Arrive in Italy and make your way to Bolzano, a beautiful small city surrounded by vineyards and filled with plazas and museums. Bolzano’s natural history museum is home to the famous Ötzi iceman, and it’s worth spending some time here to see the museum and other nearby attractions.

We’ll have a private taxi meet you in Bolzano and take you to Ortisei, a beautiful town surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Gardena valley. Enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner and settle in to your comfortable and friendly 3-star hotel for the night.  Dinner will be on your own in Ortisei.

If you like a bit more comfort, ask about 4-star upgrades in Ortisei and Selva.

Arrival: Bolzano. We’ll arrange a private taxi to pick you up in Bolzano for the 50 minute trip to Ortisei.  We normally plan this trip for a 5 pm pickup in Bolzano, but this can be adjusted to suit your schedule.

Today’s hike starts with a funicular train ride to a ridge high above town, and take a dayhike through high scenic meadows to the Brogles hut, where you can scan practically the entire Gardena valley and gaze upon the jagged needles of the Puez-Odle peaks.

In the evening, spend some time exploring town. Ortisei is a beautiful village with shops and cafes lining their cobblestoned, pedestrian-only main road. Your stay also includes entrance to the Mar Dolomit pool and spa, a great place to relax after a vigorous hike.  Dinner is again on your own in Ortisei.

After a relaxing morning, begin today by ascending a gondola to the rolling green hills of the Alpe di Siusi (called Seiser Alm in German), the largest mountain meadow in the Alps. After a mellow crossing of the meadows and an unforgettable stop at the lively Gostner Schwaige restaurant for lunch, with perhaps our favorite Kaiserschmarrn in South Tyrol.  After hearty meal, continue across the Siusi meadows and up the steep ascent to the peak.

Finish the day at Schlernhaus, an historic mountain inn atop the mighty Schlern peak, with breathtaking views in every direction. Trails radiate from the hut for optional walks to even higher views. Schlernhaus is fairly rustic, with small dorms and bathrooms down the hall. Their beautiful dining room is a cozy place to relax in the evening enjoying a night high in the Dolomites.

Off to the next lodge, you’ll make a moderate high traverse toward the towering Sassolungo mountain group. The trail provides stunning views of the famed Catinaccio/Rosengarten group enroute, with the Tierser hut as a perfect lunch stop.

Plattkofel hut is tucked at the base of the pyramidal peak it is named for, and an optional trail leads to the top, if you are in the mood for an energetic day. Plattkofel hut is a very comfortable mountain inn, with comfortable small dorms and hot showers, and a quiet ambiance that encourages relaxation.

Today you traverse around the northwest corner of the Langkofel Group, towering in stark relief over the Alpe di Siusi. You’ll spend the day winding your way through boulder fields, grassy meadows, and spruce-larch forests.  Stop at a mountain hut for lunch tucked inside the mountains, before walking to a cable car that brings you down to Selva.

A more strenuous optional trail leads right through the heart of the mountains, crossing a high pass in the middle of steep cliffs, and is a fun, dramatic detour for those looking for a challenge.  We stay in a cozy 3-star hotel in town.

4-star upgrades are available if you are looking for a more luxurious stay.

Today you’ll hike up to explore the high Seceda meadows below the dramtic Puez-Odle mountain group, perhaps stopping in at the Regensberger or Stevia huts along the way. There are dozens of criss-crossing trails through this area that invite exploration, and all boast unforgettable views of the region.

In the evening, you can unwind and enjoy the delicious cuisine at your tasteful village hotel.  Many of our Selva hotels include small spas if you would like to relax before your final dinner.

After breakfast, your taxi driver will meet you at your hotel to take you back to Bolzano.

Departure: A private taxi to Bolzano, a 1 hr trip, is included in your tour.  We normally book a 9:00 am taxi, although this can be adjusted to fit your schedule. We can book additional taxis or custom travel to other destinations, at extra cost, if needed.  Venice is closest major airport.