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Dramatic peaks of the Italian Dolomites tower over a lush green valley and historic village with alpine paths under a bright blue sky.
Italy

Choose Your Pace: Hiking in the Italian Dolomites

Program No. 23844RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Selva di Val Gardena
Program Concludes
Veneto Region
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
17 ( 8B, 2L, 7D )
Activity Level
From
4,599
Recently Reduced Prices
Dotted along the Northern border of Italy, the Dolomites — one of Italy’s Alpine ranges and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are spectacular in both their 11,000 foot peaks and their lush green valleys. Lace up your hiking boots and join our experts for an active exploration of this incredible landscape, following trails to charming villages and museums to learn more about the natural and human history of the mountains. Visits to Puez Odle Nature Park, Ciaulanch Lake and Bolzano offer opportunities to delve further into this history, including lectures and discussions on fossils and Ötzi, a Tyrolean glacier mummy dating from the Copper Age. Discover the magnificence of the Dolomites firsthand on this active learning adventure!
Best of all, you'll...
  • Tailor your learning adventure with the hikes that are right for you by selecting one of two different levels of hiking difficulty (moderate or challenging).
  • Learn about historic tunnels and trenches dug by Italian soldiers to defend the country’s border during World War I.
  • Explore the 12th century Novacella Abbey, home to Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Rococo architecture, and taste the wine the monks make there.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
Learn About Activity Levels
Each day, select a moderate or challenging hike based on your preferred pace and level of difficulty. Program will require approximately 16 miles of hiking for moderate hikes and 19 miles for challenging hikes plus 8 miles of walking, over 9 days. Hiking up to 9 miles per day depending on hiking level, over uneven terrain including tree roots, rocks, loose gravel, slippery sections, steep ascents & descents and possibly wet or snow-covered surfaces. Hiking up to 5 hours per day. This mileage does not include free time. Elevations up to 10,000 feet, with frequent use of cable cars or chair lifts. A good head for heights is necessary.. Sturdy hiking shoes are required. Collapsible hiking poles are recommended. Due to pacing and activities, this program is not suitable for wheelchairs, scooters, or canes. Hiking experience is necessary for this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities. Please refer to day-to-day activity note for specifics.
General Notes
Due to weather and/or local conditions occasional itinerary adjustments may be necessary.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Leonardo Mastropasqua graduated from a private high school in Rome before enlisting for military service. After completing his service as an artillery lieutenant, he began leading safaris in East Africa. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro several times with a variety of groups. While he makes his home in Italy, Leonardo also feels at home in Scandinavia thanks to his Swedish mother, and he leads groups there every summer. Leonardo is eager to share his knowledge and passion for Europe with Road Scholar participants.
Matteo Mangili was born in Genova, Italy. In 2017, he started working as a travel guide author. Then, in 2022, he traveled solo around South America for six months, and he is currently writing a book about this journey. Matteo is also a certified group leader who has been working on the ground for several years. He enjoys sharing his passion and love for Italy with all his travel companions.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
Each day, select a moderate or challenging hike based on your preferred pace and level of difficulty. Program will require approximately 16 miles of hiking for moderate hikes and 19 miles for challenging hikes plus 8 miles of walking, over 9 days. Hiking up to 9 miles per day depending on hiking level, over uneven terrain including tree roots, rocks, loose gravel, slippery sections, steep ascents & descents and possibly wet or snow-covered surfaces. Hiking up to 5 hours per day. This mileage does not include free time. Elevations up to 10,000 feet, with frequent use of cable cars or chair lifts. A good head for heights is necessary.. Sturdy hiking shoes are required. Collapsible hiking poles are recommended. Due to pacing and activities, this program is not suitable for wheelchairs, scooters, or canes. Hiking experience is necessary for this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities. Please refer to day-to-day activity note for specifics.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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