ITALY:

Dolomites

May 28 - June 4, 2008

Set apart from the rest of the Alps, the jagged pinnacles of the Dolomites mark the boundary between Italy and Austria. The cuisine, the languages (German and Italian) and the dual place-names reflect the blending of these two cultures. These mountains of the Tyrol were once Austrian but since World War I have been Italian. Within the shadows of these towering limestone peaks lie picturesque hamlets of Alpine “hof” (farmhouses), high-steepled churches, and flower strewn meadows of gentian, alpen rose and crocus.

For the week, we will be located in the “Altipiano del Renon” (the “high flat area of Renon”), an ideal location for exploring this stunning landscape. Gondolas will sometimes carry us to higher altitudes where we will hike trails through larch, pine, spruce and through alpine pastures of grazing cattle. Dominating our views will be craggy, snowy peaks and vertical walls of dolomite rock. Fresh air and beautiful light are our daily staple.

Our hikes are of varying difficulty but generally in the moderate range with elevation gains of 1,000-1,500 ft. and average distances of 8 miles. Daytime temperatures are 60-75 degrees with cooler temperatures at high altitudes.

Among our stops along our hike will be a visit with a traditional Tyrolean basket maker, a welcomed stop at a farmer's house for "spek" and apple juice, a look at a very old "hof" and an afternoon wine tasting.  Time spent in the gateway city of Bolzano/ Bozan gives us an opportunity to enjoy medieval arcades, Gothic architecture, tile patterned roofs and the Archaeological Museum where Otzi (the 5300 yr. old man found preserved on a Dolomite glacier) is displayed.

Our home for the week will be Hotel Dolomiten in the mountain village of Collalbo/ Klobenstein. A small, family-run hotel with views to the Dolomites’ Rosengarten region, the Dolomiten will welcome us at the end of each day with their generous and “tasty” Tyrolean hospitality.