Current as of: January 2, 2025 - 21:41
Walks in the Italian Dolomites Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Italy
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: W07DL
Trip Overview
Enjoy dramatic Italian scenery in the heart of the Dolomites
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 walking from here allows you to discover the beauty and sheer magnificence of the majestic Alta Pusteria Valley. With over 1000kms 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 360degree 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.
At a Glance
- 7 nights 4-star hotel with spa, all rooms en suite
- 6 days centre-based walking
- Travel on local buses and trains
- Altitude max. 2663m, average 2000m
- Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
Highlights
- Breathtaking natural landscapes
- Excellent bird-spotting; stunning flowers; unrivalled Alpine views
- Beautiful 4-star family-run hotel with spa, pool, sauna and steam room.
- Visit the world-famous Tre Cime (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Is This Trip for You?
This is a centre-based independent walking holiday. Walks can easily be extended/shortened by using the complimentary 7- day Mobil Card which gives unlimited access to local buses and selected cable cars and chairlifts. The walking is along varied and well signed footpaths, 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. This trip is unsuitable for severe vertigo sufferers, but will appeal to people wanting challenging high level mountain walking by day, and luxury 4-star hotel accommodation at night.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotelier is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. This tour based at the same hotel for the week and is managed locally by the hotelier who will be on hand to assist you and highlight particular places of interest.
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 2
Max group size: 6
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Dobbiaco
- End City: Dobbiaco
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive at Dobbiaco
Arrive at your hotel in Dobbiaco.
You stay at the Park Hotel Bellevue for 7 nights (breakfast and evening meal)
Chapels and Churches Walk
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.
Nemes Alp Walk
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.
A longer walking option is also available.
Lago di Braies, Grunwald Valley and the Hochalm
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
A shorter walking option is also available.
High Mountain Pastures and Rifugio Ra Stua Walk
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.
Mount Elmo and the Klammbachutte Walk
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.
Tre Cime (Three Peaks)
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.
A longer walking option is also available.
Leave Dobbiaco
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
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.
Room Upgrades:
Room upgrades may be available on request for a supplement; prices start from an additional £8 per person per night (based on 2 people sharing) – please enquire at the time of booking for further details and prices.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement payable in advance.
Single supplement from £ 56
Food & Drink
All breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.
Evening meals are served in the atmospheric candlelit dining room where high quality cuisine includes a weekly 5-course banquet and themed Tyrolean buffet evening.
Transport
Transfers to the starting points of walks can sometimes be on local transport. All guests receive a 7-day Mobil Card allowing you unlimited travel on the excellent network of local buses and trains, as well as maps and a fully researched set of independent walking routes. Some of the walks require cable cars/chairlifts to get to higher altitudes; these are at a cost and payable locally.
Weather & Seasonality
The Dolomite Mountains offer some of the best weather in all of the Alps – perfect for year-round active adventures. As a mountain range, the Dolomites receive less precipitation on an annual basis than do the majority of the Alps. During the summer temperatures vary between 20°C – 22°C, while temperature starts dropping a bit in September. Equally, at all times you need to be ready for the occasional stormy day.
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
The tour itself normally begins at our start hotel in Dobbiaco in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Arrival and departure transfers are included (for flight inclusive travellers) between Venice Marco Polo Airport and the hotel in Dobbiaco (approx. 2hrs 30mins) at set times which coordinate with the standard flights. Please ask your Sales Consultant for times.
We can also arrange non-standard/private arrival and departure transfers at alternative times from either Venice Marco Polo Airport or from Innsbruck Airport for you (at additional cost – please enquire at the time of booking for prices).
Flights:
We can also book flights for you if you wish. The standard flights we usually use are with British Airways from London Heathrow to Venice Marco Polo, but occasionally we may use flights from Gatwick instead. Please enquire for up-to-date flight details as availability and schedules may change throughout the season.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Dobbiaco
Location end: Dobbiaco
Transfer Details
For flight inclusive bookings transfers are included from Venice Marco Polo airport at 12:05, and back to Venice Marco Polo airport at 08:15.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Good walking boots
Small daypack for camera, guidebook, etc.
Water bottle to use when walking and sightseeing (2 litre)
Sun cream
Hat
Sunglasses
Waterproofs
Warm clothes
Optional Equipment
Walking poles
Swimwear
Reading List
Frommers The Dolomites and South Tyrol, Italy
Northern Italy Insight Guide
Frommers Nothern Italy – John Moretti.
Practical Information
Passport
Passports: check if you need to renew
You may need to renew your British passport earlier if you’re travelling from 1 January 2021.
On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both:
- have at least 3 months left after the day you plan to leave the country (check the ‘expiry date’)
- be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left – check the ‘date of issue’)
Certain European nationalities may be able to travel within Europe on their national identity card. Check carefully with the relevant authorities if you intend to do this.
Visa
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Vaccinations and Health
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Voltage: 220V Frequency (Hz): 50
Money
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
Using credit cards is by far the cheapest way to pay for things in Italy – indeed, any foreign country. The exchange rates average 9% better than even cash withdrawals from an ATM (the second cheapest way to pay for things). An ATM is available at Venice Marco Polo Airport and Dobbiaco.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Lunch is not included in the itinerary so please allow some spending money for this. We recommend approximately €5-15 per lunch.
You should allow approx €35 per person for cable car and chairlift usage not included in the Mobil card. LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €2 and €5 per person per night. For this trip, please allow €2.40 per person per night.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.