walking in the dolomites

walking in the dolomites
active
europe
for you
1
2
3
GRADE:
4 5
TRIP COST
Joining Cortina :$1590
Trip Concludes: Campitello
Founded in 1973, Sherpa Expeditions is specialised in self‑guided and escorted holidays throughout
Europe and across the globe. We offer a wide range of self‑guided inn‑to‑inn walking and cycling tours,
escorted walks, as well as Walker’s Britain, a pioneering collection of over 20 British walking tours
which include the Coast‑to‑Coast Trail and Hadrian’s Wall. We have refined self‑guided holidays to
an art. Over many years, our leaders, local representatives and clients have all contributed to the
detailed trail notes provided to walkers, making them the definitive guide to the areas we visit, which
includes 16 iconic European walking destinations across France, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and much more.
Sherpa Expeditions has now joined forces with UTracks <http://www.utracks.com> and the World
Expeditions Travel Group <http://www.worldexpeditions.com> to bring you the most exciting and
extensive range of active European holidays available, all at great value. This means you have access
to over 300 active itineraries covering more than 25 European countries, from Iceland to Greece,
and from Ireland to Cyprus. UTracks offers affordable, self‑guided and small group‑guided active
holidays across Europe. Choose from a wide variety of quintessential European outdoor experiences
from trekking the French Alps, cycling through Tuscany, exploring the islands of Greece, Croatia or
Turkey by bike and ship, making a pilgrimage along the Compostela Trail, or discovering the lesser
known trails in Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovenia. UTracks offers many family‑friendly itineraries and
can also tailor make tours for private groups. Cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or
self‑guided, land or sea, introductory level or more challenging ‑ Sherpa Expeditions and UTracks can
help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
TRIP CODE:JDO
All prices are per person TRIP DURATION:8 DAYS
OPTIONS & GRADE TEXT:MODERATE TO CHALLENGING ‑ 4
SUPPLEMENTS
ACTIVITY:SELF‑GUIDED WALKING
single supplement:$190
Single Supplement:$190 ACCOMMODATION:7 NIGHTS HOTELS
H - high season
Austria
TRIP NAME:WALKING IN THE DOLOMITES
Tofano
Campitello
Tre Cime
Cortina
Venice
Italy
DATE DETAILS:
DAILY FROM 15 JUN TO 15 JUL AND 15 AUG TO 23 SEP
supplement:$470
High Season
Supplement:$470
As the trip price is based on twinshare,
a single supplement is payable if a
single room is required ‑ or a single
traveller supplement if you are travelling
solo*. Please refer to the price options
for costs or ask our office for details.
Note regarding single rooms ‑ The
single supplement guarantees the
privacy of your own room, however,
rooms can at times be small and in
some places may not enjoy the same
facilities as double/twin rooms.
highlights
A Walking Holiday in the Italian Alps
Hiking Beneath Dramatic Limestone Peaks
Alpine Pastures and Mountain Passes
Tre Cime, Tofana and Sella Mountains
*The single traveller surcharge is only
available on trips deemed suitable
for solo travellers. It is usually more
expensive than the single supplement
due to the extra cost for luggage
transfers and organisation.
IMPORTANT NOTES
H - High Season
DN1 - High season supplement
applies for departures 24 June
- 15 July and 15 - 31 August
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walking in the dolomites
the trip
The Dolomites are like no other mountains in Europe. They consist of thick layers of the mineral
‘Dolomite’, akin to limestone, originally deposited on the floor of an ancient sea. The Dolomite peaks
are gigantic, chiselled monuments to the powerful forces of glacial erosion. Continuous sheer cliffs
flank most of the peaks. Although not exceptionally high (the highest peak is Marmolada at 3342m),
they are amongst the most striking of all European mountains, coloured in weathered hues of rose,
yellow, white and grey and rising in steep spires of fantastic form. Below lie bright green meadows
alive with wild flowers all summer. In the lower valleys are orchards, vineyards and a chequerboard
of cultivated fields. There is plenty of history here and the region was heavily fought over in the First
World War in fact the fighting even changed the shape of some of the mountains. Nowadays, in
more peaceful circumstances, we can enjoy a beautiful trek in this region of limestone teeth. This
holiday starts with a walk to the spectacular Tre Cime di Lavaredo (or Drei Zinnen), a fantastic first
day’s walk if ever there was to set the standard for the week. The scenery continues to impress
with new panoramas unfolding with each turn of the paths and crossing of the passes. The cliffs of
the Tofana, Sella and Marmolada massifs tower above the winding paths where all this magnificent
scenery seems packed into an impossibly small area. High mountain paths are interspersed with
lush meadows and pretty hamlets and villages. Refuges and mountain restaurants provide a perfect
excuse to rest and drink in the views as well as welcome refreshments. To cap it all there are
opportunities for the not so faint hearted to stand on a couple of summits and peer down almost
vertical rock faces to the valleys far below.­
itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrive Cortina
Day 2
Circular Walk 16 km /10 miles, 6.5 h
Day 3
Cortina to San Cassian 21 km/13 miles, 7 h
Day 4
San Cassian to Colfosco 14 km/8.6 miles, 6 h
Day 5
Rest day in Colfosco
Day 6
Colfosco to Campitello 21 km/13 miles, 8 h
Day 7
A day to walk and explore around Campitello
Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast
detailed itinerary
Note: The following itinerary lists the standard walks that are planned for the escorted trips and these we
would consider as the optimal ones for self guided parties. Walks are subject to variation as a result of
weather conditions and local factors. It may be necessary to alter (lengthen or shorten) a walk for safety
reasons. All timings are approximate and will vary. Black Out: 02 ‑ 03 September 2017
DAY 1Arrive Cortina
Make your own way to Cortina, an attractive high-altitude town in the northern extremity
of the Veneto region of Italy. it is a fashionable winter resort that also springs to life in
the middle of the summer.
Accommodation: For two nights, stay in a comfortable 4 star hotel located in the centre
which is 200m from the Faloria Cableway and 150m from Corso Italia.
meals: NIL
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DAY 2Circular Walk 16 km /10 miles, 6.5 h
A 30 minute bus ride will take you to the start of today’s walk. Begin trekking by climbing
steadily into the Tre Cime mountain group. This is a famous block of three vertical sided
finger-like towers. The route is often quiet and the climb unravels with anticipation. Head
towards the Rifugio Locatelli, taking lunch at or near to the refuge, then descend around
the Tre Cime to Rifugio Auronzo, (shorter option 12 km/7.5 miles, 5 h ends here). The
descent is through pleasant forest to Lake Antorno. Return to Cortina by bus for your
overnight accommodation.
meals: B
DAY 3Cortina to San Cassian 21 km/13 miles, 7 h
From Cortina, after a few minutes by bus, begin your climb to the Rifugio Dibona at the
end of the dirt road. From here climb a little more and then traverse, with the vertical rock
walls of the Tofana di Rozes (3219m) and Tofana di Mezzo (3240m) peaks above. Follow
a high-level route to the Forc Lagazuoi pass. There is much evidence of First World War
trench systems, fortresses, barbed wire here. Much of the rubble lying around Lagazuoi
was not created by glaciation, but by huge mines that were detonated in 1915-16. The
descent is rocky but easier down to a pretty lake. A steeper section takes you to the
Rifugio Scotoni for drinks and strudel. Then onwards downhill, following the stream on
the way to your hotel at Armentarola near Sare.
Accommodation: Stay in a well-appointed 4 star hotel in the rural location of San
Cassian. There are no local facilities nearby but dinner can be taken in the hotel
restaurant.
meals: B
DAY 4San Cassian to Colfosco 14 km/8.6 miles, 6 h
Our route today is a complete change from the harsh rocky tablelands. You enjoy hiking
through forests and climb on to a grassy ridge to the mountain refuge at Pralongia. The
strudel is particularly inviting here. Continue to Col Alti (1983m) which also has a nice
little restaurant by the gondola station, with panoramic views of the Tofana and Sella
mountain groups, our next destination. Descend steeply to Corvara and stay nearby in
Colfosco. This is a pretty village with an old church, a few shops, a supermarket, bank
and a couple of bars.
Accommodation: For two nights, stay in a welcoming and good standard 2 star bed and
breakfast accommodation.
meals: B
DAY 5Rest day in Colfosco
Enjoy a rest day in this picturesque village; there are, however, some rewarding walks
on offer. If the weather is good we recommend taking a morning bus up the short
distance to Passo Gardena and then walking up to Sas Ciampac (2672m). This is a
fantastic walking peak high above Colfosco rewarded by an impressive picnic spot on
the summit. The descent takes you down into a glaciated valley where you might see
Edelweiss. You should get back to your accommodation by mid afternoon.
meals: B
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DAY 6Colfosco to Campitello 21 km/13 miles, 8 h
Starting from Colfosco, return past the campsite and head up into the trees around the
east side of the Sella group. We recommend taking a gondola part of the way to assist
in the ascent (saves 600 metres and 2 hrs walking). You then traverse below the cliffs
and above the forests, with magnificent views of the Marmolada and peaks to the east.
From Passo Pordoi, descend to Campitello, a gondola can also be used for the second
half of this descent.
This route should only be undertaken in dry, clear weather. In the event of poor weather
or too much snow, a direct bus can be taken via Arabba to Canazei, with connections
to Campitello.
Accommodation: We use a 3 star hotel on a half board basis. This is quite a large hotel
with good size rooms and a small spa with a sauna.
meals: B,D
DAY 7A day to walk and explore around Campitello
There are a variety of different walks of varied grades available to choose from. Routes
for the day include a popular trail below the Sassopiatto from Col Rodela with the option
to climb the peak and a bus ride to the foot of Marmolada from where you can walk or
ride up to the Marmolada glacier and the mountain hut there perhaps for a Jaeger Tee.
meals: B,D
DAY 8Arrangements end after breakfast
After breakfast, depart for your onward journey.
meals: B
additional supplements
At the time of booking we aim to offer our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are
not available then alternatives are used (and on occasion a small supplement may apply). If these
are of a different standard and / or a supplement applies you will be informed on confirmation of
your booking.
inclusions
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
5 nights accommodation in 2‑4 star hotels and 2 nights in B&B. Twin share basis with ensuite
facilities
Luggage transfer
Information pack including route notes & maps
Emergency hotline
items not included
5 dinners, all lunches & beverages
Bus and train journeys at the beginning and end of the tour
During the tour, transfers by bus or cable car
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
City Tax 2‑4 Euros per day, per person, locally payable to the accommodations
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trip grading - moderate to challenging
Moderate to Challenging (Grade 4). While generally no tougher than our other Alpine treks, this route does
involve some short, slightly exposed, albeit stunning, sections where a head for heights is needed. The
two routes that are the most exposed are however options for the days when you have 2 nights at the
same hotel so these can be avoided. No mountaineering experience is necessary for the trip but it is a trek
most suited to those with previous experience of hillwalking and mountainous terrain. For this reason the
trip is graded ‘moderate to challenging’. Average daily duration of walking is around 6‑7 hours, although
this will obviously vary according to the terrain, conditions, individual or group progress and weather. The
trails in the Dolomites tend to be more rocky underfoot than many other areas of the Alps, so care must
be taken along some sections. By using buses and cable cars some of the longer days can be shortened.
In the unlikely event of extreme bad weather necessitating a change to the itinerary, clients are expected
to bear the cost of transport to the next night’s stop.
trip organisation
This is essentially a linear route where taxis do the hard work carrying your baggage. This allows you to
walk carrying only the items you require for the day. Your main baggage is carried between hotels by
taxi. On a number of days a bus is used to get to the start of a walk or to get back to the hotel. Bus fares
are not included. There are also options to shorten some days by using buses or cable cars; again these
are not included. The cost of essential buses and cable cars adds up 40 Euros and if you opt to shorten
all possible walks then expect to pay another 25 Euros. Note that before mid to late June and after the
second weekend in September, some buses do not run which effect days 2&3. You are advised that
you will need to spend an extra 100 Euros approx in this case to use taxis instead if bus services are not
running. Some of the mountain huts described in our route notes that you could visit on the walks are not
open until the end of June and walkers in June should be advised that late snow may effect some of the
higher trails on this vacation.
way marking
Most of the walks are waymarked but not always at frequent intervals. There is a mix of paint markings
and signs but you will also need to pay close attention to the maps and route notes provided especially if
visibility is poor. You will need to carry a compass and of course be able to use it to check your directions
especially if the weather deteriorates reducing visibility. If you are not confident with map and compass
then consider joining an escorted departure rather than opting for a self guided holiday. GPS is useful and
compatible albeit hard to use with the maps provided, however the rockwalls and towers can seriously
effect readings.
route notes
Please note that one set of route notes per room booked is included in the cost of the holiday. If you
require more sets of notes then there is a charge of £30 per set ordered. For bookings received four
weeks or less prior to the tour departure, courier fees may be applicable to ensure you receive your final
documentation in time. As rates are variable, please contact your consultant for details. Sherpa will try to
avoid these costs where possible.
meal inclusions
In northern Italy breakfast usually consists of coffee and toast/bread/cheese/ham/cereal. It is important
for you to tell us if you have any dietary requirements when you book your holiday so that we can inform
everyone that you are staying with. Please don’t offend your hosts by making up a picnic lunch from the
breakfast buffet unless it has been specifically organised for you. Breakfast is provided at all the hotels.
An evening meal is provided on two evenings. On other evenings we leave you free to sample the local
cuisine. Lunches are not included. We suggest you budget 250‑270 Euro for those meals not included.
Note: If you arrive in Cortina late on a Saturday or on Sunday there will be nowhere to buy lunch supplies
for the first couple of walks so you may wish to take some snacks with you.
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dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically
recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well
in advance to determine whether we can cater on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are
likely to be limited in remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be
times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. Passengers must travel
with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
accommodation
DURING TOUR
The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then
alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking.
Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually
because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house
where a bath is available to guests. NOTE: High season supplement applies for departures in Jul and Aug.
check in/out
It is generally normal practice when staying in hotels that you check‑in on or after 2pm and checkout by
10am the following morning. Guesthouses/bed & breakfast establishments are normally check‑in on or
after 4pm and checkout by 10am.
luggage
We do not offer porter service on our holidays. You must be able to move your own luggage to and from
your rooms. This more than likely involve stairs as many of the properties we stay in do not have lifts.
Sometimes your luggage will have been taken to your room awaiting your arrival however do not be
surprised if it is waiting for you to take up to your room and you are asked to bring it down again the next
morning.
language
When traveling in less frequented areas you will not necessarily come across people speaking English.
Remember you are experiencing a different culture, buy a phrase book and try to learn a little of the local
language! The first language in this part of Italy is German!
getting there
BY AIRNearest International Airport: Venice. From Venice Airport catch the Cortina
Express coach, there are normally 2 departures a day between around June
24 and September 11, taking 2 hours. Must be pre‑booked. End of tour: Book
late afternoon or early evening flight unless you are having another night in
Venice which is quite a popular way to end the tour. From Campitello there is a
limited bus service to Trento (allow 3 hours), then train to Venice. You can take
a taxi back to Cortina (approx. EUR 100) and catch the Cortina Express back
to Venice Airport or town. Travelling from Munich: Catch the train to Dobbiaco
with two changes, approx. 5 ‑ 6 hours where you then catch the bus to Cortina,
1 hour.
insurance
All clients must have appropriate cover for the activities included for the duration of our trip.
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fast facts
COUNTRIES VISITEDItaly
VISASVisas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for
up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.
schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the
Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen
area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the
Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport
holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days
in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending
most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there
is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in
obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
CLIMATEOur treks in the Alps operate during the European summer. In recent years,
temperatures have ranged from 15 C – 30 C during the day, with nights from 15
C down to below freezing. Obviously the average temperatures can be much
less at altitude and with windchill. Although rain and snow is possible at any
time in the season , there are fortunately very few prolonged periods of bad
weather. Clear skies and spectacular sunsets are frequently experienced. Note
that afternoon storms in the Alps, usually reverting to fine weather an hour or
two afterwards occur with some regularity especially in August.
MIN GROUP SIZE1
MAX GROUP SIZE20
how to book
To book this trip go to our website to make a booking online or download our booking form. A booking
form can also be found at the back of our Active Europe brochure. If you complete a paper booking form,
email, fax or post the form to our office – contact details can be found on our website.
e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure
news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.
sherpa‑walking‑holidays.co.uk or contact our office.
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IMPORTANT NOTE
THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS
ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.
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