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Classic Dolomites - Premium

0044 1606 720199

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  • Holiday code
    W07DV
  • Holiday type
    Guided walking
  • Duration
    7 nights
  • Accommodation
    single-centre
  • Activity level
  • From $2925per person, tour only
  • Departure months
    JFMAMJJASOND
  • What's Included?
  • 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
  • Key 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
      from 1 reviews

Ms Kelly says...
An excellent break, well catered for and looked after.
Read reviews »

Italy: The Dolomites

Classic Dolomites - Premium

  • Operated by our sister company, Exodus
  • {BOLD}The Expert Leader for the trip is Rob Mason{NOBOLD} Stay at a four-star hotel with delicious food, warm family hospitality and a wellness centre Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Unesco World Heritage site Activity Level 5 (Challenging) on selected departures SPECIAL OFFER on room upgrades Citizen Science departures available on this trip

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



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 or email sales@headwater.com



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: Start 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?

Day 2: Lago di Braies (Level 3 departures)

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)

Day 3: 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)

Day 4: 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)

Day 5: 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.

Day 6: 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)

Day 7: 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. 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)

Day 8: End 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.

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

Hotel Adler, a four-star property in Villabassa

Considered the best in town, this four-star retreat has a privileged address on the village square. Rooms are traditional yet stylish and come with Hästens beds, each of which is created with natural materials. The hotel itself is run by the Pircher family but began life as the home of nobleman Stefan von Kurz zum Thurn more than 400 years ago. You can see plenty of that heritage throughout the property. The hub of social living will likely be the bar and fireplace room, where you can sip an aperitivo or perhaps a post-dinner gin and tonic, while enjoying the relaxed hubbub with the group (a local crowd often gathers here too). There’s also a good-sized pool for morning dips and a wellness centre with a sauna, steam room, solarium and small fitness centre. Bliss. Exodus special offer For even more comfort, Hotel Adler offers upgrades for a special price, exclusive to Exodus travellers. There are various room types from which you can choose. Contact us for prices and availability. Worth knowing There are a limited number of double rooms for single use available for a supplement. The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance; this could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.


Meals

All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners, one of which will be an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner. Please note an evening meal is not included on the first night, as flight schedules can mean a later arrival in Villabassa. Sandwiches or snacks are available at the airport. For breakfast, the hotel offers a large selection of cereals, fruit, cheese and cold meats, (along with tea and coffee). Five packed lunches are provided by the hotel. Each morning there is a small buffet with items to make your own lunch (eg bread rolls, ham, salad…). In an effort to minimise the use of plastic and single-use items, the hotel provides plastic containers and reusable cutlery. Head chef Hélène Markart is a devotee of old traditional recipes but is not afraid to give them a modern twist. At the heart of her philosophy is a reliance on local produce, from the local farmer to vegetables from the hotel garden. It’s no surprise to learn her prowess has been favourably reported in reputable guides such as Michelin. There is a set menu for standard evening meals (usually three or four courses), which may include some local specialties such as Speckknodel (a dumpling dish). Our gourmet dinner will undoubtedly be the culinary highlight, though as keeping things fresh and seasonal is part of the charm, there’s no way to know quite yet what delights may be served.

Travel

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

Transportation

Transfers to and from the airport, and during the walking activities, will be in a private vehicle (normally minibus). On certain days, we may use public transport.

Joining Instructions

Key information Start hotel: Piazza Von Kurz 3, Villabassa 39039 Phone: +39 0474 745128 Recommended arrival time: You’re welcome to arrive any time, though rooms are typically ready in the early afternoon and there’s a welcome briefing in the evening Airport: Venice (VCE) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately a 3hr 30min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are: Take an Exodus transfer Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. Make your own way It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, take a cab from directly outside the airport or arrange a private transfer through Exodus for approximately €356 (payable before departure). If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales consultant if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales consultant to arrange an alternative transfer.

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.


Ms Kelly, 03/10/2020

An excellent break, well catered for and looked after.



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 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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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.

Key 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

Transportation

Transfers to and from the airport, and during the walking activities, will be in a private vehicle (normally minibus). On certain days, we may use public transport.

Joining instructions

Key information Start hotel: Piazza Von Kurz 3, Villabassa 39039 Phone: +39 0474 745128 Recommended arrival time: You’re welcome to arrive any time, though rooms are typically ready in the early afternoon and there’s a welcome briefing in the evening Airport: Venice (VCE) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately a 3hr 30min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are: Take an Exodus transfer Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. Make your own way It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, take a cab from directly outside the airport or arrange a private transfer through Exodus for approximately €356 (payable before departure). If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales consultant if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales consultant to arrange an alternative transfer.