Current as of: May 20, 2019 - 12:50 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019

Walking the of , Self- Guided Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Self-Guided, Premium 8 Days Land only Trip Code: Adventures Min age: 12 Moderate  Destinations: 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 ). 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 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 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. Complimentary grappa tasting is available once a week, as well as one glass of wine and cheese tasting in the wine cellar. You will also get 4 half board meals included at the half board restaurant. Customers wishing to eat at one of the other three restaurants at the hotel can use their 'credit' from the half board menu and pay any difference locally. Drinks are always excluded.

Other facilities include a library and lounge, a luxurious spa with indoor swimming pool, relaxation area, treatment rooms (3), sauna, steam room and an outdoor hot tub with fabulous alpine views to soak away those aching limbs after a day of walking. Headwater customers get free spa access (spa treatments available for a supplement.)

The hotel offers a free shuttle service to San Cassiano (village and the main Piz Surega lift) as well as to the Capanna Alpina restaurant for the Fanes Natural Park walk. One picnic lunch is included at the hotel’s private mountain hut (day of the week changes depending on the weather). This mountain hut can be reached on foot (1hr 30mins from the hotel) on Day 4 walking or by gondola (about 20mins.)

E-mountain bikes are available to hire for additional charge (payable locally.)

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $86.80 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All breakfasts and four dinners are included.

Transportation Transfers to the starting points 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

Weather Information 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 hotel in Armentarola, San Cassiano, in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Arrival and departure transfers are not included between Venice Marco Polo Airport and the hotel in Armentarola.

We can arrange arrival and departure transfers from either Venice Marco Polo Airport or from Innsbruck Airport for you (additional cost - please inquire at the time of booking for prices).

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: Armentarola, San Cassiano Location end: San Cassiano

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 , Italy Insight Guide Frommers Nothern Italy - John Moretti.

Practical Information Passport

Italy

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa Italy

No visa required for North American Passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccination Italy

There are no specific health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered? It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident in the USA we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Italy's Timezone: Europe/Rome CEST (GMT +02:00)

Electricity Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins.

Voltage: 220V Frequency (Hz): 50

Money Italy's Currency

The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

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. Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake 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.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances 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.

On all trips In 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 you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 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.

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; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, 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.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety

Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771.

www.breakaway-adventures.com

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