria and gives you spectacular views across the Austrian Alps. Your descent is on a less well defined rocky path that crosses the pretty mountain pastures of the Klammbachalm to arrive at the picturesque Klammbachhutte, before the forest track back down to the village of Moos.
A tremendous finale to your week awaits as you head by bus (payable locally) to the high-altitude Rifugio Auronzo at the foot of the world-famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (2,999m at the top). These enormous freestanding limestone towers have been so popular with walkers that they've naturally become the symbol of the Dolomites. You follow a wide mountain trail constructed by soldiers during the First World War, which provides the finest perspective of these three immense columns.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Giulietta e Romeo, Verona; Hotel Kette, Venice.
The Giulietta e Romeo hotel, named after the town's most famous lovers, lies in a quiet side street just yards from the Arena. The hotel is fairly modern in style and very comfortable. There is a large lobby area, which leads onto the breakfast room, which is decorated in white with subtle lighting and art deco friezes on the windows.
The rooms are all carpeted and traditionally decorated in blue and red decor with cherry wood furniture. They are all en-suite and have double-glazing so there is little noise from the street. A couple of rooms even have the famous Juliet style balcony if you fancy a re-inaction!
Parents of under 10 year olds should be aware that some rooms at the Hotel Giulietta e Romeo have a balcony with a step up.
The Hotel Kette is set in the heart of Venice, a short distance from Teatro La Fenice, from via XXII marzo, the elegant shopping street, 2 minutes from piazza San Marco and only 10 minutes from Ponte di Rialto. So this is an excellent base for exploring the many delights Venice has in store.
The 63 en suite rooms are immaculately furnished and are fully worthy of the four-star rating.
It is possible to reserve a non-smoking room (please contact us and we will request this for you).
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from C$106.
Airport transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure. You should allow approx 66 euro per person for cable car and chairlift usage as well as 2 bus transfers that are not included in the Mobil card.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
19.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App