Italian Connection | 1.800.462.7911 | www.italian-connection.com

Highlights: Astonishing wildflowers, unforgettable views, fragrant apple strudel, warm hospitality, a hike with the locals, stunning variety of walks.

This spectacular mountain region of soaring peaks and pristine alpine villages is a walker’s paradise, and we’ve chosen our preferred season for this trip, when trails are uncrowded and endless fields of wildflowers carpet the slopes. This trip is a great introduction to this vast beautiful region, as we have selected a wonderful variety of our favorite walks culled from our many years of walking here. From quiet rambles through lush green meadows to more challenging hikes with astounding vistas, our walking route offers beautiful surprises at every turn. Naturally, the cuisine is genuine andabundant, so the bountiful breakfasts and hearty dinners will keep our energy level as high as the mountains.

Day One: Rendezvous in Bolzano (frequent trains from Milan, Venice and Florence via Verona) and transfer to the picturesque village of San Vigilio. Here the road signs are in 3 languages - Italian, German and Ladin - reflecting the valley’s mix of cultures. Our first walk is a 9 km (5.5 mile) loop through tiny villages bright with flowers, and past lush green meadows where hay is still cut with a hand-hewn scythe. A welcome aperitivo and then a hearty dinner of Ladin specialties rounds out the day. We stay two nights in a beautifully restored inn that has been in the same family for generations, and is renowned for its welcoming proprietor. At night we snuggle under cozy down comforters as the sound of the nearby river lulls us to sleep.

Day Two: Our host Norberto will accompany us on our walk today, and he stuffs his backpack with needed provisions, such as wine, sausages and a portable grill! Our 15 km (9 mile) walk begins with a long uphill through meadows filled with an extravagant array of wildflowers, with rugged mountain peaks crowning the horizon. We are all hungry for lunch as we unpack the fabulous picnic, while Norberto, never short of breath, hauls the wood for the barbecue. After lunch we continue our walk through woodlands back to San Vigilio, where we may indulge in a sauna or massage at our hotel’s well-equipped spa facilities.

Day Three: We drive up to Passo Valparola, where the majestic peaks of the high mountains come into view. Our 17 km (10.5 mile) walk zigzags up to the Col di Lana, with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. On clear days you can see the Austrian Alps! This majestic place was marred by heavy fighting during World War I, and the hand-dug trenches are still visible. We descend through pleasant pinewoods to a small village where we find our flower-laden hotel perched on the hillside. We stay two nights in this family-run inn, enjoying majestic views and top-notch home cooking.

Day Four: We take a cablecar up to 2200 meters (7000 feet) to begin our 10 km (6 mile) walk, one of the most spectacularly situated in the Dolomites. We traverse the mountainside while savoring stupendous views of the glacier-covered Marmolada, the “Queen of the Dolomites”. We lunch on a sunny terrace, relishing a plate of creamy polenta with thick local cheese before returning to town. In the late afternoon, we visit the fascinating museum that outlines the hardy mountain lifestyle of the Ladin culture.

Day Five: We drive to the top of Passo Giau, where we begin our 16 km (10 mile) walk above the tree line with bright blue gentians dotting the green slopes. Lunch in a rifugio with one of the best views in the Dolomites is highly recommended - the walk to get there is worth it! We then head to the lively town of Cortina, where we stay in a lovely 4-star hotel in the center of the pedestrian zone. Free evening for exploring the town.

Day Six: Our final day of walking brings us to the amazing Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a classic Dolomites hike with truly awesome views. Surrounded by dramatic soaring peaks, we are up at 2400 meters (8000 feet), following a rocky trail punctuated by clusters of bright yellow alpine poppies. Tonight we dine in a favorite restaurant with local dishes of fragrant roasted game and poppy-seed ravioli, and those brave enough can finish with a tasting of potent alpine grappa.

Day Seven: Transfer to the Venice Mestre train station by noon. Arrivederci!

*Our prices are guaranteed in all currencies, with no surcharge for currency fluctuations.

Last year our Wildflowers in the Dolomites tour sold out, so make your reservation right away.  We're offering a special discount, limited to 4 people, of 200 euro per person, if you sign-up by April 20.   Double this discount if you link it with our Dolomites High Routes tour! Call today for more info 1-800-462-7911 and reserve your place!