Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

LUCA DA ROS MANFRED BORTOLI

MANFRED BORTOLI

Craggy peaks, high mountain trails, pristine lakes, a fascinating blend of cultures—the Dolomites are a hiker’s wonderland! SEAN MORRISSEY

Ultimate Dolomites SPECTACULAR PEAKS AND SOUTHERN TYROLEAN HERITAGE

Our friend Reinhold Messner, one of the world’s greatest mountaineers, calls the Dolomites “the 8th wonder of the world,” and we couldn’t agree more! We’ve crafted the ultimate experience of this epic realm, a breathtaking hiking journey that brings us from the pinnacles of the Pale di San Martino in the south to the rose-tinted spires of the Rosengarten Massif and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the north, where three ethereal pillars soar to the heavens. Along the way we’ll fuel our explorations with sumptuous meals topped by lovely wines (try the rich red Teroldego). Two special overnights are in hike-in lodges nestled high among the peaks. With up to three Trip Leaders and a choice of hiking options most days, mountain hiking doesn’t get more spectacular than this! Days 1-3 Venice / Pale di San Martino From Venice, we head to San Martino di Castrozza for hikes across three mountain summits and a high-level circuit of the altipiano of the Pale di San Martino, with its crown of grand peaks and vivid alpine flora.

Days 4-5 Rosengarten / Latemar Massif / Alpe di Siusi Hike among the towering rock faces and eerie pinnacles of the Rosengarten Dolomites, a spectacular collection of peaks named for their luminous rose-red hues at dusk and dawn. One of our hikes brings us through the Latemar Labyrinth, an enchanting maze of needles and massive blocks of rock. In Bolzano, we view Otzi, the mummy of a Copper Age hunter, or visit Reinhold Messner’s museum, housed in a medieval castle. High mountain trails bring us to a wonderfully situated hike-in lodge set among the peaks of the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high alpine plateau. Days 6-8 Alpe di Siusi / Corvara / Sella Massif A traverse across the Alpe di Siusi brings us down into the Val Gardena, where the ancient Ladin language is still spoken in a few remaining enclaves. From the delightful town of Corvara, we head into the stronghold of the Sella Massif for exhilarating hikes along its high trails. Days 9-12 Rifugio Lagazuoi / Cortina d’Ampezzo Passing evocative fortifications from World War I, we reach the Rifugio Lagazuoi for our overnight, then descend below the Tofane Massif into enchanting Cortina. Our hiking options include a circuit of the enormous limestone peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Depart on Day 12.

HIGHLIGHTS • Discover an enchanting blend of Italian and Tyrolean mountain cultures and cuisines (and grappa tasting!) • Enjoy a choice of moderate or challenging hiking options most days • Two special overnights in comfy hike-in lodges set high among the peaks • In Bolzano, view the mummy of Otzi or visit the Messner museum DETAILS • 12-day trip begins and ends in Venice • 9 nights 4- and 5-star mountain hotels, 2 nights comfortable alpine lodges with semi-private or dorm-style rooms, shared baths, and hot showers • All meals included except 2 dinners • All transport during the trip included (cable cars, etc.)

DATES Jul 2-13, 2018 Jul 23-Aug 3 Sep 3-14

TRIP COST $5995 (11-15 members) $6495 (4-10 members) Single supplement: $380

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 hiking days, choice of moderate to steep trails, 3-7 hours a day, altitudes between 5,000-9,100 feet, van support, team of up to 3 Trip Leaders

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 49