Varied mountain scenery with breath-taking panoramas
The Dolomites provide unique mountain scenery in the Alps
An area with both Italian and Austrian influences
Contrasting mountain scenery with stunning rocky towers above rich meadows in pretty valleys
Welcoming and very comfortable 3-star hotels
Meeting at hotel in Braies (1490m) in the afternoon or transfer from Dobbiaco train station if you have added that option.
A circular walk or there and back for this first hike in the Dolomites. Climb gradually through larch and spruce forests to reach the alpine pastures of Val di Foresta and their summer cabins. For those wanting a longer walk, you can do the tour of La Cima del Campo.
Between +800m and +900m, 5 to 6hrs 30
Your walking trail climbs through spruce and Scots Pine above Lake Braies to reach the Biella mountain hut at 2320m. You then have the option of making your first ascent of the week by climbing to the summit of La Croda del Becco at 2810m, a rocky summit with immense panoramic views.
+800m or +1310m, 5 to 7hrs
You have the choice of walks. If you have your own car then you can discover a different valley and the plateau of Prato Piazza, where you’ll find large pastures dominated by the summit of Picco di Vallandro, which it is possible to walk around.
Alternative walks direct from the hotel include summiting La Cima del Colli Alti (2542 m) or le Sasso del Signore (2447m), dominating Lake Braies.
+950m, 4 to 6 hours
Transfer to your second hotel on the edge of Lake Misurina.
Again you’ll have the choice between an easier walk through the alpine pastures of the Monte Piana plateau or a more elevated walk to reach the Auronzo mountain hut in the Caldini massif.
+510m or 920m, 4 - 5 hrs
A classic walk around one of the most iconic mountains, not just in the Dolomites, but in the Alps. You’ll undertake a high level tour around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a gigantic citadel which towers over the Natural Park of Dolomites di Sesto. You have the option of making the walk longer by going around Tour du Paterno. The walk is largely on a balcony path.
+350m or +650m, 5 - 7 hrs
A choice of walks leaving from Lake Misurina ranging from 4 to 7 hours. You can book an extra night half board at the end of the holiday. (Normal holiday price only includes breakfast on day 7, and transfer if chosen).
You can book extra nights at both hotels
Self-Guided
Time: 4hr -7hr per day
Ascent: 300-1000m per day
2 hotels
Full-board
The mountains of the Dolomites in the Italian Alps have their own unique form and character. Their rocky summits, which form harsh and elegant shapes tower above green alpine meadows covered in wildflowers. The charm and beauty of the Dolomites comes from these stark contrasts creating beautiful mountain views. Once you have been to the Dolomites then you’ll never confuse it with anywhere else in the Alps, such are its wonderous and stunning landscapes.
Within the Dolomites range we have chosen two beautiful locations for our centre-based walking holiday. The first is in the Fanes Braies Park in southern Tyrol and the second is next to Lake Musrina where you’ll discover the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo mountain, as well as the historic site of Mont Patemo and the charming area of Caldini.
This part of the Dolomites is at a crossroads between the Germanic peoples of the north and the Italians to the south with most people speaking both languages. There is an Austrian feel to the valleys mixed with an unmistakable Italian charm.
6 nights/6 days: 5 or 6 days independent centre-based walking using 2 centres. It is possible to tailor the number of nights to your requirements.
Everyday (subject to availability) from 1 June to 24 September.
The walks on this independent centre-based walking holiday are for the most part challenging in grade. Average walks are about 4-7 hours long and include height gains of between 600m and 1000m. Most walks have options to increase or limit the amount of ascent so that you can have more challenging days out, with up to 1300m of ascent, as well as having easier days. In addition, as you are based centrally in hotels, you can choose to have a rest day in the case of poor weather or tiredness. Most walks will take place between 1500m and 2500m where the effects of altitude can be felt. A moderate to good level of fitness will help you make the most of your week, and you should be comfortable on mountainous paths that sometimes go across long and fairly steep slopes. Walking experience in the mountains is advisable, with knowledge of how to read a map. Early in the season, ie in June, you could experience snow at some of the higher altitudes.
This walking holiday is graded challenging. See more information about walking grades.
Your accommodation is on a full board basis in two, 3-star hotels (Italian grading, 2-3 star in UK). Rooms are all ensuite. On days 1, 2 & 3 you'll stay close to Lake Braies, whilst on days 4, 5 and 6 you'll stay close to Lake Misurina
Our self-guided centre-based walking holiday in the Dolomites is available from early June to mid-September. The walks take in passes and summits above 2000m. Depending on the spring weather conditions, there is a risk that several snowfields remain on the higher slopes in June. The risk of encountering winter snow reduces as you progress into July. The weather is fairly similar in June, July and August. For the most part, it is stable, dry, and sunny with the risk of afternoon storms, so setting off early is advisable. One in every 3-4 days receives some rain. While the average maximum temperature may reach some 25 degrees Celsius (80°F) on the valley floors, the gentle wind of the Dolomites provides refreshing moments in the shade of rich green woods, and cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
The driest period is September. Late June and early July is best for the wonderful alpine flowers and meadows. Early September also has good weather, although there is a small risk of encountering some cold conditions at night and even some early fresh snow.
This walking holiday follows good trails which have a mix of waymarkings. There are also signposts along the trail. The walking holiday follows clear paths for the vast majority of the duration. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the walking notes we supply detailed walking maps.
On this walking holiday, you only have to carry a day rucksack with a picnic lunch, water, and spare clothes, waterproofs, a camera etc. A taxi wil be booked to transfer you and your bags between the two hotels.
If coming by train: transfers can be added for an additional cost from Dobbiaco station to Braies at the start of the walking holiday and from Misurina to Dobbiaco train station at the end of the trip. (A transfer is also provided during the walking holiday between the two hotels from Braies to Misurina.)
There are night trains from Paris to Fortezza, changing in Verona. Trains also go via Milan. You will then need to catch a train from Fortezza to Dobbiaco (50km). Tickets for the night train can be bought online in advance, whilst the local train service can be bought at the station in Fortezza.
Example train times from Paris Gare de Lyon
Paris Gare de Lyon 19h11 - Verona Porta Nuova 07h54 (night train)
Verona Porta Nuova 09h04 - Fortezza Franzensfeste 11h14
Fortezza Franzensfeste 11h20 - DobbiacoTobblach 12h35
You can take a closer look at train times in Italy on www.trenitalia.com or Rail Europe
Example of return trains to Paris
Dobbiaco Toblach 12h55 - Fortezza Franzensfeste 14h10;
Fortezza Franzensfeste 14h46 - Verona Porta Nuova 16h58;
Verona Puerta Nuova 20h50 - Paris Gare de Lyon 09h55
Please make sure that we have confirmed availability and your booking with us before booking your travel tickets.
The nearest international airports are Innsbruck in Austria and Venice and Milan in Italy. They all have car hire companies on site. The distance from Venice to Dobbiaco for example is 180km. Please contact us for advice on public transport links
6 nights / 6 days walking
Your accommodation on this centre-based Dolomites walking holiday is on a full board basis in two, 3-star hotels (Italian grading, 2-3 star in UK). Rooms are all ensuite. Days 1, 2 and 3 you'll stay close to Lake Braies in a 19th century building with old world charm, whilst on days 4, 5 and 6 you'll stay close to Lac Misurina which has a spa.
Set on the shores of Lake Misurina, Hotel Lavaredo offers a restaurant, wellness centre and free bike hire. All en suite rooms come with satellite TV.Rooms at the Lavaredo have wooden furnishings and carpeted or parquet floors, and a private bathroom. Your superior room has a balcony. Freshly baked cakes feature at breakfast, along with cheeses, cold meats and croissants. The restaurant serves a mix of local and national dishes.
We can book extra nights at either of our two centres. We can adapt the length of the walking holiday to suit your requirements.
We can tailor this trip to suit your requirements for example by walking for a few days in the Dolomites before spending some time in the Italian Lakes or combining a walk with a visit of Milan, Venice or Rome. Whatever your trip, please get in touch. Below you'll find a couple of example tailor-made trip to help inspire your holiday plans.
Local Winter Tales: Immersing in France and Italy's Winter Traditions
Experience the winter traditions of France and Italy as you witness stunning scenery from Annecy to Briançon,Saint-Véran, Turin and Chamonix.
Explore hidden gems in the mountains while walking along majestic Alpine trails and discovering charming Alpine towns. Whether you're an expert hiker seeking a challenge or you simply enjoy leisurely strolls, you'll have the opportunity to relish majestic Alpine landscapes at your own pace.