Current as of: April 18, 2024 - 23:40
Classic Dolomites - Premium Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Italy
- Programmes: Premium Adventures, Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
5 out of 7 - Challenging
- 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TWU2
- Carbon Footprint: 20kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Trek through the Italian Dolomites
The traditional village of Villabassa in South Tyrol lies close to the Austrian border, surrounded by the unmistakably jagged peaks of the Dolomites. Here, spectacular scenery meets the fiercely proud Tyrolean heritage. Our home for the week, the Hotel Adler, epitomises this, housing a wonderful spa and renowned restaurant within 400-year-old walls.
The walking is diverse and memorable as we venture into the Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto National Parks for great views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the open-air museums that dot the landscape reflect the area’s history as the frontline between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the first world war.
Fascinating, imposing, unforgettable, the Dolomites are waiting.
Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! The departure starting in Villabassa on 5 October 2024 features extra inclusions to mark the occasion: an apple strudel cooking class and tasting with a Michelin starred chef, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag.
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
At a Glance
- Seven nights at the four-star Hotel Adler
- Five days centre-based walking; one free day.
- Altitude maximum: Level 3: 8,330ft (2,539m); Level 5: 9,314ft (2,839m); average: 7,546ft (2,300m)
- Not recommended for vertigo sufferers
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- The Expert Leader for the trip is Rob Mason
- Stay at a four-star hotel with delicious food, warm family hospitality and a wellness centre
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Unesco World Heritage site
- Activity Level 5 (Challenging) on selected departures
- SPECIAL OFFER on room upgrades
- Citizen Science departures available on this trip
Is This Trip for You?
Due to the nature of the terrain on this trip, neither walking levels are recommended for vertigo sufferers.
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate) or Activity Level 5 (Challenging), date dependent. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
We enjoy walks in the same areas on each trip, but the length and difficulty vary according to the walking level. Please make sure you choose the week that best suits your ability.
Most weeks offer Activity Level 3 (Moderate) walking, where we usually walk between five and seven hours per day. The area we are visiting is criss-crossed by a network of long-established trails and walking paths, most well-maintained and waymarked. Even so, paths are rocky and on occasion exposed. A reasonable level of fitness is required for these weeks.
On some weeks, we offer Level 5 (Challenging) walking. On these departures, we usually walk between six and eight hours per day at a steady pace. We use established trails and mountain paths, which are often steep, rocky and more exposed than the Level 3 walks. For these departures, you will need to be surefooted and have a good level of fitness. Some fixed equipment (such as holding onto a steel wire or handrail for security) may be encountered.
The exact itinerary (and therefore the length of each walk) may vary depending on weather conditions or other factors beyond our control. While aiming to always follow the routes described in these trip notes, it will be the leader’s decision to amend the itinerary if and when necessary.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 15
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Villabassa
- End City: Villabassa
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Venice; transfer to Villabassa.
Fly to Venice; transfer to Villabassa.
Start Villabassa
Start at Hotel Adler in Villabassa. The leader will give a short briefing to give an overview of the week ahead. The hotel is handily located on the village square, so any free time can be spent with a little stroll around, perhaps up past the church or down to the river. Alternatively, why not soak up the atmosphere with a relaxing drink?
Lago di Braies (Level 3 departures)
The ideal start to visiting this vast area is a walk straight from the hotel through the very pretty, flower-filled Braies Valley. We walk through small villages and farmland until we reach the magnificent Lago di Braies itself, one of the 297 glacial lakes in the area. It is certainly one of the most beautiful, surrounded by jagged peaks that are reflected in the extraordinary mirror-like surface of the water. We follow the route of SS hostages, the leaders of 19 countries who were freed after the second world war by the inhabitants of Villabassa.
Distance: 8.7mi (14km); ascent: 2,133ft (650m); descent: 837ft (255m)
Rossalmhütte (Level 5 departures)
Some departures on this trip are at Level 5. On these weeks, the walks completed are slightly different.
We start our walk today from the beautiful Lago di Braies and ascend to Rossalmhütte.
Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 2,461ft (750m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)
Kreutzberg Pass to Nemes Alm (Level 3 departures)
Today we explore high pastures and ridges along the Austrian border. We walk steadily exploring the meadows under the ridge of Knieberg. We have great views towards the Rotwand and Monte Popera. Later in the afternoon we visit Alpe Nemes hut, a great spot for a drink and a bite of homemade apple strudel.
Distance: 8.7mi-9.9mi (14km-16km); ascent: 1,969ft-2,297ft (600m-700m); descent: 1,969ft-2,297ft (600m-700m)
Kreuzberg Pass to Knieberg (Level 5 departures)
Following a different track to the Level 3 weeks, we aim to summit Knieberg, descending later in the afternoon to Alpe Nemes hut.
Distance: 13mi (21km); ascent: 3,281ft (1,000m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)
Climb up towards Strudelkopf (Level 3 departures)
We start at 6,562ft (2,000m) altitude, walking among beautiful wildflowers and ascend to the summit of Strudlekopf (7,579ft/2,310m). We stop at the Durrenstein hut in the early afternoon to try the local Kaiserschmarrn speciality. On a clear day, from the summit, we can enjoy views of the Tre Cime, Monte Piana and Monte Cristallo.
Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 1,640ft (500m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)
Durrenstein Summit (Level 5 departures)
Starting at Platzwiese, we walk to the summit of Durrenstein (9,314ft/2,840m), a majestic peak with views all the way to the Austrian Tyrol.
Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 2,953ft (900m); descent: 2,953ft (900m)
Free day
A free day to relax in the hotel wellness centre or take a self-guided cycle around this wonderful area. Alternatively, make your way to Bolzano to visit a museum dedicated to Ötzi, the 5,000-year-old ‘iceman’ whose remarkably well-preserved body was found in 1991 high on a glacier on the Austro-Italian frontier. Or you could journey to the attractive provincial capital of Lienz in Austria; or closer to the cosy town of Brunico.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Level 3 departures)
We enjoy a memorable walk under the Three Chimneys, or Tre Cime di Lavaredo (or Drei Zinnen in German). Set amid one of the classic mountain groups of this area, our walk around these impressive peaks is certainly a highlight of the week. Tonight the restaurant will delight your palate with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.
Distance: 11.2mi (18km); ascent: 1,804ft (550m); descent: 3,609ft (1,100m)
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Level 5 departures)
Today we complete a beautiful walk near the spectacular Tre Cime di Lavaredo; we then follow the path on the north side of Paternkofel heading to the Comici hut above Fischleintal. Tonight the hotel restaurant will delight your palate with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.
Distance: 11.8mi (19km); ascent: 1,969ft (600m); descent: 4,593ft (1,400m)
Monte Piana (Level 3 departures)
To complete the week, we take the amazing eastern approach route up Monte Piana. After 1,969ft (600m) ascent we find ourselves upon the flat-topped mountain surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in the Dolomites. It is the site of an open-air museum dedicated to the first world war, where trenches, dugouts and shell craters can be seen among the alpine flowers. On our return, we have time to spot the brilliant blue gentians, alpine white edelweiss and bright saffron that create a beautiful scene around Lake Misurina, thanks to the beautiful pink of the limestone rock.
Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 2,297ft (700m); descent: 2,625ft (800m)
Monte Piana (Level 5 departures)
We ascend the southern crag of Monte Piana, with the aid of a few bridges and a ladder; there is then time to explore the open-air museum, stretched between the northern and southern summits.
Distance: 8mi (13km); ascent: 3,281ft (1,000m); descent: 2,297ft (700m)
Transfer to Venice; fly to London.
To Venice; fly to London.
End Villabassa
Enjoy your final breakfast in Hotel Adler and take the opportunity to reflect on what has been an inspirational escape in the Dolomites. After, it’s time to start your return journey home.
Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
Accommodation
Hotel Adler, a four-star property in Villabassa
Considered the best in town, this four-star retreat has a privileged address on the village square. Rooms are traditional yet stylish and come with Hästens beds, each of which is created with natural materials.
The hotel itself is run by the Pircher family but began life as the home of nobleman Stefan von Kurz zum Thurn more than 400 years ago. You can see plenty of that heritage throughout the property.
The hub of social living will likely be the bar and fireplace room, where you can sip an aperitivo or perhaps a post-dinner gin and tonic, while enjoying the relaxed hubbub with the group (a local crowd often gathers here too). There’s also a good-sized pool for morning dips and a wellness centre with a sauna, steam room, solarium and small fitness centre. Bliss.
Exodus special offer
For even more comfort, Hotel Adler offers upgrades for a special price, exclusive to Exodus travellers. There are various room types from which you can choose. Contact us for prices and availability.
Worth knowing
- There are a limited number of double rooms for single use available for a supplement.
- The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance; this could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Single supplement from £ 285
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners, one of which will be an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.
Please note an evening meal is not included on the first night, as flight schedules can mean a later arrival in Villabassa. Sandwiches or snacks are available at the airport.
For breakfast, the hotel offers a large selection of cereals, fruit, cheese and cold meats, (along with tea and coffee).
Five packed lunches are provided by the hotel. Each morning there is a small buffet with items to make your own lunch (eg bread rolls, ham, salad…). In an effort to minimise the use of plastic and single-use items, the hotel provides plastic containers and reusable cutlery.
Head chef Hélène Markart is a devotee of old traditional recipes but is not afraid to give them a modern twist. At the heart of her philosophy is a reliance on local produce, from the local farmer to vegetables from the hotel garden. It’s no surprise to learn her prowess has been favourably reported in reputable guides such as Michelin.
There is a set menu for standard evening meals (usually three or four courses), which may include some local specialties such as Speckknodel (a dumpling dish).
Our gourmet dinner will undoubtedly be the culinary highlight, though as keeping things fresh and seasonal is part of the charm, there’s no way to know quite yet what delights may be served.
Transport
Transfers to and from the airport, and during the walking activities, will be in a private vehicle (normally minibus). On certain days, we may use public transport.
Weather & Seasonality
In the Dolomites (as always in the mountains) the weather is very changeable. In summer, expect rain on one day in two, which is likely to come in short but heavy, thundery bursts. In the valleys, daytime temperatures range from 12C to 22C (54F to 72F), although 25C (77F) is not unusual. In the mountains, it will be slightly colder. There are always patches of snow remaining on the higher peaks in late May and early November, and sometimes due to unpredictable winter weather, this can remain for a little longer. There is always the possibility of snowfall at any time of the season, therefore you need to be ready for anything, so pack shorts as well as warmer clothes; full waterproofs and sunscreen.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Piazza Von Kurz 3, Villabassa 39039
Phone: +39 0474 745128
Recommended arrival time: You’re welcome to arrive any time, though rooms are typically ready in the early afternoon and there’s a welcome briefing in the evening
Airport: Venice (VCE)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 3hr 30min 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 or to arrange a private transfer.
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, take a cab from directly outside the airport or arrange a private transfer through Exodus for approximately €356 (payable before departure). 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 consultant if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales consultant 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: Villabassa
Location end: Villabassa
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Walking boots with good ankle support and grip (walking shoes/sneakers are not suitable for the kind of terrain you will be walking on);
- Waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers
- Sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Warm two-season jacket/sweater
- Warm hat and gloves
- Breathable T-shirts and shorts for sunnier, warmer days
- Daysack of 25-litre capacity (preferably with a waist belt)
- Dry bag
- Water bottle
In the Dolomites, the weather can be very changeable and it is not unusual to find snow at low altitude on our walks, particularly on the early season departures. Supportive footwear and warm clothing are therefore essential for this trip.
Optional Equipment
- Light shoes for the evenings at the hotel
- Swimwear
- Trekking poles (we highly recommend poles for the Level 5 departures as well as the early and late season departures when snow may be encountered at higher altitudes)
Maps
Maps of the area are available locally, however if you wish to purchase one in advance we recommend the following:
- Kompass publish a useful map at 1:50,000 called Bruneck-Toblach (Brunico-Dobbiaco)
- Sheet 57 in Wanderkarte series
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 +02:00)
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
Cashpoints are available at Venice airport and Villabassa (although this is not always working). Almost all places take major credit cards, yet cash is generally easier.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You will need sufficient funds to buy the one lunch and two dinners that are not included. We suggest €8-€12 for lunch and €15-€25 for dinner is sufficient (excluding drinks). If you would like to sample the excellent à la carte menu at Hotel Adler, please allow around €40.
Local taxes: many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of 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 €2.50 per person per night. For this trip, please allow around €15, depending on the season, for the week.
Optional excursions:
There are several extra excursions available, exact prices and details will be confirmed locally. The following can be used as a guide:
- Messner Mountain Museum Ripa Brunico: €9 per person
- Cheese factory in Dobbiaco: €3.50 admission only, €6.50 including a small cheese tasting, €8.50 including a large cheese tasting
- From Villabassa there are regular trains and buses to the different villages of the Pusteria valleys
- Day trip to see Ötzi, the iceman, in Bolzano: allow approximately €35 for travel and €13 for entry (train journey involves changes and takes approximately two hours each way)
Tipping
On all Exodus Premium Adventures tipping for any local support staff is included, and will normally be taken care of via your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So need no for any tipping kitty contributions, or to make your own tips during the trip. Our ‘included tips’ will normally cover drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard.
If you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so. Tips for the tour leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point we suggest around €20-€25 per person for the duration of the trip.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. Accommodation for the week is Hotel Adler, a locally run hotel in Villabassa.
- Clients are encouraged to stop at mountain huts or refuges, some of which are really off the beaten track and dependent on the more curious adventurer to remain in business. These locally run huts are a good place to stop and engage with the people who live and work in the area.
- Read more about our other initiatives
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for re–usable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves generates income which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites. During the week, we venture into the Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto National Parks for great views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Here our entrance fees contribute towards the upkeep and maintenance of the grounds.
- We rewild 100 square metres per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- The whole region has a renewable energy policy, and this is reflected by the Hotel Adler’s commitment to using 100% clean energy. Hot water is provided with central heating supplemented by solar energy, whilst electricity is hydro-powered.
- Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Some departures of this trip provide the opportunity for you to collect water samples for the International eBioAtlas initiative which collects vital DNA information to assist in essential conservation initiatives.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us and the eBioAtlas.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: please bring a re–usable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
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
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- 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.