Choose Your Pace: Hiking in the Italian Dolomites

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Note - Transfer to Selva di Val Gardena is about 3.5 hours (125 miles). This program covers hiking in the Dolomite mountains and a good level of fitness at altitude and head for heights is required.

Afternoon: After checking in at the Hotel Miravalle, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax until our Orientation session before dinner. We will meet early evening for an orientation to the program and introduction to your fellow participants. Your Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. There will be two levels of hikes each day- based on local conditions- with variable terrain and increasing levels of physical challenge so you can select the hike of your choice. Each evening, we will hear about the next day’s hike features, highlights, terrain, ascent, and length with questions and answers, then sign up for your preferred option. Hiking experts will rotate through the difficulty levels in order to interact with as many participants as possible. Hikes will go rain or shine. Transportation to trailheads will be via private or local bus, and by cable car. A good head for heights is essential Sites visited may vary based on the hiking level selected for that day. Hike durations are approximate and will be largely dependent on pace and ability level of participants in each group. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time’ and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: We will enjoy a welcome dinner with water and one glass of wine included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on and off a cable car. Easier Level Hike: 540m (1775 feet) downhill, 60m (200 feet) uphill. 7.1km (4.41 miles), 3.5 hours; Challenging Hike: 790m (2592 feet) downhill, 185m (607 feet) uphill. 10.1km (6.28 miles), 4.5 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: As a group, we will depart by coach to the Col Raiser cable car, situated above the village of Santa Cristina. After taking the cable car to the top, we will enjoy a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains of the Odle Group; including Stevia, Sella, Sassolungo, Sasso Piatto, and the Sciliar Challenging hike: From here we will start hiking towards Rifugio Malga Pieralongia (2,290 meters). After a short respite at this typical mountain hut, we will continue on to Rifugio Firenze. . Easier hike: We will start our gentle hike towards the Rifugio Firenze (2,040 meters).

Lunch: Lunch on your own en route.

Afternoon: Groups will depart Rifugio Firenze separately to walk towards Ciaulonch Lake. Be on the lookout for fish and shell fossils that can still be found in the area. We will proceed to Juac Hutte, a recently renovated and strategically placed hut surrounded by nature and silence! From here, our guide will lead us through the pathways that cross the fields back to Selva Gardena. Later this afternoon, we will enjoy an introductory lecture on the local Ladin Culture and Language at the Ladin Cultural Institute’s library.

Dinner: At hotel with water and one glass of wine included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on and off a cable car. Easier Level Hike: 655m (2149 feet) downhill, 60m (197 feet) uphill. 11.3km (7.02 miles), 3.5 hours. Challenging Hike: 1050m (3450 feet) downhill, 600m (1970 feet) uphill. 6km (3.73 miles), 6/7 hours hiking.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: As a group we will walk to the Dantercepies cable car, located close to our hotel. We will climb the 2298m (7.500 feet) by cable car and then divide into two groups. < Challenging hike: We will start our uphill hike where the fields will turn into dry pathways with dirt and gravel. At 2469 and 2528 meters we will stop to take in the breathtaking scenery of the mountains around us before we continue on our walk to Crespeina Lake. This lake is surrounded by beautiful edelweiss flowers. Please look but do not touch as these flowers are protected by law. We will finish the first half of our hike on the Puez Plateau to reach the Puez Hutte - a rustic yet charming refuge, perched at the foot of towering peaks. Easier hike: We will start our hike walking slightly downhill on paths through green fields. At 2065 meters we will reach Rifugio Forcelles, a resting place nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Dolomites. After a short break, we continue to Rifugio Stella Alpina/Edelweiss where we will stop for lunch.

Lunch: Lunch on your own en route.

Afternoon: Easier hike: We continue to the town of Colfosco, located at 1,645 meters (5,397 feet) it is the highest mountain village in the Dolomites with permanent, year-round residents. En route we will walk through the Sella group of mountains to our right and the Cir group to our left. From Colfosco, we take a private transfer back to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon will be free to see or do what interests you most. Challenging hike: We will start our descent towards Selva. We will walk next to rocks until we reach Vallunga valley, situated right below Puez. This valley is a gem full of trees, fields, and a small lake which fills during the rainy season. From here, we walk back to the hotel. After some time to rest and freshen up at the hotel, we will enjoy a lecture on Trentino Alto Adige (South Tyrol) Region, by a local expert.

Dinner: At hotel with water and one glass of wine included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on and off a motorcoach. Driving around 60 miles approx. 2 hours. Walking up to 3 miles, standing at museum. Cobblestones, uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we will depart by private coach to Bolzano, the main town in South Tyrol and a perfect blend of Alpine beauty and Northern Italian culture. We will enjoy an expert-led visit of the historical town center. We will then head to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology where with our local expert, we will see Otzi, the well-preserved ice-man who lived around 3,300 BCE during the Copper Age. He was discovered in 1991. by hikers in the Ötztal Alps, hence the name Ötzi,

Lunch: Group lunch included at a traditional local restaurant. Mineral water and glass of beer included.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will transfer to Ortisei. Here we will learn about the ancient wood traditions typical of Val Gardena during a visit to the Gherdeina Local Heritage Museum. From meticulously crafted wooden artifacts to vivid displays depicting daily life, the museum offers great insight into four centuries of wood carving traditions of the region. Later we transfer back to the hotel by bus.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own in Selva. Group Leader will assist with recommendations.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on and off a motorcoach. Driving around 50 miles, approx. 2 hours total. Easier Level Hike: Getting on and off a cable car. 1000m (3300 feet) downhill. 8.8km (5.5 miles), 3/4 hours. Challenging Hike: 1000m (3300 feet) downhill, 500m (1650 feet) uphill. 12.9km (8 miles), 5/6 hours. Narrow paths and tunnels.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: The group will transfer by private coach to Passo Falzarego, Today's activity involves hiking the World War I Route, close to Italy - Austria border. Here we will learn about the WWI conflict, where Italian troops confronted the German advance. Challenging hike: The WWI Route is a unique hiking experience. It is comprised of various tunnels dug by Italian soldiers for their defense. Everyone will be given a helmet and flashlight to use while we hike for approximately 2.5 hours uphill crossing through these tunnels. From an altitude of 2,100 meters we will hike up to approximately 2,750 meters and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Dolomites. Once at the top we will meet the rest of the group at Rifugio Lagazuoi. . Easier hike: Take the cable car up to the top of the Galleria Lagazuoi. Once at the top, we will learn about the surrounding mountains and the battles that took place in the area. We will also have the opportunity to see part of the trenches built during WWI before stopping to rest at Rifugio Lagazuoi, the highest chalet in the Dolomites. Both groups: We begin our descent towards Rifugio Scotoni. On the way down we will stop at a small chapel where the names of fallen soldiers are engraved on one of the walls.

Lunch: Lunch on your own en route.

Afternoon: Both groups will continue the hike to Armentarola, set amidst lush meadows, crystal-clear streams, and towering peaks. From there we will transfer back to the hotel by private coach.

Dinner: At hotel with water and one glass of wine included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on and off a motor coach. 2.3 hours drive, 85.4 miles. Walking approximately 2 miles, additional standing.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we depart by coach to the Abbazia di Novacella, built in 1142 and considered to be a unique example of the region's architectural influences. At the abbey, we will encounter Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo styles, which offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Tyrol. Our expert led visit will include the Museum, the Pinacoteca (art gallery) and the library. The resident Augustinian Monks are also excellent wine makers and we will enjoy a tasting of some of their wines. Later we will have some free time to roam the Abbey’s grounds which feature an aromatic herb greenhouse and a French-style garden.

Lunch: We will have a typical light lunch at the Abbey, including cold cuts, cheeses and a traditional dessert

Afternoon: After lunch, we will head by coach to the Ladin Museum where, with a local expert, we will have an exclusive on site lecture on the area's distinctive geology. Travelling through the Etsch/Isarco Valley in 1789, the French naturalist Déodat de Dolomieu discovered a limestone rock with - until then - unknown chemical characteristics. This mineral was named Dolomite after its discoverer and shortly thereafter the mountain range was named.

Dinner: At hotel with water and one glass of wine included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Easier Level Hike: 490m (1608 feet) downhill, 200m (656 feet) uphill. 15km (9.32 miles). Challenging Hike: 650m (2130 feet) downhill, 200m (720 feet) uphill. 17km (10.6 miles) Approx. 4 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: The group will transfer to Passo Sella, where we will split up into two levels. Challenging hike: We will take the cable car to the top of Sassalungo, a majestic mountain massif located in the heart of the Dolomites. Its distinctive elongated shape and towering limestone cliffs make it one of the most iconic peaks in the region. The name "Sassolungo" translates to "long stone" in English, aptly describing its imposing presence against the backdrop of the alpine sky. Once at the top, enjoy the breathtaking view before we start our walk downhill towards Rufigio Vincenza. We will see the scenery shift from rocks to forest and fields full of cows as we make our way all around the mountain towards Baita Ciadinat. The Baita (traditional chalet) was built in 1857 and is protected by the Italian Ministry of Fine Arts Easier hike: We will start our hike towards Monte Seura, and the “città dei Sassi” or Stone City. This rock formation was created by large rocks that have fallen over the years in a city-like pattern. During our walk we will enjoy the views of the Sella Group, Col Rodella, and Sassolungo. From here, we will descend towards Monte Pana by chair lift before continuing on foot via easy forest paths full of wild strawberry plants, which lead out to open fields. We continue our hike towards Ciaslat, a picture-perfect Tyrolean village, where we will have the chance to rest.

Lunch: Lunch on your own en route.

Afternoon: Challenging hike: We will continue our hike towards the village of Plan de Gralba, which transforms during the winter months into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Notably, this area hosted the Alpine Ski World Cup in 1970. Here, our minibus will be waiting to take us on a short transfer to the Hotel. Easier hike: After a well-deserved break, we will hike the short distance through the Selva valley and back to our hotel.

Dinner: At hotel we will enjoy a Farewell dinner with the group. Mineral water and one glass of wine included.

Evening: At leisure

Activity note: Getting on and off a motorcoach. Driving around 150 miles, approx. 4 hours total. Getting on and off a boat to Venice. Cobblestones, uneven ground, many steps.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet

Morning: After breakfast check out and departure to Venice. We will arrive late morning at Tronchetto and transfer by boat to Piazza San Marco where we will enjoy some free time.

Lunch: At leisure in Venice, your group leader will offer suggestions and information.

Afternoon: We will be joined by a local expert for a walking visit of St Mark’s Square and Basilica. Later in the afternoon, we will transfer by boat to Tronchetto where the coach will be waiting for our transfer to the hotel.

Dinner: At hotel in Veneto area with water and one glass of sparkling wine included; other beverages available for purchase.

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 10:00 AM Transfers start from approximately 4am

Breakfast: Hotel buffet if flight times permit

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!