Overview

Nothing prepares you for the visual spectacle of the Dolomites, where enormous pinnacled peaks, spires, and towers soar above storybook hamlets, steepled churches, and velvet-green meadows.

The Cortina (eastern) Dolomites, the Italian-speaking center of the Alps, are famed for unearthly spires including the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and 10,965-foot Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites.

In this varied and exciting terrain you can choose the level of difficulty you want to attempt and the scenery will never let you down. In the evening you have the added bonus of fantastic food and hospitality making this one of the bst places on earth to enjoy the mountains.

Below you will find a sample day in an itinerary designed to explore and understand the beauty of the region whilst keeping fit and tasting some of the world's best cuisine.

Typical Day Itinerary

Morning

Late Morning

• The Santa Croce Hike
  We first walk along a paved road, passing through a number of closely knit hamlets of ancient shingle-roofed timber farmhouses and barns known as viles.

  After a 40 minute walk on the road, we pass through the last vile and get on a gravel trail that directs us to the Santa Croce Sanctuary. We walk gradually uphill through the pine forest with great views of the Santa Croce, Conturines, and Sella mountain groups as well as the towns of La Villa, San Cassiano.

  It takes about two hours to get to the church and sanctuary of Ospizio S. Croce (6,710'). The sober white church was consecrated in 1484 and holds an image of Christ bearing the cross, hence the name of the mountain—Sasso della Croce, “stone of the cross.” The earlier chapel on the site was built in the 11th century when a wealthy count of the Val Pusteria withdrew in meditation here in repentance for his harsh treatment of his subjects. He then donated all his earthly possessions to the nearby abbey, the badia, which gave its name to Val Badia. The “pilgrim’s” hospice (ospizio) building from 1718 was originally the sacristan’s lodgings.

Lunch

• Lunch at Rifugio
  We continue to our lunch spot at the "Ranch Andre" a typical Ladino shepherd’s house that has been converted into a small rifugio for lunch. We’ll be able to taste the turtres (Ladino vegetable pastries), grilled veggies, and homemade cakes.
  

Afternoon

• Walk back and relax
  After lunch we descend to the town of San Leonardo.

  Then back to the Hotel to take advantage of the Spa treatments and talk about the day!

Evening

• Dinner in the small, exclusive restaurant St. Hubertus
  It is personality that counts: the personality of the guest who knows how to enjoy, and the personality of the chef, Norbert Niederkofler, who knows how to satisfy the food and drink needs of his guests.

  In the discreet and charming ambience of the St. Hubertus, chef Norbert takes the time to advise each guest in person: the dishes are tailor-made to the guests themselves.

  "The simple things in life are the most beautiful" this is what Norbert Niederkofler tells his crew every day and this is the way he cooks. Simple, linear dishes with the best ingredients on the market.

Overnight

• The Rosa Alpina Hotel
  The Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina, owned and managed by the Pizzinini family, is located at 5080 ft altitude in San Cassiano, a small village of 700 people. Its harmonious accord with nature characterises the hotel and gives it a unique charm.

  The colors of the surrounding nature and Dolomites peaks are reflected in much of the furniture that has been lovingly assembled by the Pizzinini family.

  The Hotel with its legendary Spa provides a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy the mountains between hikes.

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