Enjoy exhilarating hikes through the awe-inspiring nature of dramatic limestone mountains with snowcapped peaks, magnificent nature reserves, and picture-perfect alpine pastures and idyllic meadows.
This unique German-speaking part of Italy boasts an exceptional cuisine, a rich variety of wildlife, such as the distinctive marmot and chamois, and lovely spring flowers blooming in thousands, including prized orchids, lilies and monkshoods. Leave your worries behind as you walk to the gentle sound of singing birds.


TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Feeling you are on top of the world
• Spellbinding views, wild open spaces, mountain lakes, jagged peaks
• Cosy, comfortable, family-run accommodations
• Gorgeous flora and fauna
• Many culinary specialties, including delicious cheese, carne salada, polenta, mushrooms, speck and outstanding wines


Day 1 - Arrive in La Valle-Wengen
La Valle-Wengen on HB basis
Arrive in the mountainside village of La Valle, or Wengen in German, go for a stroll to soak in the extraordinarily beautiful and peaceful surroundings and marvel at the unique language that you will hear spoken, as La Valle has a vast number of Ladinic speakers. Immerse yourself in the pure essence of the Dolomites.

Day 2 - Round walk La Valle – Crusc de Rit – La Valle
La Valle-Wengen on HB basis
Today’s excursion starts and ends in La Valle and passes over the Sas De Crosta (Pares) mountain. A stop at the Crusc de Rit is a must, as from this panoramic point you overlook the Val Badia on the south, and the Valpusteria and Austrian peaks in the north. Proceeding across stretches of forest and wide pastures, you will have exceptional views including the majestic rock faces of the Sas Dalesc Desc, the Sas Dales Nu and the Ju de Sant Antone.
If desired there is an option to shorten the itinerary. km 12,7 or km 17,3

Day 3 - Round walk Pederoa – Spizan - Pederoa
La Valle-Wengen on HB basis
The walk starts and ends in the village of Pederoa, 2km from La Valle and it is reachable on foot, by local bus or with a prearrangement private transfer. Initially the route alternates asphalted sections with footprint that climb gradually until you reach wide glades with panoramas on the whole La Valle, as well as on Longiarù and the impressive Monte Putia. A gradual descent on a good dirt road along the Gran Ega stream (the largest in Val Badia) brings
you down from the Spizan peak back to Pederoa.
km 13

Day 4 - Passo Valparola to Corvara
La Valle-Wengen on HB basis
A short included transfer brings you to Passo Valparola here starts an outstanding panoramic trail along the Sett Sass until the wide upland meadow of Pralongià from where you have extraordinary views on the peaks and the valleys of the Val Badia the Marmolada glacier in the backdrop.
km 14,9

Day 5 - La Valle to Rifugio Fanes
Fanes on BB basis + Packet lunch
Today’s route is a gradual climb and then descent on stony footpaths. Along the way you will admire the rock faces of the Sasso delle Nove and a complete view on the Pares ridge and the Austrian peaks. The last uphill section is quite steep till the Ju De Sant Antone where there are ample views on the valley and the Fanes-Senes-Braines Natural Park.
Crossing the high pastures you reach Rifugio Lavarella and Rifugio Fanes from where it is worthwhile to deviate for 1km until Lé Vërt lake and Limo lake.
km 13,8

Day 6 - Return from Rifugio Fanes to La Valle
La Valle-Wengen on HB basis
Today’s route is a bit steep but fascinating and crosses the larch forest as you climb to the alpine lake Lech Parom where the vast and majestic Fanes upland and prairies gradually turn to sheer vertical rock surfaces surrounded by the typical Dolomiti peak. To avoid the steep climb, it’s possible to follow a more gradual trail and it’s possible to descend to Val di Medesc through a narrow stony canal that brings you to La Crusc from where you can admire other massif of Val Badia. In the last stretch to La Valle, you will cross the Armentara with its wide lawns, a peculiarity of this landscape.
km 20,1


Day 7 - Round walk Longiarù – Rifugio Genova - Longiarù
La Valle-Wengen on HB basis
The itinerary is quite steep at the beginning until the side of Monte Putia, it’s a magnificent peak, particular in its shape and stands out over the others in Val Badia. As you head towards Rifugio Genova, a pleasant hiding place beneath Passo Poma, you cross wide prairies with exceptional views on the peaks of Puez-Odle Natural Park and the Fanes massif. The way back is through the Seres valley characterized by a succession of ancient watermills. It’s possible to shorten the trail by about 3km. Longiarù is reachable by local bus directly from La Valle.
km 13,4 or km 17

Day 8 – Arrivederci La Valle!
The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked another service with us.


5 Day Programme
Day 1 Arrive in la Valle / Wengen
Day 2 Privat transfer to Passo Valparola and walk to Corvara - km 14,9
Day 3 Walk from La Valla to Rufugio Fanes km 13,8
Day 4 Walk from Rifugio Fanes to La Valle km 20,1
Day 5 Departure from La Valle

Getting there and away
Fly into Innsbruck or Verona Airport and take the train to Brunico. You can either take a taxi directly from Brunico to La Valle-Wengen or take a local bus to Pederoa (40 minutes) followed by a taxi to La Valle (2km). It’s even possible to book a private transfer from Brunico to La Valle-Wengen, there and back, when booking the trip.
There are a few local buses running from Pederoa to La Valle each day.
If you come to La Valle with your own car, you can park in the hotel’s free unguarded, open-air parking area. There are no parking restrictions in La Valle.

By Car
If you come to La Valle-Wengen with your own car, you can park in the hotel’s unguarded, open-air parking area. There are no parking restrictions in La Valle.

By Plane
Best airports to travel to are Innsbruck or Verona. You can also fly to Bergamo or Milan.
From there you can take a train to Brunico and from Brunico a taxi to La Valle-Wengen or a local bus to Pederoa (35 minutes) followed by a taxi or local bus to La Valle (2km).
There are only a few buses running from Pederoa to La Valle each day. If desired a private transfer can be pre-booked from Brunico to La Valle-Wengen, and vice versa.


GETTING FROM THE ARRIVAL AIRPORT TO BRUNICO TRAIN STATION
There is a bus connection from some of the airports to the Dolomites.
For more information and updated time schedule, please see www.terravision.eu.


By Train
You can reach Brunico by train from one of the airports mentioned in the “Getting there and away” section:

From Innsbruck to Brunico
Innsbruck is the closest airport to La Valle to fly into. From the airport you can easily reach the train station by bus in 20 minutes. Buses are running about every 15 minutes.
The main Railways Station is Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (IBK HBF) located in the East part of the town in the Sud Tiroler Platz (South-Tyrolean Square), only 15 minutes walking from the city center. Depending on the train, it takes from 2 to 3 hours to get to Brunico and you always have to change twice; in Brennero and Fortezza.
For info about time schedule see the Italian Railways web site www.trenitalia.com or the Austrian Railways one fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/dn (not English web site).

From Verona to Brunico
From Verona Airport take the “Aerobus” to go to the train station. There are buses running every 20 minutes and the price is about 6,00 euros one way www.aeroportoverona.it/en/come-arrivare/aerobus.asp
The train from Verona takes from 3 to 4 hours to get to Brunico Railways Station; it’s usually needed to change at least once and the price varies from 15,00 to 20,00 euros depending on the train you take www.trenitalia.com


From Bergamo to Brunico
From Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport take a bus and in less than 15 minutes you arrive at the Bergamo train station. www.atb.bergamo.it/ENG/Default.aspx?SEZ=2&PAG=126&NOT=257
Buses run every 30 minutes and price is about 2,00 euros one way. Take the train to Brunico. It’s a long way, from 5hrs. and 30 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the train and you have to change at least 3 times. Price varies from about 25,00 to 45,00 euros. www.trenitalia.com



From Milan to Brunico
Visit www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en the Malpensa and Linate Airport websites for up to date detailed info about travelling from the airport to downtown Milan where you catch the train to Brunico.
Train takes about 5hrs. and 30 minutes/ 6 hours and you have to change at least 2 times. Price can vary from 25,00 to 45,00 euros. www.trenitalia.com

GETTING FROM PEDEROA TO LA VALLE/WENGEN

By Taxi
If you wish to take a taxi from Pederoa to La Valle/Wengen, you can pre-book a transfer at the moment of reservation or directly call Taxi Richard Ploner at +39.335.821.94.31 or +39.0471.84.31.31.
You can also call the accommodation to come and pick you up.

By Bus
From Pederoa take the local bus to La Valle/Wengen. For info about time schedule, see www.sii.bz.it/en/benvenuti.php or call the toll free number 840.000.471.

GETTING FROM BRUNICO TO LA VALLE-WENGEN

By Taxi
If you wish to take a taxi from Brunico to La Valle-Wengen and back, you can pre-book a transfer at the moment of reservation. The same service is available from Brunico to Pederoa, always with prearrangement

By bus
The bus company that offers transports to South Tyrol is called S.A.D. For info about time schedule, see www.sii.bz.it/en/benvenuti.php or call the toll free number 840 000 471.
Direct public buses run every hour 8 minutes past the hour, from 8:08 hrs. to 18:08 hrs.; last run is at 19:18 hrs.
It takes about 35 minutes to get to Pederoa.
In case you miss the last public bus from Brunico to Pederoa you can always call the taxi.



USEFUL TRANSPORT INFORMATION FOR/ FROM THE START/ END OF THE WALKS:
Local buses don’t run on Sundays, so you need to prearrange a transfer at the moment of the booking.

Optional transfer for the walk on Day 3
To reach Pederoa from La Valle-Wengen and vice versa, you can pre-book a transfer at the moment of reservation.
Otherwise you can take a local public bus from Pederoa to La Valle-Wengen. For info about time schedule, see www.sii.bz.it/en/benvenuti.php or call the toll free number 840 000 471.

Optional transfer for the walk on Day 4
Today you reach the start of the walk in Valparola with an included private people transfer that leaves at 9:00 hrs. from your hotel in La Valle-Wengen.
In the afternoon, on the way back from Corvara to La Valle-Wengen, you can either pre-book a transfer at the moment of reservation or take one of the few local public buses, changing in Pederoa; for detailed information on changing timetables see www.sii.bz.it or call the toll free number 840.000.471.

Optional transfer for the walk on Day 7
To return to La Valle-Wengen from Longiarù you can take one of the few local public buses. For detailed information on changing timetables see www.sii.bz.it or call the toll free number 840.000.471.



Accommodation and Meals
The accommodations we use in La Valle-Wengen are small, comfortable 3 star hotels, equipped with a wellness centre. These family-run hotels have a friendly atmosphere and all the rooms have private bathrooms.
The Fanes Mountain Hut is very wonderfully located, cozy 3 star equivalent mountain hut, run by the Mutschlechner family. The inside is built in classic South Tyrolean style and has a marvelous panoramic terrace. There are different types of rooms where linen and blankets are provided. The 2 person rooms are all twins with separate beds (no double beds) while the 3 and 4 person rooms have bunk beds. The three 10-bed dorms have bunk buds and bathroom in common. In these dorms, blankets are provided however you must take your own sleeping sheet/sleeping bag and towel. If you do not have one, you can purchase it there.
Breakfast will be served everyday. Dinner is included everyday (NOT INCLUDED IN FANES) Beverages are excluded.
When staying in La Valle, lunch is not included and you have to buy your own lunch in the food stores in the village (shops normally close from 12:00-15:00 hrs.) or you can ask the hotel for a picnic lunch, to be paid directly on the spot. Sometimes it is possible to eat lunch in a restaurant along the walk.
The day walk from Fanes to La Valle, a picnic lunch is included and provided by the hut.



Alternative accommodation
During high season it is possible that you might sleep in accommodations different from the ones indicated in the description/list of accommodations. This means that the start or end of the routes can be slightly different. Therefore you should check to see if your accommodation is the same as that the one mentioned in this programme. If not, you must be alert at the start and end of the routes.
In choosing alternative accommodations we have tried to maintain the same standards and quality. We have also tried to stay in the same towns and villages, in order to change routes as little as possible.


Activity characteristics
The paths are well maintained though sometimes stony or steep. Most walks can be extended or shortened. The daily elevation gains are between 500 and 1.300m.
You will use local transports to reach the start of the day’s walk and afterwards to return to La Valle-Wengen (apart from the already mentioned included transfer to Val Parola in Day 4 and the optional pre-bookable transfer in Day 3 and 4 back).
In this area an effort is made to both mark and maintain the paths, and the described routes on this trip are generally well marked.

Luggage transfer
No luggage transfer is provided during this trip.
When travelling with public transport you always take your luggage with you.

Mini trek to Fanes
When going to Fanes Mountain hut, pack an overnight change of clothes (to carry in your day pack) and leave the rest of your luggage in your room at the hotel in La Valle-Wengen.

A note on our self guided adventures
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable with map reading, able to read and ubnderstand route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!). Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if it as the vast majority of our first time travelers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips; however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.

Fitness preparation
The concept behind most of our trips is active holidays and the fitter you are the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. We expect participants to take responsibility for their fitness and preparations on a consistent basis prior to departure, and INCREASE the regular weekly training schedule in the two months leading up to departure. That way, when you start walking, you will feel relaxed and comfortable and strong, having done more than sufficient preparation for the trip. You will also have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos and explore the sights in your spare time, rather than just make it to the next hotel. During the day is when the most interesting features of interest will be found, and being fit allows you to optimize every situation you encounter. As a minimum, we recommend 40 minutes of aerobic type exercise; running, swimming, biking, hill walking, or gym work two to three times a week for two to six months leading up to your walk. Note the best training is the activity that you are actually going to be doing; walking up and down hill, and cross-country. Practice this as much as possible. Training should be stepped up as you get closer to departure, to an amount you feel appropriate (you don’t want to cause yourself an injury!). Using your gear before departure (boots, daypack, clothing etc) gives familiarity and comfort whilst on the walk. It makes sense to know that all your gear ‘works for you’ BEFORE departure, rather than discovering how things work or fit (or don’t!) whilst on the trip you have invested so much in. Use the philosophy of ‘getting fit to go walking’, rather than ‘going on a walk to get fit’, to avoid problems.