Explore the western alpine region of Italy and see the Dolomites mountain range on this 8-day journey. Drive through stunning mountain scenery from Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo, and experience true masterpieces of nature in the alpine region, award-winning views, serene lakes, and an enchanting mountain village. Visit the charming town of Bolzano and see the narrow streets and past architectural gems with a blend of German and Mediterranean traditions. Hike the Alpe di Siusi and visit a local dairy, watching the cheesemaker present traditional production techniques. Explore Cortina d’Ampezzo and the spectacular valley of the Dolomites. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and discover the beautiful lakes of Misurina and Landro.
Highlights
Visit the charming city of Bolzano, a blend of German and Mediterranean culture
Enjoy a full-immersion tour of Bozen, its monuments, cathedrals, and museum
Hike the Parco del Respiro for a tree-hugging experience
Explore the enchanting Abbey of Novacella with a local historian
Ride by cable car to Castelrotto and hike the Alpe di Siusi
Stop at a local dairy and watch a traditional cheesemaker in action
Discover the enchanting mountain scenery of Cortina
Take an easy hike to the Tre Cime, a landmark of the Dolomites
Cruise along the Grand Canal of Venice in a motorboat
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Upon arrival at Venice Airport (VCE), take a private transfer to Bolzano. Surrounded by mountains and built in a natural basin, this charming city has a blend of German and Mediterranean traditions. In the afternoon, take a fascinating guided tour of the town center including the Cathedral with its Gothic bell tower and Piazza Walther, with its characteristic wooden houses offering amazing decorations. During the tour, explore the striking South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman — a 5,000-year-old natural human mummy discovered by hikers in the nearby Ötztal Alps.
Distance: Venice - Bolzano: 165 miles drive / 3 hours
Today, reach the Parco del Respiro, an open space for everyone, where the only ticket you need is a promise to respect the forest and preserve its beauty. During this experience, immerse yourself in the forest while practicing forest bathing, guided by a local expert. Get to know the trees with tree-hugging, moving closer to nature in mind and spirit. Discover again that nature is your true home and should be experienced with due patience and respect, understanding, protection, and recounted with special care. On the way back to Bolzano, stop at a local winery for a light lunch with wine pairing. In the afternoon, a private transfer takes you to Merano for a half day of wellness at the thermal baths.
Distance:
Bolzano - Parco del Respiro: 35 miles drive / 1 hour
Hiking Parco del Respiro: 4 miles hiking / 3 hours
Parco del Respiro - Bolzano: 35 miles drive / 1 hour
Spend the morning exploring with your local art historian guide in the enchanting Augustinian Abbey of Novacella, a religious complex of great artistic value with cloisters covered in exquisite frescoes. Then, visit the ancient wine estate inside the Abbey, dating back to 1142, and taste the local wines produced here, paired with local delicacies. In the afternoon, discover Lake Issengo, one of the few natural lakes in the region. After a pleasant, easy walk in the company of a local hiking guide, visit a distillery of mountain pine essential oils that have been in production for generations and with a great respect for natural rhythms.
Distance:
Bolzano - Novacella: 25 miles drive / 45 minutes
Novacella - Lake Issengo: 15 miles drive / 25 minutes
Lake Issengo - Bolzano: 40 miles drive / 1 hour
Meet your hiking guide, ascend by cable car to Castelrotto, and depart for hiking to the Alpe di Siusi. It is a vast plateau with a gently undulating morphology, enriched by streams, groves, hollows, and small valleys surrounded by superb Dolomite scenery: the Sassolungo and the Sassopiatto, the Sciliar Group with Punta Santner and Torre Euringer, and the Bullaccia. Walk around the 'Tisenser Hügel' hill to the church of St. Maddalena in Tagusa, at the foot of the Sciliar massif. At the end of the excursion, stop at a local dairy, where the cheesemaker will demonstrate traditional production techniques and enjoy a delicious cheese tasting. Continue to Cortina d'Ampezzo, the site of the 1956 and 2026 Winter Olympics, and your home for the next three nights. Take some time at leisure to relax or explore the village at your own pace.
Distance:
Bolzano - Castelrotto: 15 miles drive / 35 minutes
Hiking Alpe di Siusi + visit to a local dairy: 8 miles hiking / 4.5 hours
Alpe di Siusi - Cortina d’Ampezzo: 45 miles drive / 2 hours
Standing on the peak of an 8,500-foot mountain, Nuvolau Hut was built in 1883 and is one of the oldest in all of the Western Alps. It is famous for its incomparable panorama that spreads 360 degrees of view from the Marmolada glaciers to the famous Tofana mountains through Austrian glaciers. Its strategic position made it one of the most important viewpoints during the First World War. Return to your accommodations in the early afternoon for time at leisure and dinner on your own. After dinner at leisure, drive to Col Druscié to the Helmut Ullrich Astronomical Observatory, which offers an unforgettable experience under a “natural cupola” at almost 6,000 feet at the foot of the Tofane mountains.
Distance:
Cortina d’Ampezzo - Starting point excursion: 10 miles drive / 20 minutes
Ring hiking Nuvolau Hut: 7,5 miles hiking / 4,5 hours
Ending point excursion - Cortina d’Ampezzo: 10 miles drive / 20 minutes
Cortina d’Ampezzo - Col Druscié - Cortina d’Ampezzo: 9 miles drive / 30 minutes
After breakfast, reach the Tre Cime – “Three Peaks” – the landmark of the Dolomites. The white dolomite and the green meadows and forests shape the landscape here. Until 1919, the peaks formed part of the border between Italy and Austria, and now they lie on the border between the Italian provinces of South Tyrol and Belluno. However, they are still part of the linguistic boundary between German-speaking and Italian-speaking majorities. Take the opportunity to hike the most iconic and majestic peaks of the region, or reach the Three Peaks by car, 7 km up to the parking area next to the Auronzo hut at the Tre Cime base. Then enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the most panoramic spots in the area. Hike back to Misurina and reach your accommodations by private transfer just in time to relax and rest.
Distance:
Cortina d’Ampezzo - Misurina - Cortina d’Ampezzo: 20 miles drive / 1 hour
Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo: 6 miles hiking/ 3-4 hours
After breakfast, a private transfer to Venice is arranged. Upon arrival at Piazzale Roma, transfer to your hotel by private water taxi across the famous Grand Canal, the city’s main “street,” lined with marble palazzi and dotted with drifting gondolas. Settle into your hotel and take the day to explore on your own.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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