Italy

The Legendary Dolomites Traverse, Ladin Valleys - 7 Days

High mountain passes, incredible sweeping vistas of dramatic peaks, and lush green valleys

The Legendary Dolomites Traverse, Ladin Valleys - 7 Days

High mountain passes, incredible sweeping vistas of dramatic peaks, and lush green valleys

Hike across the Dolomites South Tyrolean Ladin valleys and explore the incredible geography and geology of theDolomites – high mountain passes, incredible sweeping vistas of dramatic peaks, and lush green valleys set between vertical walls – as you experience the centuries-old Ladin culture that is so unique to this region.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Traverse the legendary Ladin valleys of the Dolomites as you explore Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia, and Cortina d’Ampezzo
  • Walk on scenic trails through lush alpine pastures and over high mountain passes
  • Enjoy the atmosphere of the mountain refugios, the real mountaineer flair
  • Experience the rich Ladin culture with many traditions that make the Italian Alps so unique

OVERVIEW

For millennia, the Dolomites have been the cherished homeland of the Ladin people, a culture rooted in ancient customs and traditions, partly descending from the Romans in medieval times. On this enchanting journey, you'll venture through three or four of the Dolomite Ladin valleys – Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, and Alta Badia. However, this isn't merely a cultural excursion. While exploring these valleys, you'll also immerse yourself in the majestic wonders of the Dolomites. Your hikes will lead you through pristine alpine meadows, lush deciduous and evergreen forests, lunar-like high-altitude landscapes, soaring peaks, and awe-inspiring cliffs.

These natural marvels harmonize with the sophisticated South Tyrolean towns of Val Gardena and Alta Badia, as well as charming hidden mountain inns encountered during your treks. As you savor the mountainous landscapes, don't miss the opportunity to relish the rich Ladin culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship of this uniquely tri-cultural region. The Ladin language, a Rhaeto-Romance dialect also known as neo-Latin, holds official recognition as a minority language in select Dolomite areas. In the valleys you'll explore, you'll encounter multilingual signage, featuring Italian, German, and Ladin. Before your departure, you may even pick up some Ladino language skills yourself!

PRICING

Group Departures:

  • June 25 - July 2, 2023
  • Sept 17-24, 2023

Self Guided Trip: (departures on all dates - subject to availability)

$1,650usd per person (minimum 2 participants)

$1,525usd per person (minimum 4 participants)

Guided Trip: (departures on all dates - subject to availability)

$3,995usd per person (minimum 2 participants)

$2,795usd per person (minimum 4 participants)

- The cost is based on 3-star hotels, it can be upgraded to 4/5-star, please contact us for a quotation.

- High season supplement from July 15th to September 10th: 15% surcharge

- Private room supplement in refugios (based on availability)

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Val Gardena, Dolomites

Arrive in Val Gardena / Gröden (~1,500m / 5,000') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). The valley of Gardena is best known for skiing and rock climbing, and woodcarving which has flourished here since the 17th century. Home to three cultures – Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Val Gardena is written in three languages – Italian, German, and Ladin!

Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore one of the three villages of Val Gardena – S. Cristina, Ortisei, or Selva Gardena.

Accommodation: Hotel in Val Gardena, D

Day 2 - Puez-Odle, Rasciesa, & Geological Phenomena

In the morning, meet your hiking guide (or a representative for self guided trips) who will provide a trip briefing and orientation. From Ortisei, take the Resciesa funicolar to Chalet Resciesa from where you will start your hike. This is an easy hike, suitable for almost anyone, as the trail is predominantly flat with little or no elevation change. Stop for a drink at Rifugio Brogles (2,045m / 6,709') and admire the north faces of the dramatic Odle Group.

From here, either return to the funicular on the same path (easier option) or hike downhill to the middle cable car station, Mount Seceda (~1,690m / 5,545'), from where you can choose to ride the gondola or hike down to
town.

(5 hours hiking ~13 km / 7,8 miles, 367m / 1,204' ascent, 705m / 2,312' descent with the gondola down).

This afternoon, discover the charming Tyrolean town of Ortisei on foot.

Accommodation: Hotel Val Gardena B,D

Day 3 - Sassolungo – Sassopiatto Circumnavigation

Today’s hike offers high altitude panoramic walking with superb scenery; wild flowers grow in abundance on the grassy slopes populated by cows and marmots, while small birds of prey hovering for rodents can be observed

In the morning transfer to Passo Sella (2,244m / 7,362'), for your hike on a wide, well-marked trail under the Sassolungo north face and Sassopiatto massifs. Right after the impressive Sassolungo North Clock Tower spire,you’ll hike right into the heart of the massif to Rifugio Vicenza (2,253m / 7,391'), a typical Dolomites rifugio and the perfect place to enjoy lunch.

After lunch, a green landscape will replace the rocky scenery you just hiked through. Stop for a drink at the cozy Murmeltier Hütte (Marmot Hut, 2,133m / 6,998') before hiking the final kilometer to your rifugio for the night(2,300m / 7,546'). This evening you will marvel at breathtaking pink sunsets on the walls of Sassolungo, and the quietness of the mountains from your rifugio. (~5-6 hours hiking 13km / 7.5 miles, 507m / 1,663' ascent, 451m /1,480' descent.)

Rifugio - B,D

Day 4 - Catinaccio / Rosengarten Massif

Today you’ll take a fantastic hike across the Catinaccio / Rosengarten massif, one of the most recognized landmarks of the Dolomites. This is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable and beautiful itineraries in theDolomites, and should definitely be taken at an easy pace to enjoy its splendor!

From your rifugio, hike across the beautiful green Siusi Ridge to reach the Rifugio Alpe di Tires (2,440m / 8,005'),where you can enjoy a restoring break. Resume hiking on rocky terrain until you reach Passo del Molignon (2,604m / 8,543'), drop down to Vallon del Principe through some switchbacks, and again uphill until you next rufigio for tonight; a small and cozy hut perched in the heart of the Catinaccio Massif. Indulge in a peaceful evening on the terrace, enjoying fantastic panoramas, with vistas or the world famous Rosengarten (“rosegarden”) Group, lit by enrosadira, or alpenglow, when the pale Dolomite Mountains become red at sunset.

(~5-6hours hiking 10km / 6 miles, 400m / 1,312' ascent 500m / 1,640' descent.)

Rifugio - B, D

Day 5 - Val di Fassa

From the rifugio, hike to Rifugio d’Antermoia and then descend to Val di Fassa where your hotel for the night is situated. The Antermoia area comprises the central-eastern part of the awesome Catinaccio group and offers some memorable rockscapes and unparalleled panoramas, along with wildlife in the shape of substantial herds of chamois, marmots, the odd roe deer and even the rare mouflon.

(~6 hours hiking 12,7km / 7,8 miles, 622m / 2,040’ ascent, 1,375m / 4,511’ descent.)

Hotel in Val di Fassa - B,D

Day 6 - Sella Massif

Within the enormous fortress-shaped Sella massif is an excellent network of paths. Today you will traverse along the south face of this incredible mountain. From your hotel, you’ll take a 30 min transfer by van to Passo Pordoi (2,239m / 7,346'). Walk to theGerman War Memorial and follow the trail up to a big and wide ledge on the Sella massif. This superb and panoramic trail will take you across the face of the mountain, bringing you to the Rifugio Kostner, your lunch spot. After lunch, it’s just a 20-minute hike down to the chairlift, which will take you to Corvara in Alta Badia.

Alta Badia is a sunny hollow on the south side of the Val Badia. The afternoon is free to relax at the hotel swimming pool and spa, or explore any of the six Ladin villages in Alta Badia that comprise this area and experience the unique culture that still thrives
here.

(~4 hours hiking 6km / 4 miles, 300m / 1,000' ascent, 50m / 150' descent.)


Hotel in Alta Badia - B,D

Day 7 - Depart

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).

Breakfast included.

Additional Trip Info

  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and map of the area
  • 2 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Val Gardena
  • 2 (3) nights accommodation in charming rifugios (shared dormitories)
  • 1 night accommodation in 3-star hotel in Val di Fassa
  • 1 (2) nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Alta Badia
  • Meals as noted in itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
  • Local English speaking hiking guide (guided trips)
  • Transfers in the area as per itinerary
  • Luggage transfer between hotels
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Airport transfers available on request

Luggage transfers available on request

  • Gratuities
  • Airport transfers (Available on request)
  • Luggage transfers (Available on request)
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance - We recommend  InsureMyTrip or Global Rescue

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