Penguin Travel

Situated in the most northerly region of Italy on the southern side of the Alpine chain, Val Badia shall astonish you with its breathtaking landscapes on this quintessential Dolomite walking tour, which has become a tourist Mecca in recent years. The name “Dolomites” comes from the rock “dolomite” – a type of carbonate rock, responsible for the characteristic shapes and colours of these mountains. On this trek you can enjoy exhilarating hikes through the awe-inspiring nature of dramatic limestone mountains with snow capped peaks, a magnificent nature reserve, picture-perfect alpine pastures and idyllic meadows. This unique German-speaking part of Italy boasts an exceptional cuisine, a rich variety of wildlife, such as the distinctive marmot and chamois, and deliriously lovely spring flowers which bloom in the thousands, including prized orchids, lilies and monkshoods. Leave your worries behind as you skip to the gentle sound of singing birds. Nourish your bliss, the stage is set.


Tour Highlights: Spellbinding views, wild open spaces, mountain lakes, jagged peaks, precious flower meadows; Cosy, comfortable, family-run accommodations; Gorgeous flora and fauna; warm, friendly locals; Superb culinary specialties, including delicious cheese, carne Salada, polenta, mushrooms, speck and outstanding wines;

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Departure dates:
01 June 2010 - 15 October 2010 every day

Country region:   Northern Italy, The Dolomites

Price without flight ticket:    560 EUR

Additional price information:   Single supplement: 65 euro.

Trip plan:
Day1. Travel by public transportation to Brunico. Take a taxi from Brunico train station to La Valle-Wengen. Arrive in the mountainside village of La Valle, or Wengen in German, and soak in your extraordinarily beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Overnight in hotel in La Valle-Wengen.
Day2. Your first day of walking begins on the marvelous southern slopes of the Wengental amidst a landscape of gorgeous mountain peaks, inviting woods and inspiring flower meadows. Catch glimpses of sparsely scattered farms and isolated hamlets. Overnight in hotel in La Valle-Wengen. (Walking distance: 10,5 km; 3,30-5 hrs; uphill walk: 500m; downhill walk: 500m)
Day3. After a hearty breakfast, take a cart track to the Gadertal and breathe in the wonderful mountain air. Enjoy a comfortable walk over the Mt. Gröpa ridge, amidst uncontaminated nature, and you may even cross paths with a few wild deer or chamois. Overnight in hotel in La Valle-Wengen. (Walking distance: 14.5 km; 4-6,30 hrs; uphill walk: 750m; downhill walk: 750m)
Day4. Today you have the chance to climb to the top of the striking Paresberg Mountain (2347m). On this exhilarating climb, you may find fascinating exposed fossils and unique high-altitude flora and fauna. As you travel up the slopes of this dolomite-stone mountain, the vistas get progressively more spellbinding and ravishing. Overnight in hotel in La Valle-Wengen. (Normal Route Walking distance: 13 km; 3,30-6 hrs; uphill walk: 700m; downhill walk: 700m); (Climbing Paresberg Peak: 14,5 km; 5-8 hrs; uphill walk: 1100m; downhill walk: 1100m)
Day5. Experience paradise on foot as you explore through the flowery Almentarawiesen on a long walk to the brilliant wall of the Kreuzkofelwand. Feel peace and serenity as you approach the Heiligkreuz mountain hut where you can stop for lunch and have a taste of the delicious local specialties, including carne Salada and polenta. Continue after lunch and embrace the empowering mountain spirit. Overnight in hotel in La Valle-Wengen. (Walking distance: 14,5 km; 4-7 hrs; uphill walk: 750m; downhill walk: 750m)
Day6. Today you set off on an exciting 2-day hike so prepare your overnight things to carry with you in your day pack. Climb up the Anthonius-joch (2466m), and on to the famed Fanes Mountain hut dating back to World War I. Overnight in Fanes mountain hut. (Walking distance: 11,5 km; 3,30-6 hrs; uphill walk: 1100m; downhill walk: 400m)
Day7. Walk across the gently undulating Fanes plateau and past eye-catching caves towards the edge of the Kreuzkofel group. Go over a steep pass amidst the magical scenery of dramatic rock formations and Dolomitic peaks, followed by a descent back to La Valle-Wengen. (21 km; 5-8 hrs; uphill walk: 600m; downhill walk: 1300m)
Day8. After breakfast transfer to Brunico. Public transportation from Brunico to Innsbruk or Verona.

Accomodation and food:   You stay in a 3 star type mountain hut with shared facilities (day 6) and 3 star hotel with wellness center in La Valle-Wengen with private facilities (rest of the days) on 6 days with halfboard and 1 (day 6) on fullboard (packed lunch included)

Luggage transport:   Luggage transfer is not included in this trip. When you walk from La Valle to Fanes hut, you take a day pack with an overnight change of clothes. Your luggage remains at the hotel in La Valle. When you travel with public transport you always take your luggage with you.

Included in the price:   accommodation in a 3*** hotel in La Valle-Wengen with private facilities on halfboard and a 3*** type mountain hut with shared facilities (only day 6) on fullboard; transfer from La Valle to Brunico on the day of departure; detailed roadbook and maps in English; 24 hrs telephone assistance.

Excluded from the price:   flights and public transportation, travel insurance, transfers from and to the airport, tips; entrance fees; other meals; alcohol drinks; other personal expenses.

Practical information:    - The paths are well maintained though sometimes stony or steep.The daily walks range between 10 and 21km. Most walks can be extended or shortened. The altitude changes per day are between 500 and 1300 m and highest elevation is 2466m.- You will use local public transport to reach the start of the day’s walk and afterwards to return to La Valle-Wengen.- In this area they make an effort to mark and maintain the paths and the routes described in this trip moderately well marked. Paint markings on limestone or trees do not last for long, even though the routes are regularly marked, it is sometimes difficult to see the markings so you have to pay attention- It is important to take along enough water as it is rare to find water fountains along the walking routes.- Detailed description of the public transportation connections and schedules is provided in the itinerary road book

Recommended travel period of the year:   June - October

Necessary equipment:   Nothing compulsory. For the full list with recommended items see “General” in the detailed trip dossier.

Tour difficulty:   C 

These tours include trekking which is a little harder, normally on a challenging terrain. We take it for granted that you are in good condition and fit. You should be physically prepared at home to get the maximum of the tour. Most of the trekking is done at a greater height (max 3000m).

Group Size:   Min. 2

Vacation Extensions:
The Terra Di Siena Self-guided Tour (Tuscany, Italy)
The Cinque Terre Self-guided Trek (Liguria, Italy)

Reservation System Code: ITDOLSELF

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