Dolomites, Italy
May 28 - June 4, 2027
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 500-1,000 ft. and average distances of 5-7 miles. Daytime temperatures average 60 - 85 degrees with possible cooler temperatures at high altitudes.
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.
Day by Day Overview
Friday, May 28
Meet Karen and Patrizia Roncolato (our guide) at the train station in Bolzano/Bozen (this is the Italian/German name for the town) in the main hall (ticket hall) at 4:30PM. From here we will take a bus to Collalbo/Klobenstein and the Dolomiten Hotel - Renon Hotel Dolomiti albergo Renon Alto Adige Südtirol. Collalbo is about 3,500 ft elevation. Get settled and explore the village on your own.
Saturday, May 29
By bus we will reach the town of Ortisei-one of the most iconic villages of the Dolomites. Located in the Val Gardena, Ortisei and the entire valley is widely known for its accomplished wood carvers. The valley bursts with tradition, culture and character. Near the village of St. Christina, we will take a ski gondola 7,000 feet to the mountain station of Col Riser. Serving as a gateway for hiking, walking and skiing, Col Riser provides panoramic views of some of Dolomites major peaks: Sassolungo, Odle Scillar. Our bus will return us to Collalbo.
Sunday, May 30
Our day begins locally as we enjoy viewing a religious procession - Corpus Domini Procession - through Collalbo. After lunch we walk an easy path through the town of Longomoso-at one time a stopover for the Teutonic Knights. Our woodland path gives us views to the "People Pyramids", Gothic churches, and long views of pasture land and fields of flowers. We walk back to Collalbo.
Monday, May 31
Today we leave our hotel on a path that transverses field and woods. The view of the impressive Rosengarten range of the Dolomites is always with us. We will have interesting stops along our route today: the Bee Museum-the oldest surviving "maso" of the area-a typical farmhouse including dwelling, hay barn and stable (Apiculture Museum in the Plattner farm); The afternoon introduces us to the "apple experience" of South Tyrol: tasting & identifying various varieties. Then return to Collalbo.
Tuesday, June 1
This is a "town day". We take the narrow-gauge train, then cable car down the mountain to Bolzano. At 10:00 a.m. we have a guided walk of Bolzano then we will visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to the famous 5000-year-old "Ice Man"-we have a specialist guide. Home | Museo Archeologico dell'Alto Adige. Bolzano is considered the gateway to the Dolomites. Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites - Italia.it. Bus or lift back to Collalbo.
Wednesday, June 2
By bus to Kneipp experience a (holistic wellness experience in nature) and then continue by bus to the cable car station which will "lift" us to 6,600ft. An hour's walk from the cable car station -- accompanied by spectacular Dolomite scenery-- takes us to the "Corno of Renon". (Corno=horn; Renon=name of area). Another option near the cable car station is the Panoramic Trail walk-a circular walk offering 360 degree views of prominent Dolomite peaks. Take the lift or walk back to cable car station. Return to our hotel by bus.
Thursday, June 3
By bus we go to the Sarentino (Sarntal) Valley. This is a very traditional and authentic valley of the South Tyrol. It extends 50 km from Bolzano to the Pennes Pass. It is far from mass tourism and is renowned for its pristine nature with the continuing traditions such as peacock feather embroidery and famous wool slippers. Time permitting, we will visit the small farming village of Durnholz. It has one of the smallest mountain schools in the whole of South Tyrol. Return to Collalbo by bus.
Friday, June 4
We leave Collalbo this morning after breakfast to be at the Bolzano train station by 10:00a.m. If you need an earlier departure, a taxi can be arranged.
Notes: Our hikes each day are 5-6 miles. This is the Italian Alps and so some of the hikes have significant elevation changes. For the hikes with the greatest altitude gain, we take a gondola/lift/cable car part way. While elevations change during our week from valley to high mountain meadows the actual hiking elevation range is from 500 ft to 1,000 ft. The highest elevation we reach is 7,000'. To enjoy this trip, you should hike regularly in the months prior to the trip, include hills and be prepared for a great week of hiking!
We leave Collalbo each morning around 9:00 AM. Our breakfasts and dinners are at the hotel with the exception of one dinner on your own. A picnic lunch is provided by the hotel each day with the exception of lunches on our Bolzano day and the Col Raiser day.
Please Note: The above schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
