Walking in the Dolomites - Campitello

Day 1 - Join Trip in Venice; Drive to Campitello (1,448 Metres)
Our tour begins today at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), where we'll transfer as a group to Campitello. Our tour leader will meet you by the red-fronted 'RELAY' shop in the airport's Arrivals Hall at 4pm. If you'd like to join the group transfer, the latest your flight can arrive is 3pm. Please note, that it can be extremely busy by the main exit from the luggage area, please do not leave the building. After we've gathered our group, you'll travel to our hotel in Campitello, around a three-hour drive away. Located in the far north of Italy, in an area known as Trentino, Campitello di Fassa sits in the Val di Fassa. Here in the heart of the Dolomites you will experience traditional Ladin food, featuring simple hearty mountain dishes and recipes handed down through generations. We'll be staying at the 4-star Hotel Medil, perfectly situated in the heart of Campitello di Fassa, a charming traditional Alpine village. This picturesque base in the Dolomites has a wonderful selection of shops, restaurants, and bars, all set against a backdrop of truly stunning mountain views. Upon arrival, our tour leader will provide a brief overview of the exciting week ahead.

Day 2 - Panorama Walk From Refugio Micheluzzi to Passo Duron
We begin with a short ascent to the top of Campitello to the shuttle bus stop where we take the bus to Rifugio Micheluzzi (1,850 metres/6,069 feet). This charming mountain hut is beautifully situated with panoramic views. We start our walk from here towards Passo Duron. We'll traverse a relatively flat, well-trodden path, with increasingly expansive views of the surrounding peaks. The terrain here is generally even, with some rocky sections underfoot, characteristic of Alpine trails. You'll be treated to magnificent views of the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto mountain group towering above, their jagged spires a constant, breath-taking backdrop. The last part of the trail is uphill where we reach the Passo Duron we have a peak into the next valley Val Gardena and see the Austrian Alps in the distance. Here we pause for our well-earned picnic. Our descent begins following the path back down towards Rifugio Micheluzzi offering a fresh a perspective on the valley below. The two-hour descent follows the same route, allowing you to appreciate any details you might have missed on the way up. There is the option to end the walk at Rifugio Micheluzzi and take the shuttle bus back to Campitello (€10), attentively you can walk the final 3.5 kilometres back to Campiello following the woodland trail downhill. Today's 14.5-kilometre/-mile walk is expected to take around four and a half hours with a total ascent of 348 meters/1142 feet and total descent of 775 metres/2549 feet

Day 3 - Hiking Beneath The Majestic Marmolada
Today we'll start with a short bus ride from our hotel to the charming village of Alba di Canazei. From Alba, our walk begins, briefly tracing a beautiful path that follows the gentle curves of the Contrin River through the valley floor. Almost immediately, we walk uphill along a forested path that winds its way up the mountainside. The pace is slow, and we pause at a hut to admire the view behind us and catch our breath. From here, we see and hear the river below us and continue following the forest pathway uphill as it starts to open out into lush green meadows, sometimes dotted with grazing cows and passing patches of fragrant alpine wildflowers. As we progress deeper into the valley, the towering peaks of the Dolomites gradually encircle us, offering increasingly dramatic views. The highlight of our journey will be the unfolding views of Marmolada, often referred to as the "Queen of the Dolomites" and the highest peak in the range. We'll gain approximately 538 metres / 1,768 feet [NM1.1]in elevation over about two and a half to three hours, but this ascent is gradual, following the natural incline of the valley. Our destination is the welcoming Rifugio Contrin (2,046 metres / 6,712 feet). Perched in a spectacular location, the hut offers unparalleled close-up views of the south face of the Marmolada, a truly iconic sight. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a well-deserved break, perhaps with a traditional Tyrolean strudel or a warm drink, while soaking in the grandeur of your surroundings. The return journey is a pleasant and equally easy two-hour descent, followed by a bus back to Campitello. Today's 12-kilometre/7.45-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with a total ascent of 538 metres/1768 feet and total descent of 560 metres/1837 feet.

Day 4 - Free Day to Relax or Discover Bolzano and The Famous Iceman Otzi
Today is entirely yours to shape! After two invigorating days of hiking, you have the freedom to either delve deeper into the local delights of the Val di Fassa, or simply unwind and recharge at our fantastic hotel. For those eager to keep active, you could borrow a bike from our hotel (subject to availability) and pedal along the scenic 40 km cycle path that runs along the valley floor, exploring the charming villages at your own pace with the Dolomites as your constant backdrop. Please note that helmets are not provided with the bike rental, so you may wish to bring your own. If relaxation is what you are after, try the hotel's swimming pool, whirlpool, saunas, and Turkish bath, the perfect way to soothe tired muscles and feel completely refreshed. Another option is to take the cable car up to Col Rodella for its famous fresh doughnuts and panoramic mountain views or take the local bus to Lake Soraga, a stunning Alpine lake for a peaceful visit by the water. You could also visit Bolzano, easily accessible by public transport, where you can come face-to-face with \'d6tzi, the famous "Iceman", a perfectly preserved prehistoric mummy housed in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, offering a fascinating glimpse into the distant past. Alternatively, for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, take a short bus ride to the nearby village of Pozza di Fassa, where you'll find the Dolomia Thermal Baths, offering soothing natural mineral waters renowned for their therapeutic properties.

Day 5 - Bus and Cable Car to Our Hike At The Base of Piz Boe Then Descend to Lake Pian Da Mur
Today our adventure begins with a short bus ride that takes us directly to the base of the Sass Pordoi cable car. From here, the cable car carries us effortlessly up to an altitude of 2,950 metres / 9,678 feet. As we ascend, the landscape changes dramatically, revealing a vast, lunar-like plateau often referred to as the "Terrace of the Dolomites." Stepping out at the top, we are immediately struck by the sheer scale of the surrounding mountains. There are two options today. For those with a steady footing, and a sense of adventure, we will set off on a hike across this extraordinary high-altitude landscape for around 1.5 hours, following the trail in the direction of Rifugio Boè. The terrain is rocky and uneven, as is typical in high alpine environments, but the rewards are immense. This walk will only be available in good weather conditions, and the Tour Leader will make the decision on the day. The alternative is to relax at the cable car station, enjoy a drink, and take time to explore and take photographs in this remarkable setting before descending to the museum, where you will meet the walking group in approximately 1.5 hours. For those hiking, this is a truly unique experience across an otherworldly landscape. The route leads us towards the base of Piz Boè, the highest peak in the Sella Group, whose rugged summit dominates the skyline. Throughout the walk, a breathtaking 360-degree panorama unfolds, with iconic Dolomite peaks stretching in every direction, from the Marmolada to the Langkofel Group and far beyond. Next, we descend back to the valley floor by cable car, where we reunite with those who chose the alternative option. We then continue together on a gentle forest trail passing two lakes, before taking a public bus back to Canazei. Finally, we follow the Avisio River on foot back to our hotel in Campitello, bringing this unforgettable day to a close. Today's 9.3-kilometre/5.38-mile walk is expected to take around three hours and thirty minutes with a total ascent 104 metres/344 feet and descent of 580 metres/ 1900 feet. Today's walk without the Piz Boe high altitude walk is 4.8 miles with a total descent of 473 metres /1555 feet.

Day 6 - Bus and Cable Car to Vigo, Hike to Rifugio Vajolet
Today, we'll embark on a journey into the heart of the Rosengarten (Catinaccio) massif, known for its dramatic spires and legendary sunset glow. Our day begins with a short, scenic bus ride to the charming village of Vigo de Fassa from where we'll take a cable car ride, ascending into the mountains. Upon reaching our starting point, the path is straightforward and enjoyable, tracing a gentle ascent of about 250 metres/656 feet over one-and-a-half to two hours. As we walk, we'll find ourselves nestled beneath the awe-inspiring walls of the Rosengarten massif. The terrain is generally easy, well-maintained, and guides us through picturesque alpine scenery. Rifugio Vajolet appears as though it's been perfectly carved into the very rock of the mountains. The views here are simply staggering, with the towering, jagged peaks creating a dramatic backdrop. This region is famous for a magical natural phenomenon known as 'Enrosadira' - a Ladin word meaning 'turning pink'. As the sun sets, the unique mineral composition of these Dolomite rocks causes them to glow with an incredible spectrum of red, orange, and pink hues. While we won't be staying for sunset, you'll get a clear sense of why this area inspires such awe as the light plays across the Rosengarten's faces. After soaking in the incredible atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a refreshing drink at the rifugio and a picnic lunch outside, we'll begin our easy descent back down. Finally, we'll take the cable car back down to Vigo di Fassa, and a short bus ride will bring us back to Campitello. Today's 11-kilometre/6.8-mile walk is expected to take around three hours and thirty minutes with a total ascent and descent of 396 metres/1300 feet.

Day 7 - Alpine Meadows and Waterfalls in Val San Nicolo
Today, we delve into the beauty of Val San Nicolo and the Monzoni range, a true hidden gem. We'll start our journey with a short bus ride to Pozza di Fassa. From there, a shuttle service will take us deeper into the picturesque Val San Nicolo. The path winds through expansive, vibrant green meadows, carpeted with wildflowers in summer, all framed by the mighty peaks of the Monzoni range. This is a truly idyllic setting, with the sounds of cowbells often echoing across the landscape. We'll follow the valley path, gradually ascending around 299 meters/980 feet over approximately two-and-a-half hours. The terrain is generally well-defined, ranging from wide tracks through meadows to more undulating paths as we approach the higher sections. Our destination is Baita alle Cascate, a charming mountain hut nestled near the spectacular San Nicolo waterfalls. Here, you can enjoy the cascades and take a well-deserved break amidst this natural amphitheatre. After a rest here, we'll begin our two-hour descent, making a loop through the woods before descending back through the meadows. We then make our way back to the hotel; a short bus ride will bring us back to Campitello. Today's 10-kilometre/6.21 -mile walk is expected to take around four to four hours and thirty minutes with a total ascent 299 metres/980 feet and descent of 350 metres/1,150 feet.

Day 8 - Trip Ends At Venice Airport
Our trip ends today. Departing Campitello this morning, we'll drive to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) where we'll arrive at around 1.30pm. The earliest your flight can depart today is 3.30pm.