The first day will be mainly a travel day, firstly getting from Dublin to Verona and then onward by road to the village of Wolkenstein. Once we arrive at our accommodation you can explore this mountain village which is full of the traditional half-wood architecture.  This area of Italy is also famous for their hand crafted wooden sculptures.  There are lots of shops and a factory close by where you can see artist's work on these remarkable creations. In the evening we will dine in a local restaurant. 

After a traditional breakfast your host will have a packed lunch pre-paired for each of the walking days.  Our four days of walking will have a short and long hike option.  The short walking will be approx4-5hrs, the long walks will be approx6-7hrs long.  The walks are not demanding however you will be hill walking so expect some areas that may have a  steep accent  / decent.  The trails that we’ve picked around the Dolomites all have appropriate terrain.

WALK A  :   The starting point for this walk will be about 20mins drive south of Wolkenstein.  You will be transferred here by local bus which will climb to 2180M.  We will be dropped at a ski hut and make our way by foot from there.  In terms of scenery and landscape this walk can be broken up into two parts both equally beautiful but different.  The first part will take you west along a most stunning trail which meanders beneath a jagged massif of towering mountain cliffs.  Before the Zallinger Hut the trail turns north and flows downwards passing wooden cabins winding through lush grass and forest canopy. The trail ends at Cendevaves where you can take a chair lift down to the town at St Christina. We are then transferred back to Wolkenstein by local bus.

WALK B  :  The longer walk will have the same starting point as todays short walk.  Both walks will stay together for the first part.  Walk B will break and wind around the foot of the mountains with jaw dropping sights at every corner.  The terrain is safe and steady though the group will be in single file for much of it as it narrows.  At Piz Sella hut the group will take the trail north with a steady drop finally reaching Wolkenstein.  

Both walks today will be in the same area north east of Wolkenstein called Geislergruppe.  The mountain massif is simply breath-taking here and towers over the village. We start with a short 1km walk to get to the cable-car  which will take us to Odles at 2106M so you’ll experience amazing views right from the start. Once you’re up at that height there’s  a  400M climb but it's over a good distance with stops so it's not demanding. 

WALK C  : Our first destination point is the Seceda hut which stands 2456M approximately 2.5km north-west of our starting point at Odles. Once you reach the Seceda Mountain hut it’s a real treat.  This is the first of many remarkable vistas you will experience on this hike.

We then head towards Panascharte Forc Pan awere you’ll see some Via fratta descending to the valley below. However we will stop for some photos of overhanging cliffs and amazing views. You’ll be walking beneath a mountain massif that soars to your left like rock giants. The trail then descends slowly to the Regensburger Hut before we set off to finally arrive back at Odles.  A cable car will be waiting to bring us back to Wolfenstein.

WALK D  :   Nice Early morning start with breakfast at 7:30 am. From Sellarondawe will take the gondola to its last stop Dantercrepies2298.  We then head north east to Jimmyshutte. We continue 1k along this path comes a viewpoint which will be a perfect opportunity for some photo and a bit to eat.  Our next stop will be Forvc. De Ciampei2366 with a beautiful view of the luscious Green Valley your about to saunter through.  On route to Utia Edelwise you can expect to hear the ringing of cowbells echo through the valley as you leave the rough terrain and peaks. You come into lush farmland surrounded by the pointed, jagged edged Dolomites you just ascended from. Utia Edel wise is a fantastic place to sit down and have  a well deserved glass of wine while still enjoying the surrounding view. At this point your less than 20 mins walk from the centre of Colfosco where you get the 471 bus back to Selva

REST DAY  

Today will give you a chance to both rest and explore the town and surrounding villages in the area.  There is a regular bus service that can take you to the neighboring towns of St Christina and St Ulrich.  Learn about the rich history of this area and visit its many restaurants and bars while you take advantage of some time out to do as you please.  Your guide will give you a list of things to do and see if you wish during this free day. 

WALK E  :  Walking starts in the town of Urtijei which is 5km west of Selva. We take the chairlift up to Mont Seuc which is a busy ski resort in the winter. We walk through a beautiful agricultural area with grazing cattle and alpine flowers. In the distance is the ridge that we are heading for and will remain below for a lot of the day. We meander our way down to Saltria where we take another chair lift up to Williamshutte hut.

WALK F  :  We take the 531A for the longer walkers and stay under the mountains of Plattkofel with dramatic pyrimidical peaks covering us. We will walk below the ridge until we are just below the Refuge Vicenza where we might stop for a cup of coffee. We then make our way back down the SantnerWeg525 and follow the 531 through a lovely valley with a fast flowing river all the way back to St. Christina where we will finish the day. The shorter days walkers will walk from Salrtia all the way back to Selva on easy paths on the 30. Nice easy walking for the day. 

WALK  G  :  This starts in the town of Selva and we take the chairlift up to Dantercepies at a height of 2298 meters. We follow the 12A route up to Jimmy's Hutte, easy walking at the start looking down into the Ciamplo valley with limestone peaks to our left as we ascend gradually. We then take the 2 route as we make our way up a steep section to CrespeinaJoch where this is a cross and a pass. We enter deep into the mountains now until we reach the highest point of the walk which is 2528 meters. The longer walkers will take the 2A route up over the Sas Ciampei peak with wonderful views down to the a mountain lake. The longer walkers will ascend to PuezhutteUtiade Pez before making their way down the valley and Plan Ciajeies all the way back to Selva.  This walk will be approx 7hrs

WALK H :  The full group will spend the first part of the walk together up to Crespeina Joch.  The shorter walkers will then descend down closer to the lake until we get to the wonderful col at Ciampei joch. The shorter day will swing right and head down the valley towards Kilfuschg and will take the public bus back to Selva. Easy walking gradually downhill passing alpine pastures. The shorter day will take around 5 hours of relatively easy walking. 

DAY TOUR - VERONA & LAKE GARDA

Discover a jewel of the European Renaissance on a full-day tour of Verona.  On route we will also visit the wonderful Lake Garda and stop for a couple of hours to discover the spectacular walled town of Sirmione.  We will then move on to Verona and meet with local guides to discover a city that has developed progressively without interruption over 2,000 years. Admire artistic elements of the highest quality from different periods, including the ever-present contributions of the Scaligeri family.  Upon arrival, take a short walk into the city center, where a local guide will take you to the Verona Arena.

See one of the finest Roman theaters still in use in existence anywhere in the world. Continue to the Square of Lords (Piazza deiSignori) and Square of Herbs (Piazza Erbe), before going to Juliet's House to see messages of love written by visitors from around the world. You will also go to the Castelvecchio, and see the tombs of the Scala family (ArcheScaligere). Look at the Ponte Pietra, a Roman arch bridge that spans the Adige River. Then, enjoy some free time for some retail therapy on one of the most elegant streets in Italy. Stroll down the Via Mazzini and window shop (or max out your credit cards) before your return transfer to Lake Garda.  We spend the night in Verona. 

RETURN TO DUBLIN

Today you will have extra time to explore the town of Verona before we catch our flight back to Dublin.  Our suggested flight departs at 4pm so this will give you plenty of time to get some last minute gifts before we depart back to Dublin.