Walking the Dolomites of Alta Badia
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Dolomites. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of serene nature walks, historical exploration, and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas. From the tranquil alpine meadows to the strategic passes of WW1, every day brings a new adventure. Stay at the luxurious 4-star Ciasa Salares (or similar) in Armentarola, San Cassiano, and enjoy the comfort and convenience of half-board for four nights. The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to choose your walks and pace. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a photography enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
All breakfasts and four dinners are included.
Ciasa Salares, Armentarola, San CassianoCiasa Salares, your home for the week, is located just a short walk (or even shorter shuttle/bus ride) from the centre of San Cassiano. Run by the Wieser family, Stefan, Wilma and their son Jan Clemens, who is passionate about the hotel’s fantastic wine cellar, the hotel combines alpine chic in the décor with good old-fashioned hospitality. The hotel's four restaurants include an informal wine bar, a terrace restaurant, a main restaurant and tables in the wine cellar. There are also two other very special rooms – the Cheese Room and the Chocolate Room, used for tastings, individual courses during meals and special occasions. Complimentary grappa tasting is available once a week, as well as one glass of wine and cheese tasting in the wine cellar. You will also get 5 half board meals included at the half board restuarant. Customers wishing to eat at one of the other three restaurants at the hotel can use their 'credit' from the half board menu and pay any difference locally. Drinks are always excluded. Other facilities include a library and lounge, a luxurious spa with indoor swimming pool, relaxation area, treatment rooms (3), sauna, steam room and an outdoor hot tub with fabulous alpine views to soak away those aching limbs after a day of walking. Headwater customers get free spa access (spa treatments available for a supplement.) The hotel offers a free shuttle service to San Cassiano (village and the main Piz Surega lift) as well as to the Capanna Alpina restaurant for the Fanes Natural Park walk. One picnic lunch is included at the hotel’s private mountain hut (day of the week changes depending on the weather). This mountain hut can be reached on foot (1hr 30mins from the hotel) on Day 4 walking or by gondola (about 20mins.) E-mountain bikes are available to hire for additional charge (payable locally.)
Route notes and maps
Arrival & departure transfers
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Messner Mountain Museum Ripa
Parco Naturale Puez OdleDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Armentarola, San Cassiano
- San Ćiascian - St. Kassian - San Cassiano - Arrival day
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Welcome to Armentarola, San Cassiano! Settle into your comfortable accommodation at the 4-star Ciasa Salares (or similar) where you'll be staying for the next seven nights. Four of these nights will be on a half-board basis. Remember, the itinerary is merely a suggestion, and you're free to choose your walks each day.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring the Dolomites
Day 2: Exploring the Dolomites
- Messner Mountain Museum Ripa
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Today's journey takes you through peaceful country lanes, pine forests, and high alpine meadows, offering spectacular views of the Dolomites. Reach the mountain hut at Pralongia, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the mountain panorama. Return to San Cassiano either by walking or using the hotel shuttle.
Day 3 – Day 3: Pilgrimage Route to Santa Croce
Day 3: Pilgrimage Route to Santa Croce
Embark on a pilgrimage route that takes you above the village and through delightful pine woods. Along the way, you'll encounter depictions of the last hours of Jesus Christ's life on earth before reaching the Santa Croce Church. Enjoy the stunning backdrop and views across the valley and the village of Badia. After descending to Badia, take the bus back to the hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Alta Badia Trail and Marmolada Mountains
- San Ćiascian - St. Kassian - San Cassiano
- Dorives
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Experience the spectacular scenery of the Alta Badia trail. Start your day with a gondola lift or a 5km climb through pine forest and alpine meadows. Once at the top, marvel at the fabulous views of the Marmolada mountains, the highest in the Dolomites, and the Austrian Alps in the distance. After lunch at one of the mountain huts, descend to Corvara for a well-deserved drink before catching the bus back to the hotel.
Day 5 – Day 5: Lakes and Mountains of Badia
Day 5: Lakes and Mountains of Badia
Take a short bus trip to Badia before embarking on a lovely walk to two small lakes with the fabulous backdrop of the Somamunt, Col Plo Alt, and Pre Janin mountains. Enjoy wonderful views over the village and across the valley to the Santa Croce mountain as you head to Lech dla Lunch. After a steep climb, you'll reach Lech da Sompunt and its delightful swans. Descend back to Badia through tiny hamlets and take the bus back to the hotel.
Day 6 – Day 6: Passo Valparola and WW1 Museum
Day 6: Passo Valparola and WW1 Museum
Today, head up to the Passo Valparola, a key strategic pass from WW1, for fabulous views over the San Cassiano valley. After passing through the delightful Pre de Costa meadows and past the Malghe Valparola, you'll reach the pass. Consider stopping for refreshments at the rifugio at the top. You can also visit the nearby WW1 museum or take a cable car up to the top of Lagazuoi, one of the most fiercely fought over mountains in the Dolomites. Alternatively, embark on a challenging 13km walk towards the Setsas mountain before returning to the hotel.
Day 7 – Day 7: Fanes Natural Park
Day 7: Fanes Natural Park
- Parco Naturale Puez Odle
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Today, explore the Fanes Natural Park, a vast expanse of outstanding natural beauty. Start your walk directly from the hotel or take the shuttle to the Capanna Alpina hut. The steep climb up to the panoramic Col de Locia and the verdant plateau beyond offer awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and a sparkling mountain lake. Descend via two steep gorges to the Scotoni mountain hut and down a spectacular ski slope to the start point.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from San Cassiano
- San Ćiascian - St. Kassian - San Cassiano - Departure day
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Your unforgettable journey through the Dolomites comes to an end today. After breakfast, check out from the hotel and prepare for your onward journey. We hope you leave with beautiful memories and look forward to welcoming you back soon!
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