Dolomites & Prosecco Hills

Fly from London to Innsbruck and transfer to La Villa, set on the ski/hiking slopes, for four nights at the 4-star Superior Hotel La Majun. Enjoy a Welcome drink, a briefing about the local area, and dinner at the hotel.
(D)

Drive to Val Gardena, where summer meadows and herb-scented slopes form the habitats of foxes, hares and marmots. Starting at Passo Sella, follow the Naturonda route to ‘Città dei Sassi’ at the foot of the north face of Sassolungo, and circle back on a second trail, a total hike of about 7km (2 hrs – no difference in altitude). Visit the beautiful village of Ortisei, at an altitude of 1,236m, in the heart of the valley, where shops and eateries bring a buzz to the pedestrian zone, and where we enjoy it’s most famous sweet treat, Apfelstrudel, with a cup of coffee. Return by coach to La Villa.
(B, D)

A full-day excursion takes you first to fabulously scenic Lago di Braies (at 1,500m), the towering Seekofel peaks reflected in its blue-green waters, 36m deep at its core. With a 3.7km trail encircling the lake, it is a magnet for hikers and naturalists, and there is time to explore its perimeter, before continuing by coach to San Candido (aka Innichen). A beguiling town, its intriguing landmarks range from restaurants and rustic taverns to the Dolomythos Museum, celebrating dinosaurs and ancient Dolomite history; and the Romanesque abbey, dating back to the 13th century and housing two chapels, a frescoed dome, and three-aisled crypt. Choose your venue in San Candido for dinner at leisure, and return to the hotel late this evening.
(B)

Today you have a choice of either enjoying time off in La Villa or join a  walk in the woods is on the agenda today, leaving La Villa on foot and following the course of the Rü Tort river, a gentle opener before entering the forest and climbing 697m to spectacular views from the summit. Enjoy a long stop at the top and descend on a different path back to the town (approx. 9km / 6hrs from start to finish).
(B, D)

Depart La Villa after breakfast to travel, through the sumptuous scenery of the mountains, to the province of Treviso and the rolling hills of Prosecco. A stop enroute lets you explore picturesque Cortina d’Ampezzo, a chic sports hub in the ‘Superski’ area, set at the meeting of valleys, steeped in a thousand years of history and culture, and dubbed ‘the Queen of the Dolomites’ for the beauty of its surrounds. Continue to the vineyard slopes of Conegliano for a welcome dinner and three nights at the 4-star Relais Le Betulle.
(B, D)

With grapevines tiered on grassy ‘ciglioni’ terraces, and medieval villages dotting rugged hills, our tour of the region today includes a vineyard visit to taste the wine, and sample local meat and cheese. Later we travel to Treviso, circled by waterways, crossed by canals, and protected by historic city walls around the maze of narrow streets in its medieval old town. A guided walking tour reveals wrought iron bridges, Romanesque palazzos, and Renaissance piazzas, the multi-domed cathedral, and vibrant Signori Square; after which you have time to explore at your own pace, and pick a restaurant for dinner in the city. Evening return to the hotel.
(B)

A final excursion views the meandering course of the ancient, alpine, Tagliamento River, on its flow to Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where we discover the landmarks of medieval San Daniele, its historic façades earning it the epithet of ‘Friuli’s little Sienna’, its local produce making it a favourite with foodies. A cultural and religious centre in the Middle Ages, it is home to several museums, the elegant Palazzo del Commune (Town Hall), the frescoes of Sant’Antonio Abate church, and the San Michele Arcangelo Cathedral, filled with precious artworks. Artisan shops join cosy cafés in old-world squares; and its hilltop setting affords views across bucolic landscapes to the distant Julian Alps. After a walking tour, visit a ham factory for a tasting of the famed San Daniele ham, still exclusively made within the city limits. Return for dinner at the hotel.
(B, D)

Transfer to Venice airport for your return flight.
(B)