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Day 1: | Fly to Venice; transfer to Villabassa. ** |
Day 2: | 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, one of the 297 glacial lakes in the area. It is certainly one of the most beautiful thanks to being surrounded by jagged peaks that are reflected in the extraordinary mirror-like surface of the lake. We follow the route of 'SS hostages', the leaders of 19 countries who were freed after the First World War by the inhabitants of Villabassa. Approx. distance 14km, 650m ascent, 255m descent. |
Day 3: | Today we explore high pastures and ridges along the Austrian border. We walk the meadows under the ridge of Knieberg, enjoying great views over Rotwand and Monte Popera. In the afternoon we stop at the Alpe Nemes hut where there may be time for a drink and a yummy apfelstrudel. Approx distance 14-16km. 700m ascent, 700m descent. |
Day 4: | Our walk today, starts at 2000m amongst beautiful wildflowers and ascends to the summit of Strudlekopf (2307m). We stop at the Durrenstein hut in the early afternoon for a rewarding homemade Kaiserschmarren (local pancakes). On a clear day, from the summit, we can enjoy views of the Tre Cime, Monte Piana and Monte Cristallo. Approx. distance 15km. 600m ascent, 1000m descent. |
Day 5: | A free day to relax in the hotel's wellness centre or take a self-guided cycle ride around this wonderful area. Alternatively, you can make your way to Bolzano to visit a museum dedicated to Oetzi, the 5000 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. |
Day 6: | We enjoy a memorable circuit around the famous 'Three Chimneys', or Tre Cime di Lavaredo (or Drei Zinnen in German). Set amid one of the classic mountain groups of this area, our circuit around these impressive peaks is certainly a highlight of the week. Approx distance 12km, 550m ascent, 1100 descent. |
Day 7: | To complete the week, we take the amazing attacking route of the Austrians up to the summit of Monte Piano (2305m). Using an impressive network of safe paths, bridges and ladders, 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 amongst the many 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. Approx distance 13km, 1000m ascent, 600m descent. |
Day 8: | To Venice; fly to London. ** |