Hiking and Climbing in the Stunning Dolomites

Italy: The Via Ferrata

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A SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT ON THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE, DUE TO THE REBOUND IN THE DOLLAR. SEE DETAILS BELOW TOUR COSTS.

Buckle on a climbing harness, clip into a safety cable, and head for the heights in Italy’s stunning Dolomites! The Via Ferrata, a trail system of fixed cables and steel ladders found throughout these dazzling peaks, allows adventurous hikers access to alpine realms usually reserved for skilled rock climbers. The routes, originally built during World War I to help alpine troops move easily through the mountains, are located in some of the most spectacular settings imaginable, providing heart-stopping views of awesome spires and pinnacles that seem to belong to another world. No previous experience is necessary, but stamina, sure-footedness, and a good head for heights are absolute musts. Looking for high adventure? You’ve just found it.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Bolzano / Mezzocorona Gorge

We meet in Bolzano, a charming city with German-Austrian influences, and explore the museum where the famous Otzi, the Iceman, is on display, as well as artifacts from the Iron Age, Roman times, and the Middle Ages. The next day we head into the mountains for a warm-up scramble on the Via Ferrata Mezzocorona, a spectacular and highly scenic route through a wild gorge with sparkling waterfalls and sheer rock walls. In the afternoon we have time to explore Bolzano’s cobbled pedestrian-only areas or visit its Hapsburg-era churches.

Days 3-6
Via delle Bocchette / Brenta Massif

We tackle the extraordinary Via delle Bocchette, the most famous multi-day Via Ferrata in the Dolomites. For five days we stay high up in the mountains at an average altitude of 9,000 feet, following an airy, high-level route along the 25-mile-long crest of the magnificent Brenta Massif in the far western section of the Dolomites. Starting from the alpine village of Madonna di Campiglio, we cross a series of wild, exposed, but always well-equipped ledges, interspersed with steep cables and vertical ladders that interconnect the main ledge system. Along the way we feast our eyes on some truly amazing scenery and cross a wild, vertiginous moonscape of high limestone plateaus, sawtooth mountain ridges, and steeples of needle-thin pinnacles that reach for the sky. Most days we spend five to eight hours hiking and climbing the various sections of the Bocchette Ferrata route. Our overnights are in spectacularly located high-altitude mountain lodges (rifugios), each of which is comfortable and warm (most even have hot showers!) and boast a convivial atmosphere. The lodges are welcoming havens after a day of negotiating the challenging trails. (Our first night is in the Rifugio Tuckett, named after Francis Fox Tuckett, who was the first to traverse the Brenta Group in the mid-19th century.)

Days 7-8
Rifugio 12 Apostoli / Lake Garda / Verona

From the Rifugio 12 Apostoli, we descend from the mountains and follow a lovely path to a trailhead just above the ski resort town of Pinzolo. We transfer to our wonderful lakeside hotel on nearby Lake Garda in time to enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the terrace taking in encompassing views of the shimmering lake or watching boats bob in the tiny medieval harbor. Later we celebrate our hiking efforts with a festive farewell dinner. On Day 8 we depart for nearby Verona for trains or flights to other destinations in Europe.

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Tour Costs $4195 (10-12 members) $4395 (6-9 members) $4695 (4-5 members) Single supplement: $225 Prices are for 2009 dates The US Dollar rebounded in value against the Euro, and Wilderness Travel would like to pass the savings along to you! For those willing to make their first deposit ($500 per person) non-refundable, we will purchase the necessary Euros for your trip when you sign up. This will allow us to lock in the current exchange rate, and guarantee your savings. To find out the current discount available at today’s rate call us at 1-800-368-2794 or email us. **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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