AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY THROUGH THE AIRY ROUTES OF ITALY'S DOLOMITES
Trip Length: 9 days

July 7 - 15, 2008 (Full)

September 8-16, 2008 (Full) Contact us for waiting list information.

Complete Itinerary and Pricing

Join us for a trip of a lifetime. Hiking these rugged mountains offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world. The high limestone peaks and spires border Austria to the north and Switzerland to the west. The mountain refuges or alpine hut system make for ideal accommodations on this rugged trip.

These rustic lodges have full restaurant services and offer some of the best food in Italy. The dormitory style sleeping ensures a warm and dry night every time. Culturally the area is considered South Tryolean, with a unique mixture of Italian and Austrian mountain peoples. It is a region of verdant green valleys with small villages set below towering mountain walls.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

The beauty of this trip is the accessible nature of its exciting terrain.

We will be walking along "Via Ferrata," which translates as "iron trail." These are exposed hiking and climbing trails which feature fixed steel cables and ladders to make ascents easier and protect from slips or falls. This means that anyone in competent shape can travel through terrain that would normally only be passable by roped climbing parties.

NO MOUNTAINEERING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY ON THE VIA FERRATA

Each participant will be supplied with the equipment required (climbing harness, rabbit ears tether, two carabiners, and a helmet), as well as instruction from a certified guide. This will allow us to attach ourselves to the steel cables wherever there is the potential for a long fall.

*An important note: Everyone must feel comfortable on "airy" trails, which will include scrambling on rock and climbing steep ladders.*

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE IN BEAUTIFUL VERONA

Beginning our journey in Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, we get time to adjust to our jet-lag. With architecture that dates back to its days as a roman city-state Verona is one of Italy's hidden jewels.

At the center of the city is a roman arena that now serves as a venue for the arts. Should you wish, an optional trip to the Italian Opera in this most unique of settings can be arranged.

EXPLORE THE DOLOMITES OF ITALY

From here we travel by passenger van up into the mountains spending a night in the world famous Madonna di Compiglio before meeting our Italian Guides and venturing into the high places.

The next six days are spent traversing the Gruppa di Brenta, one of the Dolomites most impressive and inspiring mountain ranges.

During this time we will be hiking along four different via ferrata, and have ample opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and the cuisine. Hiking time averages about six hours a day.

Finally we come down and spend a night in Arco at the top of Lago di Garda, home of the Castel on the hill, before flying home from Verona.

AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY THROUGH THE AIRY ROUTES OF ITALY'S DOLOMITES Trip Length: 9 days