Walk in the shadows of some amazing peaks and in the fields of wildflowers while taking in the intriguing culture of Südtirol, Italy.
This Wander Your Way Adventure begins along the Südtirol Strada del Vino (Wine Route) in the town of Caldaro (Kaltern) where we enjoy some of the delicious food and wine of the region.
From there we’ll head north into the Dolomite mountains and to one of my favorite places on the planet — Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm). This is largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe and it’s gorgeous — especially when the flowers are in bloom.
Further along on the journey we’ll cross over one of the beautiful Dolomite mountain passes to our stop in the village of San Vigilio di Marebbe. It’s here that we’ll embark on 2 amazing hikes in the gorgeous Fanes-Sennes-Braies Dolomite Nature Park — another of my favorite places!
As we end our time we’ll make a quick stop in the vineyards of the Prosecco wine growing region and make a toast to an incredible trip through northern Italy.
Important to know:
Please note that your airfare is NOT included.
You are responsible for booking your flight to Venice and to arrive on June 15.
All participants will be collected from Venice Marco Polo airport at the same time on June 15.
Ideally, it will be best to choose a flight that arrives no later than noon as we have about a 3 hour drive to our first destination, Caldaro/Kaltern.
Or alternatively you can arrive a day or 2 early so you can adjust to the time difference and get over your jet lag.
If you want to include time in Venice, you can do so prior to or after the tour.
Lynne will happy to assist you in making arrangements.
Please email her at [email protected].
Today we get out for our first walk through the forest to Monticolo Lakes with our hiking guide. These 2 lakes are hidden treasures amongst the hills and vineyards.
After our walk we’ll head back to the hotel where you can freshen up and grab some lunch or a light snack.
Then we visit one of my favorite wineries — Peter Soelva. Stephan Soelva is the current generation of the family and he is a wealth of information. We’ll take a tour and then taste some of the amazing wines.
After our tasting, we’ll have dinner together at Spuntloch which is right next door to the winery.
Overnight: Hotel Das Badl.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we have a more leisurely day.
We’ll begin with a walk around Lago di Caldaro (Kalterer See) which sits in the valley and amongst the vineyards.
After our walk, we’ll be transferred back to the hotel where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon on your own to explore the town of Caldaro or perhaps relax at the hotel spa, taking in the sauna or heated pool. If you want to pre-book a special treatment, such as a massage, we can do that too!
Overnight: Hotel Das Badl.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we make the short drive up into the mountains to the village of Siusi allo Sciliar (Seis am Schlern) where we then take the gondola up to Alpe di Siusi.
Alpe di Siusi — Europe’s largest high alpine meadow — is one of my favorite places on the planet.
The afternoon is open for you to get out on one of the trails around the hotel to explore this natural playground. There are mountain huts around where you can get a hearty lunch.
Or you can have the delicious food at Paradiso Pure.
Overnight: Paradiso Pure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we will take a hike through the Alpe di Siusi.
With over 440km of trails (270miles) there are plenty of trails for us to choose from depending on the abilities of the group.
Whatever trail we choose, we’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Sciliar (Schlern), Sasso Piatto and Sasso Lungo (Plattkofel & Langkofel) as well as peaks further afield.
Mountain huts offer up tasty local cuisine so we can refuel along the way.
Or if you prefer, Paradiso Pure will pack a lunch for you for an extra fee.
Overnight: Paradiso Pure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
For our last full day in the Alpe, we’ll tackle more trails and drink in more of the beauty of this special place.
Again, we have the choice of a packed lunch or eating at one of the many huts along the way.
Wherever we walk in Alpe di Siusi, we’ll never be without the stunning views!
Overnight: Paradiso Pure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today after breakfast we’ll take the gondola down to the village of Siusi where our transportation will be waiting for us with our luggage.
We’ll drive over Passo Gardena — one of the most spectacular passes in the Dolomites — with a stop near the top to take a short walk and take in the views and have lunch.
We’ll then continue on to the village of San Vigilio di Marebbe — a charming village surrounded by more magnificent Dolomite peaks.
After checking into Hotel Olympia, we’ll have time to relax, use the spa facilities or wander about the town (the town church is beautiful!).
Overnight: Hotel Olympia.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
We will recommend places for dinner on your own.
This morning we will get our first taste of Fanes-Sennes-Braies Dolomite Nature Park.
We will be transferred to Pederu Hut which sits in a valley between the Fanes Plateau and the Sennes Plataeu where we begin our hike to Sennes.
While the beginning of this hike is a bit demanding the view once we reach first Fodara Vedla then the Sennes hut are stunning.
Sennes hut makes a great spot to grab some hearty food and drink in the magnificent landscape.
Meals included: Breakfast
We will recommend places for dinner on your own.
Today is our last full day in the mountains so we’re going out with a bang.
We’ll be transported to Pederu Hut again where we’ll pick up the trail to the Fanes Plateau.
This is a lovely hike with fabulous views as we hike first to Fanes Hut then on to the Gran Fanes plateau. Gran Fanes has become one of my favorite places in the Dolomites with its peaks, the stream running through the meadow and cows grazing in the fields as their bells ring in the breeze.
Once back down to Pederu Hut, we’ll be transported back to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This will be our final night all together and with our hiking guide.
We say goodbye to the Dolomites and make our way south into the Veneto region.
We’ll make a stop at a Prosecco vineyard, Bianca Vigna, where we’ll get a tour, tasting and a light lunch before our tour ends at the Venice Mestre train station.
Overnight: Hotel TBD.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch