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The Grand Tour of the Alta Badia
Italian Dolomites
Self-guided Hut to Hut - 7 Nights
Intermediate Walkers
Price – £950
25 Jun to 15 Sep
You do the walking – we do the rest!
This magnificent trek is a complete and dramatic circuit of one of alpine Europe’s prettiest valleys, using spectacularly located huts (rifugios) and taking in the peaks and trails of the Puez Odle and Fanes Natural Parks. It also includes the option of exploring the recently-restored tunnels within Monte Lagazuoi, a labyrinth of passageways from the Great War, some of which lead to precarious observation posts overlooking an inspirational mountain landscape that is now a fascinating open-air WWI museum.
At a glance…
On a Collett’s hut to hut holiday, we do all the hard work, so you don’t have to. Our comprehensive route notes and maps keep you nicely on the move from one hut to the next, where well-earned refreshment, a good 3 course dinner and the camaraderie of other walkers await you in magical surroundings. A good night’s sleep and a generous breakfast set you up for another magical day. Booking is easy: choose your dates; contact us and we will confirm your holiday asap. Then relax and look forward to it, in the knowledge that every detail is taken care of.
When?
Arrive on the day of your choice between 25 Jun to 15 Sep
Duration:
7 Nights
Grade:
Moderate / Hard
Walking Time:
4 to 5 hours per day
Based on 3kmph – excludes time taken for rests or lunch.
Ascent:
769m to 1435m per day
Descent:
630m to 1390m per day
Price:
£950
What's Included:
All Hut Bookings
half-board (breakfast and dinner included)
Holiday Pack with Route Notes, Maps & more…
Waterproof route notes and maps sent prior to your departure
Plus packing suggestions and lots more detail
Return Airport Transfers
from Venice Marco Polo or Venice Treviso (Private available for a supplement)
B&B Accommodation
in Corvara on your first and last night.
What's Not Included:
Flights & Insurance
Chairlifts, Cable Cars & Buses – allow approx €10 or €20 per person if you use Santa Croce Lift on Day 2
Drinks, Snacks & Packed Lunches
Excess Baggage?
It’s fine to leave unwanted bags or rucksacks with us while you do your Hut to Hut tour.
Getting there:
Free Airport Transfers to Alta Badia from Venice or Treviso
Saturdays & Wednesdays only.
Private transfers available on any day for a £100pp supplement return (min 2 people)
Or arrive in the Alta Badia independently
See Other Info tab above
Book with confidence:
In uncertain times, booking with financial peace of mind is essential – as members of ABTA, our walkers have been doing this for over 23 years. In addition, our booking conditions are now more flexible than ever:
- book now and pay your balance only 8 weeks before departure;
- if you change your mind you can defer or change your holiday free of charge at any time up to 8 weeks before departure;
- refund guarantee – If within 8 weeks of your departure, the FCDO or UK governments advise against non-essential travel to your destination, or there are restrictions in place in your destination that will significantly affect your holiday, you will be entitled to a refund;
Guest testimonials:
Average of 4.92 out of 5 from 759 reviews
More about the Italian Dolomites…
In Corvara & Badia, we believe we are at the heart of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful mountains. Over the years it has been a genuine pleasure to watch the reaction of our guests as they arrive and are awe-struck by their surroundings. The close harmony of startling and monumental rock formations with the enchanting alpine valley landscapes of wildflower-strewn pastures and picturesque Tyrolean villages is as enchanting as it is staggering.
The Crown Jewels of the Alps
With their explosive shapes and unique colours, the Dolomites are the crown jewels of the Alps. At every turn you are stopped in your tracks by their sheer magnificence. We know you will share our appreciation of this natural splendour. It is a paradise for walkers, flower enthusiasts, artists, photographers, Via Ferrata and alpine enthusiasts or anyone seeking out the tranquillity of an idyllic alpine retreat.
The unspoilt Tyrolean villages bewitch you on a human scale with wooden chalets in a landscape of wildflower-strewn pastures, while the colossal natural monuments, which are the Dolomites, tower above you; castles of rock, which soar to the sky as if frozen in mid-explosion.
The Dolomites lie in Italy’s northernmost region, the Trentino/South Tyrol, which borders Austria and Switzerland to the north. To the south are the alluring historical cities of Venice and Verona. Geologists believe they were heaved up by great movements in the earth’s crust 50 million years ago when Europe and Africa collided. Since then the actions of ice and water have carved them into overwhelming sculptural forms. More recently history has shaped the area. After WWI, the area passed from Austria to Italy. Mussolini failed to Italianise the region and the area now thrives on the harmonious co-existence of the Austrian and Italian cultures in a region where Latin meets Germanic.
Add to these cultures, the influence of a modern mountain-dwelling community with an enlightened, yet conservative approach to tourism and the result is a unique atmosphere of character and charm in a place, where there is lots to see and do.
The Dolomites Gallery
The South Tyrol at its best
Our enchanting villages in one of the most idyllic valleys in the Alps
The Alta Badia in the central Dolomites is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps, acquiring UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009. The valley wends its way below majestic peaks to Monte Sella (3152m), a glorious and colossal plinth of unique rock formations which loom large over exquisite picture-postcard alpine landscapes. The valley is home to our chalet hotels, luxury hotels and self-catering apartments. We are in the villages of Corvara and Badia, both boasting superb access to numerous walks of all grades, as well as Via Ferrata and a host of locally-supplied alpine activities and places of interest. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll soon be glad you came.
Both Corvara & Badia have stunning backdrops that will absorb you for hours. The west-facing massifs glow rose pink at sunset, as if on fire. This mystical phenomenon is the Enrosadira and it is especially ablaze in September. People gaze in awe from the valleys, which by contrast are a gentle and pastoral tapestry of wildflower meadows, woodland and sleepy hamlets, where the window boxes of old farmhouses overflow with colour.
Don’t agonise whether to stay in Corvara or Badia. The Natural Parks into which you will venture are easily accessed from both villages, which are linked by a riverside track and other woodland trails. Both villages provide a labyrinth of hiking options at all levels, with mesmerising views, profuse flora and fauna, charming woodland and, depending on how high you go, some high level drama that will stay with you forever. This place might be idyllic and enchanting on one level, but if you choose our high level treks, be prepared for jaw-dropping experiences in the rocky reaches of the Puez Odle and Fanes National Parks, both of which spectacularly dominate the Alta Badia.
Corvara is the principal village of the Alta Badia and has two gondolas, one to the Pralongià Plateau at 1980m for easier and moderate walks, the other to the eastern turrets of the Sella at 2152m for dramatic high level walks and some Via Ferrata. It is an unrivalled location for walking holidaymakers, offering a variety of shops – some quite stylish – cafés, restaurants, pizzerias and many sports facilities too, including skating, a swimming lake, climbing wall, golf, tennis, archery etc.
Badia is just down the road, an authentic alpine gem with a chairlift that provides walkers with the most idyllic ascent out of the village over flower meadows to a truly beautiful launchpad for moderate and high level hikes that all unfold under one of alpine Europe’s most dramatic massifs. Badia is not as big as Corvara, but it has all the essential amenities, including a few shops, cafés and bars.
The Alta Badia Gallery
The Grand Tour of the Alta Badia
A Breathtaking 7 Night Self-Guided Hut-to-Hut Trek
Your Itinerary
Travel to the Dolomites – Airport transfer from Venice Marco Polo (3pm) or Venice Treviso (3:30pm) three days each week. Sat/Tues/Thurs.
Overnight Accommodation – Guesthouse or chalet in Corvara on a B&B basis.
Route Statistics – 10.8km, 1435m ascent, 731m descent
The Route – The main focus of day one is the iconic peak of Sassongher which dominates the view from Corvara and provides a superb vantage point from which to orientate yourself with the Alta Badia. A narrow switchback path leads up the steep flanks of the peak to a small saddle, from where the final section to the summit involves some easy scrambling in quite exposed positions, aided by the use of metal cables. From the summit, descend the section of scrambling to the saddle again before a superb terraced path leads to the tranquil Rifugio Gardenacia, giving superb views across the valley to the Fanes Massif.
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Gardenacia
Route Statistics – 12.9km, 955m ascent, 950m descent
The Route – Crossing the valley from the Puez-Odle to the Fanes Massif begins with a descent, which is steep in
places, into the village of La Villa. Here you will find plenty of opportunities to stop for a mid-morning coffee before striking out up the eastern side of the valley to San Cassiano and onwards along beautiful woodland paths to the Santa Croce Rifugio and Chapel. This walk gives a real taste of the pretty villages which dwell in the bottom of this beautiful valley. The rifugio is the most basic on the itinerary and whilst food is hearty and tasty there is normally not a great deal of choice. However, this is more than made up for by the position of the rifugio from where you can watch the sun set on the huge face of the Santa Croce which towers above. There is also the option to make the day shorter, and reduce the ascent, by using the lifts from Badia which finish only 300m from the rifugio – not included in the price.
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Santa Croce
Route Statistics – 12km, 1188m ascent, 1150m descent
The Route – Leave Rifugio Santa Croce via a meandering path which takes in unspoilt meadows and tranquil forests before ascending to a high col, from where the whole of the Fanes Massif opens out before you. From here, a steady descent leads down to the small, sheltered meadows of Munt de Pices Fanes which have long been used for grazing cattle and are now home to Rifugio Lavarella. The walk involves some quite steep and airy sections of path on loose, rocky terrain on approach to the col and in descent down the far side, however, no scrambling is required.
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Lavarella
Route Statistics – 15km, 1314m ascent, 630m descent
The Route – Much of the day follows the well-known Alta Via 1 which crosses the Dolomites from north to south through impressive high mountain scenery. After a short initial climb you are rewarded with a gently undulating path in a superb setting with high peaks all around, before a descent leads into the valley in preparation for a long climb in the afternoon to Rifugio Lagazuoi, which gives what is certainly one of the best 360 views of the Dolomites. Along the way help is at hand in the shape of two well-positioned rifugios which make ideal places for a late morning coffee and then a good hearty lunch. Rifugio Lagazuoi gives a superb vantage point for keen photographers or those who just wish to soak up the view with a beer in hand. The ascent to the rifugio is sustained and it is worth allowing plenty of time so as not to have to rush this part of the day
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Lagazuoi
Route Statistics – Rest Day or Other Walking Options
The Route – Options abound for day five of your itinerary. Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful sun terrace of Rifugio Lagazuoi with a good book and Rifugio lunch, or perhaps borrow a torch from the rifugio and explore the Lagazuoi Tunnels, an intricate and extensive network of tunnels used by the Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops during WW1 – allow at least 2 hours for a descent then perhaps return by cable car. For those looking for more walking, try the circular route to Rifugio Nuvolau (the oldest in the Dolomites) – walking time 4½ hours, 470m ascent and descent; or complete a circuit of one of the Dolomites most impressive peaks; Tofana de Rozes, walking time 6 hours, 1270m ascent and descent.
Overnight Accommodation – Rifugio Lagazuoi
Route Statistics – 14.8km, 769m ascent, 1390m descent
The Route – Descend from Rifugio Lagazuoi using the cable car, or walk if you are feeling fit, to Passo Falzarego.
From here the route takes you along the southern flank of the Setsas range through intermittent woodland, small meadows and boulder fields, before crossing the open meadows of the Pralongia Plateau which gives views of each of the areas covered already by the earlier stages of the itinerary. An indistinct ridge line runs across the plateau and is followed for as long as possible, before a descent on wide tracks leads back into Corvara. More well placed rifugios make for ideal lunch stops and are an superb way to end this Grand Tour of the Alta Badia.
Overnight Accommodation – Guesthouse or chalet in Corvara on a B&B basis.
Transfer from Alta Badia – Your transfer time will be confirmed to you in advance of your holiday. It is unlikely to stop before reaching Treviso, or Marco Polo airport. To avoid any necessary delays for yourselves, or other guests on the transfer, please make sure you are ready a few minutes before the scheduled transfer pick-up time. The driver will contact you on the number provided during the booking if there are any delays en route to collect you.
Download Factsheet
The Grand Tour of the Alta Badia – Factsheet
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
General & Essential Holiday Information – including Travel
Please read before you book
Your Holiday
Terrain – This route uses waymarked and signposted routes only, providing mostly straightforward navigation. Trails vary from well-trodden woodland paths to steeper paths on looser, rocky terrain. Certain sections of the route may be considered exposed by some people. Naturally, in the high mountains a certain level of hiking experience, surefootedness, a good head for heights and a good level of fitness are essential. Also, in early season on higher terrain you might have to cross patches of snow.
Accommodation – the itinerary is based on half-board, dormitory-style accommodation in the huts (rifugios). Your first and last night will be spent in a Collett’s base in the Alta Badia (Corvara or Badia) on a B&B basis, either in one of our own chalet hotels or in a nearby village guest house used by us on a regular basis. Private rooms are available in most huts at a supplement of £20 per person, subject to availability, so please request at the time of booking, not afterwards!
Lunch – packed lunches can be purchased at all accommodations along the trek, except on your first day, when you can buy supplies locally in Corvara before you set off.
Breakfast & Dinner – Breakfasts are generous and usually buffet-style and you will definitely leave the hut feeling refuelled. Dinner is ordered from a set menu, usually with at least 2 choices for each course. Expect hearty and typically local cuisine, ideal for days out on the mountain. For vegetarians and other dietary needs, there will be less choice and variation, but every year it gets better.
Your Travel
Your options are as follows – as always, please contact us if you have any questions.
Free Transfers – are available from Venice Marco Polo airport at 1500 every Sat & Wed. Journey Time – 3hrs. Private transfers are available any day, for a £100pp supplement return (min. 2 people)
Arrive independently? – we can provide free parking if you fly-drive or self-drive from home.
Rail – Brunico station is our nearest, a 40 minute bus ride from the Alta Badia.
Bus – visit Cortina Express for services from Venice to Corvara via Cortina.
Homebound Transfers – do not book a flight home that takes off before 11am. We will not get you to the airport in time! (Private transfers can be arrange for any time)
Final Day – be prepared for an early start. If someone has a flight home at 11.15am, all transferees will have to leave the Dolomites at 6.15am.
Shorter Tours – on our 2 night tours, airport transfers cost £80 per person return.
And finally…
Extend your stay? – if you would like to add a few days before or after your Hut to Hut tour as part of a Collett’s centre-based walking holiday in the Dolomites, simply let us know and we can help you arrange this.
Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – We recommend you buy a good insurance package at the time of booking (or certainly prior to purchasing flights or booking ferries etc.), so that you are covered in the unlikely event of you having to cancel for an ‘insurable’ reason. For more information on Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – Click here
At Your Own Risk – please read important notes below entitled – At Your Own Risk
General Information – Queries relating to passports or visas should be directed to the Italian embassy on 0207 7312 2200 or www.amblondra.esteri.it
For general information on healthcare whilst travelling, visit www.bit.ly/HealthcareAbroad
For pre-travel information visit www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Or use the ABTA information line on 020 3117 0599 or visit www.abta.com
At Your Own Risk
All self-guided holidays are enjoyed entirely at your own risk and it is important that you understand that whilst the route notes are accurate at the time of writing, the situation on the ground may change and this itinerary relies on your sound judgement and decision making throughout. Our self-guided itineraries have been organised so that you might enjoy a route and associated accommodation you may not otherwise have discovered having organised the itinerary yourself. It represents nothing more than the opportunity to go out on a series of beautiful walks in wonderful walking areas, with the support of knowing that many of the logistics have been arranged for you. It is a fact that hill and mountain walking can and is associated with personal injury and death. By coming to such areas, you are exposing yourself and your party to the possibility of personal injury or even death. In such an event, Collett’s Limited trading as Collett’s Mountain Holidays will not be held responsible for your interest in the outdoors and your involvement in walking, which can occasionally have tragic consequences. The information provided uses only marked paths which are in use at the time of writing, however, it is your responsibility to continually assess the suitability and safety of the route throughout the walk and to undertake any action necessary to avoid any terrain which each or any member of the group is not comfortable with. The route choice also assumes an ability to read maps and navigate competently. It is the responsibility of each individual in the group to make an assessment of the information provided, and to make an informed decision about whether the itinerary is suitable for them. Finally, during your village to village holiday organised by Collett’s Mountain Holidays you act at your own risk on any ideas, information and opinions included in any material prepared by us or on our behalf to help you get the most from the area.
- CONTRACT: Please read these booking conditions carefully as they, together with the specific information in your booking confirmation, form an important part of your contract with Collett’s Limited (company number: 03467538 whose registered office is at Market House, 10 Market Walk, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1JZ) trading as Collett’s Mountain Holidays.
- PRICES: We reserve the right to alter any of our advertised prices. Our prices were set on 30 September 2021, and the reference exchange rate was 1.1635 (as published by the Bank of England). You will be advised of the current price of the holiday that you wish to book before your contract is confirmed. All prices quoted are fully inclusive of non-optional charges.
- SUPPLEMENTS: We reserve the right to apply a supplement to your holiday after you have booked in the event of increases to the costs of supplying your holiday, which might result from changes in the cost of fuel or other power sources, accommodation costs, costs of compliance with local rules and laws, exchange rate fluctuations and/or government action (including changes in any levels of taxation such as VAT). Supplements will not be applied within 28 days of your arrival date. We will absorb any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your holiday but you will be charged for the amount over and above that. If this results in an increase equivalent to more than 8% of the price of your holiday, you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid.
- MAKING A BOOKING AND PAYMENT: When you have chosen your accommodation and you make a request to us to book it, you must pay a deposit of £100 per person (or £150 per person for our ‘point to point’ holidays either in the UK or abroad – which includes all our Ski Safari, Camino de Santiago, Kitzbuhel to Cortina, Mountains to the Med, Basque County Hillwalking and all Hut to Hut holidays), or if you are booking within 8 weeks of your arrival date the full cost of the booking. Your booking is only confirmed and a contract between us will only exist when a) your party leader has ticked the box on our client portal confirming that they accept our terms and conditions; b) we have received in cleared funds a deposit of £100 or £150 (as appropriate) per person; and c) we have issued our confirmation by email. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to us immediately.
- FINAL BALANCES: If you have paid a deposit, the ‘final balance’ of the cost of your holiday is due 56 days (8 weeks) before departure. If the balance is not received on time, we will remind you that it is overdue. If you then do not pay within 7 days of this reminder we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit.
- INSURANCE: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are adequately insured. Adequate travel insurance is essential and is a condition of your contract with us. You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available. We recommend that your policy is as extensive as our recommended insurance policy, details of which can be found on our website.
- BOOKING CHANGES: After our confirmation has been issued, any requests for changes must be sent to us in writing by e-mail or post, by the person that made the booking. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate your request but we will try to do so. If you change the number in your party, the accommodation price will be re-calculated. If the party size is reduced, this is likely to mean the remaining members paying more due to under-occupancy.
- CANCELLATIONS BY YOU:
If you want to cancel your booking: the person who made the booking must send this in writing to us, by email or post. You will be charged a cancellation fee as follows: If you cancel (this is the date on which we receive your written notice of cancellation during the hours of 9am to 5.30pm):
More than 56 days before your arrival date: deposit only;
Between 56 and 43 days before your arrival date: 25%;
Between 42 and 29 days before your arrival date: 50%;
Within 28 days of arrival date: 100%
Charges are shown as a percentage of your total holiday cost (including any excursions).
Covid-19: If you cancel your holiday within 56 days of your arrival date because you or your travelling companion / any member of your booking party tests positive for COVID-19 or you are required to self-isolate (in accordance with then applicable UK coronavirus government guidance) (a “COVID-19 reason”), whilst the above cancellation fees will still apply, most travel insurance policies now include such cancellation due to a COVID-19 reason and for this reason alone we strongly recommend that you purchase adequate travel insurance which includes the appropriate COVID-19 cover.
If you need to cut your holiday short (curtailment): If you are forced to return home early, we cannot refund the cost of any services you have not used. If you cut short your holiday and return home early in circumstances where you have no reasonable cause for complaint about the standard of accommodation and services provided, we will not offer you any refund for that part of your holiday not completed or be liable for any associated costs you may incur. Depending on the circumstances, your travel insurance may offer cover for curtailment and we suggest that any claim is made directly with them.
This clause 8 outlines the rights you have if you wish to cancel your booking. Please note that there is no automatic statutory right of cancellation under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charge) Regulations 2013 (Directive 2011/83/EU). - CANCELLATIONS BY US:
We may occasionally have to make changes or cancel your booking and we reserve the right to do so at any time.
Changes: If we make a major change to your holiday, we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. You will have the choice of accepting the change, or you can take any alternative we are able to offer you (you will pay the increase in cost if the replacement is advertised at a higher price than your original booking, or receive a refund of the difference if it is less expensive), or a refund. These options don’t apply for minor changes. Examples of minor changes include, but are not limited to, change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard, temporary withdrawal of facilities or seasonal unavailability of amenities.
Cancellation: We will not cancel your travel arrangements less than eight weeks before your departure date, except for reasons beyond our control (also known as force majeure as defined below) or failure by you to pay the final balance. If your holiday is cancelled you can either have a refund or accept an offer of alternative accommodation of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). Any amendment or cancellation fees you incur in terms of other arrangements you have made with other providers under separate contracts are not claimable from us. Please note that if a change or cancellation occurs because of circumstances beyond our control, for example as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, war, riot, industrial dispute, actual or threatened terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, flood, epidemic or pandemic illness and all similar situations we will have no further liability to you. No compensation, costs, damages, losses, expenses or any other sums, including the cost of securing alternative transport or accommodation will be paid by us.
Force majeure: Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Conditions, we will not be liable or pay you compensation if our contractual obligations to you are affected by “unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances” meaning any event beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples include warfare and acts of terrorism (and threat thereof), civil strike, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease including any mutation or variation of, and the ongoing effects of, Covid-19 or SARs-COV2, or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination or remain at the travel destination, the act of any government or other national or local authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster, unavoidable technical problems with transport and all similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned’s control. - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR BOOKING: When you make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. This means that you are responsible for making all payments due, notifying us if any changes or cancellations are required and for receiving the confirmation and keeping your party informed.
- OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR BOOKING: We have a duty to select accommodation providers with reasonable skill and care. We have no liability to you for the actual provision of the accommodation, except in cases where it is proved that we have breached that duty and damage to you has been caused. Therefore, providing we have selected the provider with reasonable care and skill, we will have no liability to you for anything that happens at the accommodation or any acts or omissions of the provider or others. We also have no liability in the following situations: (a) where the accommodation cannot be provided as booked due to force majeure (see clause 8 for a definition of what constitutes force majeure); (b) where you incur any loss or damage that could not have been foreseen at the time of your booking, based on the information provided by you; (c) where you incur any loss or damage that relates to any business activity (d) where any loss or damage relates to any services which do not form part of our contract with you.
Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of two times the cost of your holiday package with us. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to: (a) the contractual terms of the companies that provide the travel services that make up your holiday package. These terms are incorporated into this booking; and (b) any relevant international convention, which limit the amount of and conditions under which compensation can be claimed for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of the extent of or the conditions under which compensation is to be paid under these or any conventions. You can ask us for copies of the travel service contractual terms, or the international conventions.
Other than as set out above, and as is detailed elsewhere in these booking conditions, we shall have no legal liability whatsoever to you for any loss or damage. - ROOM ALLOCATIONS: All accommodation is allocated by us. We will not accept liability for any complaints based on one bedroom being deemed less attractive than another on account of its size, views, character and/or location. The provision of a bedroom with a balcony will only be guaranteed if a balcony is requested verbally at the time of booking by you, then, if available, in writing on the booking form and finally confirmed in writing by us. We reserve the right to change your accommodation, provided the accommodation allocated is of the same or superior category to that originally booked.
- SPECIAL REQUESTS: Any specific requests by you, such as matters concerning diet or allergies, must be advised to us on the booking form. Whilst endeavouring to fulfil all such requests, we shall not be liable to you if we fail to do so.
- BEHAVIOUR: When you book a holiday with us, you accept responsibility for the proper conduct of all members of your party during your stay. We reserve the right at any time to terminate the stay of any party member(s) whose behaviour is such, in our reasonable opinion, as to cause or to be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to anyone else or damage to property. Full cancellation charges will then apply and no refund will be given. Furthermore, we shall be under no obligation whatsoever to pay compensation or meet any costs or expenses (including but not limited to alternative accommodation) you may occur as a result of your stay being terminated. In addition, you agree to fully reimburse any accommodation provider concerned for the cost of any damage you cause to the accommodation in which you are staying before the end of your stay if the cost has been established by then or as soon as it has been established if later. You must also indemnify us for the full amount of any claim (including all legal costs) made against us by the accommodation provider or any third party as a result.
- FINANCIAL PROTECTION: The monies you pay to us for your holiday are protected by means of an ABTA bond provided by Travel & General Insurance Services Limited. This means that, if in the unlikely event of our insolvency your holiday can’t be provided, you will receive your money back or, if your stay has started, arrangements will be made for you to be able to continue as planned.
- DATA PROTECTION: Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Our policy can be viewed at www.colletts.co.uk
- ABTA: We are a Member of ABTA, membership number W6883. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.comto use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.
- SKI SAFARI: Your guide, itinerary and accommodation shall be supplied by MSA srl trading as Arabba Holidays, for which Collett’s Limited acts as an agent. Consequently each Ski Safari is neither run nor controlled by Collett’s Limited and we are therefore not responsible/liable for its provision or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by Arabba Holidays. You therefore acknowledge that Collett’s Limited acts as the disclosed agent of Arabba Holidays, and you agree that in the unlikely event that you need to make a claim, you shall make this against Arabba Holidays, and not Collett’s Limited.
- CONDITIONS OF SUPPLIERS: Many of the services which make up your holiday are provided by independent suppliers. This is particularly relevant to all of our “Point to Point” holidays where your transport, baggage transfer, accommodation and food will be supplied by third parties and for whom Collett’s Limited acts as an agent. You therefore acknowledge that Collett’s Limited acts as the disclosed agent of these third party suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions which will form part of your contract with us. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from us or the supplier concerned.
- LIFT CLOSURES: We will not be held responsible for the closure of lifts during the winter season for any reason. In the event of lack of snow, we cannot be held liable, but will endeavour to make mutually suitable arrangements, and these may incur additional costs to you.
- EXCURSIONS: Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday or contracted arrangements provided by us. All excursions are supplied by third party suppliers and are subject to their own terms and conditions. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.
- DELAYED TRAVEL: Collett’s can take no responsibility for repercussions concerning delayed flights or other travel arrangements. If your flight, bus or train is delayed, your allocated transfer will wait for up to 60 minutes – but no longer. We cannot wait any longer because our drivers are on time limits. So, if the delay exceeds 60 minutes, we will either (1) allocate you to a later Collett’s transfer free of charge subject to seats being available or (2) in the event of there not being a later transfer, we will endeavour to book you a taxi transfer, although this will be at your expense. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding in the event of your transfer being delayed due to the delayed flight of other guests.
- PASSPORT, VISA & IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS: Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration/entry requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa, immigration or entry requirements.
- ACCURACY: The information contained in our brochures, on our website and in our other advertising material is believed correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing or publication. However, errors may occasionally occur and information may subsequently change and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. Please note that swimming pools are not always available throughout the entire periods of availability detailed on our website and in our brochures, and are periodically closed for maintenance and cleaning. Any view expressed on the website is the personal view of a member of our staff. Whilst our staff will express personal opinions based on first-hand knowledge of the resort, the final choice of holiday remains yours. We will not accept responsibility for any verbal statement made by a member of our staff unless it is confirmed in writing prior to the start date of your holiday with us.
- COMPLAINTS: In the unlikely event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any of the services provided during your holiday, the matter must be reported immediately to our resort manager who will endeavour to put things right. You should also try to find a solution whilst you’re on holiday. Unless the opportunity for rectification of complaints is given to our resort manager whilst you are in the resort, we will not accept responsibility at a later date. We will not accept liability for complaints unless a complaint form has been obtained from the resort manager by you, and then completed and signed by both you and the resort manager. If we are unable to resolve the complaint satisfactorily during your stay, please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to Tom Collett at Market House, 10 Market Walk, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1JZ giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. We will not accept liability for complaints made outside this period. Please keep your letter concise and to the point. If you fail to follow the requirement to report your complaint in resort we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify it and this may affect your rights under this booking. Please also see clause 17 above on ABTA.
- DISPUTES: Any dispute or claim arising out of this contract that can’t be settled between us can be referred by you to ABTA’s dispute resolution (see clause 17) or court.
- JURISDICTION: You agree that the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction and that English law shall apply.
- FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TRAVEL ADVICE: You should always check FCO advice on travel to the country you are visiting prior to travelling at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure (see clause 8).
- UPDATES AND CHANGES: These Booking Conditions were published on 12 October 2021 and are current. These Booking Conditions may be updated from time to time, so please check here for the latest version of our Booking Conditions that apply at the time we issue your Booking Confirmation, or request a printed version.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Supplementary Travel Information...
Other Hut to Hut Treks in the Dolomites
7 Night Self-guided treks – plus some shorter options
Here is a list of all our Hut to Hut tours in the Dolomites.
June, July, late August & September represent the quieter periods. Contact us with your chosen route and dates, and we’ll do the rest. Once confirmed, you can then book your travel, relax and look forward to your holiday. The earlier you book, the quicker we can confirm!
Grand Tour of the Alta Badia – Moderate/Hard – £950
A complete and dramatic circuit of the Alta Badia, taking in the peaks and trails of the Puez Odle and Fanes Natural Parks and incorporating the tunnels of Lagazuoi and much more besides.
Central Dolomites & Sella Grand Tour – Easier Moderate, Moderate or Hard – £950
A classic route of mind-boggling scenery, taking in Pralongia Plateau, Val di Fassa, Rosengarten group, Alpi de Siusi, Val Gardena and Puez-Odle Natural Park. A mix of huts and village accommodation.
Pelmo, Civetta & the Southern Dolomites – Moderate/Hard – £950
A bit quieter and more off the beaten track. Highly dramatic treks under the imposing faces of two stunning Dolomites giants, Pelmo (3168m) and Civetta (3220m).
Tre Cime, Cortina & Ampezzo Dolomites – Hard – £950
This challenging route rewards you with awe-inspiring views of some true Dolomites classics, notably the staggering north faces of the celebrated Tre Cime and the iconic Lago Sorapis.
Cortina & the Northern Dolomites – Hard – £950
Wild, adventurous and spectacular, this tour takes in Cinque Torre, the Tofana group, a night in Cortina, the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, part of the renowned Alta Via and home via the Fanes massif.
Shorter Tours
2 & 3 Night Hut to Hut Circuits
These short tours especially suit people who would like to add some extra excitement to the start or end of a Classic Collett’s walking holiday in the Dolomites.
They start and end with a night in Corvara, from where our centre-based walking holidays operate. A 2 night trek is therefore a minimum of 4 nights in total, whilst a 3 night trek is a minimum of 5 nights. As ever, please do not book any travel until we have confirmed your itinerary. In effect, they are taster versions of the 7 day tours above.
Grand Tour of the Alta Badia – 2 Nights – Moderate – £215
Cortina and the Northern Dolomites – 2 Night Hard – £250
Grand Tour of the Alta Badia – 3 Night Moderate/Hard – £315
Cortina and the Northern Dolomites – 3 Night Hard – £365
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
The Grand Tour of Alta Badia
Testimonials
John Micklem
October 7, 2019
A Happy Return to Haus Valentin
The fact that I keep coming back to Haus Valentin shows how much I enjoy my holidays there.
Because it is a relatively small family run guesthouse there is a feeling of intimacy and friendliness that would not be possible in a hotel. The food is excellent and necessarily plentiful for hungry walkers.
Above all it is the enthusi(Read more...)
Peter Lunn
September 30, 2019
Excellent
The staff were great and all worked hard to ensure the customers had a great time. Max, John and Becky all stood out as people I’d happily recommend.
Jonathan Heierman
September 30, 2019
Excellent Walking Holiday
Excellent - we had a great time and so appreciated the care and attention of the staff and the great information for our hiking. Collett's have a variety of options for hiking daily and knowledge of the area!
We stayed in both a hosted chalet in Badia before our hut to hut and in a hotel following in Corvara - the above rating apply (Read more...)
Edward Gildea
September 29, 2019
Haus Valentin
Thank you for a great holiday. The transfer from the airport was friendly and efficient, enabling four strangers to bond immediately and form a friendship grouping that lasted the whole week. A great welcome at the bar - such friendly staff and a much appreciated complimentary beer. The walks were all very well organised and led, wit(Read more...)
Peter lunn
September 28, 2019
2nd visit
This is my second visit to Collett’s in Italy. First time with the missis, second with my mate, both times I’ve had a great time. The staff are always helpful, there is a joint interest with all the customers so there’s very much a family type atmosphere, the food and accommodation has been great and the office hour is great for hints(Read more...)
Peter Hoult
September 28, 2019
Good walking at a decent price
A week with Collett's in the Dolomites staying at Haus Valentin. Well organised, friendly and well priced. What’s not to like. 3rd time with Collett's and absolutely no reason we won’t use them again.
Andrew Pritchard
September 26, 2019
Another wonderful stay
This was our second year at Pension Angelo and once again we throughly enjoyed ourselves. It is stunning area with plenty of varied routes. This year we didn't do Colletts-arranged scheduled walks but organised the days ourselves. Nevertheless the team were very helpful in advising us and helping us sort out our days. We can't praise (Read more...)
Steve Burgess
September 25, 2019
Excellent
Friendly and helpful staff when first called. Reasonable prices and good/flexible walking itinerary. Receieved a very warm and friendly welcome from a great group of Collett's staff - very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We had a very enjoyable holiday. Your staff at in Corvara were excellent
S North
September 24, 2019
unexpectedly good
We enjoyed our holiday thank you. The social aspects of our holiday were unexpectedly good.
We met a wide variety of very nice people in both Haus Valentin and Chalet Angelo and the communal tables (and plenty of wine) made for very convivial evenings.
Sarah Wells
September 23, 2019
Our 2nd Holiday
We love the dedication by all your staff helping us through the detail of walks and alternatives. Huge thank you Max, Adele, Henry, Helen, Ben, Kate. Thank you everyone - just fab, so friendly and dedicated.
Our 2nd holiday with you, so good last time! Keep up the great work!
Carter Sue
September 22, 2019
Excellent
Googled walking holidays and found you! The great thing about this holiday was it enabled us to do more challenging walks than we would have done if we had been organising walks ourselves and this was extremely enjoyable and satisfying. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and stunning scenery.
Regina Rosbrook
September 21, 2019
Group Walking Holiday
I was with a group and Collett's was discovered by one of our members. We all liked staying in one chalet and hiking out form there as well as having a variety of levels of difficulty to choose from.
The young staff at Haus Valentin was most excellent. They were fun, friendly, prepared, on time, knowledgeable and able to converse eas(Read more...)
Louise Ramsden
September 21, 2019
Outstanding Dolomites
The staff were fantastic, with a special mention for Max, Helen and Adele, all of whom were great guides and wonderful company. Previous customer having had excellent experience in the past!
Jeremy Smith
September 20, 2019
Great Value
Great value. I was doing self guided. I didn’t feel like I needed to pay a ton to know which trails to take!
Daniel Allen
September 19, 2019
Excellent
I have a great track record with Collett's - I've always had excellent holidays with Collett's.
Carolyn (Lyn) Ashley
September 18, 2019
Fabulous
We joined a hiking group in Victoria, BC, Canada early in 2019. Twice heard folks on the trail talking about Collett's in very positive terms. The second time the people were talking about how they were going to the Dolomites walking with Collett's. The style of the tour, with the choice of going on walks or on our own, with office ho(Read more...)
Leslie Alexander
September 17, 2019
A Success
We would especially like to thank the guides and Ali and Alex who were organizing all details from Haus Valentin. Each one of the guides was friendly, fun, knowledgeable, and amazingly talented. Their experience in the mountains and with the local culture made the trip and each hike a success.
Collett's Mountain Holidays gave the int(Read more...)
John Scanlon
September 13, 2019
Dolomites
Once again we have had a great holiday in the Dolomites staying At Chalet Angelo. You really have a great team all of whom go out of their way to ensure each person has a great holiday. The food was outstanding and office hour a great oportunity to meet other guests. With a great range of walks on offer I took advantage and walked alm(Read more...)
Richard Wellock
September 12, 2019
Me and my two sons had the best five days ever in the Dolomites, The organization was spot on , punctual and helpful. We stayed at Chalet Roch in Corvara , very clean and comfortable. The only thing we missed was the tea/ coffee making facilities in the room, that would have been great after a long wet walk! That’s only a minor point(Read more...)
NJ
September 9, 2019
Lovely long weekend
We booked a 2 night, 3 day 'difficult' hut-to-hut trek with Collett's and had a great time. The whole trip was well orgnaised and we loved the rifugios. Materials (maps, FAQs, etc) were provided well in advance.
Matt Hobson
September 9, 2019
Fantastic value. Fantastic people...
Everything about my Collett's holiday was incredible... from the service level I got when booking my trip by phone, to the quality of the chalet and food, and most of all the people who work there... who were all utterly fantastic.
I was recommended to Collett's by another hiking company, who said they are the best... and best-priced(Read more...)
Matt
September 9, 2019
Amazing holiday
We had a fantastic week with Collett’s in Chalet Angelo. The staff were really helpful (Max in particular) and the food was super (Tom). The accommodation was lovely and the views across the valley from the balcony each evening were amazing.
We had great weather and managed to get out and climb 5 via ferrata during our week, including(Read more...)
Anita Rookmeen McCabe
September 9, 2019
Walking in Dolomites - Corvara
I was part of a group of a recent 10 day walking holiday in Corvara. Via Ferrata was a "taster" for me and a thrilling experience. I would thoroughly recommend this holiday:)
The weather was great in August 2019. Collett's staff were excellent. They were very friendly, mature, experienced and well-equipped with people's & communicatio(Read more...)
Caroline Williams
August 30, 2019
Hut to Hut
This was an excellent trip and coming back to work has been really tough this week however we do have several hundred pictures to edit and look back on! Everything went really smoothly your maps were clear and the Rifugios excellent although as a non meat eater I may well have consumed my body weight in cheese in various forms! Thanks(Read more...)
Claire Tilley
August 28, 2019
Truly Exceptional
Office Hour is a great idea - informative and fun. The most amazing thing about Collett's is what a remarkable group of truly exceptional young people you employ. They couldn't have been more friendly, helpful or obliging, and they were intelligent and fun as well.
Graham
August 27, 2019
Mega Returners
Another brilliant Collett's Walking Holiday - we have done skiing several times and this is our second walking holiday.
The package hasn't changed over the 18 years we have been customers. There is NO selling of 'extras' in resort unlike other operators.
The operation is slick
The OUTSTANDING feature is the young people (and one or (Read more...)
Ruth Noonan
August 27, 2019
I will return
The level of information provide before booking was outstanding and it was clear that the company really knew what it was doing. As the only vegetarian staying at the Chalet I was very well catered for by the chefs who provided some lovely vegetarian alternatives for me.
I will be returning for another holiday
Dave
August 27, 2019
A bit of magic
Amazing views, amazing walks, amazing team (Tom, Max, Becky, Alex, John, Caroline, Ali and everyone else involved were awesome). From the moment I arrived to the moment I left the team made me feel so at home and loved it (best holiday I have had in a very long time) nothing was too much trouble and even after very long days the guys were brill...
William Kirber
August 23, 2019
Recommended
My daughter and I had a great time. The scenery and wildflowers were wonderful. Length and difficulty of the hikes was just right. I am recommending to friends.
Rosemary Shaw
August 21, 2019
Home from home
This was our second holiday with Collett's to Corvara. This time there were 3 generations of our family. The booking system was easy and we sought advice from your office in helping to decide what accommodation would suit us best. The youngest at 8 and 3 enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere in the chalet. We gave feedback on the activities(Read more...)