Activity Level: Recreational Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights Spectacular Alpine Hideaway Experience the Dolomites The Dolomites stunning peaks have drawn foreign mountaineers for centuries, yet somehow they remain one of Italy s best kept secrets. Join us as we explore two gorgeous corners of this incredible region, taking in the silence of the trails, the dramatic, serrated mountain peaks dotting the scenery, and the warm, understated local hospitality. We begin our journey in Europe s largest alpine plateau, the Alpe di Siusi, surrounded by the South Tyrolean Dolomites and connected to the valley by a modern cableway. Vehicle access here is limited, ensuring a tranquil and off the beaten path atmosphere. We then make our way to the Alta Badia, tucked deeper into the mountain zone, and equally majestic and full of irresistible charm. Be ready to experience the area s diverse and amazing hikes, fabulous hotels and a line-up of activities that justifies all the spatime one deserves after an invigorating day in the mountains. To celebrate our 50th year in business, we ve dipped into the archive to craft new trips for 2016 that revisit some of our favourite corners of the globe. RECOMMENDED AGE: 8+ We don t simply allow kids on trips designed for adults, we design unique trips just for families. The activities on our Dolomites Family Multi=Active trip are recommended for children age 8 years and older. Please call us for more information. Call us at 800 678 1147 the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.5 view > / the details p.6 view > / next steps p.7 view >
The Journey Title. This region of Italy is renowned for boasting one Blurb of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in Europe. 2 the journey Days 1 & 2 Bolzano to Alpe di Siusi AFTER AN HOUR OR SO DRIVE FROM BOLZANO, WE ARRIVE at the village of Ortisei in the heart of the Dolomites mountains. We ll hop aboard a modern gondola which quickly delivers us up to the Alpe di Siusi (1,568m / 5,144 ). A warm up hike through the alpine meadows will lead us to a catered barbecue at a private mountain cabin idyllically set along our route. Following lunch, opt for the direct path to the hotel, or consider an extended route before arriving at your home for the next two nights. Treat yourself to a dip in the indoor/outdoor pool or Jacuzzi, enjoying the dramatic view from your alpine perch. We gather together early evening over a mountain aperitivo (cocktail) and warm welcome from your hosts, Cinzia and Hugo, the hotel s owners. Dinner follows in one of the hotel s private stube (dining rooms) where you ll be treated to their chef s exceptional cuisine which focuses on fresh seasonal products. Rise the next morning for a hearty breakfast that will fuel your morning s activities. The younger set has the option to hop onto mountain bikes and roll their way (mostly descending) to a nature trail where they park their bikes and set off on foot ultimately meeting up with their parents for lunch. Hikers begin the day with a brief shuttle (or early departure on foot) to the base of a chairlift raising them to another remarkable alpine position overlooking rolling green pastures with the magnificent Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto mountains forming a perfect backdrop. Along the route we pass a sheep farm from where fresh cheeses, pies and pastries provide an essential sampling opportunity. Our hike continues along a ridge with stunning views of the quiet valley surrounded by endless mountain peaks. The gentle descent winds us past a small canyon before reaching one of the local s favourite huttes (cabins) for a traditional alpine lunch. We ll catch up on the kids morning exploits then bid them farewell as they mount friendly trail horses back to their stables, ideally positioned a stone s throw from our hotel. Anyone not returning on four legs can stretch their own two along the mostly downhill path home. Following time poolside or taking in the setting sun from the terrace, a specially prepared meal awaits. HOTEL Alpina Dolomites, Compatsch Located on Europe s most beautiful and expansive highaltitude plateau the Alpina Dolomites offers a perfect position to access hikes, take in spectacular views and be positively pampered in its fabulous spa. THE ACTIVITY Day 1: A 4.5 km (2.7 mi.) morning walk through rolling meadows plus a 1.5 km (1 mi.) afternoon route to the hotel with a 4 km (2.4 mi.) optional extension. Day 2: Kids embark on a 10 km (6 mi.) mountain bike ride then a 3 km (1.8 mi) hike. In the afternoon they enjoy a 4.8 km (3 mi.) horse trail ride. Adults start the morning with a10km (6 mi.) hike with initial ascent from 2,100m to 2,300m then gentle descent to 2,015m. In the afternoon hike 4.5 km (2.7 mi.) descending to 1,885m.
The Journey The Dolomites were named after Déodat Tancrède de Dolomieu, a French chemist and mineralogist. 3 Day 3 Corvara We set off for another multi-active day this time with the adults hopping on two wheels of the most exhilarating kind electric assist mountain bikes! Converting even the most reluctant cyclist, these remarkably engineered bikes provide a subtle (or considerable based on your ongoing adjustment) boost along the asphalt and hard packed dirt paths that make up this morning s route to the town of Selva. Of course, anyone keen to cruise on a traditional mountain bike, powered strictly on their own steam, can opt for that, too. Adults preferring to hike and younger kids not able to manage an e-bike will transfer to the trail head and follow a tranquil forested path leading to Selva, rendezvousing with the bikers mid day. The kids then shuttle over the Gardena pass where they ll grab a bite to eat before heading to an adventure park featuring a high ropes course suitable for all ages and ability levels. Meanwhile, adults board a gondola and are whisked back up to the high alpine for a glorious hike at the top of the Gardena pass, taking in spectacular views of the Sella Massif mountain, located at the centre of the Setus, Mezdì, and Pisciadù valleys. After enjoying these vistas from the lunch terrace, the hike continues under the Cir peaks, passing through pasture lands on a memorable traverse before reaching the adventure park and onward steps to the village of Corvara and our next hotel. Early evening we are invited for a private aperitivo with La Perla s owner, Signor Costa, in the well preserved cabin that he was born and raised in. After listening to the remarkable lifestyles of mountain life past and present, we give you the chance to dine as a family at the various dining venues near the hotel; your guides will coordinate your reservations. HOTEL Hotel La Perla, Dolomites Run by Signor Costa, his wife and their three sons, La Perla weds the characteristics of an Austrian hotel with the warmth of Italy. Signora Costa s personal touches enhance every Tyrolean styled room and its many dining rooms offer a wide variety of exceptional cuisine. THE ACTIVITY Day 3: E-bike16 km (9.6 mi.) to Selva on a gentle descent from 1,885m to 1,645m; Hike 5 km (3 mi.) from 1,645m to 1,631m; This afternoon, hike 7 km (4.2 mi.) from 2,298m to 1,568m in Corvara with a stop at the adventure park en route.
The Journey The Dolomites are home to many different types of flowers. You ll spot fields of lavender crocuses, azure bluebells, indigo gentians, yellow arnica, primroses, golden buttons (trollios), red poppies and many more. 4 Day 4 San Cassiano After a typical Austrian breakfast (a hearty buffet of muesli, cakes, yoghurt and fresh fruit, with juice, bacon and eggs made fresh to order), we re off to hike from Corvara to San Cassiano, via the plateau of Pralungià. If you want to take it a easy this morning, you can opt for the chairlift that runs just behind our hotel and zips you to the top in no time. A trail through the woods leads us on for a couple of hours up and over rolling terrain to Hugo s baita, our lunch spot for the day. We enjoy grilled fare on the terrace with a 360-degree mountain spectacle for company. After lunch, you can stroll down through a wintertime World Cup ski run, or opt to hop the tram to speed on to the charming little hamlet of San Cassiano and the comforts our hotel. For dinner tonight, the kids enjoy a pizza feast at the hotel, while Chef Norbert indulges the grown-ups over cocktails in his Michelin-starred kitchen followed by his creative cuisine paired with the some of the region s finest wines buon appetito! mountain. Our route is gorgeous and the views stellar en route to the peak of l Averau, where you can opt to test yourself on a via ferrata secured climbing route. Pick your own spot for lunch today, perhaps at the Averau Rifugio (the number-one choice for local mountain guides), or grab a quick snack at the Scoiattoli hut and take in the fabulous views from its sunny terrace before strolling down through the larch forest. For the kids, today s location offers an ideal opportunity for afternoon rock climbing on the limestone pitches below Cinque Torri assisted under the capable direction of a certified mountain guide. In celebration of our adventures, of which there are sure to have been many, we gather for a fondue feast and final evening together, a fitting finish to our Dolomitic exploits. Day 5 Cinque Torri On this final day in the mountains we are joined by a Ladin mountain guide who accompanies us as we drive 30 min to the start of our hike, the Cinque Torri, set at the heart of WWI battle lines. Monica will help us identify the galleries and outposts dating back to the war in this unique open-air museum, as well as the odd chamois (wild goat) or intrepid rock climber scaling the
The Journey The Romans began making wine here between the 3rd and 5th centuries, and supposedly discovered the use of wood barrels for ageing and transporting wine. 5 Day 6 Venice After a farewell breakfast at the hotel, we take a private coach to Venice airport in time for late morning connections. At the airport, you can also catch a taxi to the train station or a motoscafo (water taxi) that will deliver you to Venice in time for lunch. HOTEL Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano Rosa Alpina has earned its Relais & Chateaux and Michelin accolades, but what we love most about this understated retreat is its warm hospitality, a true B&R favourite. Hugo Pizzinini welcomes you to the family as soon as you cross the threshold. THE ACTIVITY Day 4: A 4-10 km (2-6 mi.) hike on forest & meadow trails with one big optional ascent and descent, going from 1,545m up to 2,080m and ending at 1,500m. The optional afternoon loop adds a gentler 6 km (4 mi.) with a steady ascent. Day 5: A 6-10 km (4-6 mi.) hike on mountain trails to WWI sites; some challenging ascents & descents, going from 2100 m to 2500 m and down to 1980 m.
Notes From The Road In this region, terraced vineyards grace the hillsides and hug the estates and farms that attempt to grow grapes in this often-volatile climate. 6 A Beautiful Adventure Awaits By Dana Quinn For years when travellers asked me where they should go next, I would respond immediately and emphatically: the Dolomites. There is simply something magical about the Dolomites. Perhaps its allure boils down to the fact that it s less known to North Americans compared to much of Italy, and therefore offers an element of surprise the first time you take in its majestic beauty. Or perhaps the magic owes to the gray Dolomitic stone that turns rosecoloured during sunset. Maybe it s that in many ways, this doesn t feel like Italy at all, placed as it is in southern Tyrol, which was actually part of Austria until the First World War. I was lucky to discover this alpine region while living in Milan, and it became a wonderful escape from the city life. As much as I loved the active lifestyle offered by the skiing and hiking, I found myself particularly drawn to the warmth and hospitality of the people. One hotelier explained it to me this way: these little mountain valley villages are so remote, so far from the beaten path (unlike Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast), that they can t rely on reputation alone almost as though, despite the wealth of beauty here, they don t expect tourists to visit. As a result, they re especially grateful to those who venture to their tiny towns, and offer a level of service that will no doubt make you want to return (in my case, many times!). On this trip you discover two areas of the Dolomites the Alpe di Siusi (Europe s largest mountain plateau) and the Alta Badia (with its unique Ladino popular culture, its own language and First World War sites). The region offers breathtaking hikes past gloriously bright wild flowers, mountain biking, rock climbing and the chance to enjoy the entire panorama from cable cars and chair lifts. An area this inspiring brings out the adventurer in anyone. Fortunately for foodies, there are just as many culinary adventures to be had as active ones. Think polenta and mushroom risotto by day, and Michelin stars by night (for the parents, that is for the kids our guides have something fun up their sleeves). And what kid wouldn t have a giggle over ordering stinco di maiale (slow cooked pork)? I m thrilled that when I recommend the Dolomites to travellers, I no longer have to qualify my answer with a but we re not running trips there at the moment. Our return to this region is long overdue, so put on your dirndls and lederhosen and step into the Alpine world of the Dolomites. B&R REGIONAL EXPERT Dana Quinn Now living in the Cote D azur after many years in Italy, Dana has transitioned perfectly from one of our most veteran guides to one of our expert trip designers. A guiding and researching career that s spanned nearly two decades has left few stones unturned in Italy, France, Greece, Croatia and beyond. Having sailed through many islands, her latest favourite is Corsica for its wild and mysterious beauty.
The Details Grappa is a specialty of the region, made from the dregs of the winemaking process, it s distilled and then flavoured with fresh fruits of the region such as peach, pear, apricot and mixed berry. 7 SWITZ. AUSTRIA Compatsch San Cassiano FRANCE Milan Bolzano TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE Corvara Italy Venice Italy LOMBARDIA Mediterranean Sea 2016 Price: From $5,595 (from $1,000 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights Please see our website for list of departures.* *Some departures use a slightly different itinerary. Please call for details. Start Bolzano Parkhotel Laurin 9:00am Finish Venice Venice s Marco Polo Airport 11:30am the details HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational This hiking trip covers a variety of terrain that at times is challenging. Paths are hard packed dirt trails with a mix of ascents and descents. Daily distances average 5 to 12 km, with some options for less (or more) challenging hikes. Hiking boots (light to medium weight) with sturdy ankle support and strong grips are highly recommended. Please note that van support is limited on this trip due to the lack of access vehicles have to the trails. MORE INFO How do I get to Bolzano? Your likely point of arrival into Italy will be Venice. Train or private driver service is the best way to get from Venice to Bolzano. Trains take three to three and a half hours (some with a change in Verona) and reservations are recommended. THE PARKHOTEL LAURIN, BOLZANO www.laurin.it/en/hotel/laurin-life/ An establishment that proudly extols the virtues of art, culture and absolute comfort in all that it provides. A beloved hotel among travellers since 1910, guests will appreciate the contemporary artwork and range of architecture that features throughout, but will admire the restful character of the rooms along with Chef Manuel Astuto signature take on Mediterranean meets South Tyrolean cuisine. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation Four lunches and five dinners Services of B&R-trained guides Services of a local mountain guide Support vehicles where possible for logistics Use of telescopic walking sticks All special events and private tours All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All baggage transportation Detailed maps and water bottle All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2016 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
Your Next Steps 8 FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/butterfieldandrobinson Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. ROOM UPGRADE If you would like to upgrade your accommodation on this trip, please enquire at time of booking to learn cost and availability. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP Venice is one of the great cities in the world, so chances are you will want to spend time there after your trip. We ll happily recommend a city guide if you want an insider s tour of Venice. your next steps At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our e-newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. PHOTO CONTEST While on your trip, keep in mind you can win some great prizes with the B&R Photo Contest. We ve created three categories that capture the true spirit of B&R adventure: Faces, Places and Moments. Submit your top shots and show us how you see the world with B&R. Full details are at www.butterfield.com/photocontest. Weather: Dolomites month high low Jan/Feb 46 26 Mar/Apr 63 38 May/Jun 77 52 Jul/Aug 83 59 Sep/Oct 72 47 Nov/Dec 49 29 READY TO BOOK? Call or email a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space. 1-800-678-1147 / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your hotel accommodation for the night before your B&R trip. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation Email that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor, or contact your travel professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2016 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.