Dolomites - Alta Via 1 - Guided Hike

Intermediary. From 4 to 6 hours of walking and/or 400 to 850m/1315 to2790ft of elevation gain and 500 to 1100m/1640 to 3610ft of elevation loss during hikes; no technical difficulties, mix of paths and trails.

D2: You will find your luggage at accommodations
D3: You carry your needed belongings for the night (for the first choice refuge: Croda da lago; possible with the alternative hut)
D4*: You carry your needed belongings for the night (for the first choice refuge: Coldai; possible with the alternative hut)
D5: You carry your needed belongings for the night
D6: You will find your luggage at the refuge

Please note: on the days when you carry your necessary belongings, the extra weight in your bag remains limited (the refuges are comfortable, and you do not need to pack too much).

*On the August 2 departure date luggage transportation is not available on this day.

7 days / 6 nights / 5 days of hiking

Start

Day 1 at 2pm at Venice airport.

For those arriving directly by car, meet at 5 pm at the hotel reception. You can arrive from 2pm and settle in. It is possible to park your car for the week in front of the hotel in Pocol.

At the end of the stay, to retrieve your vehicle, you can easily take a bus from Longarone to Cortina (then Pocol).

End

Day 7, in the morning, at Longarone station (you can then easily get to Cortina or Venice from this station).

Management

An EU Certified Grand Angle mountain hiking guide included.

Accommodation / Catering

Accommodation

1 night in a 3* hotel in Pocol.

5 nights in comfortable mountain refuges, in a dormitory or shared room. Shared bathrooms in the huts.

Meals

The food is very good in the Dolomites. Some of the dining rooms offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Dinners and breakfasts are served hot by our hosts and always very plentiful. On this trip there are set menus nightly, usually with a few choices. Picnics are prepared by your guide and served on the trail, balanced and adapted for mountain walking.

*Please specify any food allergy or special diet at the time of registration; We will do our best to adapt your meals.

Orientation Meeting

You will receive an email about two weeks before your departure specifying the time and place of the meeting, the name and contact details of your guide as well as the address of the first accommodation.

By Plane

We recommend flying out of Venice, Italy at the end of this trip.

Marco Polo Airport - VCE: Venezia Airport – Airport in Venice Marco Polo (VCE)

By Bus: Venice / Cortina – Longarone / Venice

Cortina d'Ampezzo to Venice > Bus Cortina Express (about 2.5 hours)

Longarone to Venice > Bus Cortina Express (about 1.5 hours)

Bus Schedule Information: Cortina Express | Emotions in motion or ATVO-Azienda Trasporti Veneto Orientale.

Round trip between Cortina d'Ampezzo and Pocol

> Bus DolomitiBus number 31/33

To know the bus schedules, see the site: http://dolomitibus.it (Italian site only available, use translator)

Schedule and tickets:

• Flix Bus: https://www.flixbus.com/

• Bla Bla Car (bus and carpool options): https://www.blablacar.co.uk/bus

By Train

Venice has 2 different main departure train stations. The Venezia Santa Lucia train station is the closest to the city center and historic area most frequented by tourists. The Venezia Mestre train station serves the Venetian mainland and is in the Mestre area.

Find out about schedules and tickets:

• Italian Railway: Trenitalia

By Car

• Coming from Paris, pass through Innsbruck, the Brenner Pass, Fortezza, and then head for Dobbiaco (Toblach). Follow the road to Cortina (32km), then to Pocol, 6km along the road leading to Passo Falzarego

• From the Alps, go through Milan, and head for Verona, then on to Bolzano and Fortezza. From there, head for Dobbiaco (Toblach). Follow the road to Cortina (32km), then to Pocol, 6km along the road to Passo Falzarego.

• Possibility to park your car for the week in front of the hotel in Pocol.

It is the client's responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help insure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in (Note: buy boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Hiking/Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
• Hiking Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated "puffy" jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

• Backpack – a 45+ Liter sized sized comfortable pack with a hip belt and waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking and carrying overnight items (2 nights).
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra clothes and casual clothes. Only one piece of luggage per person; Limited to 15kg/33lbs. This bag is transported to the next accommodation on stages with luggage transportation.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
• Trekking Poles – telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain. (Note: strongly recommended)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Sleep Sack, Sheet & Personal Linens – for use in Refuges.
• Pack Towel – small towel for shower use
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply. Please inform trip leader of any medications used.
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use. Gratuity for guide(s) is optional but always appreciated; (The industry average for this trip type is 5-15% of total trip cost. Local currency is preferred. If desired, tipping private drivers is acceptable and the average amount is just a few Euros per ride, but it is not expected and fully optional.

• Face Masks; Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in Italy is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F & L type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

During our "Guided" trips, our staff always have emergency equipment on hand to assist anyone in need, including our guests. This equipment includes communication devices and a comprehensive first aid kit with items we've found to be effective for the most common health issues we encounter.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/"KT Tape", Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

PACKING FOR TRAVEL:
It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

"Carry-on Bag(s)" - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (hiking footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items become lost or delayed.

"Checked Bag(s)" - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Please Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your "Carry-on Bag" the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked "Travel Bag" (in case luggage is delayed). Hiking footwear is probably the hardest item to replace last minute if items become lost or delayed past the intended start date of the trip. Lost or delayed luggage has become more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP:
During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - "Checked Bag(s)" & "Carry-on Bag(s)": This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. Only one piece of luggage transported (except D3 & D5) per person (if choosing the luggage transportation option); Limited to 15kg/33lbs.

Day Backpack (not provided): All guests need a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.). On Day 3 and Day 5 you will carry the items you need overnight, and your backpack should be comfortable and large enough to manage this.

Country: Italy
Capital: Rome

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

In the Dolomites, the region is often bilingual: people speak either German or Italian or both. Tourist area employees almost always speak some English.

European Emergency Number: 112

Tourism Office in Italy

Visit: Discover Italy: Official Tourism Website - Italia.it

Phone Country Code

Calling Italy: + 39

Italy is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro €. Italy, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Italian banks are open for the public from 8:00 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies. Italy more than other EU destinations, still prefer cash in most settings, but credit card use is becoming more and more available.

Local Information

The Dolomites

Déodat Tancrède Gratet de Dolomieu (1750 – 1801) was a French man of aristocratic origin. He was the man who discovered the chemical composition of dolomitic rocks in which calcium and magnesium carbonates become crimson at dawn and at sunset. It arouses a deep emotion that warms your heart!

This new mineral was discovered in 1789 and it received the name of "Dolomite" in honor of Dolomieu. The rock itself was called "Dolomitic rock". Later, in 1864, the whole mountainous region where this rock prevails took on the name we know today, the DOLOMITES.

In the Dolomites, which are a genuine stone garden, we find more than 1,500 different species of plants, but also wood and forests among the largest and the most varied ones in Europe. At the season of blooming flowers, it is an explosion of colors. More than 50 varieties of orchids and countless meadow flowers are mixed with red fruits, edelweiss, and other solitary mountain flowers. We can also find a great number of herbs and medicinal plants and mushrooms of all sorts. The diversity and the variety of the ground enable the blooming of this huge multicolored garden that contributes to the peculiarity of the Dolomites.

Painters, writers, and poets, have all praised the mountains of the Veneto region. For centuries, explorers, fearless climbers, tireless hunters, mushroom lovers, and hikers searched for unspoiled, hidden nature and pure air to breath within these mountains. The distinct and memorable contours etched against the boundless expanse of the celestial heights in the upper atmosphere offers an emotion you must experience firsthand to perfectly understand it. The Dolomites, mountains of legend and of extreme rock climbing, with their spiked summits and their bright pastel tints, exert a magical and strong attraction on all human beings.

They offer the possibility to live an unforgettable experience, an opportunity for all, of any age and physical condition; indeed, to appreciate them and be definitively conquered by their beauty, it is not necessary to climb them; you only must get close and look at them. This is the aim of this trip.