Dolomites – Active Small Group – E-biking & Hiking/Wellness

Dolomites E-Biking, Hiking & Wellness-Discover Alpine culture and food!

Dates 2020: JUL 14 to JUL 19 / OCT 5 to OCT 10

The Dolomites’ stunning peaks have drawn foreign mountaineers for centuries, yet somehow they remain one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. On this trip, we will explore two gorgeous corners of the incredible Dolomites mountain region: Merano and the Alpe di Siusi. We’ll move by e-bike and by foot with morning options to partake in yoga and well-being activities. Here, the traditional Alpine diet focuses on farm-to-table and foraged food and we will dig in to both, as well as cuisine unique to the area. Be ready to experience the area’s hospitable people, diverse hikes, fabulous hotels, and all the spa time one deserves after an invigorating day of exploration in the mountains.

Day by Day
Day 1 – Cycle Bolzano’s centre along well-designed bike paths leading toward the countryside and into the region’s highly regarded vineyards. At Lake Caldaro you’ll take in the surrounds and sample some of the prized production.

Day 2 – Consider an invigorating vinyasa flow to initiate the day. Post breakfast you’ll hike with a modern alchemist who shares her wealth of knowledge about local healing herbs and their practical application for healthy living.

Day 3 – Rise for another morning yoga option—this time at a nearby waterfall! Transition via helicopter to the heart of the Dolomite mountains, where you begin your afternoon hike directly to your next hotel. Tonight you’ll dine in the hotel’s private stube.

Day 4 – Today’s yoga option is a short distance away in the seclusion of the mountains. The rest of the morning is on e-mountain bike as you explore quiet forests and charming towns. Pause at any number of village cafes or restaurants along the way before returning to your hotel.

Day 5 – Consider yoga on a grassy knoll near the hotel this morning or head straight to breakfast. Hop on your e-mountain bike to wind along roads that lead you to the idyllic Fie Lake. Tonight’s dinner is one you won’t soon forget.

Day 6 – Wake for a vigorous hike or take your time and enjoy a final cappuccino on the breakfast terrace before setting off for Bolzano and your onward travels!

Activity Level: AVID
The three days of biking on this trip cover a variety of terrain that is, at times, challenging. While the first day is along an asphalt bike path, the latter days of the trip encounter routes with a mix of asphalt and hard-packed dirt trails. There are some rocky paths with a mix of ascents and descents. On day 4 & 5 of your trip you’ll be riding e-mountain bikes to account for the change in road conditions. The two days of hiking are along dirt trails on undulating terrain. You’ll hop a lift on tram, gondola and chairlift to assist with the major ascents and descents. Please note that there is not van support on the trip due to the lack of access vehicles have to the trails. Your guides will review the plans for each day and study upcoming weather patterns to assess whether alternative plans may deliver a better experience.

What’s Included:
Everything. Signature guides; local experts; unique, unforgettable biking and walking routes; private tours; authentic local cuisine; lessons and demonstrations; local artisanal wines; wine tastings; all victuals and libations; all the endorphins you can handle; new insight; interesting, fun and like-minded travel companions; a feeling of total freedom. In short: an extraordinary, hassle-free journey of discovery.

• Five nights hotel accommodation
• All breakfasts, three lunches and all dinners, including wine
• Services of a B&R guide
• Daily support of local guides
• Mid trip heli-hike
• Yoga sessions lead by certified instructors
• All special events, private tours and, guest experts
• E-mountain bike for cycling days
• Gondola and chairlift passes
• Walking sticks for hikes
• B&R water bottle
• All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
• All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service

RATE: $6,495 per person double/ Single + $1,400

PLUS book by February 29, 2020 to receive a $100 Visa Gift Card compliments of Just Spas & Adventures!

Dolomites Hiking – A spectacular alpine hideaway

Dates 2020: JUN 21 to JUN 26J / JUN 30 to JUL 5 / SEP 6 to SEP 11

Explore the gorgeous (and little known) Alpe di Siusi. Experience the region’s remarkable people, unforgettable hikes, and sumptuous cuisine. Your taste buds will never, ever forget the gastronomic surprises in store, the perfect reward after an invigorating (and jaw-dropping) alpine hike.

Day by Day
Day 1 – Following the drive from our pick-up hotel to the hamlet of La Valle, we set off on a warm-up hike through the valley along a scenic alpine path. Our uphill trek through the pine forest leads us to the Santa Croce Sanctuary before delivering us to our beautiful hotel, the Rosa Alpina.

Day 2 – Embark on your morning walk directly from the hotel. The route ascends to views over the lush pastures of the Pralongià High Plateau and the imposing Marmolada Massif in the distance. Lunch will be at a typical mountain hut.

Day 3 – Bidding farewell to San Cassiano, we traverse by vehicle over the dramatic Gardena Pass toward the charming village of Ortisei where we explore Europe’s largest alpine meadow, the Alps of Siusi.

Day 4 – Take your pick from an easygoing or more challenging hiking option today. No matter what you choose, it’s sure to be a day well-spent and full of incredible vistas. Tonight we dine in a private stube in the hotel.

Day 5 – A chairlift assists us with a swift ascent into the high alpine air for today’s hike, where our route leads us to a ridge with views of the Fassa and Duron valleys and the impressive backdrops of the Gruppo del Sassolungo and Sassopiatto. Tonight’s final dinner is one you will not soon forget…

Day 6 – Wake early for a vigorous hike or savour a last cappuccino on the breakfast terrace before bidding farewell to the Alpina Dolomites as we set off for Bolzano for your onward travels.

What’s Included:
Besides everything? Guides; local experts; unique, unforgettable biking and walking routes; private tours; authentic local cuisine; lessons and demonstrations; local artisanal wines; wine tastings; all victuals and libations; all the endorphins you can handle; new insight; interesting, fun and like-minded travel companions; a feeling of total freedom. In short: an extraordinary, hassle-free journey of discovery.

• All hotel accommodation
• All breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners, including wine
• Services of B&R guides
• All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees
• Gondola and chairlift passes
• Walking sticks
• B&R water bottle and hip pack
• All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
• All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
• Detailed hiking maps

Activity Level: Avid

This hiking trip covers a variety of terrain that at times is challenging. Paths are hard packed dirt trails with a mix of ascents and descents (some days will involve short transfers and many have chairlifts and gondolas to assist with ascents and descents). Daily distances average 5 to 12 km, with some options for less (or more) challenging hikes. Hiking boots (light to medium weight) with sturdy ankle support and strong grips are highly recommended. Please note that van support is limited on this trip due to the lack of access vehicles have to the trails.

PLUS book by February 29, 2020 to receive a $75 Visa Gift Card compliments of Just Spas & Adventures!

RATE: $5,695 per person double / Single + $1,350

TC: RB