Ms Kelly says...
An excellent break, well catered for and looked after.
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The traditional village of Villabassa in South Tyrol lies close to the Austrian border, surrounded by the unmistakably jagged peaks of the Dolomites. Here, spectacular scenery meets the fiercely proud Tyrolean heritage. Our home for the week, the Hotel Adler, epitomises this, housing a wonderful spa and renowned restaurant within 400-year-old walls. The walking is diverse and memorable as we venture into the Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto National Parks for great views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the open-air museums that dot the landscape reflect the area’s history as the frontline between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the first world war. Fascinating, imposing, unforgettable, the Dolomites are waiting. Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! The departure starting in Villabassa on 5 October 2024 features extra inclusions to mark the occasion: an apple strudel cooking class and tasting with a Michelin starred chef, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here. Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
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?
The ideal start to visiting this vast area is a walk straight from the hotel through the very pretty, flower-filled Braies Valley. 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. It is certainly one of the most beautiful, surrounded by jagged peaks that are reflected in the extraordinary mirror-like surface of the water. We follow the route of SS hostages, the leaders of 19 countries who were freed after the second world war by the inhabitants of Villabassa. Distance: 8.7mi (14km); ascent: 2,133ft (650m); descent: 837ft (255m)
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)
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)
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.
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)
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. It is the site of an open-air museum dedicated to the first world war, where trenches, dugouts and shell craters can be seen among the alpine flowers. 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, thanks to the beautiful pink of the limestone rock. Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 2,297ft (700m); descent: 2,625ft (800m)
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.
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
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
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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.
An excellent break, well catered for and looked after.
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 guided walking holiday includes:
All breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners, one of which will be an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner All accommodation All transport and listed activities Tour leader throughout Tips for local staff
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 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.
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18th May 2024 | WAS US$3025 US$2925 Save US$100 |
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25th May 2024 | WAS US$3025 US$2925 Save US$100 |
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1st Jun 2024 | US$3225 | Tour only: US$3225 | Check availability |
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8th Jun 2024 | US$3225 | Tour only: US$3225 | Check availability |
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15th Jun 2024 | US$3225 | Tour only: US$3225 | Check availability |
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22nd Jun 2024 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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29th Jun 2024 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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6th Jul 2024 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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13th Jul 2024 | US$3450 | Tour only: US$3450 | Check availability |
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20th Jul 2024 | US$3450 | Tour only: US$3450 | Check availability |
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27th Jul 2024 | US$3450 | Tour only: US$3450 | Check availability |
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3rd Aug 2024 | US$3450 | Tour only: US$3450 | Check availability |
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31st Aug 2024 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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7th Sep 2024 | US$3150 | Tour only: US$3150 | Check availability |
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14th Sep 2024 | US$3150 | Tour only: US$3150 | Check availability |
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21st Sep 2024 | US$3180 | Tour only: US$3180 | Check availability |
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28th Sep 2024 | US$3000 | Tour only: US$3000 | Check availability |
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5th Oct 2024 | US$3000 | Tour only: US$3000 | Check availability |
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17th May 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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24th May 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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31st May 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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7th Jun 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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14th Jun 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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21st Jun 2025 | US$3525 | Tour only: US$3525 | Check availability |
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28th Jun 2025 | US$3525 | Tour only: US$3525 | Check availability |
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5th Jul 2025 | US$3525 | Tour only: US$3525 | Check availability |
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12th Jul 2025 | US$3600 | Tour only: US$3600 | Check availability |
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19th Jul 2025 | US$3600 | Tour only: US$3600 | Check availability |
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26th Jul 2025 | US$3600 | Tour only: US$3600 | Check availability |
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30th Aug 2025 | US$3525 | Tour only: US$3525 | Check availability |
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6th Sep 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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13th Sep 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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20th Sep 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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27th Sep 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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4th Oct 2025 | US$3375 | Tour only: US$3375 | Check availability |
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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.
This holiday is operated by our sister company, Exodus
Seven nights at the four-star Hotel Adler Five days centre-based walking; one free day. Altitude maximum: Level 3: 8,330ft (2,539m); Level 5: 9,314ft (2,839m); average: 7,546ft (2,300m) Not recommended for vertigo sufferers Option to travel by train to your adventure