Contact Us

Request a Brochure | Newsletter

Walking the Dolomites of Alta Badia

0044 1606 720199

Make an enquiry
  • Holiday code
    W07DS
  • Holiday type
    Self-guided walking
  • Duration
    7 nights
  • Accommodation
    single-centre
  • Activity level
  • From $2945per person, tour only
  • Departure months
    JFMAMJJASOND
  • What your holiday price includes
  • 7 nights single-centre accommodation in a hotel
  • 4 nights on Half Board and 3 nights on B&B
  • Management by local hotelier
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Standard transfers to/from your hotel (if booking inclusive flights)
  • 1 Grappa tasting
  • 1 Glass of wine
  • Bottle of Prosecco and apples in the room
  • Optional Upgrades
  • City break add-ons in Verona and Venice
  • Transfers available at a supplement for tour only packages
  • Room upgrades
  • Suitable for
  • Solo travellers
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Excellent choice for
  • Food lovers, wine lovers, flora & fauna, bird spotting opportunities, art & history, swimming opportunities, vegetarian meals, high peaks, lake & river routes
      from 20 reviews

Ruth Gavin says...
Everything about this holiday was superb. Having travelled with Exodus in the past (which is also excellent) we appreciated the superior quality of ...
Read reviews »

Italy: The Dolomites

Walking the Dolomites of Alta Badia

  • 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

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!

With over 400kms of marked trails, just in this area of the Dolomites, a week's walking from here allows you to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of this region. Amazingly, all of this is accessible on well-defined and well way marked paths either directly from the hotel, using the hotel's shuttle service or via a short bus or cable car ride.

This area is steeped in WW1 history with some of the hardest fighting taking place between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops in the mountains nearby. There is a WW1 Museum located in what was an Austro-Hungarian fortress and there are still tunnels that can be visited on the Lagazuoi mountain (although you do need a head for heights for this).

Famed for its varied cuisine - a mix of Italian and Austrian for the most part - the Alta Badia region has two restaurants with a total of 4 Michelin Stars between them. Ciasa Salares, famed for its locally sourced cuisine, is your home for the week, 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, they manage to combine alpine chic in the decor with good old-fashioned hospitality. The four restaurants include an informal wine bar, a terrace restaurant, a main restaurant as well as tables in the labyrinthine wine cellar where you can enjoy delectable cured meats, fonudes and an impressive wine list including biodynamic wines. There are also two other very special rooms - the Cheese Room and the Chocolate Room. 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 to soak away those aching limbs after a day of walking.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am tomorrow) or email sales@headwater.com

Walking information

The walking in this area is primarily on well-tended and well way-marked tracks. There are narrower paths that run through the pine forests and in others where the tracks enter the local villages where you'll be walking on tarmac for a while. 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 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.




We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 , or email sales@headwater.com

Day 1: Arrive at Armentarola, San Cassiano

Arrive at your hotel in Armentarola, San Cassiano. As you're at the same hotel all week the below itinerary is only a suggestion and you can, of course do any walk on any day.
You stay at the Ciasa Salares (all breakfasts and 4 evening meals)

Day 2: Pralongia Walk (15km/9.3mi or 17km/10.6mi)

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.

Day 3: Santa Croce and Badia Walk (14km/8.7mi or 13km/8.1mi)

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.

Day 4: San Cassiano to Corvara Walk (11km/6.8mi or 16km/9.9mi)

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.

Day 5: Two Lakes of Badia Walk (10km/6.2mi)

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.

Day 6: Valparola Pass Walk + extensions (7km/4.3mi)

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 12km walk across towards the Setsas mountain with more fabulous views and back to the hotel.

Day 7: Fanes Natural Park Walk (15km/9.3mi or 10km/6.2mi)

Definitely 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.

Day 8: Leave San Cassiano


Where you stay

This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Ciasa Salares, Armentarola, San Cassiano

Swimming Pool IconHair dryer icon NEARBY:

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 three restaurants include an informal wine bar, 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 4 half board meals included at the half board restuarant. Customers wishing to eat at one of the other two 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 skiing and 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.

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

Extending your stay

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel Kette, Venice

Hair dryer icon

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).


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Giulietta e Romeo , Verona

Hair dryer icon

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.

Travel

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.

Reviews

Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.

Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.


Ruth Gavin, 02/09/2023

Everything about this holiday was superb. Having travelled with Exodus in the past (which is also excellent) we appreciated the superior quality of accommodation on this trip. The holiday was to celebrate my 60th birthday and I was very pleased that we made this choice. Even the weather was beautiful!


Georgia Scott Dench, 05/08/2023

Toni was very helpful and got everything sorted quickly. We really enjoyed the walks; the app was easy to use. Our hotel was outstanding and the airport transfers worked well.


Alison Pearce, 16/07/2023

Fantastic in every way , so relaxing


Katherine Murton, 01/07/2023

A great trip - superb hotel with excellent staff. Super location with challenging but achievable walks. Would be more than happy to return.


John Macmillan, 24/06/2023

We have now experienced Headwater on a number of occasions. We had a wonderful weeks stay at Hotel Ciasa Salares. The staff in every department couldn't be more helpful. Restaurant food from breakfast to dinner was of a very high quality and variety. Our room was spotless, however the shower was teeny tiny so it was just as well we are slim people. That said, it was still difficult to wash ourselves without hitting the wall, screen or temperature control. We had no air conditioning which would be a must during the summer months. The Headwater app was amazing and we never found ourselves lost. The Dolomites were outstanding in their scenery and we are keen to go back for winter snow. Would thoroughly recommend.

One thing to mention was the transfer cost from airport to resort which was extremely expensive. As we were extending our holiday, we hired a car for 10 days which was considerably cheaper than the taxi fare from airport to hotel.


FISHER, 19/06/2023

Great walking location and a lovely hotel made for a fantastic holiday - all the better as the weather was sunny.


TAYLOR, 17/06/2023

A very high quality experience, from the excellent responses of Katie in the office to the first class transfer and hotel to the proposed Dolomites walks through high altitude flower meadows and scenery.


BERKLEY, 14/06/2023

Walks were cleverly graded , becoming more difficult by the day so that we were able to build our fitness. Staggeringly beautiful scenery.


Mr Foster, 03/09/2022

Stunning location - most walks are from the hotel but there is also a shuttle which always seemed to be available for us when required but in any case the local buses are frequent. We cannot rate the hotel staff highly enough, fun and enthusiastic people on reception, really knowledgeable staff in the restaurant (especially regarding the local wines)


Ms Weston, 30/07/2022

We have travelled a lot and done a variety of different holidays and would say that this was the best walking holiday we have ever done. The hotel is outstanding and the app was brilliant. I was worried about navigation as I usually go guided but it was so easy to use. I couldn't recommend it enough.


Mr Corn, 23/07/2022

What an incredible week! Not sure what was the highlight the walks, scenery and views or the Casa Salares hotel and the fantastic staff, food and ambience! Seriously the walks were fantastic and helped by the weather. Could feel I was getting fitter as the week went in with the walking and the swimming pool at the hotel when we got back each day! The GPS was fantastic and worked brilliantly as my sense of direction not great which is why I normally do walking holidays with a guide! The scenery was stunning and great that most of the walks you can do straight from hotel. The hotel was something else! My friend kept telling me about the reviews for the food but I did not personally read anything about it! Blown away by the hotel and one of the best I have ever stayed in due to the wonderful staff, the incredible food and facilities! A proper family owned and run hotel. Fantastic trip all round, thank you! Not too crowded either, not like TMB!


Mr Dentith, 18/06/2022

This was one of the best holidays we have been on.Either by itself or as we did combining a week in Toblach at the Bellevue . The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and with a well signposted footpath system clearly marked on the maps provided. All the walks are enjoyable and the cable car /gondola system can be utilised. The walks can be as hard or as easy as you wish and can be integrated into the local bus system .

The hotel is excellent with a comfortable rooms and a well appointed restaurant. The food is very good ,excellent variety, well served in a delightful environment .

There is a indoor swimming pool and a small gym, so do take swimwear . Overall I could not fault this holiday in the area or hotel.


Mr Hesp, 14/09/2019

Go with the itinerary, or do your own thing with flights transfers and accommodation taken care of, its easy and stress free.


Mrs Farmer, 14/09/2019

An amazing holiday that far exceeded our expectations. Lovely hotel with a great choice of food friendly and welcoming staff. We went on some amazing walks, not too challenging for novice walkers like ourselves. The scenery was simply breath taking and would strongly recommend walking the Valparola Pass, not just for the stunning views but also for its history during WW1. We chose walks provided by Headwater to suit us and made use of the public buses and cable cars.


Mrs Wakeham, 31/08/2019

Very comfortable place to stay with excellent food great service and wonderful walking


Mrs Pizzoni, 17/08/2019

Hotel Ciasa Salares gave us a genuine mountain welcome. It was sophisticated without being pretentious. The food was of the finest quality and delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The only criticism was that the advertised gym was unavailable twice due to it being booked out for the day by another party.

There was plenty of choice of walks for a week's break.


Mrs Stanley, 03/08/2019

Where to start? This was a fabulous holiday, so good that we have decided to return next year. The staff are delightful and cannot do enough to help even knowing what to do when confronted with a diabetic hypo. We enjoyed the splendid food, the wine and the ambience. The scenery is breath-taking. At 6000ft up the mountains still tower over the landscape. It really is a beautiful place with many well marked tracks for walking. There are cable cars to transport you to the alpine meadows which was a relief as I would have found the climb up challenging. If you would like a memorable holiday this is the place for you.


Mr Shortman, 20/07/2019

The holiday was excellent, the walking in the area was great, some challenging but easier options available. The hotel was superb, the staff were very friendly and helpful, food excellent and great facilities.


Mr Flower, 22/06/2019

This was a really excellent trip. There are some beautiful walks in the region with stunning views, and the trip notes are very accurate. The hotel was extremely good, with very friendly staff, nice spa facilities and really impressive food (including the chocolate room!).

Headwater response:
Thank you for such an excellent review. Your positive comments are really appreciated and thank you for taking the time to make them.

Kind regards
Customer Service


Mr Hughes, 15/06/2019

What is great about this location and this particular hotel is that you can do as much as you want to i.e. stay in your comfort zone; or push your boundaries and cross them, which you will not regret.



Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.

This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:

Single-centre accommodation in a hotel

4 nights on Half Board and 3 nights on B&B

Management by local hotelier

Headwater navigation app for your smartphone

Standard transfers to/from your hotel (if booking inclusive flights)

1 Grappa tasting

1 Glass of wine

Bottle of Prosecco and apples in the room


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 (we open again 9am tomorrow) or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.

  • Jun 2024
  • Jul 2024
  • Aug 2024
  • Sep 2024
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
15th Jun 2024 US$3035 Call us Tour only: US$3035
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
22nd Jun 2024 US$3035 Call us Tour only: US$3035
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
28th Jun 2024 US$3075 Call us Tour only: US$3075
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
29th Jun 2024 US$3035 Call us Tour only: US$3035
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
6th Jul 2024 US$3395 Call us Tour only: US$3395
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
13th Jul 2024 US$3035 Call us Tour only: US$3035
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
20th Jul 2024 US$3035 Call us Tour only: US$3035
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
27th Jul 2024 US$3035 Call us Tour only: US$3035
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
3rd Aug 2024 US$3695 Call us Tour only: US$3695
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
10th Aug 2024 US$3755 Call us Tour only: US$3755
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
17th Aug 2024 US$3695 Call us Tour only: US$3695
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
24th Aug 2024 US$3185 Call us Tour only: US$3185
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
31st Aug 2024 US$2945 Call us Tour only: US$2945
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
7th Sep 2024 US$2945 Call us Tour only: US$2945
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
14th Sep 2024 US$2945 Call us Tour only: US$2945
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability
16th Sep 2024 US$2985 Call us Tour only: US$2985
Single supp: Call us
Check availability
Check availability

The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.

Holiday details

Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices

Children
Please contact us for child prices.

Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by hotelier.

Departures
Selected Saturdays from 15th Jun 2024 to 16th Sep 2024, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.

Meals
4 nights on Half Board and 3 nights on B&B

Other details
You should allow approximately €40 for local bus fares and any cable car and gondola journeys during the week - the cable car and gondolas are optional however some of the suggested walks require bus travel.

Tailor-made travel

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

How to book

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 (we open again 9am tomorrow) or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.

If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.

You may also like