Walking holidays & more

In a Nutshell

A Collett's mountain holiday in the Italian Dolomites

a unique and flexible formula for walking holidays in Italy's majestic Dolomites
For walkers, flower lovers, casual artists, via Ferrata-ists & alpine enthusiasts
Our Walking Holidays in the Dolomites run from the 26th May to 30th September 2012

Our walking holidays in the Dolomites are based in the Alta Badia, which is unquestionably one of the most idyllic and spectacular valleys in the central Dolomites – indeed, the entire Alps.

Recently granted World Heritage status by Unesco, it is the South Tyrol at its most beautiful and you will soon understand why we claim these might be the world's most beautiful mountains and valleys. Our two neighbouring resorts are not only enchanting but also superb launchpads for outstanding mountain walks of all grades.

The icing on the cake is a superb choice of full board, half board, B&B and self catering accommodation in two exquisite alpine hotels, delightful apartments and four highly attractive catered chalets with comfortable en suite bedrooms, amazing views, excellent food and a style of unassuming hospitality and attention to detail that makes people come back to the mountains with Collett’s year after year.

organised walks, flower walks, watercolour strolls and via ferrata

five days a week, free of charge, optional and breathtaking

Every day from 26 May to 30 September (except Wednesdays and Saturdays) in both Corvara and Pedraces Badia, our two Dolomites resorts, we organise mountain day walks and via ferrata, which are free of charge, completely optional and unfailingly breathtaking. They are tried and tested gems, which you would be unlikely to find if you travelled here independently.

Here is a list of our daily organised walks, which are free of charge. For more detail, please use the left hand menu:

1. Moderate / Easier Walk – A day walk in stunning alpine scenery, featuring enchanting wildflower-strewn upland pastures, picturesque sleepy hamlets, riverside and woodland trails. These walks might also take place on the easier high level paths.
2. High Level Walk – venture into the awe-inspiring massifs on high and challenging trails amidst sensational scenery interspersed with hospitable mountain huts.
3. Flower Walk – in June & July when the flora is at its best, join our own wildflower specialists amidst the profuse, vivid and rare species that flourish in some of Euope's most celebrated floral sites.
4. Watercolour Strolls - While away a few hours with our resident artist, whatever your standard. Take a short stroll to somewhere idyllic, rife with subject matter, armed with paper, watercolours and a packed lunch.
5. Via Ferrata - The choice of two Via Ferrata, one more demanding than the other, both unforgettable. Venture high into Europe's most breathtaking massifs and peaks on precarious cables, ladders and gorge‐spanning bridges. Introductory routes on Mondays & Fridays. Via Ferrata presentation every Sunday and Thursday evening. Head for heights essential!

The atmosphere of the walks is friendly and easy-going. You simply choose the walk which takes your fancy. Of course, walking is not compulsory and some days you might just opt to do nothing, simply relaxing in the splendour of the mountains.

world war walks, glacier treks, summit ascents and other activities

At a supplement, you can also partake in the following options:

1. World War I Walks – join local historian, Isobel Johnson, on a walk through amazing mountain landscapes that represented one of the most fascinating theatres of alpine warfare (every Wednesday in June and July = €15 pay locally).
2. Glacier Trek - Every Tuesday, you can trek the glacier of the Dolomites' highest peak, the Marmolada, with our good friend and mountain guide, Francesco Tremolada. (£55 – book prior to holiday)
3. Summit Ascent – Every Tuesday, you can trek the glacier of the Dolomites' highest peak, the Marmolada, with our good friend and mountain guide, Francesco Tremolada. (£55 – book prior to holiday)
4. Other Activities - Collett's can help you partake in a host of other activities, such as mountain biking, road cycling, sport climbing, high ropes, overnighting in a mountain hut, horseriding, outdoor and indoor swimming, ice skating, tennis, golf, tandem paragliding, whitewater rafting and canyoning. Unlike our organised walks and Via Ferrata, such activities are supplied by third parties, with whom we have worked for many years. (Pay locally direct to supplier)
5. A 10 Day Flower Special - In Summer 2012, we are inviting flower enthusiasts to join us on a 10 Day Mountain Flower Special from 23rd June to 3rd July. There are details under the heading Dedicated Packages at the top of this page.

Self Guided walking

If you prefer a self guided walking holiday, you can create your own stunning itineraries using our intimate local knowledge and our Ideas & Information Files, which document numerous superb itineraries of all grades, from easy walks to challenging high trails. We detail duration, ascent, degree of difficulty. We also include the relevant section of map. Each itinerary is complimented by an easy-to-carry Route Laminate, which you can borrow on a daily basis.

Many guests do a mix of organised walking and self guided walking, choosing day to day just as they wish. Via Ferrata holiday-makers can also self guide, using our Ideas & Information Files, which document up to 30 amazing Via Ferrata routes.

Summary

In short, you do just as you wish, whatever your interests or level of fitness, either in the company of like-minded people on an organised walk, or independently on a self guided basis. Or a mix of both. The idea is that people on holiday together but with different interests can enjoy walking in the Dolomites in their own way without leaving their comfort zone. Naturally, it is also normal for couples and guests within the same party to enjoy the walks together.

Either way, by mid/late afternoon you and your party will be together and able to enjoy our enchanting mountain resorts, perhaps relaxing over a post-walk beer on the terrace of one of our delightful chalets or hotels, or taking a pre-dinner stroll around the interesting shops and charming cafes and bars that characterise our resorts.

Then – if staying half board or full board - you can enjoy an excellent three course dinner in the sociable company of other guests, before retiring to your comfortable en suite bedroom or perhaps strolling into the village for a nightcap. In such magical surroundings – and stimulated by unforgettable days out - it all makes for the walking holiday of a lifetime.

planning your days at office hour

a relaxed and informal pre-dinner drink and a popular Collett's institution
join organised walks, plan self guided walking itineraries or book other alpine activities

Each early evening (except Wednesday, our day off) somewhere close to where you will be staying (if not, at your actual accommodation), we host Office Hour. It is far more informal than its name suggests. Many guests just drop in for a drink to share their experiences with friends, who may have been doing other things.

Here you can chat with our walk organisers and hear what they are offering the following day. Browsing the relevant map, they will help you decide if a walk is suitable for you. You can also chat with our flower walkers, artists and Via Ferrata team in case you should want to join them the following day. At Office Hour we can also help you book other alpine activities, which might take your fancy.

Over the years Office Hour has become one of the most popular features of a Collett's walking holiday. Like-minded guests, stimulated by a wonderful day out, relax in an easy-going atmosphere over a pre-dinner drink and plan their days at their leisure. Nobody stands on a chair and calls for your attention as a group and no one will try and sell you anything. In short, another memorable day in the mountains slowly but surely takes shape.

Whatever it is you need, simply drop into Office Hour. It's not compulsory – it's just our way of helping you get the best from your time in an area, where there is so much to explore, see and do.

Accommodation & Travel

hosted chalets, hotels and self catering apartments
real hospitality, excellent food, sociable dinners
travel to us independently arriving and departing on the dates of your choice

In the Dolomites we have accommodation to suit everyone. Our hosted chalets are much sought‐after and guests return to them year after year, as much in search of the gratifying and hospitable chalet experience itself, as the mountains themselves. Here you can enjoy the comfort of attractive en suite bedrooms, stunning views and the self indulgence of warm and unassuming hospitality and excellent food, whilst also relaxing in the informal and friendly atmosphere of a 'home from home'

Dinner is one of the focal points of the day and you can enjoy a delicious three course supper (with wine included) at the same table as other guests. Fuelled by common interests, exhilarating days out in the mountains and the odd glass of wine (!), the atmosphere is easy, sociable and, frankly, charming.

We also offer two exquisite mountain hotels, where the food is outstanding and the care and hospitality shown to guests is heart-warming. Here guests eat at their own independent tables in the normal way.

In both Corvara and Pedraces Badia, we have superb self catering options, standard and superior.

Travel

With Collett's you can arrive and depart on the dates of your choice - travelling independently to our destinations as you please.

In the Dolomites, many guests fly-drive via Venice, Treviso, Verona, Milan, Innsbruck or Munich. Many also self drive, perhaps overnighting in the Black Forest or Bavaria before making a spectacular entry into the Dolomites via the Brenner Pass just south of Innsbruck. Other guests use our daily airport transfer service to and from Venice and Treviso airports. There are notes concerning transport on our travel page (see left hand menu) but ultimately, if you need advice on this subject or any aspect of our walking holidays, please contact us and we will be happy to give you our advice.