Classic Dolomites - Premium Adventure

Classic Dolomites - Premium Adventure

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8 Days From

$3150

Classic Dolomites - Premium Adventure

8 Days Starting and ending in Villabassa

Visiting: Villabassa, Lago di Braies, Kreutzberg Pass, Strudelkopf, Bolzano, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Monte Piana, Niederdorf

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TWU2

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 15

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $3150

NB: Prices correct on 21-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Dramatic, imposing, unforgettable: the Dolomites rival any mountain range on Earth for natural beauty. Join an International Mountain Leader to walk through the national parks of Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto, trekking among the jagged peaks and gazing over the extraordinary three spires of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. We stay in the traditional village of Villabassa, where spectacular scenery meets a fiercely proud Tyrolean heritage. That’s encapsulated by our home for the week: Hotel Adler, with a wonderful spa and renowned fine-dining restaurant within its 400-year-old walls.



If you want to test yourself, join one of our Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures. See the Itinerary and Dates & Prices tab for more details.







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

Highlights

  • The Expert Leader for the trip is Rob Mason

  • 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

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Villabassa

Location: 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)

Location: Lago di Braies

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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)

Location: Kreutzberg Pass

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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)

Location: Strudelkopf

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Location: Bolzano

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Location: Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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)

Location: Monte Piana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Location: Niederdorf

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

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

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Local taxes (approximately €10, see Trip Notes)

Accommodation

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 offerFor 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.

Food

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.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the name of the tour?

    Classic Dolomites - Premium Adventure

  • Which country does this tour visit?

    Italy

  • What are some highlights of the tour?

    The Expert Leader for the trip is Rob Mason, 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

  • What is the primary tag of the tour?

    Walking Hiking and Trekking

  • What type of accommodation is provided?

    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.

  • What meals are included?

    All breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners, one of which will be an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner

  • What are the exclusions?

    Travel insurance, Single accommodation (available on request), Visas or vaccinations, Local taxes (approximately €10, see Trip Notes)

  • Where does the tour start and end?

    The tour starts and ends in Villabassa.

  • What is the activity level of the tour?

    Activity Level 5 (Challenging) on selected departures

  • What are the dietary options available?

    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.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Amazing trip and guide

A truly amazing week in Italy. Our guide, Jeff, was extremely knowlegable and made sure that any issues or concenrs we had, were resolved. The planned walks each day were perfectly suited to the group and jeff was able to switch the areas we walked, depending on the weather. I'd recommend this tour to anyone who would like to enjoy walking in the Dolomites, see the best parts and stay at a very nice hotel with excellent food.

Classic Dolomites Walking Holiday

What a wonderful trip ! An exciting walking adventure with a wonderful guide, magnificent scenery , a great group of likeminded hikers and an awesome hotel

Amazing in every way!

Great trip, hugely helped by weather in first week of October (blue skies. mid 20s with hardly any clouds!); stunning picture perfect scenery, great guides and group.

Another great Exodus trip

A great holiday. Stunning scenery, great hikes and an excellent leader. The spa at the end of the day is a great place to relax.

Awesome experience

Amazing scenery, almost surreal because the shape of the mountains is so unique. Excellent hotel with great food. Very flexible and responsive guide. A great variety in the chosen walks.

Wonderful walking in the spectacular Dolomites!

We thoroughly enjoyed this trip! Beautiful scenery, great variety of walks, lovely hotel, great, knowledgeable leader and a lovely group to share the experience with!

Wonderful trip

A wonderful walking holiday in arguably the most stunning mountain range in Europe. Despite some mixed weather, the range and quality of walks was excellent. The base hotel is excellent, with very good facilities, including small gym, pool, sauna and steam rooms. All staff are friendly, helpful and welcoming. The restaurant provides good quality food generally but less so for vegetarians. Rooms are very clean and comfortable.

Wonderful holiday

Great walks, spectacular views, wonderful company, enjoyable food, fine wine, exceptional leader, all the ingredients for a memorable break.

I'll Be Back

I have heard about the Dolomites for years. I wasn't prepared for how majestic they were. They are unique and a must see for any hiker.

Fabulous week walking in Dolomites

A Fantastic week of varied and spectacular walking with a great group of likeminded people. Stayed in a lovely, family run hotel set in a small rural village. Abundance of good food/wine and had a lovely pool and sauna to be able to relax after a day's walking. Been travelling with Exodus for 25 years and this was up there with the best of their trips.

Read all 10 reviews

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  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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