Italian Dolomites Walking Week with the Dragon's Sale

 Dates:              Saturday 21^st July– Saturday 28^th July 2006 (7 nights)

Place:              Hotel Alpenrose (3 star), Arabba in the heart of the Dolomites

Price:              £649 direct flights from Manchester ^{(no flight supplement)}

                                    There is a single person supplement of £10.00 per night

Included:         7 nights accommodation, 6 evening meals, 5 picnic lunches,

                        5 guided walks led by professional guides with two walks each day,

a harder and easier option to suit your needs.

Flights, Airport Transfers, Co-ordinator.

Not Included:  Lift passes & local transport.   £ 20 per person per walking day payable locally

Slots:               up to 39 (8 double rooms, 9 twin* rooms, 1 suite and 3 single rooms)

Overview:

With excellent feedback from WalkWise’s 2006 Swiss Walking Holiday WalkWise have responded to your requests for another NEW walking destination, and the Dolomites are certain to be a resounding success.  We will be staying at the Hotel Alpenrose in the picturesque village of Arabba in the heart of the Italian Dolomites.  At an altitude of 1602m, Arabba lies at the foot of the magnificent Sella Massif and you are immediately captivated by the most serene and charming of natural landscapes. In every direction there are perfect panoramas of peaceful lakes and blossoming meadows, which are corralled by towering jagged peaks that form a stunning backdrop. On the arrival day we might take a water-taxi from Venice airport to Merano, the Venetian Glass island.  (Water-taxi cost not included approximately 15E if we go for it!) Finally, do not forget to pack your customary fancy dress for the last night themed on the Italian flag something green, something white and something red.

The Hotel:

The Hotel Alpenrose is well located in a quiet setting just above the village centre, yet just a few minutes walk from its bars and restaurants. It is tastefully designed and decorated, combining modern comforts and traditional architecture to create a very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere that is most in keeping with the region. The friendly and accommodating hotel staff will endeavour to ensure your stay is as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.  Then after a great day out on the hills you can retire to your very comfortable en-suite bedrooms, which are well equipped with showers, bath, hair dryers, telephones, satellite TV and safes.  Should you need to de-stress even further the hotel also has a sauna, whirlpool, and Turkish bath included only the solarium costs extra.

NB. A few of the bedrooms maybe Austrian twins and are the norm throughout Italy .  They contain one bed frame and headboard but two individual mattresses and two individual sets of bed linen, which are separable so you don't have to get too cosy!?  

The rich buffet breakfast is simply the best way to start the day.  Evening meals are also something to look forward to, as the chef prepares an excellent range of national and international cuisine, and his speciality, traditional Latin dishes are particularly enjoyable.  The setting complements the meals, which can be enjoyed in the stylish restaurant, or on the sunny patio with panoramic views, or perhaps in the romantic Tyrolean “stube”!  In the evening you may simply wish to enjoy the ambience surrounded by clean air and open views, partake of a drink in the hotel bar or relax in the lounge. However, you could amble into the village in search of a local bar, entertainment or just enjoy exploring the attractions of the village itself.

Impressive Walking:

Arabba is an ideal centre from which to enjoy the Dolomites as the immediate area is accessible to walkers of all abilities.  There are delightful valley walks through lush meadows, passing by tumbling streams and pausing along side the tranquil waters of the pure Alpine lakes.  You can gently ascend meandering woodland paths to emerge onto open hilltops, where your rewards are unbroken clear views that seem to stretch forever. Chair lifts and gondolas effortlessly elevate the group up onto the high ridges and mountains.  WalkWise will then lead easy and hard high-level walks, ensuring everyone experiences the essence of this unique and dramatic mountain landscape.

The surrounding valleys provide an apparent lifetime of possibilities for walkers, with routes and difficulties to suit everyone.  Ancient trade and smugglers’ routes gradually ascend onto Veil del Pan.  Ahead good paths wander along the ridge in the continuous company of breathtaking views over the majestic Marmolada and its glittering glacier.  The isolated fortress of the Sella Massif with its soaring dolomite towers and plunging rock walls is an awe-inspiring and seemingly impregnable mountain, but cable cars ascend to its lofty terraces and gift you an insight into the true heart of the Dolomites.  For as far as the eye can see are a series of lush valleys, interspersed with vertical limestone cliffs, jagged peaks, sparkling glaciers and magnificent mountains…all you could want for a walking holiday!

Remember with two walks to choose from every day, you can either take it easy, walking 7-9 miles with around 1500ft of ascent, or push yourself a little, doing 10-13 miles with around 3000ft ascent (some hard walks require a good head for heights). You can curtail some routes by hopping on a gondola, lift, or post bus.

SASSONGER                                                IBEC                          MOUNTAIN GOAT

                                                                                                                        (Gordon!!)     

PASSO PORDOI                                          VENICE (Quick visit on transfer day)      

            DAY ONE INTRODUCTORY WALK                     TAKING OUT THE STING WITH A LIFT

NB: This is certain to be a popular holiday.

If you want this price and direct flights, for your own sake, PLEASE BOOK EARLY. 

After they have gone we cannot guarantee further flight routings, times or prices!!!

A deposit of £100 is required by Friday 1^st December 06 in order to secure your flight and accommodation.

*This air holiday package is ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. The package is operated by WalkWise International Ltd, ATOL 6208.

 Useful Websites:                   

  Your Hotel Hotel

www.alpenrosearabba.it

WalkWise

www.walkwise.co.uk  

 For SAMPLE PICTURES of where we walked in the DOLOMITES click below

 http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gids4walks/album

For SAMPLE PICTURES of where the DRAGONS walked in the Swiss Alps last year click

            www.yahoo.com

      ·         In the left hand side click 'Photos' icon  
·         That will ask for ID and passord  
·         The ID is               meiringenswiss  
·         Password is          walkwise

 http://www.arabba.it

·         (then click short cuts in summer)