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Walking
& Hiking - The Dolomities Tour
Tour Duration : 9 Days
Tour Category : Walking Tour, Hiking Tour, Cultural Expeditions
Tour
Day
1:
1st Day (7/6 - Sun.) VENICE
Arrive independently at our select 3-star hotel in Venice (on a quiet
canal near the train station). Then a spectacular vaporetto (waterbus)
ride on the Grand Canal, a walk around Piazza San Marco, the Basilica,
Campanile, Bridge of Sighs, etc. We'll walk up (inside the Basilica) to
admire the famous Quadriga (entr. incl.), the four Roman bronze horses
dating back to the 2nd century AD, and for great views of the city.
Later, a special welcome-to-Italy dinner, with Venetian specialties.
Day 2:
2nd Day (7/7 - Mon.) VENICE
Today, first we'll visit the very interesting church of the Frari (entr. incl.)
to enjoy some of the best paintings by Tiziano Vecellio (Titian), Tintoretto
& others. Then, a tour of the Palazzo Ducale (entr. incl.), where the
Doge (the Governor of Venice) used to reside. This is a fascinating place
full of antiques, paintings, armors, and other interesting relics. We'll also
walk through the old dungeon where, among many others, Casanova was imprisoned.
The afternoon is free to conclude your shopping or, maybe, a trip to Murano
for beautiful glass or Burano for the local lace, or a walk through the neighborhoods.
Day 3:
3rd Day (7/8 - Tue.) CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Right after breakfast, our minibus will pick us up and we'll drive to Sirmione
on Lake Garda. We'll visit this lovely town, which the Latin poet Catullo
used to love (the Catullo "grottoes" are still there with an ancient Roman
Villa and other archeological remains). We'll take a good look (exterior)
at the Rocca Scaligera, the imposing castle/fortress with moat and crenellated
walls built in the 13th century and, of course, we'll enjoy the beauty of
Lago di Garda. Then we'll continue our adventure to the very charming town
of Trento. We'll take a good look at this medieval gem among the mountains
and then we'll drive to our final destination, Cortina d'Ampezzo located in
a wide valley and enclosed by the high peaks of the Dolomiti (Dolomites).
This magnificent range of mountains, called after the French geologist and
mineralogist Deodat Dolomieu, is one of the most breathtaking and visited
parts of the Italian Alps. Cortina itself is an internationally renowned tourist
center and was the seat of the 1956 Winter Olympics. Check-in at our select
3-star family hotel situated just outside town, near the woods. Then a walking
tour of Cortina. Tonight dinner with specialties of the Dolomite area.
Day 4:
4th Day (7/9 - Wed.) CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Today we begin our wonderful walks/hikes with a classic: Tre Cime di Lavaredo
(Lavaredo Three Peaks). (Grade 3 to 5˝ - average time 5 hours - max elevation
8100 ft.) Great views of these three magnificent peaks from different viewpoints.
Perhaps we'll also be able to admire the "Alpine glow" during the setting
sun which gives these limestone and magnesium mountains (once covered by the
sea) fantastic hues of yellow, purple, and red. Dinner.
Day 5:
5th Day (7/10 - Thu.) CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
A more challenging excursion: Ponte di Rucurto - Forcella Formin - Rifugio
Croda da Lago/Palmieri and back. Breathtaking views at the top, a walk through
the forest, lunch in a rustic Rifugio (Alpine Shelter). (Grade 4 to 7˝ - average
time 5 to 6 hours - max elevation 8035 ft.) Dinner.
Day 6:
6th Day (7/11 - Fri.) CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Today we'll try something different: a cable car ride followed by a difficult
but fantastic hike and a long walk through beautiful woods. Rifugio Faloria
- Rifugio Tondi - Rifugio Vandelli - Passo Tre Croci (Grade 4 to 8 - about
5˝ hours.) Dinner.
Day
7:
7th Day (7/12 - Sat.) CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Today, something easier. We’ll start from a trail near our hotel and walk/hike
to Mietres, walking & hiking in the woods by the Pomagagnon mountain.
(Grade 3 to 5 - average time 3 hours - elevation about 5600 ft.) We’ll
get back to Cortina around noon. Rest of day is free for shopping and
more exploration of this (truly "a gem") city. Dinner on your own.
Day 8:
8th Day (7/13 - Sun.) CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Today, our "graduation" hike: Malga Ra Stua - Rifugio Fodara Vedla - Rifugio
Sennes - Rifugio Biella and back. A "special" farm, a walk through the woods,
a great hike, a very interesting Rifugio and back to our farm via beautiful
Alpine lakes and woods. (Grade 4 to 7 - average time 6 hours - max elevation
7600 ft.) A wonderful farewell dinner.
Day 9:
9th Day (7/14 - Mon.) HOME
After breakfast, we'll transfer by motor-coach directly from Cortina to Venice
Marco Polo airport, to fly home or to transfer to other locations.
Note: Tour and Tour Information are subject to change.
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