Choose Your Pace: Hiking in the Italian Dolomites

After checking in at the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax until our Orientation session before dinner. Orientation: 6:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. 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 motorcoach or local bus, and by cable car. (Please note that Italian law currently forbids access to motorcoach toilets, which cannot be unlocked; we will plan rest stops accordingly.) 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.

At the hotel.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

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/7,513 feet). 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/6,693 feet).

On your own en route.

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 hiking expert 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.

At the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

As a group, we will walk to the Dantercepies cable car, located close to our hotel. We will ascend 2,298 meters (7,539 feet) by cable car 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 2,469 and 2,528 meters (8,100 and 8,290 feet), 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 (6,775 feet), 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.

On your own en route.

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 will ride 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 the Trentino Alto Adige (South Tyrol) region by a local expert.

At the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will depart by private motorcoach 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 Ötzi, the well-preserved iceman who lived around 3,300 BCE during the Copper Age. He was discovered in 1991 by hikers in the Ötztal Alps that lend him his name.

At a traditional local restaurant.

After lunch, we will carry on 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 will head back to the hotel by motorcoach.

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

At leisure.

At the hotel.

The group will transfer by private motorcoach to Passo Falzarego, Today’s activity involves hiking the World War I Route, close to the 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 (nearly 6,900 feet), we will hike up to about 2,750 meters (just over 9,020 feet) 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: We will 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.

On your own en route.

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 motorcoach.

At the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

We will depart by motorcoach 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 winemakers, and we will enjoy a tasting of some of their wines. Later we will have some time to independently roam the Abbey’s grounds which feature an aromatic herb greenhouse and a French-style garden.

We will have a light lunch at the Abbey.

After lunch, we will head by motorcoach to the Ladin Museum where, with a local expert, we will have an exclusive on-site lecture on the area’s distinctive geology. Traveling 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.

At the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

The group will transfer by motorcoach 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, we’ll enjoy the breathtaking view before we start our walk downhill towards Rifugio 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 chairlift 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.

On your own en route.

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 vehicle will be waiting to take us on a short ride 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.

At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our dinner to reminisce on this week’s hiking.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

After breakfast, we will check out and depart by motorcoach for Venice. We will arrive late morning at Tronchetto and transfer by boat to Piazza San Marco where we will enjoy some free time.

On your own in Venice. The Group Leader will offer suggestions and information.

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 motorcoach will be waiting for our transfer to the hotel in Veneto region.

At the hotel.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

At the hotel, if flight times permit. This concludes our program.

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. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!