Walking Dolomites – Joanna Lugarini Group

Walking Dolomites – Joanna Lugarini’s Group

Day 1: Start Dobbiaco
Arrive at the charming Hotel Tschurstschenthaler (indoor swimming pool and excellent food and service) in the picturesque village of Dobbiaco. At an altitude of 1,256m, Dobbiaco is known as the “Gateway to the Dolomites”. The town is spread over a high plateau and is open and sunny in summer months, with spectacular views of the Dolomite range.
It is in Dobbiaco that the composer Gustav Mahler spent the summers from 1908 to 1910: it is here that he composed the Ninth and Tenth Symphonies (the latter one left unfinished), and the famous Song of the Earth (“Das Lied von der Erde”). A plaque commemorating the composer can be seen at the Trenker House in the village.
During the First World War, the area around Dobbiacio was scene to intense fighting, due to its situation on the Austro-Italian border. Many historical remains can still be seen in the area.
One professional mountain leader will be with you for the 5 walking days. Welcome meeting in the evening with your guide.
Dinner included (depending on arrival time – if not possible dinner will be included another evening)

Day 2: Chapels and Churches Walk
A walk through picturesque Tyrolean villages, from the hotel to Stadlern. Take time to appreciate the chapels in each village, with their unique frescoes. Return to Dobbiaco along the Rienza river.
Walk: 450 m ascent – 9 km of Distance.
Walk (challeging version) : 750 m ascent – 14 km of Distance.
Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner included.

Day 3: Bonner Hutte and Pfannhorn
Today’s trek takes us to the 2,663m Pfannhorn, via the Bonner Hutte with it’s magnificent panoramic views of the Tre Cime. The view from the Pfannhorn is arguably the best panorama of the Dolomites – a 360-degree of the range and the Austrian Alps.
Walk: 700 m ascent 10 km distance.
Walk (challeging version) : 1300 m ascent 15 km distance.
Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner included.

Day 4: High Mountain Pastures
Today we head for the Ampezzo National Park. The park is run by the “Regole di Ampezzo”, an ancient consort of families whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. The protected area comprises mountain groups which are among the most mythical and celebrated in the Dolomites, both for the mountaineering epics they saw and for the events revolving around WW1. We set off from the Lago di Braies (or Pragser Wildsee). Then it is possible to climb up to Seekofel by good weather, amazing views on the top before descending to Ponticello.
Walk: 600 m ascent 9 km distance.
Walk (challeging version) : 1450 m ascent 14 km distance.
Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included.

Day 5: Free day
This will be a day to relax at the hotel or in Dobbiaco. You can also rent a bike to cycle to Lienz, Brunico or Cortina, or take the bus to Innichen or Sexten.
The dolomites is where Via Ferrata started. For your free day you can enjoy an easy/Moderate via Ferrata near the Tre Cime (Paternkofel Via Ferrata). This Via Ferrata is takes about 4 hours to complete and is suitable for beginners. However people taking part in it should not fear heights.
Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included.

Day 6: Mount Elmo, Klambachhutte Walk
The walk today takes us along the crest of the Carniche Alps, starting with a bus and cable car ascent up the 2434m Mount Elmo. From the summit, we follow an old military supply route to the Sillianerhutte refuge in Austria, with spectacular views over the Austrian Alps. The descent takes us through the mountain pastures of the Klammbachalm down to the Klammbachhute, and from their down a forest trail to the village of Moos.
Walk: 550 m ascent 9 km distance.
Walk (challeging version) : 600 m ascent 14 km distance.
Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included.

Day 7: Tre cime – The Three Peaks
The Tre Cime (2999m) is one of the most renowned places of the Dolomites, and one of its most iconic symbols. The three jagged peaks dominate the surrounding landscape, and are an unmistakable landmark that can be seen for miles around. Today’s route takes us towards the peaks of Cime Nove and Cime Ganda, to San Candido and along an old military route from the First World War, with fortifications and gun emplacements from the period.
Walk: 750 m ascent 9 km distance.
Walk (challeging version) : 1250 m ascent 14 km distance.
Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner included.

Day 8: FAREWELL!
Time allowing, spend the morning relaxing or exploring the village of Dobbiaco, before your airport transfer (Treviso airport – Optional).
Breakfast included.