Current as of: March 29, 2024 - 02:17

Dolomiti

Highlights of the Dolomites Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Italy
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate
    5 out of 7 - Challenging

  • 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: TEI
  • Carbon Footprint: 17kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Moderate and challenging walks in the heart of the Western Dolomites

Val di Fassa lies between Marmolada (10,968ft/3,343m), the highest peak in the Dolomites, and Catinaccio (9,728ft/2,965m), a long ridge that glows red in the rising sun. Based in the lovely village of Campitello, we are ideally situated to access neighbouring valleys and discover their attractive villages. We walk along jagged limestone spires towering above and through lush green valleys carpeted with alpine flowers. With excellent chairlift, cable car and bus links, we can access a huge variety of routes, allowing us to offer two levels of walking on each trip: Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and 5 (Challenging).

Please note: To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, our expert tour leaders may alter walking routes based on weather conditions and group ability.

Highlights of the Dolomites

At a Glance

  • Activity Level 3 (Moderate) walks: Altitude maximum 8,520ft (2,597m), average 6,562ft (2,000m)
  • Activity Level 5 (Challenging) walks: Altitude maximum 10,341ft (3,152m), average 7,218ft (2,200m)
  • Seven nights at the three-star Hotel Enrosadira
  • Five days walking; one free day
  • Group normally 4 to 20 plus one UK leader per Activity Level
  • Not recommended for vertigo sufferers
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure

Highlights

  • Exceptional trails
  • Views of the Marmolada
  • Moderate and Challenging walks

Is This Trip for You?

Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and Activity Level 5 (Challenging).
With such a large variety of hiking routes in the area, we can offer two grades of walking on each departure. The leaders will choose each day’s route based on weather conditions and group ability to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

Activity Level 3 (Moderate)
Most people who enjoy a weekend in the hills or mountains at home can undertake a trek at this level. You need to be in good health and reasonably fit, and you will almost certainly be taking regular exercise. A trek at this level could either be a fairly easy medium-duration walk, or a harder, shorter walk. Some walking at higher altitude and the occasional longer or more difficult day may be involved, but generally conditions underfoot will be fair. A walking day is usually five to seven hours’ long.

Activity Level 5 (Challenging)
For walks at this level, good fitness levels are vital. Most treks involve extended walking in mountainous terrain, while higher altitudes, climate and remoteness can also increase the difficulty. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours’ long, although there may be longer days for activities such as pass crossing. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not essential if you are confident in your physical condition. Usually, there will be some scrambling.

The times mentioned include lunch break and photo stops.

Group

There will be one leader per walking grade.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 20

Itinerary

Map TEI

Land Only

  • Start City: Campitello
  • End City: Campitello

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Campitello

We start in Campitello, a pretty Dolomite village chosen for its ease of access to the nearby hiking trails. In the evening, the leaders will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead and give advice on the area.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2
Activity Level 3 (Moderate) – Walk to Rifugio Sassopiatto (7,874ft/2,400m)

Our day combines high-altitude routes that capture picture-perfect Dolomite scenery with lower-level trails down to the Val di Fassa. The early season should ensure we see a wide variety of alpine flowers. We begin our journey by taking a cable car towards Col Rodella and then walk along the southern flank of Sasso Lungo/Sasso Piatto to Rifugio Sasso Piatto. There will be an opportunity for an optional walk as far as viewpoint Palacia. We retrace our steps to the refuge for lunch before we descend via Rifugio Micheluzzi to Campitello.

Distance: 9mi (15km); ascent: 984ft (300m); descent: 3,609ft (1,100m); maximum altitude: 7,874ft (2,400m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Activity Level 5 (Challenging) – Ascend to Rifugio Sasso Piatto (7,874ft/2,400m)

We begin our journey by taking a cable car towards Col Rodella. Following the circuit anticlockwise around Sasso Lungo/Sasso Piatto as far as Rifugio Sasso Piatto then descend to Campitello via Rifugio Micheluzzi.

Distance: 13.5mi (22km); ascent: 2,018ft (615m); descent: 4,921ft (1,500m); maximum altitude: 7,874ft (2,400m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3
Activity Level 3 (Moderate) – Summit Val di Vaiolet (8,520ft/2,597m)

We start the day by taking a bus to Vigo di Fassa, from here we take a cable car to Ciampedie.  Walking northwest to Gardeccia then up Val di Vaiolet to Rifugio Principe for lunch. Here you will get a fantastic view of the valley before returning via the same route to Gardeccia and Ciampedie with a possible alternative descent via chairlifts to Pera.

Distance: 10.5mi (17km); ascent: 2,133ft (650m); descent: 2,133ft (650m); maximum altitude: 8,520ft (2,597m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Activity Level 5 (Challenging) – Ascend to Ciampedie (8,402ft/2,561m)

We start the day by taking a bus to Vigo di Fassa; from here we take a cable car to Ciampedie. We continue by walking west to Baita Marino Pederiva then south, making our way to the western side of Catinaccio. The spectacular scenery at Passo Vaiolon will be our final stop before walking east to Ciampedie for the descent by cable car.

Distance: 9mi (14km); ascent: 2,789ft (850m); descent: 2,789ft (850m); maximum altitude: 8,402ft (2,561m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4
Activity Level 3 (Moderate) – Ascend to Viel dal Pan (7,677ft/2,340m)

Today we take a short bus journey to Alba and then a cable car to Col Rossi. We will walk east along a generally contouring path via Viel dal Pan with spectacular views of Marmolada (10,968ft/3,343m) to the south. We lunch at Col de Cuc, then descend through the Avisio valley to Penia for our bus back to Campitello.

Distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 755ft (230m); descent: 3,543ft (1,080m); maximum altitude: 7,677ft (2,340m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Activity Level 5 (Challenging) – Summit Piz Boe (10,341ft/3,152m)

Today we take a short bus journey to Alba and then a cable car to Col Rossi. We will walk to Passo Pordoi where we will take another cable car up to Sass Pordoi, then circuit at high level taking in Piz Boe. Once we have taken in the impressive panoramic views, we will descend via cable car to Passo Pordoi, then to Pecol for the gondola lift down to Canazei ending the day walking alongside the river to Campitello (or by bus).

Distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 1,804ft (550m); descent: 3,117ft (950m); maximum altitude: 10,341ft (3,152m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5
Free day

Optional activities for the free day include self-guided cycling from Campitello or a day trip to see the remains of Ötzi the Iceman in Bolzano.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Activity Level 3 (Moderate) – Ascend to Forca Neigra (8,228ft/2,508m)

We begin by taking a bus to Pozza and then the gondola to Buffaure. After, we make our way towards Col Valvacin, continuing our journey up the minor peak and then east to Forca Neigra, stopping for lunch at Rifugio Passo San Nicolo. We finish the walk descending via Val di Contrin to Alba for our bus back to Campitello.

Distance: 9.5mi (15km); ascent: 1,706ft (520m); descent: 4,396ft (1,340m); maximum altitude: 8,228ft (2,508m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Activity Level 5 (Challenging) – Walk to Passo Ciarajoles (9,088ft/2,770m)

We begin by taking a bus to Vigo and then the cable car to Ciampedie. After, we walk north via Gardeccia to Rifugio Principe for lunch. The second half of our walk will continue east over Passo Antermoia past Rifugio Antermoia to Passo Ciarajoles before descending Val de Udai to Mazzin for our bus back to Campitello.

Distance: 12mi (19km); ascent: 2,986ft (910m); descent: 4,921ft (1,500m); maximum altitude: 9,088ft (2,770m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7
Activity Level 3 (Moderate) – Catinaccio massif (7,513ft/2,290m)

Today is the last day of the tour and we will venture into the Catinaccio range, walking over high passes along high-level footpaths. We will begin with a bus journey over Passo Costalonga to the Paolina chairlift.  Once at the top, we walk on the western side of the Catinaccio massif, making our way round to the eastern side for lunch at Baita Marino Pederiva. We finish our walk following the route to Ciampedie for our descent by cable car.

Distance: 7mi (11km); ascent: 984ft (300m); descent: 1,411ft (430m); maximum altitude: 7,513ft (2,290m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Activity Level 5 (Challenging) – Ascend to Forca Neigra (8,228ft/2,508m)

We begin our final day of walking with a bus journey to Pozza and then a gondola to Buffaure. After, we make our way towards Col Valvacin. Once at the top, we walk east over Sass d’Adam then southeast to Riugio Passo San Nicolo for lunch. We retrace our route for a while before turning northeast over Forcia Neigra then down to Rifugio Ciampac for a cable car to Alba and then a bus back to Campitello.

Distance: 7mi (11km); ascent: 2,133ft (650m); descent: 2,789ft (850m); maximum altitude: 8,228ft (2,508m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8
End Campitello

The trip comes to an end after breakfast. Say a fond farewell to Campitello as you begin your return journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Sport Hotel Enrosadira, a family-run hotel in Campitello

Highlights of the Dolomites

Passed down from father to son, Sport Hotel Enrosadira is a three-star hotel in the village of Campitello. The name – Enrosadira – is Ladin (a language spoken by roughly 30,000 in this mountainous region) for ‘those brief, fleeting moments in which the sky seems to light up and catch fire among the peaks of the Dolomites’.

Those same peaks make a beautiful backdrop for this hotel and you can enjoy lovely views from the large terrace. Elsewhere, there’s a sauna, bar, and lounge with comfortable armchairs to relax in the evenings. Wifi is available in the communal areas. There’s also a restaurant serving a mix of local and Mediterranean cuisines.

Worth knowing

  • There is no lift at the hotel.

Single supplement from £ 190

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and six dinners are included and provided by the hotel.

The hotel restaurant dishes out generous breakfasts and traditional evening meals. On certain days, you will need to buy food in local shops for packed lunches, or certain walks may offer the opportunity to buy lunch at a mountain hut en route.

Transport

Airport transfers are by private bus. We use local transport on most days to reach the start of the walks. Costs may vary depending on your chosen departure – please allow approximately €95 (2022 price) for this. Please note, during peak times (summer), public transport can be extremely busy and this could occasionally delay our journeys.

Weather & Seasonality

In the Dolomites – as always in the mountains – the weather can be very changeable. In summer, expect some rain on one day in two, but it is likely to come in heavy and thundery outbursts of relatively short duration rather than prolonged showers. In the valleys, daytime temperatures range on average from 12C to 22C (54F to 72F) although 25C (77F) is not unusual. Up in the mountains, it will be a slightly colder. Therefore, you need to be ready for anything, and to pack shorts as well as warmer clothes, full waterproofs and sunscreen.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Enrosadira, Strèda de Morandin, 43, 38031 Campitello di Fassa TN
Phone: +39 0462 750540
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately three hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.

Make your own way  

It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, you can book a private transfer through your sales representative for approximately €280.  If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Campitello
Location end: Campitello

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Sturdy and comfortable walking boots (with good tread and ankle support)
  • Medium-sized daysack (approximately 30 litres)
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Large capacity water bottle(s)
  • Warm two-season fleece (for June and September departures: the mornings can be fairly fresh, so please pack accordingly, including a thicker fleece or gilet. Occasional cold days may occur during July and August)
  • Sunhat and sunglasses
  • Personal medication (eg drugs and blister treatment, not first-aid kit)
  • High-factor sunscreen
  • Warm hat and long-fingered gloves

Optional Equipment

  • Walking poles
  • Knife and some reusable bags for packed lunches

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

There is a cash point in Campitello and major credit cards are accepted in most places we visit. We recommend having cash with you to pay for the lunches when eating in mountain huts.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Lunches: For lunches not included, allow approximately €10-€15 per meal. You will need funds for snacks and drinks bought from local cafes.

Dinner: On the free day, dinner is not included. There are a few options in Campitello. We recommend you budget €20 to €30 (excluding drinks).

Panorama pass: Local transport connection with the walking programme may be by public bus or taxi and you should allow approximately €95 for this.

Local taxes: Many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €0.50 and €2.00 per person per night.

Optional Excursions

Exact prices and details will be confirmed locally, but the following provides a guide to what is usually possible:

  • Self-guided cycling (there are bike hire shops in Campitello)
  • Via ferrata or climbing Marmolada (you can find local guides in Campitello)
  • Fly Line activity (necessary PPE provided on site)
  • Day trip to see the remains of Ötzi the Iceman in Bolzano at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: Allow around €10 for travel and €10 for entry. Bolzano, the historical capital of Sud Tirol/Alto Adige, is an interesting town to explore.

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. This is entirely at your own discretion. As a guideline we recommend a contribution between €15 and €20 per client.

People, Places & Planet

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.