Active Journeys Italy Self-Guided Italy Hiking Tour
The Amazing Dolomites
This itinerary lets us visit by foot some of the most incredible areas in the Dolomites. From famous places like Tofane, Lagazuoi and 5 Torri mountain groups to the less known but spectacular rock masses of the Pelmo and Croda da Lago massifs. Wild alpine meadows, deciduous and evergreen woods, high altitude lunar‐like terrain soaring peaks, dramatic walls and towering heights alternate with the refined South Tyrolean – Italian town of Cortina d’Ampezzo and hidden delicious mountain inns that we encounter during our daily hikes. The breathtaking pinnacles of the Dolomites have always been well known to climb‐ ers from all over the world. During the First World War, the Italian and Austro‐Hungarian armies fought against each other on the vertical walls of these wonderful mountains. In order to succeed, they had to fix iron ladders and wire cables to the rock, often under en‐ emy fire. Today, many of these itineraries have been converted to recreational use and can be tackled by whoever wants to go a step further from hiking, towards the magical world of mountaineering. This activity is suitable for all curious hikers that want to know what is beyond the trails.
The World Famous Vie Ferrate (“iron ways”) of the Dolomites are well protected itinerar‐ ies with wire cables for safety, iron rods and steps fixed to the rock allowing non‐climbers Tour Details 2010: an easier approach to the mountains. To make this fascinating “adventure” even safer, you will need simple mountaineering equipment such as a harness, helmet, some rope and a Dates: Daily from mid-June to few karabiners. Your guide will teach you how to use the equipment and give you hints on end-Sep climbing techniques while discovering an exciting new route in complete security. Length: 8 days/7 nights Cost: $1920 Single Supp: $450 Fast Facts Grade: INTERMEDIATE • Starts: Cortina Enjoy one week in the mighty Dolo- • Learn about local cuisine and wine mites centered in only three hotels Ends: Norcia • Land of juxtaposition between Aus- • Accommodation and breakfasts tria and Italy, a wonderful combina- • tion! Walk on your own and do the climbing with an expert guide for 2 days
Active Journeys Contact: 1-800-597-5594 or 416-236-5011 Email : [email protected]
ITINERARY
Day Itinerary 1 Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo and check in. Cortina enjoys a reputation for great winter skiing (it was the site of the 1956 winter Olympics), and in the summer attracts hikers and mountain climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains. Trip orientation of the trip. Hotel in Cortina
Day 2 Hiking under the Tofane di Rozes to Rifugio Lagazuoi Today you will be covering terrain that was one of the most im‐ portant fronts during the First World War, and we’ll see tunnels, bunkers, galleries, and trenches while hiking. Settle down to a peaceful evening with flocks of alpine views, there are handy name plates on the refuge’s terrace railing pointing to the impor‐ tant. Rifugio Lagazuoi B,D Hiking time: 6 hours / Miles: 4.97 miles Elevation gain: 2667 feet Elevation loss: 2017 feet
Day 3 A choice of two of the following ferratas Via Ferrata Col dei Bos or Averau Via Ferrata Averau ( moderate / Itermediate) The views of the Tofane group to the north are outstanding on this route, and the historic training ground of generations of rock climbers. Although the ferrata is only 10‐15 minutes long, it pro‐ vides some pleasant climbing on very nice rock. Both options are well protected, and you might as well get the most out of this little route by going the wall and coming back down the chimney. Return to Rifugio Cinque Torri and back to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Via Ferrata Col dei Bos (Easy/moderate) Transfer to Col Gallina and short hike to the Via Ferrata Col dei Bos. This Via Ferrata is not signed on maps or guiding books as it is one of the Via Ferrate that the Italian alpine military units use for training. Lagazuoi B,D
Day 4 Over the Nuvolau to the Croda da Lago When you look west from the township of Cortina, the Averau‐ Nuvolau group appear as unassuming low‐set mountains rising up from a gentle faraway slope. At their base is a jagged set of rock teeth, the Cinque Torri (“Five Towers”). They’re not exactly impressive compared to the majestic Tofane immediately to their north, but they do offer unobstructed views – some of the best panoramas in the whole of the Dolomites – and, of great impor‐ tance here, are easily accessed by walkers, with many trails par‐ ticularly suitable for beginners. We continue to hike to cosy fam‐ ily‐run Rifugio Palmieri/Croda da Lago on the shores of pretty Lago Federa. It is a great spot for a rest, invigorating swim in the lake or overnight stay. Hiking time: 5 ‐6 hours / Miles: 7.45 miles Elevation gain: 879 feet / Elevation loss: 1085 feet ITINERARY Page 2
Day 5 The Great Pelmo Tour The “Giro del Pelmo” is a complete circular trail of one of the most impressive isolated Dolomites mountains, the 3168m‐high Pelmo. Awe‐inspiring from whatever angle it is viewed, it towers over the Boite and Zoldo valleys. Marvelous views are savored during the hike from the Boite valley to the mighty Civetta. Hiking time: 8 hours / Miles: 10.56 miles Elevation gain: 1834 feet / Elevation loss: 1834 feet Note: There is the option to do a shorter hike.
Day 6 Descend to San Vito di Cadore and return to Cortina From the Rifugio we hike a little bit back to Forcella Roan (6548 feet) and descend the Val de Busella. We cross meadows and sweet‐smelling forests of tall pines and larch and discover several old timber tabià huts. The path takes a wooded crest to La Senti‐ nella (5377 feet) then drops steeply. You come out at the upper limit for a road which takes you slightly uphill of Rifugio Sennes (3983 feet). It is well‐placed for appreciating the majestic form of the Antelao which rises up on the other side of the valley. A side trail leads straight down across the River Boite to the thriving township of San Vito di Cadore (3313 feet). Public bus to Cortina. Time to walk around and relax. Hiking time: 4 hours / Miles: 4.97 miles Elevation gain: 0 feet / Elevation loss: 2975 feet
Day 7 Tre Cime di Lavaredo Today we take a scenic drive up to Rifugio Auronzo, then hike for some hours around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Monte Pa‐ terno, one of the most scenic mountain landscapes in the Dolo‐ mites. Along the way we’ll admire the spectacular Cadini moun‐ tain group on the south, with its rock spires and strangely formed needles.
Day 8 End of services
Meals:
Dinners are included at the refugios, breakfast only in Cortina, where you can explore the small town with is wonderful outdoor restaurants and cafes, certainly lots to choose from.
What to Expect What will the weather be like? Getting There The daytime temperature will be warm and sunny. In September, you can expect high 70’s (high 20’s C), and cooler evenings. Sunscreen is a must during the day, as Arrive on your own to Cortina. is a sweater for the cooler nights. Traditionally it does not rain, but it is recom‐ You can fly either to Innsbruck mended to bring some rain gear in case. In June, you can expect to occasionally or Venice and take a local bus walk over snow at the tops of some peaks. from there. Transfers also How many hours of walking a day? available. Be prepared to walk between 5 to 6 hours daily, rarely on flat terrain. The Dolo‐ mites are all hills. You are either going up or down almost all the time; however, these are shorter rolling ascents and descents.
How fit do I need to be? The fitter the better, and some hiking experience is recommended but not re‐ quired. Settling into three locations, this allows you the option of taking a day off, not walking, or only doing half the route if you want.
What are the accommodations like? We use wonderful backcountry lodges with twin‐bedded rooms, all with private facilities. One day is an optional walk with an overnight in a simple refuge.
Extra services How to book your holiday
Hotels in Venice or Innsbruck range • Contact our office to make sure there is space available. from €150 per night to a deluxe 5* One of our travel planners will walk you through the en- property at €450 per night. tire booking process.
We also have a small selection of rural • Download the reservation form from our website and farmhouses where you can spend a send in completed form by fax or email. Once this is done, few days or a week, car rental your space is confirmed and a pre-departure packet will recommended. be sent immediately.
We can organize rail passes for Italy • Deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due only, or for multiple country rail passes. 60 days prior to departure. Terms & conditions are out- lined on the back of our Reservation Form.
• Plan your air travel as soon as possible.
• We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through us or directly a travel insurance provider.
• Ensure that you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us for more information on vaccinations, inocula-