Yoga in the land of fable…
We fist visited the Dolomites and explored the region with the passion of adventure seekers looking for fun, and boy did we find it!
The Dolomites of Northern Italy are a region rich in culture and tradition. Here food, language and local customs date back far beyond the 16th century. Settled by merchants from Venice, Milan and Florence whom would summer here while on trading and hunting retreats, different cultures combine to create a truly unique atmosphere.
Having read for over a decade on the mountains and activities found here, we couldn’t wait to lace up our boots and hit the trails. An extension of the Alps, the Dolomites contain 14 distinct massifs, over 11,000km of trails, 1500 unique wildflowers, excellent local cuisine and regional cultures that vary from valley to valley.
Daily hikes are set at your pace and visit areas that offer many options. From alpine lakes to sweeping valleys, there is an endless variety. Go for a hike, mountain bike ride, paraglide, rock climb, via farata or just relax on the balcony watching the mountains change color at sunset. An awesome sight to say the least!
Wine and Food:
The Dolomites combine cuisine from surrounding Austrian, German and Italy in seamless measure that result in a gastronomic delight.
— Northern Italian cuisine is rich! Cream sauces, cheese and butter are main ingredients in many dishes. Pizza is still king as a quick meal, but incredible soups, meat dishes and pasta dishes reign king!
— Wine and aperitifs range from Riesling and Barolo that is bottled nearby to the hundreds of liquors made from the indigenous wild flowers and herbs that grow in the region.
–Daily buffet breakfasts include a variety of freshly baked croissants and baguette, cereal, fruit, jams, yogurts, fromage blanc (white creamy cheese similar to yogurt), coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh juices, meats and cheeses.
Lodging:
In the Dolomites country homes and B&B’s are the preferred lodging experience. Here tradition reigns and lodging is taken very seriously. It is not uncommon for gites to be run by the same family for centuries or by a local World Cup skiing legend. This is the lifestyle of this region and one that is truly appreciated by staying here and getting to know the owners.
Walking History & Cultural Tours of These Hamlets and Villages:
Val Gardena the cultural center of the Dolomites.
Encompassing the villages of Selva, St Christina and Ortisi, Val Gardena is quaint, majestic and homey all at once.
Beginning in the 17th century, local villagers started carving religious statues and scenes from daily life. Over the following centuries these carvings have become highly collected around the world. Wooden toy production is still a family trade here. Val Gardena is well known for these treasuries.
The impressive massifs of the Odle, Sciliar, Alpe de Siusi, Puez, Sassopiatto, Sassolungo, Secada and the Sella group are found here.
Cortina, the “Alpine heart of the Dolomites”.
Home to the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina has been hosting the world for over 5000 years. Beautiful weather, rugged forests, mountains and valleys combine to create the stunning beauty of the Cortina valley.
While the Val Gardena is beautiful with its green fields and mountain homes, Cortina is rugged. The Cristallo, Marmolada, Tofana, Tre Cime de Lavaredo and the Sorapis are stunning massifs in the area.
Influenced more by Milan than the other valleys of the Dolomites, Cortina has that St Moritz or Chamonix feel that combines awesome mountain scenery and lifestyle with the sophistication of a cultured European city that has learned to live harmoniously with nature.
Day 1
Upon your arrival in Munich you will be met by your Warrior Monk Yoga guide and travel to Val Gardena for the night.
Here you can take in the village or just relax from the days travel.
(Dinner is included)
Days 2 and 3
Today we explore the Val Gardena and surround villages.
Selva, the ‘Heart of the Dolomites’ is the perfect place to unwind from your flight. Get ready to hike and explore the beauty of the Dolomites, from every trail, the surrounding views of rock pinnacles and towers are astounding!
In the Val Gardena village, take a walk along the square and discover many local wood carving shops and meet artists who produce some of the finest wood carvings, found anywhere.
(Breakfast and Lunch are included)
Days 4, 5 and 6
Today we travel to the famous alpine ski village of Cortina, setting of the 1956 winter Olympics.
Cortina is the place to shop and relax while in the Italian sun. After some rest and relaxation, get ready to hike one of the routes that follows the valley of the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo.
Get your camera ready! As we hike along the base at sunset, these peaks form a sheer face of brilliant colors. This is a truly breathtaking experience!
(Breakfast and Lunch are included)
Day 7
Today we will head back to Munich. Along the way we will stop for lunch and snacks in one of the many towns that dot the countryside. Tour the city on your own, discovering the hidden gems prior to your flight home.
(Breakfast and Dinner are included)