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.
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Great Walks
of the Great War
Discover the remnants of a remarkable alpine conflict high in the Dolomites
Stronger Walkers
Join Walks or Self-guide
4 Aug - 28 Aug
Every August we welcome the one and only Dr John Scanlon to the Dolomites and 4 times a week you can join him on his intriguing World War I walks. As with all of our walks, you can join these itineraries as and when you please at no extra cost. Simply drop into Office Hour to sign up.
We are convinced the remnants of the WW1 mountain conflict between Austria and Italy will astound you. A bonus of these itineraries is that they take place in one of the most scenically rich locations in the Dolomites. Fighting broke out here between Italy and Austria in 1915, as the border between the two countries ran through these mountains. Committed to the Russian front, Austria abandoned political boundaries and retreated to defendable mountain tops and passes. In snow and freezing temperatures, a tragic and inconclusive conflict ensued, as both sides pushed for high positions in the massifs, ingeniously building fortifications, trenches, look-out posts and miles of tunnels. Much of it is still here in the form of an open-air memorial museum. John Scanlon is as entertaining as he is informative and unsurprisingly his walks have a keen following.
Some high level areas will fascinate those interested in World War I. Fighting broke out here between Italy and Austria in 1915, as the border between the two countries ran through these mountains. Committed to the Russian front, Austria abandoned political boundaries and retreated to defendable mountain tops and passes. In snow and freezing temperatures, a tragic and inconclusive conflict ensued, as both sides pushed for high positions in the massifs, ingeniously building fortifications, trenches, look-out posts and miles of tunnels. Much of it is still here.
Such was the proximity of the two sides, hand-to-hand combat was common and troops slept within earshot of the enemy. On one occasion the Italians constructed some 1100 metres of tunnels to explode a mine beneath Austrian positions. The Austrians heard them and retreated in time. Winter 1916 was bitter and 10,000 men died in avalanches, one alone killing 4000 on the Marmolada. Neither side won and with little recognition of the actual events, the region’s destiny was determined far from the battle zone in Paris in 1919.
Today there is an open-air WWI museum at Monte Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri. It is a popular location for walkers and several high level routes converge on the area, featuring remnants of the fighting. Fitter walkers will enjoy the high level trails leading to this historical outdoor arena. However, access is also provided by a dramatic cable car that takes you to a spectacular 360° panorama at Rifugio Lagazuoi. From the cable car, you will see Lagazuoi’s face with its ledges and observation posts, each one an off-shoot from the labyrinth of tunnels that exist in the mountain, which are safe and open for you to explore. A single pass will give you access to the cable car, the chairlift ascent to Cinque Torri just down the road and the nearby indoor museum at the Tre Sassi Fort.
The holiday at a glance...
Our Organised Walks:
Daily, optional & free of charge
Daily, optional & free of charge
First Word War walks accompanied by Dr John Scanlon
Further access to;
Easy & Idyllic Strolls
Classic Moderate Walks
Higher & Harder Treks
Self-guiding?
Yes! If you prefer to self-guide – every day or just occasionally – we have everything you need for up to 40 stunning local walks from easy to hard. Browse our Ideas & Info Files, crammed with magical, well-researched walks; borrow ‘Route Laminates’ for the itineraries that take your fancy and chat daily with our Walks Team to seek out proposals and helpful tips.
What's Included:
Organised Walks & Self-guiding – as described above. Collett’s is all about memorable walks of your chosen grade, whether you join us or self-guide.
Accommodation – choose delightful half-board, B&B or self-catering accommodation. See the Accommodation Tab at the top of this page to see the options.
Office Hour – guarantee yourselves a succession of unforgettable days out at a sociable, optional and informal pre-dinner gathering with other guests and the Collett’s Walks Team. Use our knowledge and fabulous proposals to plan your days. Sign up for walks or plan your own self-guided adventures.
Our ‘Ideas & Info’ files – these are always at your disposal and reflect our extensive local knowledge. They feature up to 40 beautiful walks, Via Ferrata, sport-climbing routes, bike rides, places of interest and other days out.
What's Not Included:
Flights, Airport Transfers & Insurance
Chairlifts, Cable Cars & Buses – when required
Packed Lunches
Getting there:
Getting to the Dolomites is easy – you travel to us independently.
See the Travel Tab at the top of this page for details of various options.
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 4 weeks before departure;
- if you change your mind you can defer or change your holiday free of charge at any time up to 4 weeks before departure;
- refund guarantee – If within 4 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 from down in the valley, 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
Accomapanied historical walks
4 dedicated walks a week with 2 evening presentations
John Scanlon is a retired GP with a big personality and a profound interest in World War I history. He has been visiting the Dolomites with Collett’s for many years to explore the terrain that characterised a unique military struggle that unfolded here between 1915 and 1918 between the Austrians and the Italians.
This terrain happens to be at the heart of some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you will find anywhere in the world. So you can combine a fascinating historical subject with breathtaking moderate and high level walks, punctuated by trenches, tunnels, protected paths (formerly troop paths) and other poignant remnants of a tragic conflict.
John has been able to put together a programme of 4 dedicated walks a week and 2 evening presentations, which he will be offering free of charge to guests who holiday with us this summer from 4 Aug - 28 Aug. We guarantee that guests who choose to join him are sure to be fascinated by these days out, which will be as rich in WWI history as they are rich in stunning alpine scenery.
All of the WWI walks, due to sheer nature of the terrain are graded moderate or hard, often with exposed sections of path as you pass in and out of tunnells dug through the mountains. Each week he will offer you the chance to explore different features of the area, much of which is effectively an open-air WWI museum. You might choose to attend one of John’s presentations in the evening. We can assure you these will be as entertaining as they are interesting, such is John’s ability to engage with people. Either way, the presentations will give you a chance to gain some in-depth knowledge of a truly amazing military chapter, which featured incredible hardships for those that fought here.
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.
Your Accommodation in the Dolomites
Delightful options in Corvara & Badia in the Alta Badia
We have two chalet hotels, two exquisite hotels & several self-catering apartments.
Whether you want half-board luxury, traditional B&B or the independence of self-catering, we have the perfect accommodation for your walking holiday in the Dolomites. Take a look at the following:
Bracun, Corvara
A Chalet Hotel hosted by us
Prime village location with fabulous views
Delightful en suite bedrooms with balconies
Nestled under Sassongher (2665m), Bracun is a 5 minute stroll from Corvara’s attractive centre with its shops, cafes, restaurants and gondola stations. Bracun is a fabulous mix of comfort and relaxation with stunning views from its sun terrace. Nearby, idyllic tracks traverse flower meadows interlinking with moderate and high level paths.
- £850
- Health Spa
- Free Parking
Haus Valentin, Badia
A Chalet Hotel hosted by us
A Collett’s favourite since 2001
Tranquil village location with majestic views
Perched above the pretty village of Badia, this was a small traditional Tyrolean hotel until Collett’s arrived here in 1999. Views over the village to the awe-inspiring Fanes massif will absorb you for hours. From the door exquisite riverside and woodland trails radiate into beautiful alpine landscapes. The neraby village chairlift ascends over picturesque upland pastures to Santa Croce, a spot you will never forget.
- £795
- Free Parking
Hotel Panorama, Corvara
An exquisite alpine hotel
Sensational food and hospitality
Extensive health spa and indoor pool
This gorgeous hotel is a supreme mix of traditional and up-to-the-minute style. Balanced on a natural balcony above Corvara, this is a self-indulgent treat of gourmet food, complete relaxation, sensational views and unassuming hospitality. For a real treat, check out their panoramic suites.
- From
£995 - Gourmet Dining
- Panoramic Suites
- Spa, Pool & Treatments
Hotel Melodia, Badia
A stylish and enchanting retreat
Sumptuous and spacious bedrooms
Modern design meets Tyrolean tradition
Located in peaceful woodland just above Badia’s village centre, the Hotel Melodia combines a daring modern design with a loyalty to its Tyrolean roots. With gorgeous views over the village to the monumental walls of the Fanes massif, it is just 2 or 3 minutes on foot to the village, several idyllic trailheads, the chairlift and to our local base at Haus Valentin.
- From
£895 - Panoramic Suites
- Health Spa
- Treatments
- Fitness Room
Self-Catering, Corvara & Badia
Choice of standard or superior
Attractive, nicely located apartments
Self-contained, well-equipped and spacious
If a self-catering catering holiday takes your fancy, we have several delightful apartments in Corvara and Badia. Each of them is close to a Collett’s-hosted base, so that it is easy to wander along to Office Hour and plan your days. Nearby shops will keep you well stocked up and both villages have excellent restaurants and pizzerias.
- From
£435 - Arrive Anyday
- Balcony, Terrace or Garden
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.
Getting to the Dolomites is easy
Arrive and depart on the dates of your choice – stay as long as you wish
- Closest airports – Venice or Treviso, but consider Milan, Trieste, Innsbruck or Munich
- Airport transfers available from Venice 3 times a week
- Fly-drive, self-drive or use public transport
On a Classic Collett’s walking holiday in the Dolomites you travel to us independently.
You can arrange your travel now or after you have booked your holiday. Please contact us if you need help or advice. Most guests fly to Venice and book a Collett’s transfer to the Dolomites. Many fly-drive, using their hire car for the odd day trip, perhaps to Bolzano, Cortina or Innsbruck. Others drive from the UK or arrive by public transport. The choice is yours. Either way, you will be warmly welcomed on your arrival.
Your Travel Options...
Collett’s Airport Transfers
Venice & Treviso airports
Journey Time: 3hrs
Venice & Treviso airports
Journey Time: 3hrs
Saturdays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Depart Venice 1500 / Depart Treviso 1530
£80 return per person
Reductions for parties of more than 4 and for U18’s in August
Bikes – £25 each
Sanitised coaches – masks and clean hands before boarding please.
Return Transfer – your flight home must depart after 1100
Private Airport Transfers
Venice Airport
Journey Time: 3hrs
Venice Airport
Journey Time: 3hrs
Approx. €240 each way for up to 8 people
Please contact us to book with as much notice as possible.
Contact us for private transfer prices from other airports
Fly-driving
via Venice, Treviso Trieste, Verona,
Milan, Innsbruck or Munich
via Venice, Treviso Trieste, Verona,
Milan, Innsbruck or Munich
Complete flexibility during your stay and on your days of travel
Allows for the odd day of scenic drives and visiting places of interest
Free parking available at all Collett’s accommodation
Scroll down to ‘Car Hire’ below for a quote
Drive from the UK
via the Brenner Pass
via the Brenner Pass
Allow 12-15 hours from Calais.
Discounts on P&O Ferries – contact us for details.
Free parking available at all Collett’s accommodation.
Rail
via Paris
via Paris
Our nearest station is Brunico – 40 minutes bus ride to Corvara
Or go to Venice by train and meet an airport transfer
Visit eurostar.com – then raileurope.co.uk for onward journey
Other useful sites – www.seat61.com/Italy.htm
Supplementary Travel Information...
Car Hire
Fly-driving is popular and most of our guests choose this option. Having a car in the mountains gives you complete flexibility during your stay and also on your days of arrival and departure.
Collett’s have teamed up with AutoEurope so that you can search the web for car hire quotes from all the big name brands (as well as some of the lesser known local suppliers), at some of the most competitive prices available anywhere on the internet.
We have also teamed up with Worldwide Insure who can offer you Excess Reimbursement Insurance from only £2.50 per day, click here to find out more.
Driving in the EU
You do not need an International Driving Permit to drive in any EU and EEA country, or Switzerland, for stays of up to 12 months. For more information see www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
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.
Prices – Summer 2021
Calculate price of stays of more or less than 7 days on a pro rata basis.
All prices include participation in our daily organised walks and everything required for self-guiding on up to 40 magnificent local routes from easy to challenging.
Deposit – £100 per person – Balance due 8 weeks prior to departure.
Our Day Off – Wednesday – No organised walks, nor Office Hour.
Chalet Hotel Bracun |
£850 | |
Chalet Hotel Haus Valentin |
£795 | |
Hotel Melodia |
£895 | |
Hotel Panorama |
Panoramic View | £995 |
| Luxury Panoramic Suite | £1075 |
All half-board prices are per person per week based on two people sharing a twin or double room.
Half-board includes 7 nights bed and breakfast. Dinner on the following basis:
Bracun & Haus Valentin – 3 courses with complimentary wine – 6 nights, not Wednesdays
Melodia & Panorama – 4 courses each evening. Wine excluded.
Self-catering |
Standard | £435 |
| Superior | £495 |
All apartment prices are per person per week and include all utilities, bed linen and towels.
Discounts are available for apartments for 4 or more – contact us for details.
Discounts & Supplements |
|
Single Occupancy |
Contact us for details |
2 Week Stays |
5% discount* |
Triple Occupancy |
10% per occupant* |
Group Walking Holidays |
Reductions apply for groups of 12+ |
- 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 31 October 2019, and the reference exchange rate was 1.1598 (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 and any increase will be capped at 8% of the price of your holiday.
- 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 (or £150 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 4 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 28 days (4 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 28 days before your arrival date: deposit only;
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 28 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 of accommodation, or you can take any alternative accommodation 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 four 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 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 or immigration 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 6th April 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.
Other Information
Please read before you book
Your own Collett’s Portal – Soon after you book your holiday, you will have access to your own online portal, via which we provide everything you need to know in the run-up to your holiday: packing suggestions, arrival instructions etc. You can also upload information to your portal, such as dietary requirements, special requests and travel details. We want you to hit the ground running when you arrive at the start of a plain-sailing and memorable holiday experience.
Our Day Off – Wednesday is the day off for our Walks Team in the Dolomites. There are no organised walks nor Office Hour. However, there is always somebody to meet and settle in new arrivals. Breakfast is served as normal. Dinner is not provided in our chalet hotels and guests have an opportunity to eat out locally. As for the hotels Melodia & Panorama, dinner is available and included in your holiday.
At Your Own Risk – Please scroll down to read notes under the heading – At Your Own Risk. These are important and refer to our organised walks and to any walks proposals we might give you, either verbally or through our ‘Ideas & Info’ files.
Transport during your holiday – Our most popular organised walks and self-guided routes use local buses, chairlifts, cable cars etc. to good effect (which you pay for locally) – unless, of course, we are venturing out from the door. Even so, some guests choose to hire a car – or indeed self-drive – as this guarantees complete flexibility on your days of arrival and departure, and will allow you to explore places of interest if you fancy a day off walking.
Seasons & Services – In early and late season, local services (e.g. certain bus routes, lifts, mountain huts, suppliers of activities) might be closed. Low season lasts till mid-June when more services and activity come ‘on stream’ until mid-September. August is a vibrant high season crescendo and, in fact, a lovely time to be here. Whichever dates you choose, we offer our full programme of organised walks throughout. In all our destinations, the tranquility of early season is accompanied by an exquisite profusion of flora.
August in the Dolomites – this is high season, especially the middle two weeks of August. Even so, it is a delightful time to be here and a vibrant and colourful atmosphere prevails along the whole valley. Lots of events take place locally, from vintage car rallies to open-air concerts. Certain walks get overcrowded, especially near the tops of local cable cars, but we know which walks to offer you and how to get off the beaten track. For active families, it can be a lot of fun! Read more about August here.
Special Dietary Requirements & Severe Allergies – It is important you tell us about any special dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten free etc.) when you book your holiday. Please only tell us about requirements, not preferences, as most hotels, particularly smaller establishments, can only cater for essential requests. If you have a ‘severe food allergy’ that represents a health threat of any sort, we strongly recommend that you are carrying the necessary medication during your holiday with us.
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
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
Organised Walks – At Your Own Risk
You join us on our organised walks at your own risk, responsible for your own safety, as part of an autonomous group, in which each member has a duty of care to each other.
You will be asked to sign a disclaimer in this respect. This is an explanation of the status of our organised itineraries whether they involve walking, snowshoeing or skiing. We refer to such itineraries as organised, not guided. They are available on a basis of goodwill so that you might enjoy an itinerary you might not otherwise discover. They are nothing more than an opportunity to go out in beautiful scenery in company. It is a fact that mountains, mountainous areas and activities undertaken in them are 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 will not be held responsible for your interest in mountainous areas and your involvement in mountain pursuits, which can occasionally have tragic consequences.
In these days of litigation it is important you know that every time you (and each member of your party) join us on an organised itinerary you do so at your own risk as part of an autonomous group, in which each member of that group has a duty of care to the other. This is no different from the responsibilities you have on a casually arranged weekend walk with friends or family in the UK. Our hosts all have experience of the mountains, some more than others. Some have qualifications relevant to mountain activities, but they are not qualified mountain guides. We recruit and train our outdoor staff in line with a Health & Safety Policy, which is based on risk assessment and recognised mountain safety procedures.
Not being professionally responsible for you on organised itineraries does not mean we ignore safety, nor does it make us exempt from owing a duty of care to each person who joins us on an organised itinerary. Your safety is paramount and we therefore take our own measures to maximise safety. We do this in line with legal requirements pertaining to duty of care. We apply Codes of Practice to the procedures carried out by our outdoor staff. We assess, manage and communicate risk. We try to make people aware of the importance of mountain safety and to highlight their responsibilities when part of a group.
Our Codes of Practice should not really be taken into consideration by you when deciding to join an organised itinerary, for at the heart of our procedures are basic mountain safety measures, which should be undertaken by every individual when preparing for a day in the mountains. Finally, during your stay you act at your own risk on any ideas, information and opinions you might acquire from our hosts or from material prepared by us to help you get the most from the area. Thank you for your understanding on all of the above.
- 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 31 October 2019, and the reference exchange rate was 1.1598 (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 and any increase will be capped at 8% of the price of your holiday.
- 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 (or £150 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 4 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 28 days (4 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 28 days before your arrival date: deposit only;
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 28 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 of accommodation, or you can take any alternative accommodation 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 four 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 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 or immigration 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 6th April 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.
Italian Dolomites – First world war walks
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...)