Internationale groepsreis Highlights of the Dolomites

We start in Campitello, a pretty Dolomite village chosen for its ease of access to the nearby hiking trails. In the evening, the leaders will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead and give advice on the area.

Our day combines high-altitude routes that capture picture-perfect Dolomite scenery with lower-level trails down to the Val di Fassa. The early season should ensure we see a wide variety of alpine flowers. We begin our journey by taking a cable car towards Col Rodella and then walk along the southern flank of Sasso Lungo/Sasso Piatto to Rifugio Sasso Piatto. There will be an opportunity for an optional walk as far as viewpoint Palacia. We retrace our steps to the refuge for lunch before we descend via Rifugio Micheluzzi to Campitello. Distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 800ft (244m); descent: 2,513ft (776m); 4hr 30min hour walking time

We start the day by taking a bus to Vigo di Fassa, from here we take a cable car to Ciampedie.  Walking northwest to Gardeccia then up Val di Vaiolet to Rifugio Principe for lunch. Here you will get a fantastic view of the valley before returning via the same route to Gardeccia and Ciampedie with a possible alternative descent via chairlifts to Pera. Distance: 10.5mi (17km); ascent: 2,133ft (650m); descent: 2,133ft (650m); maximum altitude: 8,520ft (2,597m)

Today we take a short bus journey to Alba and then a cable car to Col Rossi. We will walk east along a generally contouring path via Viel dal Pan with spectacular views of Marmolada (10,968ft/3,343m) to the south. We lunch at Col de Cuc, then descend through the Avisio valley to Penia for our bus back to Campitello. Distance: 10mi (16km); ascent: 755ft (230m); descent: 3,543ft (1,080m); maximum altitude: 7,677ft (2,340m)

Optional activities for the free day include self-guided cycling from Campitello or a day trip to see the remains of Ötzi the Iceman in Bolzano.

We begin by taking a bus to Pozza and then the gondola to Buffaure. After, we make our way towards Col Valvacin, continuing our journey up the minor peak and then east to Forca Neigra, stopping for lunch at Rifugio Passo San Nicolo. We finish the walk descending via Val di Contrin to Alba for our bus back to Campitello. Distance: 9.5mi (15km); ascent: 1,706ft (520m); descent: 4,396ft (1,340m); maximum altitude: 8,228ft (2,508m)

Today is the last day of the tour and we will venture into the Catinaccio range, walking over high passes along high-level footpaths. We will begin with a bus journey over Passo Costalonga to the Paolina chairlift.  Once at the top, we walk on the western side of the Catinaccio massif, making our way round to the eastern side for lunch at Baita Marino Pederiva. We finish our walk following the route to Ciampedie for our descent by cable car. Distance: 7mi (11km); ascent: 984ft (300m); descent: 1,411ft (430m); maximum altitude: 7,513ft (2,290m)

The trip comes to an end after breakfast. Say a fond farewell to Campitello as you begin your return journey home.