Current as of: May 20, 2019 - 12:50 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 Walking the Dolomites of Alta Badia, Self- Guided Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Self-Guided, Premium 8 Days Land only Trip Code: Adventures Min age: 12 Moderate Destinations: Italy W07DS Programmes: Walking & Trekking Trip Overview In the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the Alta Badia region boasts some of the most spectacular alpine scenery as well as a reputation for excellent cuisine. The village of San Cassiano is no stranger to either and sits just 15km, as the crow flies, due West of Cortina d'Ampezzo (or 30km/19mi by road and the Falzarego Pass). Around 500m in altitude above the village lies a large area of beautiful alpine meadow, dotted with traditional wooden mountain huts and the most amazing panoramic views. At some points you have a 360-degree vista that spans from the Austrian Alps to the North to the Marmolada range to the South (the highest peaks in the Dolomites), with the Fanes Natural Park to the East and the Sella mountain range and Gardena Pass to the West - all stunning views in their own rights but when combined it's almost mind-blowing! 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 Countries visited: Italy Trip Highlights Stunning natural landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites: jagged limestone peaks, high alpine meadows and pine forests Over 400kms+ of marked walking trails; a great array of flora & fauna; unrivalled alpine views Explore charming alpine villages connected by bus and mountain lift system Historical WW1 museum and fighting tunnels in the nearby Lagazuoi mountain Fabulous 4 star family-run hotel with four restaurants, spa, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna and steam room 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. 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: Armentarola End City: Armentarola Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Start Armentarola, San Cassiano Arrive at your hotel in Armentarola, San Cassiano. Staying at 4* Ciasa Salares for 7 nights, with 4 nights on Half Board and 3 nights B&B. As you're at the same hotel all week the below itinerary is only a suggestion and you can, of course do any walk on any day. Day 2 Pralongia Walk From the hotel, you ascend steadily along peaceful country lanes, through pine forest and up onto high alpine meadows with spectacular views of the surrounding Dolomites mountain ranges. Either enjoy a picnic en route or when you reach the mountain hut at Pralongia, take time over lunch and soaking up the mountain panorama. Return to San Cassiano for the hotel shuttle or walk back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional shorter walk: 5hrs, distance 15km/9.5mi Distance covered: 17 km / 10.5 miles Activity (hours): 5.5 Day 3 Santa Croce and Badia Walk Walk directly from the hotel or take the shuttle to San Cassiano. This pilgrimage route first skirts above the village then heads through some delightful pine woods. Along the route you pass depictions of the last hours of Jesus Christ's life on earth before you reach the church at Santa Croce with its amazing backdrop and views across the valley and the village of Badia. Descend to Badia and take the bus back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional shorter walk: 4.5hrs, distance 13km/8mi Distance covered: 14 km / 9 miles Activity (hours): 5 Day 4 San Cassiano to Corvara Walk Enjoy truly spectacular scenery on this favourite Alta Badia trail. You can start the day with a gondola lift or you can climb the first 5km through pine forest and alpine meadows. Once up at the top there are fabulous views ahead to the Marmolada mountains, the highest in the Dolomites, and behind as far as the Austrian Alps in the distance. At some points you have the most incredible 360-degree panoramic views. Continue on with a variety of mountain hut options for lunch then descend to Corvara for a well-deserved drink before catching the bus back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional shorter walk: 3.5hrs, distance 11km/7mi Walking time 4hrs, distance 10km/6.5mi or walking time 5.5hrs, distance 13km/8mi. Comfortable Hotel Distance covered: 16 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 5.5 Day 5 Two lakes of Badia Walk A short bus trip to Badia before this lovely walk takes you to two small lakes close to Badia with the fabulous backdrop of the Somamunt, Col Plo Alt and Pre Janin mountains. There are some wonderful views over the village and across the valley to the Santa Croce mountain as you head to Lech dla Lunch (pronounced lek-dela-loonk). Bring a picnic and you could even stop here for loonk! A steep climb sets you on your way to Lech da Sompunt and its delightful swans. Descend back to Badia passing through tiny hamlets and take the bus back. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Distance covered: 16 km / 6 miles Activity (hours): 3.5 Day 6 Valparola Pass Walk Today you head up to one of the key strategic passes from WW1 – the Passo Valparola for fabulous views over the San Cassiano valley. Heading through the delightful Pre de Costa meadows, and past the Malghe Valparola, you head up towards the pass. When you get there, you may want to stop for refreshments at the rifugio at the top. You can make this a history trip and continue on to the nearby WW1 museum or even to Passo Falzarego and a cable car up to the top of Lagazuoi – one of the most fiercely fought over mountains in the Dolomites. Another alternative is a tough 13km walk across towards the Setsas mountain with more fabulous views and back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional longer walks available. Distance covered: 7 km / 2 miles Activity (hours): 2.5 Day 7 Fanes Natural Park Walk Defintely worth the wait - the Fanes Natural Park is a huge expanse of outstanding natural beauty. You can either walk directly from the hotel or get the shuttle to the Capanna Alpina hut before starting the steep climb up to the panoramic Col de Locia. The verdant plateau beyond (Plan de Ciaulunch) and the climb up to the Forcela dl Lech provide awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and a sparkling, aquamarine mountain lake. You need a head for heights on this one as you descend via two steep gorges, with well trodden paths, to the Scotoni mountain hut and down a spectacular ski slope to the start point. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional shorter walk: 4.5 hrs, distance 10km/6mi Distance covered: 15 km / 9.5 miles Activity (hours): 6 Day 8 End San Cassiano All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Accommodation Accommodation Walking the Dolomites of Alta Badia Ciasa Salares, Armentarola, San Cassiano Ciasa Salares, your home for the week, is located just a short walk (or even shorter shuttle/bus ride) from the centre of San Cassiano. Run by the Wieser family, Stefan, Wilma and their son Jan Clemens, who is passionate about the hotel’s fantastic wine cellar, the hotel combines alpine chic in the décor with good old-fashioned hospitality. The hotel's four restaurants include an informal wine bar, a terrace restaurant, a main restaurant and tables in the wine cellar. There are also two other very special rooms – the Cheese Room and the Chocolate Room, used for tastings, individual courses during meals and special occasions.