Compare Dolomites Hut Hike by Distant Journeys vs Italian Elegance - Small Group, 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,295 | $ 5,095 |
| Price Per Day | $ 330 | $ 425 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners |
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| Description |
We think this is one of the most dramatic, exciting, and wonderful hiking areas in the Alps. Strikingly different from the French and Swiss Alps, the limestone Dolomites of northern Italy rise dramatically from alpine valleys to form startling spire-like peaks and towering canyonesque rock faces. |
Experience the food and fun of Italy on this 12-day guided tour. In Rome, see the Colosseum where gladiators fought to the death, then visit the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert for a behind-the-scenes look at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Travel from Florence to the heart of Tuscany, stopping in scenic San Gimignano for a taste of gelato with a world-champion gelato maker; later, arrive at your hotel for a sampling of the region’s most robust red wines. Prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a photo and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre with a Local Expert, who will join you for a sea-to-table feast in the medieval town of Monterosso. Allow yourself to be serenaded as you float along the canals of Venice in a traditional gondola, and watch a renowned craftsman blow Venetian glass into a masterful work of art. |
Day 1:
The trip will begin at the hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a classic Dolomites village nestled among the spectacular mountains of the Tofane, Cristallo, Sorapis and Antelao. This beautiful village has a wonderful main street lined with several shops and outdoor cafes. There is bus and train access from Venice. Cortina is a great place to begin our trek. Welcome dinner and trip orientation
Day 2:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Morning transfer to Ra Stua. This pleasant hike offers our first views of the Tofane, the Croda Rossa and the Croda del Becco. Passing the high alpine meadows of Ra Stua, our trail switchbacks up through the larch forest before arriving at our rifugio for the night, Rifugio Fodara Vedla. After we arrive at the rifugio we will have time for a wonderful day hike. Private triple or twin rooms and shared facilities.
Day 3:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
From last night’s stop we first descend steeply (1,380′) to the valley and hike up to Rifugio Lavarella. This hike leads up Valle di Rudo to Rifugio Lavarella. This short day of hiking will allows time for a day hike to Lac Parom, about 2 hours round trip or a longer 3 ½ hour hike to the open plateau of the Gran Ciamplac which circles back to the rifugio. Small, simple bunk rooms for 2 to 4 persons. Shared facilities.
Day 4:
After a short 30-minute hike we arrive at Lago di Limo and a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains; a wonderful beginning to your day. The trail then opens into a lush, broad valley between the rocky summits of Monte Castello, which was heavily fortified during WWI, and Piz des Cunturines (10,111′). The scenery and colors are stunning. This descent (1,500′) leads down to the valley floor, followed by a 40-minute climb to Rifugio Scotoni. This small rifugio is set in a beautiful valley surrounded by the towering mountains of the Cime di Fanes. This small, comfortable rifugio has bunkrooms with 4 to 6 bunk in each room. Shared facilities. Dinner and breakfast included. If the weather if perfect we might be able to hike over the dramatic Forcella del Lago and down steeply to Scotoni. This is a short hiking day but very dramatic.
Day 5:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
From Scotoni we hike up through the Alpe di Lagazuoi to the Rifugio Lagazuoi (gaining 2,530′) through this vast limestone plateau. Surrounding us are the Punta di Fanes, the cliffs of the Lagazuoi and the massive Tofana di Rozes (10,650′). The scenery just doesn’t quit. It is big and impressive in all directions. Near the pass there are several World War I underground passages called galleries, which serve as memorials to the terrible fighting that took place here in 1916.
After we stop for lunch at Lagazuoi, which has a very good restaurant, we have an optional hike, which takes us down though one of these galleries. Our other option is to take advantage of the cable car which can bring us to the valley. We rejoin the hiking route and begin our final ascent (950′) to the very friendly Rifugio Cinque Torri that has been run by the same family since 1936. Once again the setting for this rifugio is remarkable as it looks at the long wall of the Croda di Lago. Comfortable rooms with 4 beds per room. Shared facilities.
Day 6:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today the trail takes us near two striking rock mountains: Averau and Nuvolao as we descend to Passo Giau. The trail then leads over the forcella Giau where the views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. The trail leads over lush alpine meadows, perhaps spotting some wild edelweiss. The last part of the day leads below Pelmo’s north face, (which is 3,300′ straight up to the top at 10,454′,) to our comfortable mountain rifugio at Passo Staulanza. This is a long day. Small private rooms with private bathrooms. Dinner and breakfast included.
Day 7:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
From Passo Staulanza, we join a popular trail and climb to the shoulder of Monte Coldai, which lies at the edge of the famous Monte Civetta (10,620′). After stopping for a picnic lunch at Lago Coldai, we continue to the col Negro di Coldai, which looks over at the towering west face of Monte Civetta. This “wall of walls” extends for over 4 miles! About mid-way past this wall, we climb to our rifugio (7,500′), Rifugio Tissi, perched on the mountain flank looking out at the Val Civetta, down the Alleghe Valley and west to the Marmolada Glacier. This overnight stop is memorable. This is a rustic rifugio, bunkrooms and shared facilities. Dinner and breakfast.
Day 8:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
From Tissi we descend to the val Civetta over the Col Rean, through beautiful, open, green meadows to the narrow valley of Val Corpassa. Our route takes us right below the sheer rock faces of the Torre Venezia and the Torre Trieste, both rising some 2,000′ feet. Perhaps we will see some climbers ascending these impressive towers. We pass by the Rifugio Vazzoler (5,656′) and then ascend steeply through a dense forest to forcella de l’Orso and alongside Monte Mioazza’s southern flank to Rifugio Bruto Carestiato, our rifugio for the night. Today’s hike includes some rugged terrain. We think it is one of the more varied and certainly one of the more remote hikes of the trip. Small bunk rooms and shared bathrooms. Dinner and breakfast.
Day 9:
Continuing on the Alta Via 1, we first arrive at Passo Duran and cross the mountain road. The route from this point on is remote and rugged. The trail leads south of the rocky Tamer Grande and Castello di Moschesin. Rounding the corner at the pass at Moschesin you are treated with views of Mont Talvena, Cima de Zita, the deep, narrow valleys of the La Clusa to the south and Monte Pelmo (again) and the Val Prampert to the north. This rocky, rough and quiet path leads to the farm at Malga Pramper where we will be met by our van late in the afternoon for transfer to nearby Forno di Zoldo. This is a great way to end our hike. We spend the night in a family run hotel in the pretty village of Forno di Zoldo. Farewell dinner a nearby restaurant. Our extra luggage from Cortina will be at the hotel when we arrive.
Day 10:
The trip will end with a group transfer from the hotel to the Venice Airport. The departure time is about 7:00 am. Travel time is about 1 ½ – 2 hours; expected arrival at the airport is about 8:30 – 9:00 am. Note: We have purposely set the departure time early to accommodate morning flight departures from Venice. If you would like to depart later we can arrange for a later taxi at an additional cost.
Day 1: Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director at 17:30, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Rome with Vatican Dinner
In the morning enjoy the very best of the city’s highlights including visiting the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican with your Local Expert and see the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. In the afternoon, enjoy fast-tracked priority entry into the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection and observe the stunning Museo Gregoriano Profano which documents various moments and themes in classical art, from Ancient Greece through to the late Imperial Roman age. Enter the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece on its ceiling. After, dine in the Vatican's elegant Cortile del Giardino Quadrato, should weather permit, where you will enjoy incredible views of the cupola of St. Peter's during your private Highlight Dinner.
Day 3: Renaissance Florence
Take the autostrada north to Renaissance Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. From there, see the cathedral, campanile and the baptistery, adorned with the Gates of Paradise. Walk on to Piazza della Signoria with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. There is time to shop for Florentine leather or gold before continuing to your elegant hotel in the picturesque town of Radda in Chianti.
Day 4: The flavours of San Gimignano Relaxed Start
Journey across the rich Tuscan countryside to the hilltop village of San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers. Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats. Next, stop at a local winery to sample robust Tuscan wines.
Day 5: The Chianti Hills to Pisa, Lucca and Santa Margherita
Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills before continuing to the delightful town of Lucca. Taste the lavish loaves of buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisin anise bread. Head for Pisa and see the incredible Leaning Tower, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Continue along the coast to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Day 6: The Cinque Terre
Head for the port of La Spezia for a highlight of your travels and one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes, the Cinque Terre. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. Enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table lunch in Monterosso. There is time to explore the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before returning to your hotel. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps make the most of the hotel’s private beach.
Day 7: Portofino and Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
Cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita (should weather permit). Enjoy leisure time to admire the coloured houses, browse the boutiques or simply stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour. Next, head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with lush vegetation.
Day 8: Cortina d’Ampezzo
Travel down through more majestic Dolomite scenery to one of the world’s most breathtaking wine regions. Protected by the Alps to the north, and caressed by the warm breezes from the Adriatic, the vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine.Stop at Carmina where great care is taken to ensure these hand-picked grapes produce the world's finest prosecco. See how production differs from its more famous French counterpart, champagne. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavours and learn how to make the perfect bellini.Continue through the Dolomites, to the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Day 9: Experience the Dolomites Relaxed Start
The whole day is free for you to explore the colourful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. During summer, once the snow and ice have melted away, a breathtaking landscape is revealed. There are a number of walking tracks through pristine Alpine wilderness for the adventurous to explore, or for a more relaxed pace, perhaps take a thrilling Optional Experience to the summit of one of the peaks for breathtaking panoramic views?
Day 10: Venice, Queen of the Adriatic Relaxed Start
Descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice. A private boat glides you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St Mark’s Square. See the basilica, the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, before checking into your luxurious hotel. With the afternoon at leisure, why not cruise the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialities and wine?
Day 11: Venice at Leisure Relaxed Start
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.Then there is free time to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Mingle with the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and explore the back lanes and squares where Venetians go about their day. Later, on your romantic gondola serenade, glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. This evening, stroll past the famous Opera House to La Fenice restaurant for a magical Celebration Dinner. Indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce.
Day 12: Arrivederci Venice
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 08:00 and 09:30.
