Val Gardena - Dolomites
10 Days 5500 ex Innsbruck
Accommodation
8 Nights Luxury Hotel
1 Night Luxury Refugio
Transportation
Mostly on foot
Transfers included
Included Meals
10 Breakfasts
0 Lunches
8 Dinners
Group Size
10 – 14 Maximum
In the travel business, superlatives can be misleading. Not every destination can hold the title of the best or the most beautiful. But when it comes to breathtaking beauty and a hikers paradise, the Val Gardena in northern Italy; well dare I write it; is the “best”.
Allow us to clarify this for you. The Val Gardena extends for approximately 25km. On either side of the valley are incredible dolomite formations that have been pushed up from below sea level to heights of over 3000 meters. This is not a rolling mountain range, but a geological drama of giant columns protruding out of a fertile valley floor. Sheer cliffs collapse into smaller valleys leading to some mysterious, unseen destination, calling you to come and see.
But this is just the beginning. The Val Gardena offers those who love food, a taste bud sensation, a mix of mountain food originating in Austria, and the freshness of Italian cuisine. Hikes are punctuated by stops at a mountaintop Rifugio for strudel and coffee or something a little more hearty.
This is the Val Gardena!
“A Traveller who has visited all the other mountain-regions of Europe, and remains ignorant of the scenery of the Dolomite Alps, has yet to make acquaintance with Nature in one of her loveliest and most fascinating aspects”.
John Ball Guide to the Eastern Alps (1868)
“The Dolomites! It was a full fifteen years since I had first seen sketches by a great artist not long since passed away, and their strange outlines and still stranger colouring had haunted me ever since. I thought of them as every summer came around; I regretted them every Autumn; I cherished dim hopes about them every Spring.”
Amelia Anne Blanford Edwards from Untrodden Peaks and Unfrequented Valleys: A Midsummer Ramble in the Dolomites 1873.
To make this journey even more extraordinary, we will start it in the middle of the European Alps, in the Austrian town of Innsbruck. From there we will cross the Alps into Italy and spend 6 nights in the incredible mountain hotel Kolfuschgerhof.
Each day we will explore a different part of the Val Gardena, hiking trails that will take us deep into the mountains with views that are indescribable (the images below we hope can help), before returning for an evening meal of local cuisine and seasonal ingredients at the Kolfuscherhof.
One day has been set aside for a Via Feratta, for those that wish to take this adventure even further into the mountains. Our final night in the Dolomites will be in the superb Rifugio Col Pradat, a Rifugio like no other, with private facilities and a restaurant with views over Marmolade in the distance.
Our Val Gardena journey ends in the most romantic of Italian cities, Verona.
Remember, this is your journey, so if you do not wish to do a walk on a particular day, you don’t have to. You can do as much or as little as you like. And we are sure we can find an alternative for those who want to take it a little easier.
The Journey
Check into your hotel and meet your other travel companions. Free time to yourself. Hotel Altstadt Hotel, Innsbruck. (D)
Transfer to the Val Gardena. 3hrs. Our accommodation is at the base of the main massif in the most ideal location for walks into the surrounding mountains, Hotel Kolfuschgerhof. (B,D).
Our first hike in the area is a relatively easy one, but one that will give us an excellent overview of the treks we will undertake over the next week. Views of the Dolomites highest peak, Marmolade and of the Sella Group are unsurpassed.
Duration of 4 hours. Altitude gain 550 meters Descent 600 meters Medium difficulty. (B,D)
The Dolomites will surround us on all sides today as we head up into a high valley, traversing between 3000 meter peaks. This is a hidden gem in the Alte Badia, away from the crowds. Our goal is Lago di Limo, where incredible views across reflective water await, a perfect location for lunch. If the group is strong we may even do the full valley traverse to Pederu where our vehicle will be waiting for us.
Duration of 6 hours. Altitude gain 641 meters Descent 641 meters. Difficulty is medium to difficult. (B,D)
An extraordinary high-altitude trek in Val Gardena, commencing from the stunning Seceda and offering an up-close encounter with the renowned peaks of the Odle. This awe-inspiring trail gradually descends alongside the Pieralongia Hut, guiding you to the captivating Ciscles torrent. Following an invigorating ascent, you’ll traverse the Plan dla Roa and ascend to the breathtaking Forcella Forces de Sieles (2505m). Continuing past the Plan dai Ciavei, the journey continues to the majestic Puez Refuge (2475m). From there it’s another hour or so down to our hotel for a well-deserved refreshment and dinner. 15km. 5hrs hiking. (B,D)
Just down the valley from our hotel is a wonderful trail starting at La Villa. The trail makes its way through typical larch and spruce forest, past an ancient wolf trap (fascinating history) up to Rifugio Gardencia, where we can take in a cappuccino and cake before heading onward and upward.
The trail takes us through a gully until it spills out to a ridgeline with breathtaking views of the Badia Valley and north toward the Austrian Alps.
In the distance a huge cross marks our lunch and turn around point. From there, the views become even more spectacular.
Duration 7 hours. Ascent and Descent 770 meters. 15.3 km. The difficulty is medium. (B,D)
Today we will be doing a morning walk, taking in the fresh morning air of the Val Gardena before heading back down to our accommodation in the valley. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore or rest, maybe even take in a sauna and a spa.
For the more adventurous we can take in an excellent Via Ferrata in the morning leaving the afternoon free to relax.(B,D)
This morning we will hike from the valley up to our accommodation at Col Pradat at 20230 meters above sea level. The hiking is relatively easy for most of the way, as we meander through idyllic fields with views across to the Sella group of mountains and behind us the cliffs of the Puez Group.
By lunch we will arrive at the beautiful Col Pradat. For those with a bit more energy, we can make a hike up into the Puez Group a walk of a few hours straight up and down.
We will overnight in the wonderful Col Pradat Refugio getting a feel of the mountain life all the while taking in some of the best higher altitude walks in the area. Today is a mild 7 km walk with 300 meters of ascent. (B,D)
We will transfer to Verona in the morning. This afternoon we will do a town tour before a final special dinner. (B,D)
Today we all depart hopefully off to another Italian destination or back home. (B)
Note: For those that wish to stay extra nights in Verona we can arrange this. We can also arrange for ongoing train tickets to and from Verona.
Journey Extensions
Check out our Journey Extensions for those that want to stay a little longer or try something different along the way.
Have some extra time in Verona on hand before or after your trip? We have some wine degustation tours leading you into the well known Trentino-Alto Adige. This is the perfect way to start to your trip, enjoying some wine with your companions and getting to see more of Veronas’ beautiful Hinterland.
For more information Please contact us directly on info@noroads.com.au.
Please note a minimum number of 4 participants is required for the tasting. We will notify you in time if there is enough interest and if the tasting is going ahead.
Includes
- Led by a qualified guide
- All accommodation in towns and on the mountain
- All meals as outlined in Itinerary
- All transfers to and from the Dolomites
- Park permits
- Welcome dinner and Celebration dinner
- All activities as per itinerary including Via Ferrata
If you are traveling alone and do not wish to share accommodation, a Single Supplement of $1500 will apply.
Excludes
- International airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Arrival and Departure Transfers in Verona
Your Guides and Safety
Our lead guides are fully trained, registered and licensed IFMGA members who work for us regularly. All mountain lovers, they have skied, climbed and hiked many of the routes around the area and spend their days off, exploring the Dolomites. All are Guides of the Alpine Schools of Val Gardena.
For the Via Ferrata section, all our guides are fully qualified and we have a 1-5 Guide to Climber Ratio, so it is very safe.
Hi, my name is Barbara Gentilini, I’m a UIMLA hiking guide based in the Dolomites.
The Mountains are essential for me, I love hiking, climbing and ski mountaineering.
I like to discover new landscapes and I need contact with nature and to feel a part of it.
I love going into the mountains also because it is an opportunity for personal growth, to learn to appreciate the little things, the simplicity, meeting other people in an environment where an atmosphere of friendship and cordiality is immediately created.
The mountains teach you to be determined but humble at the same time. The mountains, like the life, must be faced one step at time, and you learn to use your mind to stay focused to evaluate situations and to make decisions.
The most incredible thing is the feeling of freedom that the mountains give you!
Accommodation
We will be employing luxury accommodation throughout this expedition. The hotels in Innsbruck and Verona are located in the center of town.
The hotel in the Val Gardena is the Kolfuschgerhof Mountain Lodge in Corvara. The hotel is located at the base of some of the beautiful mountains we will be hiking in and is a luxurious spa hotel with superb rooms and amazing views. This will be our home for 7 days. We will unpack our bags here on Day 2 and repack them again on Day 8.
For 1 night we will also be staying at the luxurious Rifugio Col Pradat. The restaurant and views from the Col are incredible and is the perfect launching place for hikes into the mountains.
The Best Time To Travel To The Dolomites
The best time to walk the Dolomites is mid-June to the end of July and then September. June has fewer people and the flowers start to bloom then and into July. August is holiday time in Europe and there are just too many people on the trails. September sees the trails free up again.
Meals On The Trip
No matter where we take you, food is an important component of any No Roads Expeditions trip. Europe is no exception.
All meals are outlined within the itinerary.
Breakfast: Breakfast buffet with fresh bread rolls and croissants, bacon and eggs, and a large selection of cold meats and cheeses, home-made juices, cakes and muesli.
Lunch: These are usually taken at a local Rifugio where they make fresh pasta, apple strudels and more. Lunches are to be paid directly to the Rifugio which gives you the widest selection of meals, tasting whatever you feel like. These meals are usually between 10 Euro and 15 Euro. No Lunches are included in the trip as we would like you to have the option to choose whatever you like no matter where we are.
Dinner: 5-course gourmet dinner with a sumptuous buffet with fresh salads, vegetables, and antipasti. Also a cheeseboard with local and Italian cheeses and fruit corner Sundays aperitif reception followed by a gala dinner.
The Dolomites are certainly one of the most beautiful landscapes you will ever travel through. However not many people have heard of them or know them well so you may have a few questions for us. The following are the most common however if you have another question please let us know or the answer may be found in our Trip Notes section.
Whats Is Via Ferrata?
Via Ferrata is Italian for “Iron Road”. This “new” sport had very serious origins as mountaineers were employed to establish fixed cables through these mountains so that soldiers could form lines and access points into enemy territory. The Dolomites is riddled with WW1 remains, with bunkers, barbed wire and even rooms cut into the rock face. Today Via Ferrata is a sport in itself, giving hikers that know what they are doing, access to parts of the mountain once only accessible to trained mountaineers.
Those undertaking Via Ferrata must wear a helmet and a harness with attached carabiners. The carabiners are locked into the metal cable that is fixed to the rock face. If you lose your footing the carabiner and harness will stop you from falling any further than a couple of meters.
The Via Ferrata we have planned for this trip is for beginners and is considered quite easy. We will have a trained professional guide from the Alpineschule who is experienced in introducing people to Via Ferrata.
You must have a head for heights and are ok with exposed rock faces. This is a great way to see the Dolomites, giving you access to parts not available to normal hikers and is highly recommended.
And no you don’t have to do this portion of the trip. For those that opt for a more leisurely day, you will be taken by one of our guides for a lovely hike and the group will meet together in the afternoon for a well deserved refreshment.
Do I Have To Go On All Hikes?
The simple answer is NO! This is your time away. If you wish to take it easy and take a day (or two) off, that is entirely up to you. If you feel the walk we have chosen for the day is too difficult, we may be able to find an alternative for that day’s walk. Remember this is your time, so do with it as you please.
Can You Tell Me About The Night In The Rifugio?
While most Rifugios in the European Alps are rustic and quaint and probably a little crowded, Col Pradat is a superb luxury Rifugio with private facilities, incredible bedrooms (no dorms here) and a restaurant with food match only by one of the best views in the Sud Tyrol.
Our night at the Col Pradat will be our last night in the Dolomites. We will head off on a couple of great walks before heading back down into the valley the following morning before we head off to verona.
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