Italy’s Dolomites Luxury Walk & Bike (Alpine Adventures Beneath Majestic Mountains) 6D5N, Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 3, Approx 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)

On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 10:15 a.m. at the main entrance to the Bolzano-Bozen train station in Bolzano, Italy. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's lunch and hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). If you plan to change into your gear following our shuttle, please be aware that an excellent changing area is often unavailable.

Hello, Dolomites! From the Bolzano train station, we take a shuttle to Ortisei, a village in the Garden Valley. We take a short stroll before heading to a local restaurant for a wholesome Tyrolean lunch. Afterward, we're whisked away in a loft to the top of Seceda cliff, a magnificent natural gateway to Puez-Odle park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and our playground for the day.

Climb mixed terrain trails in the shadow of Fermeda cliff as you navigate to viewpoints revealing spectacular scenes of a picture-perfect alpine landscape. Take a break and enjoy refreshments at a small family-run hut along the way, and be on the lookout for the area's ubiquitous marmots! Our route leads us past peculiar v-shaped boulders and through meadows decorated with wildflowers and grazing cattle. Share expansive views of Val Gardena, the Seiser Alm plateau, and the nearby Sella mountain group with them.

On arrival at the Col Raiser gondola station base, board a shuttle or take a short walk through fairytale Gardena, home of World Cup skiing. It is also famed for spring and summer sports. Val Gardena has hosted the Giro d'Italia, Italy's esteemed bike race, and is the premiere base for various active summer events. We walk to the deluxe Alpenroyal Grand Hotel, part of the Leading Hotels of the World and our five-star home for the next two nights. It is an architectural masterpiece built in the form of a horseshoe overlooking the spectacular mountain landscape of the Dolomites. Its location makes it the perfect starting point for easy strolls, and daunting climbs in the legendary mountains.

If you are still eager to explore after settling into your luxurious room, lace up your boots again and traverse miles of trails that lead higher into this magnificent mountain group. You can also shop in Selva, the heart of the valley, or take advantage of the hotel's grand spa (at own expense). Alternatively, simply unwind by the picturesque pool overlooking its tranquil mountain views.

We convene on the terrace this evening to witness a magical moment as we enjoy an alpenglow-lit welcome reception before we sit down to a superb dinner featuring a variety of culinary fare.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft)
Level 3, Approx 18 km (11 miles), Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 4, Approx 35 km (22 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1,500 ft)

The Dolomites reward you with abundant breakfast spreads and excellent Italian coffee. Eat up and meet your tour leaders outside, where they'll fit you to your offroad bike and briefly teach you about biking techniques and safety. Take off on a two-wheeled journey through the heart of the Schlem and Rosengarten Natural Park amidst the meadows and forests overlaying the Seiser Alm, one of Europe's largest high alpine plateaus. Our ride is a sweeping adventure on a blend of paved roads, gravel service routes, and some single-track trails, where cows are abundant, streams abound, and you can glimpse the area's well-known downhill skiing opportunities.

Navigating our morning route, we descend from Selva down the Garden Valley along a bike path once a historic railway and on scenic back roads. You can visit one of the quaint mountain villages we'll pass through today: Santa Cristina or Ortisei. Each has its allure, though the shopping and gelato in Ortisei are definitely highlights.

Afterward, we get on a gondola to Mount Seuc for vistas of the Seiser Alm and the Saslong group before taking a rolling route to our scenic lunch spot.

Ride to a nearby gondola and board a shuttle back to our accommodation, where five-star services await or continue riding back to Alpenroyal on a more daunting, but scenic and varied route. Tonight, we enjoy a world-class gourmet experience at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 3, Approx 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 231 m (700 ft)
Level 4, Approx 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 231 m (700 ft)

We enjoy our final Alpenroyal's breakfast before a quick shuttle takes us to the state-of-the-art Dantercepies gondola station base, where we hop on a lift up to Passo Gardena. Travel deeper into the Puez-Odle Park to witness the striking lunar-like beauty of the Dolomites. With the Sella Massif in view, cross over the Gardena Pass and into the nearby Alta Badia valley. This area is considered the heart of the Ladin community. A people different from Italians who speak a Rhaeto-Romansch language and are native to the southern Alps.

We savor a sumptuous lunch at the lode above the tiny village of Colfosco. Then, we hike down toward Corvara through the forest or go for a quick ride in the gondola which whisks us down into town, where we continue by shuttle or on foot to Hotel La Peria. This spectacular family-owned five-star property carefully captures a blend between cosy and modern, and is our home for the next two nights. Unwind in the indoor pool or simply laze by the picturesque terrace.

Tonight, we met for an informative wine tasting at La Perla before going out for dinner on your own. Feel free to wander or take one of your leader's recommendations. Salute!

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 3, Approx 16 km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1,000 ft)
Level 4, Approx 26 km (16 miles), Elevation gain: 518 m (1,700 ft)

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft) Other

Enjoy a stiff espresso and local specialties like fresh alpine yoghourt, fruit, and pastries before you head out on your bike from La Perla on a true multi-adventure traversing Alta Badia and its picturesque villages. Today features a bike ride, hike, and an optional visit to a high ropes course in the forest—a quintessential Dolomites activity for the young at heart.

Our route starts with a gentle descent along a service road paralleling the river before going up paved and gravel paths through La Ila town to a pristine lake. Ride around its perimeter or stop for a quick coffee at the cafe on its shore. Descend the valley again on your way to Badia town, from which we begin a gentle climb towards the San Cassiano village. From here, you may choose to say "Auf Wiedersehen" to your bike and take a gondola directly up to the Pralongia Plateau, where we will get a 360-degree view of the surrounding cliffs. Otherwise, you may continue pedalling up the valley for a daunting ascent to Capanna Alpina before returning to the lift.

With laced-up hiking booths, we navigate sweeping hills covered in flourishing pastures to today's lunch, situated at a family-run hut with a wide selection of freshly prepared tyrolean meals. When in season, admire the colourful wildflowers decorating the landscape.

After that, continue hiking back to La Perla or test your climbing and coordination skills on the routes and ziplines at the adventure park in Colfosco.

Back in Corvara, you have the afternoon to yourself. Optional activities include golf, hiking, running, and, of course, spa time! (Golf is not included in the trip price.) Dinner tonight at the hotel's spectacular and charming restaurant is at your leisure.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 3, Approx 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 4, Approx 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1,200 ft)

We begin the morning by taking a short shuttle to our trailhead at Valparola Pass, a key armed conflict location during World War I and a base for Austrian forces. First, we set out to tour an open-air museum among the Austrian trenches and camp. Then, we visit a pre-war bunker that now houses an impressive collection of World War I artefacts collected personally by the museum's owner and his family, locals from the town of Cortina.

Navigate historic trails as you follow the frontline troops' footsteps, soaking in vistas of some of Veneto's most legendary and breathtaking cliffs. We eat lunch at a local restaurant, after which we continue hiking, passing the stunning ruins of Ospedaletti, a historic war hospital, before splitting off for a longer option toward the Dibona hut or a shorter route that allows for an earlier shuttle to the hotel. Our last destination for the day is Cortina d'Ampezzo, a fancy mountain resort town beneath the Dolomites' gorgeous cliffs. If you enjoy shopping or people-watching, take a walk on Corso Italia, Cortina's pedestrian-only thoroughfare, where Italy's rich and famous come to see and be seen.

Explore Cortina's scenic streets or settle into your room at Grand Hotel Savoia, our five-star mountain retreat. Situated in the heart of this breathtaking mountain town, this hotel offers panoramic vistas and unmatched services. You may want to care for your hiking and biking muscles at the hotel's luxurious spa (at own expense) or hot tub.

In the evening, we convene for an aperitivo, toasting the day's efforts and celebrating our Dolomites adventure with a festive farewell meal.

Level 3, Approx 18 km (11 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)

Enjoy a slow and relaxing breakfast or pedal one last time following the old railroad bed along paved and gravel paths that parallel the scenic Boite River, taking in stunning vistas of the D'Ampezzo Dolomite. Afterward, say goodbye to your leaders, friends, and acquaintances before boarding a private coach that takes you to the Venice airport and Tronchetto island, where our trip ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.