Highlights
* begin your tour in the colorful small town of Bressanone/Brixen
* hike through fields of wildflowers and into deep pine forests
* stop at charming mountain huts and picturesque villages
* taste the delicious regional wines of Madonna di Campiglio
* admire the dramatic jagged peaks that began as fossilized coral reefs
* enjoy hearty and delicious Tyrolean-Italian fusion cuisine
* explore the picturesque village of Ortisei, home of the Ladin people, with their distinct history and language
* walk along a mountain river and admire its dramatic waterfalls
Trip price includes
7 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels; 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners; 1 wine tasting; all transfers as per itinerary; gondolas/chairlifts as per itinerary; luggage transfers for each hotel change; tips at included meals; welcome and farewell drink, 1 bilingual Italian/English tour leader for groups up to 9 people, 2 guides for groups of 10-14 people
Not included
All lunches and one dinner; drinks other than water at meals; tips at meals that are not included; and anything not mentioned in the inclusions
ITINERARY
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans three regions (the Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli), and our tour centers on two areas in Trentino-Alto Adige: the Val di Funes and the Val Rendena. It’s a lovely alternative to the big-name destinations which have become crowded and expensive in the past decade. You still get great scenery but with easier, shorter hikes that have less climbing and steep descents. You’ll enjoy a variety of landscapes, from pine forests to open meadows and verdant valleys with lakes and waterfalls. The hikes are around 4-8 miles on a mix of terrain that’s accessible to most hikers. You’ll experience two different cultures during the week as we start in the German-speaking Val di Funes (part of South Tyrol) and end in the Italian-speaking Val Rendena (in the Trentino region), so you’ll see the architecture, customs and cuisine reflect both Austrian and Italian influences. Treat yourself to some of Italy’s best wines and drink a toast to this “light” Alpine hiking tour!
Day 1 – Sunday: Independent arrival in Bressanone/Brixen
Make your way to the beautiful small city of Bressanone (Brixen in German), which is accessible by train from Milan (4 hrs), Venice (3.5 hrs) or Innsbruck (Austria, 1.5 hrs). The city has a rich history going back millennia as it lies at the confluence of two rivers and was an important route through the Alps. Time permitting, explore the colorful streets and admire the Medieval-Baroque architecture. Our hotel has been family-run for generations and is located right in the heart of the old town. Meet in the hotel lobby at 6 pm for a drink followed by dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Overnight Bressanone. Hotel and dinner included.
Day 2-4: Hike the Val di Funes
Begin your week with three wonderful hikes through the lush meadows, scented pine forests, and soaring peaks of the Val di Funes. We spend three nights in a charming village where you’ll find warm hospitality, delicious food, and a lovely place to relax at the end of the day. Cable-cars help with some of the ascents and descents, and you’ll enjoy stopping at the traditional mountain huts called rifugios or malgas for a coffee break, hearty lunch, or a tasty piece of strudel. 3 nights in the Val di Funes.
Days 5-7: Madonna di Campiglio and the Brenta Dolomites
Bid farewell to the Val di Funes and continue to Madonna di Campiglio, in the Brenta Dolomites. We have left South Tyrol and are now in the province of Trento, one of northern Italy’s most important regions. Hike through aromatic conifer forests which are home to brown bears, deer, and golden eagles, and dip your feet in cool mountain rivers that are fed by thundering waterfalls. Another trail takes you to high Alpine lakes that reflect the sky and clouds in their shimmering surfaces. Stay 3 nights in Madonna di Campiglio, known as “the Pearl of the Dolomites,” where we’ll sample some of the region’s prized wines paired with delicious meals made with locally sourced produce that respect the “Slow Food” tradition. Overnight in Madonna di Campiglio.
Day 8 – Sunday: transfer to the Trento train station
This morning we offer one group transfer to the Trento train station. From there you can get a high-speed train (with either Trenitalia or Italo) or regional connections to other cities in Italy. We will arrive at the train station by 10:30 am but can organize a private transfer for you if you need to leave at a different time.
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