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Alpine Flower Walking Holidays
Wildflower-strewn meadows ~ Hundreds of alpine flower species
relaxed and informal flower walks throughout June and July
This is an outstanding area for wildflowers and it is one of life's great pleasures to walk among them. The Dolomites present a slightly different geology from the main alpine chain and many rare species are at their best here, notably Campanula morettiana, Eritrichium nanum, Paederota bonarota, Papaver rhaeticum, Potentilla nitida, Ranunculus seguieri and the very beautiful Physoplexis comosa. The villages of Arabba, Corvara and Pedraces are on the doorstep of some of the most renowned floral sites in the Alps, such as the Bindelweg, the Belvedere, Pordoi, the Sella, Selva and the Val Gardena.
in the meadows above Arabba
on the Gardena Pass
Habitats vary from vivid and profuse upland meadows teeming with orchids and wildflowers to rocky outcrops where countless alpine gems thrive in the most perfect of settings. In spring, as the snow retreats to the highest peaks, crocuses and hepaticas appear and the flower season begins. By mid/late June, the alpine pastures are smothered in startling colour - the yellows of the arnicas, geums and poppies - the pinks, mauves and reds of the soldanellas, daphne, primulas and rhododendrons - the stunning blues of the campanulas and gentians and, in its high mountain home, the 'King of the Alps', Eritrichium nanum. July enhances this botanical array with edelweiss, lilies, potentillas and orchids, creating a truly floral paradise under a high summer sun.
alpine flower walks
in a nutshell...
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Organised Wildflower Walks
Five days a week (not Wednesday or Saturday) during June and July only, we offer a flower walk in each of our resorts.
Most walks could be categorised as 'easy' or 'intermediate'. Occasionally, the walks are 'static', whereby we go to a specific area of interest and potter generally amongst the various species.
These walks are free of charge and completely optional. If they interest you, simply drop into Office Hour to sign up for the next day's itinerary. Walks set off after breakfast at about 9 - 9.30am. We usually take a packed lunch and return to the village mid afternoon, depending on the length and location of the walk.
Spectacular Scenery
. Expect low and medium level itineraries in idyllic alpine landscapes. Vivid and profuse meadows in June and July. Spectacular backdrops, picturesque hamlets and relaxed, like-minded company.
Be Independent
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The advice and guidance of our Wildflower Expert is available each evening at Office Hour for anyone with an interest in flowers who would prefer to go out independently.
Wildflower Presentation
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Once a week in each of our three resorts our Wildflower Expert give a presentation and a talk, which will entertain anyone with an interest in alpine flora.
Organised Wildflower Walks
Throughout June and July when the flora is at its best, we organise five flower walks a week with a dedicated enthusiast who has an intimate knowledge of the flora and who will help you find the profuse, the spectacular and the rare. On a few occasions, these walks will be 'static'; in other words, instead of walking a prescribed route, the day is spent in one location of specific excellence. Our wildflower enthusiasts are often accomplished floral photographers and will be pleased to help you capture these exquisite subjects. In the evening, they offer the occasional talk or slide show, where, as with the walks, the person with a layman's interest will be as much at home as the passionate enthusiast.
Wildflower walks set off after breakfast at about 9 - 9.30am. We usually take a packed lunch and return to the village mid afternoon, depending on the length and location of the walk.
For more information and an in-depth report into the alpines and flower walks of 2008 see Cliff Booker's Flower Report for Summer 2008 here.
'Mountain Flower Holidays in Europe' by Lionel Bacon
If you would like to know more about the flora, we can send you, by kind permission of the Alpine Garden Society, an extract from 'Mountain Flower Holidays in Europe' by Lionel Bacon or click here. It will convince you this is an exceptional area for flowers.We can also send you a list of all the species spotted in June and July 2006 by Ruth Croome and by our flower enthusiasts in 2007 and 2008.
...Arabba & the Pordooi Pass is a wonderful area, with much to see and fine flowers and is perhaps the nearest place to the finest flowers in the Dolomites
"Halfway between Cortina and Bolzano (and also accessible from Brunico in the north), there is a great block of dolomite mountains, the Gruppo di Sella; a solid spectacular mass reaching 3157m
which Farrer described as a plinth without a statue. It is encircled by a road which can conveniently be described as a 'square', though indeed it is neither a circle nor a square, but 48km of twisting and exciting road, climbing over four passes and dropping steeply between them: a wonderful drive. Along its southern side is a stretch of the Dolomite Road, crossing the Pordoi Pass [2239m], the highest point on this fine road. On the west side of the 'square' the road traverses the Sella Pass [2214m], the saddle between the Sella group and the great spike of the Sasso Lungo, Farrer's statue without a plinth. So to the north-west corner of the square where, leaving on your left the road which runs away down the Val Gardena, you turn eastwards to cross the Gardena Pass [2121m], and on the fourth, eastern, side of the 'square' you cross the lowest of the passes, the Campolongo
[1875m] and drop down to the Dolomite Road at Arabba, ready to climb again to the Pordoi. It is a wonderful area, with much to see and fine flowers and is perhaps the nearest place to the finest flowers in the Dolomites."
'Mountain Flower Holidays in Europe' by Lionel Bacon
- Wildflower Walking Holidays Report for 2008
Low Level Valley and 'static' alpine flower walks beneath the famous towers of Dolomitic Limestone.
Cliff Booker's Report for Summer 2008 - First World War walks with Collett's
Join a fascinating and spectacular war walk with Isabelle Johnson, a local war historian.
Five days a week - Low and Medium Level Walking Holidays
Low Level Valley and trail walking beneath the famous towers of Dolomitic Limestone.
Five days a week - Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces. - High Level Walking Holidays
Spectacular all day itineraries in the valleys and on the peaks in the world's most unique mountain range.
Five days a week - Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces. - Via Ferrata
Consist of a range of protected scrambling routes.
Comprised of skilfully installed fixed cables, ladders and gorge-spanning bridges
Five days a week - Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces.
Collett's is Bonded with ABTA and AITO
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Collett's is a regulated, independent holiday specialist committed to the highest levels of personal care and attention to detail. Abroad, we respect the people, character and local customs of our featured destinations. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators abiding to its Quality Charter and encouraging high standards of quality and service. Finally, Collett's is bonded through ABTA and guarantees the protection of all holiday payments. Collett's Ltd. is registered in England No. 3467538 @ Lake House, Market Hill, Royston, Herts, SG8 9GN Directors: N.R.Baron, T.J.E Collett & P.Melia.
