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Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Italian Dolomites on this unforgettable 7-night guided walking holiday. Based near the charming alpine resort of Madonna di Campiglio this adventure takes you into the heart of the Italian Alps, home to one of the most scenic sections of the Dolomites mountain range and UNESCO World Heritage site. This beautiful area is renowned for its towering rock formations, jagged peaks, and sweeping alpine vistas that will captivate you at every turn.

A moderate walking holiday, the local cable cars will transport us from plateau to plateau, whisking us effortlessly to higher elevations for panoramic views. Under the guidance of our expert local walking guides, we’ll experience nature’s wonders, from the majestic waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs to peaceful alpine trails framed by lush forests. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey through one of Italy's most stunning alpine destinations.

This holiday is graded as a moderate walking holiday. Hikes range from 8km-14km. Expect to be walking between 3 to 6 hours per day with ascents between 300m – 630m and descents between 30m - 630m on good paths, with some rocky sections. A good level of fitness and previous hiking experience is required for this holiday.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Travel to Italy

Time to being our walking adventure as we fly from Dublin to Italy. On arrival, we will meet our local guide and travel towards Madonna di Campiglio. This picturesque village, once a favoured holiday destination of European royalty, lies at the very heart of the Italian Dolomites. As we make our way through the breathtaking scenery, our guide will introduce us to the hiking routes and adventures that await us in the days ahead.
This evening, join our group for a welcome dinner and get acquainted with our fellow travellers.

Day 2 – Val di Genova

Today we will travel by coach to explore the famous “Waterfall Trail” in the stunning Val di Genova. For centuries this glacial gorge has been attracting hikers with wild beauty, features steep, forest-covered mountainsides, dramatic rock faces, and the thunderous sound of cascading waterfalls that cover the valley. As we follow the course of the Sarca River, we’ll journey toward Cascate di Nardis, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the region. From there, we continue to the scenic Ponte Maria bridge before making our way back to Madonna di Campiglio.

Today's moderate walk of 8km is expected to take approximately 3 hours with ascents of 300m and descents of 200m.

Day 3 – Lake Malghette

Leave on foot from our hotel today as we head in the direction of Campo Carlo Magno. Our journey begins along path 201 that gently ascends through mountain pines and larches. Soon we will reach the Malghette refuge hut and its glittering blue lake of the same name. Here, surrounded by coniferous forests and rolling green meadows, we’ll take a well-deserved break to soak in the tranquil beauty of the area. The enchanting views of the Dolomite Alps and Italy’s lush, green nature provide the perfect backdrop for our break. From Malghette, we will ascend along path 265, where breathtaking mountain views accompany us all the way to the Rifugio Viviani mountain hut and the Pradalago gondola station, from where we will ride the gondola down to Madonna di Campiglio.

Today's moderate walk of 11km is expected to take approximately 5 hours with ascents of 600m and descents of 30m.

Day 4- Hike the Three Lakes

Prepare to be captivated by one of the most picturesque areas of the Italian Dolomites—The Three Lakes, allowing us to really immerse ourself in this mountain scenery. We will head on foot to the Cinque Laghi cable car to travel upwards towards the Three Lake Mountain plateau. We’ll start with an upwards trek over some rocky terrain. However our efforts will be rewarded with panoramic views when it evens out. We will then pass Lago Ritorto and then Lago Lambin, where the glistening waters reflect the towering mountains, creating a truly magical atmosphere. We will then descend towards Lake Nambino and finish today’s trek back in Madonna di Campiglio.

Today's moderate walk of 8km is expected to take approximately 4 hours with ascents of 300m and descents of 800m.

Day 5 – At Leisure

Today is your opportunity to relax and unwind, taking a well-deserved break in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. You may wish to take a cable car to one of the charming mountain huts for a leisurely lunch while enjoying panoramic views, or simply relax around the hotel and bask in the peaceful alpine atmosphere. If you're feeling more adventurous, why not head into the centre of Madonna di Campiglio to explore its quaint cafés, indulge in a coffee, and watch the world go by? Your local guide will be happy to offer suggestions for how to spend your free time.

Day 6 - Monte Spinale

Today, we embark on our most challenging walk of the week, following in the footsteps of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Empress Sissi, who once holidayed in this majestic region. Our adventure begins with an uphill hike from the hotel along the historic Sissi's Trail, which leads us to the breathtaking Spinale Plateau. As we climb, panoramic views of the Brenta Dolomites peaks and rolling alpine meadows unfold before us. Keep your eyes peeled for some marmots as we hike in the direction of the mountain hut Rifugio Boch. We will then descend on foot to the tranquil Lake Montagnoli before continuing through fragrant woodlands of larch and spruce trees, returning to Madonna di Campiglio. For those looking to rest their legs, there’s an option to take the cable car back from Rifugio Boch, offering a relaxing way to end the day.

Today's moderate walk of 14km is expected to take approximately 6 hours with ascents of 630m and descents of 630m.

Day 7 – Lake Valagola

Today we will travel by coach to the nearby Valagola Valley where we will begin our hike towards Lake Valagola, surrounded by pastures at the foot of the Southern Brenta Dolomites’ peaks. We will then begin to ascend to Passo Bandalors a high mountain pass offering breathtaking views in every direction. To one side, the dramatic amphitheatre of the Dolomites rises steeply, while on the other, the majestic Adamello-Presena glacier looms large. We will then continue hiking on a gentle path in the direction of Malga Cioca where we’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy a well-earned drink (at your own cost) on the panoramic terrace. It’s the perfect reward for a week of hiking in the heart of the Alps. We’ll then descend by gondola to Pinzolo and return to Madonna di Campiglio.

Today's moderate walk of 9km is expected to take approximately 4 hours with ascents of 500m and descents of 300m.

Day 7 – Return Home

Today it’s time to leave the Dolomites goodbye as we head home to Ireland. We hope you’ve enjoyed a week filled with breathtaking hikes, incredible views, and unforgettable memories exploring the very best of the Italian Alps.

Please note that this is our planned itinerary but sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control we may have to alter it slightly.

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Price includes:

- Return direct scheduled flights Dublin to Italy
- All airport taxes
- Guided airport transfers
- 10kg check in bag per person + Pre-booked Seat
- 7 nights Half board in the 4 star Hotel Cristal Palace in Madonna di Campiglio
- 5 walking days in the Italian Dolomites with coach transfers or use of the local cable cars and public transportation where relevant
- Services of a local walking guide

Extras:

- Travel Insurance
- Single room supplement