Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Corvara in Badia - Cortina D'Ampezzo
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It’s time to make your way to the airport for your two-hour flight to Verona. Upon touchdown, pick up your trusty hire car and buckle up for the drive towards Corvara in Badia (around three hours). Enjoy the ascent into the Dolomites as you blare our destination-specific playlist from the speakers, winding past lush green valleys and towering rock formations on route. Arrive at the hotel where you’ll spend the next three nights – a luxe alpine stay nestled in the valley – take in the breathtaking views and get settled in your cosy wood-panelled room. For dinner, get your tastebuds tingling with a meal in the hotel’s fantastic restaurant (hello Michelin-starred chefs) before enjoying a well-earned slumber.
Indulge in a hearty continental breakfast at the hotel this morning before the day’s activities. Expect an abundance of fresh milk, cheese and honey (straight from mountain farms), homemade baked goods, cold cuts, and muesli. Full? Good. It’s time to hop in a private transfer to the Puez-Odle Nature Park, part of the UNESCO-protected Dolomites, to begin a hike. You’ll be dropped off at Passo Gardena, a mountain pass offering stunning views of the jagged Italian peaks. From here, you’ll take on a seven-and-a-half mile hike up to the Passo Cir, following a wider trail leading to the Forcella Ciampai Pass. We recommend stopping for lunch at the Rifugio Puez, located at a height of 8,120ft. Tuck into a tasty sandwich as you admire the spectacular views across the valley (it’s well-deserved).
If the hike has ignited your energy, then why not continue on? From Passo Cir, take a one-hour ridge hike up towards Sass Ciampac for more dramatic Dolomites views. Alternatively, after lunch, begin your final three-hour descent on an easy panoramic trail, bringing you to the picturesque town of Colfosco, then Corvara. A private transfer will be waiting to take you back to the hotel. This evening, decompress after the day’s hike with a treatment at the serene spa before dinner.
Indulge in another delectable breakfast with all the frills this morning (you know the drill). A second spectacular hike is on the cards today, so make sure to don your hiking boots and lather on the sun cream. First, drive to Capanna Alpina, a restaurant that sits on the edge of Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park. From here, a guided hike begins with a steep, one-hour-long ascent to Col de Locia. Take in the fairytale-like valley, with vibrant green pastures, glistening lakes and jutting mountain peaks, as you hike up and down the trail for around three hours. Stop at Rifugio Fanes for a hearty lunch before being guided back down the mountain towards Capanna Alpina. Why not reward yourself with a cold beer before returning to the hotel? This hike should take around six hours, covering ten miles. Get your aching limbs sorted in the spa and enjoy your final night in this peaceful place.
Enjoy a final breakfast in Corvara before hitting the road towards the next destination on your itinerary: Cortina D’Ampezzo. This chic town is located 4,000ft above sea level and takes around an hour to reach. Since the start of the 20th century, Cortina has hosted the upper echelons of society on their ski holidays. So, it’s no surprise that luxurious accommodation is aplenty here, and your hotel is no exception (complete with a spa, of course). You’ll spend the next four nights here, so settle in and wander into town to admire the attractive alpine buildings. Discover the local cuisine in one of the restaurants (as recommended in our Dossier) or feast on fresh produce in your hotel’s excellent restaurant.
Indulge in a hearty breakfast this morning before the day’s activities get underway. Today, you’re tackling a via ferrata (a climb involving traversing steep rock secured with fixed cables or ladders). Winding its way up the Sass de Stria mountain peak, this is the perfect chance to test your climbing skills in a beautiful setting. This via ferrata is named after Mario Fusetti, an Italian soldier who originally climbed the peak in World War I; the trail was later secured with sturdy bolts and cables on the southwest side. On the approach, pass the Forte Tre Sassi WWI museum and hike along the Goiginger gallery (once an active military post). Now time to take on the rock itself (don’t worry, equipment is provided). The via ferrata will take around 40 minutes to ascend; expect spectacular 360-degree views across neighbouring mountain ranges from the top and don’t forget to take a selfie or two.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure, whether this means wining and dining through Cortina or relaxing at the hotel with a swim and massage.
Today, we’ve organised something a little different – in the form of a two-wheeled adventure. Depending on how your legs are feeling, you can opt for a mountain bike or e-bike as your trusted companion. Whichever bike you choose, join the main cycle route along the Boite Valley to Fiames, on an old railway line operating until the 1960s. Prepare for some seriously stunning views as you pass deep canyons, verdant valleys and thick forests, surrounded by dramatic jagged mountain peaks at all times (as is the standard in the Dolomites).
After Fiames Valley, you’ll approach the ruins of Bodestagno Castle, also known as Pedestagno, once owned by the Austrian emperor. Make sure to snap some pictures of the awesome views of the Fanes, Boite and Felizon valleys here. It’d also be a great lunch spot if your bellies are grumbling. Departing the ruins, ride along to Val di Fanes, part of the breathtaking Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park (which you’re already familiar with). Listen out for the sound of rushing water, and you’ll know the Fanes waterfall isn’t far away. Stop here to marvel at the thundering falls set among vibrant greenery before venturing further into the valley if you fancy a little more activity. To return to Cortina, hop on a bus equipped with a bike trailer and give your legs a rest. Enjoy a well-earned evening of chill time back at your hotel.
A leisurely breakfast is on the cards this morning, as there’s no rush to be anywhere. It’s your final full day in the Dolomites, and how it’s spent is up to you. Want our advice? Choose your own trail and make the most of the alpine air. Head to Sorapiss Lake for incredible aquamarine-hued water, Lago di Limides to see the magical mountains reflected in the waters or Cinque Torri for iconic Dolomites rock formations. Take a funicular up the slopes and find a mountainside restaurant for a late lunch before ambling back down. There’s also plenty of opportunity to learn about the Dolomites' role during WWI; visit the Museum of the Great War if you’re a history buff. End your Dolomites adventure on a high with a nourishing mountain-made meal and raise your glasses to a delightful trip.
This morning, savour a final breakfast at your sumptuous hotel, feasting on locally sourced produce one last time before bidding the Dolomites a fond farewell (for now) and embarking on the descent to Verona. It’ll take around three hours in the car to reach the airport for your flight later today. Leave enough time to pick up any last-minute souvenirs before boarding the short two-hour flight home. Once landing back in the UK, keep the holiday blues at bay by feeding your newfound appreciation of nature. While it might not be the Dolomites, walking across the British countryside isn’t so bad…
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
