Discover the Dolomites

You purchase your own flights for this holiday.

The price you pay to Secret Hills Walking Holidays is a land only price.

When you reserve your flight, our policy is to enable you to fly from your local airport, wherever possible.

This means that clients will arrive at the destination airport at different times and we will arrange the onward transfers to the hotel, and return you to the airport at the end of the holidays.

Verona is the best airport to access Val di Fassa.  We will transfer you by minibus to the hotel, and return, provided you catch the early morning flights from the UK.

It is 121 miles to our hotel in Val di Fassa, deep into the Dolomites and we arrange a mini bus transfer PROVIDED you travel to arrive at Verona before 2pm.  This is included in your holiday price, as is the return transfer,

Should you choose a flight that is later, then you need to transfer independently by bus and train, Take a bus to Verona rail station ( your cost) and then a train to Bolzano (train fare included  and arranged by us). From Bolzano station, a frequent bus service takes you to your hotel.(again your cost)

An alternative flight destination is Venice – which may be less expensive – Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol flights go direct to Verona. You take the shuttle bus to Venice station and take the one hour train journey to Verona station to meet the group assembling to travel to Val di Fassa, or if there are four people of more then we will arrange a return minibus/taxi transfer direct from the airport to the hotel..

Morning flights from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, East Midlands  and Birmingham. Late afternoon and Evening flights from London Stansted, Edinburgh, Bristol, Newcastle and Glasgow.

We walk for five days with one free day.

Join us for a week of guided mountain walking in this unique landscape of exceptional beauty. We’ll offer a full-day walk each day, taking-in high mountain meadows, spectacular ridges and always exhilarating views… there are photo opportunities at every turn along the path!

Our outstanding range of ‘classic routes’ will delight all keen walkers wishing to discover the rugged wild beauty of these mountains: typically days of 5 to 7 hour walks at altitudes of between 2000m – 2500m. 

For some guests, the day’s highlight is the lunchtime stop in a beautifully located mountain Refugio where we’ll enjoy local traditional cuisine.

Great care has been taken selecting our routes to ensure our guests enjoyment and safety.

However, due to the challenging nature of the mountainous terrain there will be some steep climbs and descents so a good level of walking fitness is strongly recommended, this will greatly enhance the enjoyment of this walking holiday (a suggested kit list will be issued).Walking poles are strongly recommended, sun protection is very important ie wide brimmed hat and sun cream.

The area for good walking

Val di Fassa offers access to a wide selection of walking with many side valleys to explore as well as high passes and Dolomite peaks.. There are also beautifully coloured lakes enhanced by the mirror reflections of the mountains against a backdrop of pine forests adding texture to the mountainsides. Above the forests are meadowlands where cowbells are often not too far away, and these extend to the base of the stony spires of the Dolomites which you can walk at the foot of, high above the valleys below. The walking at this level is above 2000m with some trails rising over 2300m offering exceptional views not only of the valleys but also of the 3000m high peaks around you. Cable cars ascend from many of the villages to access the higher levels of the Dolomites and these often have bars and restaurants where you can enjoy spectacular views over an alpine lunch. For example from Vigo di Fassa you can take the cable car to Ciampedie where there are several delightful restaurants to choose from. There are also quiet and picturesque riverside walks if you choose to go by foot between the cable cars or villages.

Your walking guides and Tour Leaders

Mike  Smart leads these walking tours.

The walks we choose

Guests are always welcome to take a day-off; a short walk from our hotel is the Museum of Local Culture, whilst a bus ride away is the major regional town of Bolzano where you’ll find wonderful shopping and the world famous ‘Iceman Museum’.  Our guides will help you with travel arrangements.

On day 2 we will take 20 minute bus ride to the Passo Costalunga (1745m), our walk starts steep up through woodland then across meadows to Rif Paulina (2125m).

After a short break the path contours to the lunch stop at Rif Roda di Vael (2283m).

The afternoon walk is all down hill, again crossing meadows and through woodland offering a wonderful view over Vigo di Fassa.

In the village we will point-out the various shops, cafés, Gelaterias (the famous Italian ice cream parlours) and tourist info centre. 

Day 3- We will take a minibus, down the valley then to Passo San Pellegrino (1907m).

The walk takes us across the winter ski slopes to the spectacular ridge and Rif Passo delle Selle (2528m) here there is still World War 1 evidence.

After the Rif it’s down hill via Valle del Monzoni to Pozza di Fassa village followed by a 45 minute riverside walk to Vigo.

Day 4 -will take the cable car to Ciampedié (1990m).

We will take wooded path crossing ski slopes then up the spectacular Val de Vajiolet.

We will head up to the Passo Principe to stop at Rif Principe (2599m).

We return to Ciampedié and walk back to Vigo di Fassa through woodland.

Day 5 is a a day off walking

Day 6 – We  will take the local 30 minute bus service up the valley to Campitello where we all take the cable car to Rif des Alpes (2400m).

From Rif des Alpes we descend to Rif Federico Augusto (2298m) then take the high level Federico Augusto Path.

This is a contour path which hardly climbs or falls, however it does offer spectacular and far reaching views. We will lunch at the Rif Sasso Piatto (2300m) )

We then  descend to the Val Duron and Campitello to catch the bus back to Vigo di Fassa.

Day 7 – we start with the 45 minute riverside walk to the neighbouring village of Pozza di Fassa where we take the cable car to Rif Bufaure (2044m).

We then walk along the Sas De Adam Ridge (2430m) to the ski resort of Ciampac and Rif Tobia del Jahger (2170m).

Option to  walk down to the valley and catch bus back or join Group 2 on the cable car to the valley and catch the bus back to Vigo di Fassa.

Exclusions

Although our leaders are well trained  and experienced in dealing  with different capabilities of our walking clients, if they have any concerns about  any clients ability or suitability to undertake safely any walking activity we plan or they feel that participation of an individual may affect the groups safety and cohesion, then they have full permission to exclude that client from an activity.

They will try at all times to provide an alternative suggested activity, though this may involve the client in additional local cost.

We rarely have to enforce this above recommendation, but it is a sensible and necessary protection for the individual client, the group and the leaders.

• simply the best vistas- the Val de Fassa valley entrances you
• fabulous guided walking over mountains and ridges
• lunches in fabulous mountain refuges
• lovely hotel in a local style
• staying close to vibrant village
• different views and walks daily
• Local guided plus a UK tour guide
• our relaxed social approach

Great care has been taken selecting our routes to ensure our guests enjoyment and safety.

However, due to the challenging nature of the mountainous terrain there will be some steep climbs and descents so a good level of walking fitness is strongly recommended, this will greatly enhance the enjoyment of this walking holiday (a suggested kit list will be issued)

Overall we rate the walking as moderate with some challenging steep ascents and descents.

Underfoot conditions are generally good, on well marked paths. The limestone though can be slippery when wet.

You need good walking footwear, preferably waterproof walking boots with good soles for protection. You may find that walking poles will aid your enjoyment of this land.

Exclusions

Although our leaders are well trained and experienced in dealing with different capabilities of our walking clients, if they have any concerns about any clients ability or suitability to undertake safely any walking activity we plan or they feel that participation of an individual may affect the groups safety and cohesion, then they have full permission to exclude that client from an activity.

They will try at all times to provide an alternative suggested activity, though this may involve the client in additional local cost.

We rarely have to enforce this above recommendation, but it is a sensible and necessary protection for the individual client, the group and the leaders.

It’s all about meeting new friends. Each holiday is designed to be a friendly, relaxed and stress-free occasion. Talking is as important as walking on Secret Hills Walking Holidays. We don’t go in for discos, we may use an event that is taking place in the area we are in to boost the weekend’s activities – but it’s good, old fashioned chat that makes our short breaks successful.

“Make new friends that turn into old friends” – that’s our motto.

You might be surprised by what fun you’ll have with people who are older or younger than you during a holiday with us, and that’s exactly the sort of atmosphere we encourage; people find it very rewarding. It doesn’t matter what your reasons for travelling with us are, we’ve had people who are single, divorced or widowed, people who have partners that are unable to travel, and people who can’t holiday with their friends anymore as they’ve all got married themselves. There are people who want to make friends, see sights, and experience something completely new. Whatever your reason, we’ll welcome you with open arms and our friendly hosts will help you to get the most out of your holiday.

Don’t worry if this is the first time you have ventured to join a group holiday – its always a bit daunting – but we will look after you and ensure that you get used to being amongst friends again. Trust us to to get you back into the swing of things.

Oh – by the way – it’s not a dating agency – over the years we have had people meet and fall in love – but that’s just chance. Our aim is that you make like-minded friends – just relax and enjoy.

Just arrive and enjoy.

There are other walking holiday companies that cover Europe but we believe we offer the best value for many reasons….

• We specialise in organising guided walking holidays for singles and solo travellers
• We are a small friendly company
• We have a loyal customer base who return again and again (so we must be doing something right) – read our testimonials page on the website
• We offer a lot of flexibility – you can stay extra nights which we are happy to organise for you. We are also very flexible on the walks we provide, adapting to suit walkers and weather conditions
• Our walk leading is second to none. Unlike some other large Walking Companies, we use LOCAL leaders who live in the area and who love their surroundings. They have expert knowledge of everything you need to know to make an area come alive.
• You are safe in our hands – our guides are experts, fully qualified in first aid. Also, because of their local knowledge of the hills, they can respond to any situation that might for example demand cutting short a route. They don’t need to consult maps – they know the hills intimately.
• Our leaders are all easy-going, genuinely sociable people who want to ensure that you have the best time you can with the rest of the group. They make the weekend fun by engaging with all members of a group, and ensuring that everyone feels part of the group experience.
• We give great value for money. Because we recognise that lots of walkers holiday on their own, we have negotiated no single supplement deals with all our hotels to ensure the best possible deal.
• We always use good hotels, selected and constantly reviewed.
• We have smaller groups than some of the larger walking companies because we believe the social experience is much better in a smaller group. People can talk to everyone, especially at dinner where you can all sit at one table in a small group. Our numbers vary from holiday to holiday but an average group size would be 8-12.

You may book online.

Payment is in two parts – you pay a deposit of 25%, payable when reserving your holiday place. You will receive an invoice for the holiday showing the deposit paid, and full amount to pay for the holiday. This acts as your confirmation.

The balance is due 8 weeks prior to the holiday start date. You will be sent a reminder.

About three weeks prior to departure, we will send you holiday joining details, and details of the transfer from the airport to the appointed hotel we have arranged for you.

Once you arrive at your holiday destination

Secret Hills Walking Holidays organise all aspects of your holiday– including guiding, transport to walks start and provide you with an experienced tour guide. You make your own arrangements to get to the airport in the UK, we meet you at the airport you are flying to, and help you with your transfer to the appointed hotel.

It is important to read Secret Hills Walking Holidays Terms and Conditions – click on the tab on our web site – before you complete the booking form.

Insurance – you need to be fully covered

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against travel, medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate).

We will ask you to provide us with the details of your insurance prior to the holidays start date and it is a condition of reserving a place.

If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which is available only online from the UK Government website. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate travel insurance.