Instead of the planets, this time it’s the stars that are aligning over one of the world’s most coveted alpine regions, Italy’s Dolomites.
Italy’s active leader in guided and self-guided mountain travel, Dolomite Mountains Ltd., announces a six-day Stars of the Dolomites culinary holiday that combines haute cuisine, luxury hotels and biking (optional) and hiking a via ferrata in the narrow valleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Activities are concentrated around Alta Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo rife with Michelin star-rated restaurants and with opportunities to hike along a via ferrata. These are mountain paths often traversed by avid mountain climbers; however chosen routes are accessible thanks to permanent installations of climbing aids so that even recreational walkers can seek the thrills of climbing to splendid views. Walkers are accompanied by a professionally certified mountain guide.
Stars of the Dolomites can be arranged as a custom or private tour. This beyond-the-rainbow gourmet adventure is from €3540 (per person, minimum four), with a 5 percent high-season supplement from July 20-Aug. 31. Included are accommodations in two five-star hotels, daily breakfasts, a trip briefing and maps, guide services while hiking or biking, arrival and departure night dinners sandwiched between five-course gourmet dinners at three restaurants draped in Michelin stars, shuttle service and more.
Gourmet meals, including breakfast, are created by expert chefs who prepare only the freshest ingredients, including some local produce and wild game found in the region. Accommodations on this itinerary include credential ranging from membership in the exclusive Relais & Chateaux to the Leading Hotels of the World.
In addition to hiking along the via ferrata guests, may choose to hike for up to six hours within the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, a high plateau in the South Tyrol’s Val de Fanes where Ladin is spoken. Here in a karstic limestone landscape are panoramas of the Marmolada Glacier and perhaps sightings of bear while hikers are enroute to lunch in a typical farm house and an evening at a peaceful rifugio (mountain lodge). This is also a popular area for mountain biking. The option to bike brings guests on the Sella Ronda, Cristallo Lookout, Dolomite passes and more.
On one day guests may hike for up to five hours to Cortina d’Ampezzo to indulge shopping appetites and the hospitality of a five-star hotel here. This is a popular destination for the rich and famous.
“With the rise of food and agritourism, this itinerary is satisfying the requests of many of our clients,” said Agustina Lagos-Marmol, founder of Dolomite Mountains Ltd.
