The Dolomites
The Italian Alps
A Tour for the Alpine Garden Society
Reckoned by many to be unsurpassed in Europe for their wealth of wild flowers, the Dolomites have some of the finest mountain scenery. The great pinnacles and buttresses which rise high above idyllic hay meadows and forests are truly spectacular.
At sunset, the many-hued cliffs of crystalline magnesian limestone from which the region takes its name are a photographer’s dream, and during the day a naturalist’s heaven! Our comfortable family run hotel, just a forty minute drive from wealthy Cortina, has been chosen for its proximity to some glorious flowers and butterflies as well as classic alpine wildlife such as Nutcracker, Golden Eagle, Chamois and the entrancing Alpine Marmot. The flowers really are amazingly beautiful and diverse. Black Vanilla Orchid, Globe Orchid, Bearded Bellflower and Dwarf Alpenrose adorn fragrant meadows, while no less than a dozen species of Gentian decorate splendid alpine turf.
Cliffs are festooned with the pink Potentilla nitida, a variety of pretty Saxifrages, Androsaces and Bellflowers, while wooded glades hold Rampions, Wolfsbane and Orchids such as the lovely Lady’s-slipper. In particular we will search out the enigmatic Devil’s Claw and beautiful King of the Alps! Butterflies feature Scarce Coppers and Alpine Blues as well as localised species such as Titania’s and Cynthia’s Fritillaries. We think that you will agree that this is among the best floral shows in Europe with an excellent supporting cast of butterflies and birds, and all set amidst the most magnificent mountain landscapes.
Dates and Prices
20th June - 29th June 2024 (10 days)
* doesn't apply if you're willing to share and a room-mate can be arranged
Alpine and Meadow Flowers. Butterflies. Also Mountain Landscapes.
One leader for a group of up to 6 and two leaders up to 12
All flights. All transport, accommodation and meals in Italy. Services of your leaders. Please note: items of a personal nature including insurance, drinks and tips, are not included. Flower, butterfly and bird checklists are available.
We start with two nights at the Vittoria, a pleasant three star hotel in Claut, in the Dolomiti Friulane. Then the Hotel Pineta will be your home for a week. The Hotel Pineta is a small friendly family run establishment close to pretty Caprile and in the Val Pettorina at the base of the Marmolada. This hotel has been run by the Nesello family for the past forty years and has recently been refurbished. Superbly situated for the sites we visit, the Pineta has marvellous mountain views and the restaurant serves great home-cooked food traditional dishes including canederli, casunziei, venison and roe deer. All rooms have en suite facilities.
Relaxed and easy. Up to two or three miles on some days though less on others, and always at a slow pace, suited to flower and butterfly photographers. Mostly on well-constructed footpaths, but the best flowers and butterflies are often some yards away on steeper slopes or rougher ground.
UK direct return flights are from London Gatwick, London Heathrow*, Edinburgh* or Manchester* to Venice Marco Polo. Indirect routes from other regional UK Airports* are available.
*These routes may incur a supplement.
Generally warm and sunny though cooler wet conditions may be encountered on the odd day.
Why not combine this holiday with the Central Italian Alps tour where the variety and abundance of flowers to be found in the outstandingly scenic Stelvio National Park has to be seen to be believed? The Italian Alps Your leader/s will transport you between the two.
Or for a spectacular three week tour through the Alps you could continue on to the Maritime Alps where a dazzling show of Saxifrages, Columbines, Louseworts, Violets and Gentians adorn alpine meadows. The Alps
There are innumerable walks which can be made directly from the Hotel Pineta! Why not have some extra days and then a transfer back to the airport – contact us for costs. Or a break in Venice for a few days?
Contact us to check if there is availability for the number of places you require. Click on the ‘Book this Tour’ button on this page to be taken to the online booking form or contact us and we will send one to you which you can complete and send back to us. You will receive confirmation of your place, and then a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. This will contain up-to-date health information.
The Dolomites, the Central Italian Alps & the Maritime Alps
20th Jun - 15th Jul 2024 (26 days)
