Dolomites, Italy 2024
Dolomites - “a mountain range in northeastern Italy. They form part of the Southern Limestone Alps and extend from the River Adige in the west to the Piave Valley.”
Peaks, passes and pure thrills
Our adventure this time begins in the mountain range in the north east part of Italy, the Dolomites. This world heritage site certainly takes your breath away with its majestic peaks and free-standing towers.
Every detail of our 5 day trip was taken care of by Much Better Adventures and was shared by 10 other adventurers from various parts of the world. We could not be happier with the overall experience, our travel companions and the hospitality.
Day 1
After an easy flight from Edinburgh to Venice we were picked up by our lovely hosts Miki and Fabrizio [Wild in the Dolomiti] and transported to our first accommodation Hotel Orso Grigio nestled at the foot of the Civetta slopes in the village of Pescul.
Once we were settled in our rooms and given a tour of the spa we were able to wander around the town before meeting again for a fantastic gourmet dinner of local produce and excellent company.
Day 2
The next morning we woke to the sun shining through the peaks and the temperature perfect for our first hike. We were all keen to start our first adventure and busied ourselves filling up water bottles from the local well and checking we had sunscreen and hats.
We met Luca our local guide who happened to also be Pescul's local Major and who was passionate about sharing his local playground with visitors.
Passo Giau hike is an incredible high mountain pass - we walked to the archaeological site of Mondeval Platou.
Finished off in Rifugio Aquileia for a quick meal before we head down to the hotel.
Day 3
Mountain e -bike
Once again we met with the group outside the hotel and went to pick up our e-bikes, helmets and spent some time familiarising ourselves with the bikes. Our guides told us about todays adventure with Ski Service Lorenzini.
After getting to grips with the power of the e - bikes and enjoying the additional help they provided in getting heavy camera gear (back pack) to the top of the pass we stopped for a very picturesque meal at Ristoro Belvedere Dolomiti
Pescul Fertazza climb Bike via Santa Fosca to Passo Staulanza.
Day 4
Today our intrepid group set out in the sunshine en route to Passo Giau an incredible high mountain pass complete with a replicate WW 2 hospital outpost and an amazing restaurant.
At this point some members of the group claimed a deck chair in the sun and the more active members took off with Luca to summit Nuvolau at 2575 meters above sea level and finished of by lovely fresh cold “birra”.
Later this evening we were transferred to new accommodation, Fattoria dei fiori Agriturismo. A beautifully restored traditional farmhouse owned by an artist and surrounded by rose gardens and orchards.
Day 5
After a very comfortable sleep and a simple tasty breakfast we headed to the River Piave for our another day of adventure in a Canadian Canoe,
It was the first time in a canoe for most of us and to say we laughed a bit would be an understatement. In spite of excellent instruction and much patience from our guides for some people going backwards up a rapid or falling in the water became a regular occurance. At one stage one member of the group miraculously parked the boat at great speed into the embankment. Nothing but their pride hurt but absolute humour for everyone else.
Apparently it is hard to flip it upside down canadian canoe - but some of us managed to do that on every rapid. What was meant to be a 5-6 hour trip turned into an 8 hour adventure but sunshine and good humour from the guides ensured it was 8 hours of fun in absolutely beautiful water and stunning scenery. We all slept well that evening.
