Walking Dolomites – Kathy’s Group

Walking Dolomites – Kathy’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. Venice Marco Polo airport transfer possible on option.
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. 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 – 12 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: 750 m ascent 11 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 traverse to Ponticello crossing lovely alpine pastures.
Walk: 790 m ascent 12 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. You can aslo take the train to Brunico and visit the famous Alpinist Messner museums including one at the top of cable car with a fabulous panorama.
Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner not included. Day 6: Plätzwiese – Strudelkopf (2307 m)
Short private transfer to Rif. Prato Piazza. The walk takes the direction of Monte Specie. At the summit cross, also called “Croce die Reduci”, you will enjoy the fantastic Panorama over the Tofane, Monte Cristallo and the Tre Cime with the remaining Sesto Dolomites. Some of the huts in this valley are open for stop during or after the walk.
Walk: 450 m ascent 11 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: 170 m ascent 12 km distance.
Breakfast and dinner included. Picnic lunch not included. Day 8: FAREWELL!
Time allowing, spend the morning relaxing or exploring the village of Dobbiaco, before your airport transfer (Venice Marco Polo airport – Optional).
Breakfast included.