Hiking in Italy’s Majestic Ortler MountainsA new hiking adventure in the Italian Alps

Itinerary

June 29-30 – U.S., Munich, Germany
Depart from the U.S. for Munich. On arrival, enjoy a group transfer by private coach to your alpine hotel in Sulden, Italy, in time for a welcome reception and dinner. (D)

June 30-July 8 – Sulden, Italy

• Enjoy a series of daily hikes and walks in the Ortlers. Some of our veteran hikers like a challenge while others want an easier pace in order to look for rare alpine flowers and to identify far off peaks. Choose the pace that is most agreeable!
  
• The Sulden Valley and the nearby Trafoi Valley below the Stelvio Pass have dozens of well-maintained, well-marked trails for everyone. Each day we offer two if not three routes to choose, from easy to demanding. Your hike leaders know these trails and can help you decide.
  
• Many hikes begin and end with the assistance of a lift so that we can hike high above the valley where the mountains and forests meet. On some days our private coach takes us to trailheads to begin long ridge walks with dramatic views.
  
• Most days feature a stop at a traditional alpine hut for a mountain lunch or an end-of-the-trail celebration with a beer or an ice cream sundae.
  
• Another day takes us along the banks of the river to the Drei Brunnen (Three Springs) which cascade down the flanks of Mt. Ortler.
  
• Everyone can ride the Serristori lift and hike up to the remote Düsseldorfer Hut for lunch while our intrepid travelers continue the climb to the Kleiner Angus Glacier.
  
• One of the most delightful days features an Alm Walk where we hike from one mountain pasture to another, ending at a farm where they make one of the best cheeses in the South Tirol.
  
• On our last day, travel up the famous curves of the Stelvio Pass with views down into Switzerland before trekking down to the Trafoi River.
  
• Strong hikers can hike from start to finish while others can ascend by easier trails or take the lifts to avoid the last steep climb and still savor the beauty of the mountains.
  
• There are days to challenge any mountain hiker, where you ascend as much as 3,000 feet and cross an icy glacial moraine on a rough but well-marked trail before reaching your goal.
  
• Time Out! We will take a day off and travel to nearby Merano. In the 19th century this medieval town became one of the most popular alpine resorts of the Habsburg Empire and was a favorite of Franz Josef and Empress Elizabeth.
  
• (B,D each day)

July 9 – Munich
Travel by private coach to Munich in time for a farewell dinner outdoors in the Augustinergarten. (B,D)

July 10 – Depart for the U.S
After breakfast transfer to Munich Airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)