Thursday 5 February 2009

Walking in the Dolomites - 10 days from £539


Walking in the Dolomites with Travelsphere - 10 days from £539. By coach from free local departures or join at the port.

Visitors have marvelled over Lake Molveno in northern Italy for over 100 years, with the dramatic backdrop of the Brenta Dolomites reflected in its crystal clear waters. The region is a paradise of woods and meadows overflowing with wild flowers. Discovered by mountaineers it is the ideal location for our popular walking programme.

The resort of Molveno winds its way from the foot of the mountains down to the lakeside. The pedestrianised centre has a range of shops, ice-cream parlours, bars and restaurants. This is an ideal location from where to explore this stunning landscape by foot.


Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 for more information

What's Included

- Return travel by air-conditioned executive coach
- Channel crossings by ferry
- Seven nights’ half board accommodation
- Overnight hotel accommodation as detailed
- Services of a Get Up & Go
- Tour Manager Welcome drink
- Three walks as detailed with a local guide
- Insurance and cancellation cover

Walking Information

Our walks require a reasonable level of fitness and ideally some previous walking experience. You will need comfortable walking boots, a small rucksack, waterproofs, a hat and sunglasses. A local guide will also accompany you on your walks.


Grade 1 Walks

These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery with up to 4 hours walking a day, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Ascent less than 300m per day.


Grade 2 Walks

These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day.


Itinerary DAY 1 - UK/FRANCE
Local departure and a mid-morning crossing to Calais. Continue to the Strasbourg area of France for an overnight stay on a bed and breakfast basis.


DAY 2 - ITALY

A scenic drive through Switzerland and Austria before crossing into Italy. Evening arrival at your hotel in Molveno for a seven night stay. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival.


DAYS 3 TO 8 - MOLVENO

Free to relax and enjoy our programme of activities. We include the following walks accompanied by your Tour Manager and local guide:


Molveno to Ciclamino
- From Molveno we walk up to the baita Ciclamino (refreshment stop). On the way we will have views of jagged peaks high up ahead, and pass rushing water in the gorge to the left of the path. Your return route takes you down the other side of the gorge to Lake Molveno (approx. 2 hours’ walk).


Tour of Lake Molveno
- A walk around the lake to the roman Bridge, with a pretty waterfall behind it, then uphill to Napoleon’s Fort, with views of the village to your left (refreshment stop). return the same way to Molveno (approx. 3½ hours’ walk).


Molveno to Andalo
- From bior bridge we take the wooden stairs into the trees, andfollow the path up to Spiaz della Coppa and the Genzianella bar. Continue to Andalo where we have time to relax and have lunch before returning to Molveno via the Passeggiata belvedere (approx. 3 hours’ walk).


The following excursions are optional:


Lake Garda
- Full day excursion to the attractive lakeside resort of riva del Garda, including a boat trip.


Dolomites Explorer
- An exciting full day tour through the stunning Alpine landscape, where dramatic peaks rise to 10,000ft above sea level. Travel through the Pordoi Pass, where there are 27 hairpin bends in the road, 7,500ft up the mountain.


Merano
- A full day tour visiting this delightful riverside spa resort. Spend time exploring the delightful old town, or take the chair lift up the mountain for views across the town.


DAY 9 - FRANCE

Time to leave the Dolomites and head back via Austria and Switzerland to France for your final overnight stay on a bed and breakfast basis.


DAY 10 - FRANCE/UK

Continue to Calais for a late afternoon crossing back to the UK, returning to your original departure point in the evening. Alternative walks are available in resort through the local Alpine Guide Association (any additional cost for guides is payable locally by the participants).


Accommodation

You will stay in the comfortable Hotel Miralago in Molveno. This friendly familyrun hotel has an ideal central location with stunning lakeside views from the terrace. Facilities include lounge, bar, lift, outdoor swimming pool, garden, pizzeria and restaurant. There is also a small gym, plus sauna, whirlpool and Turkish bath available at extra costs. On one evening, dinner will be a special gala event with live music. All bedrooms have private facilities, satellite TV, safe and telephone. Balcony rooms are available for a supplement.


Dates, Prices & Departure

holiday ref: GEIDM

06/06/2009 £549

13/06/2009 £569

05/09/2009 £569

12/09/2009 £539

- Deposit £100 per person
- All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities

Surcharges

The Pound has recently fallen significantly in value against other European currencies and, in common with many other businesses, our prices now include an additional charge for all new bookings which has been introduced to cover these additional costs.


Supplements
- Single room with balcony £135
- Balcony Room £35 per person
- Insurance

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 for more information