Holiday in the Dolomites of Italy: choose now how to spend your holiday!
Your holiday in the Dolomites in Italy?
The holiday in the Dolomites in Italy are really well-known from the lovers of the mountains: in the summer and winter time the towns around Marmolada are full of people who decide to spend the holidays choosing among the many activities present in the area; for example, if you love climbing, there are a lot of routes, both for beginners and for old-timer.
The Dolomites can also be explored on foot along the well signposted routes which run through these charming mountains.
Let's go... Begin your holiday in Italy from the Dolomites! Once you have discovered these mountains you couldn't part from these!
The Dolomites are irresistibly attractive to anyone who loves mountains, and it is not necessary to be an expert climber to be able to admire the multitude of towers, pinnacles, ridges and forks in a scenario where the contrast between the gentle grassy slopes and the rock faces will leave you breathless. The Dolomites offer the average excursionist, who enjoys pathways and vie ferrate, numerous tracks equipped with fixed ropes, steps and stakes which go from refuge to refuge and sometimes up to fairly high peaks.
We have chosen for you several beautiful ferrate of varying difficulty.
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FERRATA ON THE PEAKS OF AUTA "PAOLIN / PICCOLIN" Medium difficulty ferrata with a marvellous view and the chance to spot wild mountain goats and marmots
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HIGH ROUTE / FERRATA "BEPI ZAC" Ferrata which follows the traces of trenches dating back to the First World War
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FERRATA DEGLI ALLEGHESI - CIVETTA GROUP For experts. A long, evocative route to be done in a day only by trained excursionists. Otherwise, stay overnight in the refuges at the foot of the Civetta (Coldai, Torrani)
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FERRATA TISSI - CIVETTA GROUP For experts, technically difficult
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MINI FERRATA SASS DE ROCIA Short, suitable for beginners
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FERRATA OF THE TRENCHES Easily accessible from Padon Pass / Malga Ciapela by chairlift or from the station upriver from the cableway Portavescovo / Arraba
Difficulty not to be underestimated
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FERRATA ETERNA at SERAUTA - MARMOLADA GROUP The itinerary covers sites of the First World War (visit the museum ) Be careful with the ice and snow!
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PICCOLO LAGAZUOI GALLERY - FANES GROUP Through the gallery cut into the rock in 1917 by the Alpini regiment
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FERRATA TRIDENTINA - SELLA GROUP One of the most popular ferrate because of the convenient access, the beautiful scenery and the emotion of the landscape on the hanging bridge over the gorge. Not recommended on public holidays - very busy.
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FERRATA OLIVIERI - FERRATA TOFANA DI MEZZO - DOLOMITI AMPEZZANE A fascinating, evocative itinerary suited to the tastes of expert climbers
Source of information and recommended reading:
"Dolomiti e le vie ferrate" by Reinhold Messner - Athesia Publishers, Bolzano
"Dolomiti - oltre 80 Vie ferrate - guida denzel tempo libero attivo" by Eugen E.Huesler - published by SB Frasinelli Keitsch Bolzano
"Dolomiti e Brenta - guida alle vie ferrate - oltre 120 Vie ferrate " by Eugen E.Huesler - 4th edition published by SB Frasinelli Keitsch Bolzano
Independent travel to Europe continues to become even more popular with American tourists, and it seems that Italy has become everyone's favorite destination. This phenomenon is certainly not difficult to understand for those of us who have learned to savor BELLA ITALIA. I have enjoyed thirteen trips to Italy over the past twenty years, and will be the first to admit that it does not seem to become less expensive. Call it supply and demand, but I have seen a cost escalation of perhaps 30% in the last four years.
During the past eight years I have been fortunate to have planned more than 150 personalized itineraries for independent travelers to southern Europe - most of them to Italy. Understandably, one of the first questions I get from a prospective client is about the projected costs. My quick answer is the obvious one, " that depends on you and your preferred travel style". As we delve deeper it becomes clear that the style choices of would-be independents can vary widely from youthful backpackers to luxury five star jet-setters. We will ignore these extremes for now and concentrate on the more mainstream middle ranges that we will label as 2, 3, and 4 star budgets.
Here are some assumptions for our hypothetical itinerary:
- This is a 14-day (13 night) itinerary to Italy for a couple during the shoulder season months of April, May, September and October. These are the best months for travel to Italy.
- Arrival into Milan or Venice and departure from Rome, or vice versa, with tourist class tickets (open jaw). Airfares have increased dramatically in the past year.
- The 2-star budget assumes all rail travel. The rental cars options include insurance and mileage, and are for a eight day rental period. Car choices are compact/manual (3 star) and mid-size/auto (4 star). Prices quoted are from AutoEurope.
- All prices assume an exchange rate of one euro=$1.22. I would add 10% to the accommodation prices if you plan to spend all of your time in the major art cities.
- This budget was calculated based on an actual client itinerary for travel in April, 2006. The destinations included Venice, Florence, Tuscany, and Lake Como.
Now that we have our parameters set let's go ahead and plan our budget. Remember, this is for planning purposes only and is really controlled by you. You may decide to blow the budget on Murano glass, Florentine leather, or Bellagio silk - it is your money!
| TRAVEL EXPENSE ITEM | 2 STAR | 3 STAR | 4 STAR |
| AIRFARE (2 PEOPLE) | 1940 | 1940 | 1940 |
| RAIL TICKETS (2 PEOPLE) | 350 | 45 | 60 |
| CAR RENTAL (ALL INCL.) | N/A | 460 | 770 |
| GAS (PETROL) | N/A | 140 | 180 |
| TOLLS | N/A | 50 | 50 |
| TOTAL TRANSPORT | $2290 | $2635 | $3000 |
| HOTELS & INNS (13 NIGHTS) | 1500 | 2300 | 3350 |
| FOOD AND DRINK | 1050 | 1400 | 1900 |
| TOURISM COSTS | 300 | 300 | 500 |
| GELATO AND CAPPUCCINO | 150 | 150 | 200 |
| MISC. EXTRAS | 150 | 150 | 200 |
| DAILY LIVING TOTALS | $3150 | $4300 | $6150 |
| TOTAL TRIP COSTS: | $5440 | $6935 | $9150 |
Let me emphasize that these cost projections are merely estimates and will vary widely based on seasonal variations and desired destinations. The fact is that some couples may enjoy a great two-week adventure in Italy and spend less than $3500, while others may let an upscale tour company make the decisions for them and end up spending $10 to $12,000.
Is it worth it? You bet it is! Independent travel in Europe is not for everyone but it is my passion. After more than twenty creative sojourns, most of them since 1984, I cannot wait to begin planning my next adventure. That is precisely the reason that I enjoy doing it for others. It is like a crossword puzzle for me - so satisfying when it all comes together.
© Bob Little, 2006
| Ginny Buckley and Joe Mace embarked on a continental road trip from London to Italy. | |
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Joe and Ginny had four days to drive over 1,448.4km (900 miles) from the UK to Tuscany in Italy. Resisting the appeal of a cheap two-hour flight, they were instead curious to find out whether the journey can be as much a part of the holiday as the destination. If you plan to drive in Europe, it's advisable to carry all driving documentation with you, to purchase European breakdown cover, and to take a red warning triangle, as well as adjusting your headlamp beam to the right.
Having taken the ferry from Dover to Calais they began their road trip in earnest. They found the flat landscape of northern France not the most scintillating way to start their journey but nevertheless decided to push on with the driving, which meant spending nearly eight hours in the car.
On the road
Northern France, with its poor climate and industrial landscape, is said to be considered an uninspiring region, even by the French. However, its three main regions of Picardy, Artois and Flanders are steeped in history, and you will come across numerous monuments and relics from WW1.
Joe and Ginny stopped off in Troyes, the capital of the Aube region. Troyes is notable for its beautiful churches from the 12th and 16th centuries and the gothic cathedral of Cathédrale St-Pierre-et-Paul in the centre of the Quartier de la Cité, the area containing most of Troyes' oldest buildings.
St Bernard Pass
After breakfast in Troyes, they drove for another three hours to the Franco-Swiss frontier of Vallorbe. As it isn't part of the European Union, you'll have to stop at passport control so take your passports. Being on a road trip affords great flexibility and Joe and Ginny took full advantage of this by dropping in on the Montreux Jazz Festival en route, which was featuring such legends as BB King.
Next morning, they drove over the scenic St Bernard Pass, a historic pass through the alps to their border crossing into Italy, at a climb of over 2438.4m (8,000ft) into the mountains. By this time, they'd covered 857.78km (533 miles) from Calais and spent over £40 on tolls. From there they stopped off in Val D'Aosta in the northwest corner of Italy. This region is renowned for its stunning scenery, and is home to the renowned mountain ranges of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
Northern Italy
By this point, Ginny and Joe had progressed well in their journey, so relaxed for a scenic detour to visit the pretty villages in northern Italy. They stopped off in Cinque Terre - an area named after its five fishing villages, which are perched on the Ligurian coast beneath the beach and the hills, all linked by ancient footpaths.
After Cinque Terre, they finally arrived at their destination; the Norcenni Girasole Club, located in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Spread out over 40 acres, this high-class campsite had mobile homes in place of tents, swimming pools and even a beauty salon, where Joe indulged in a massage.
From Chianti, it's a comfortable day trip to either Florence or Siena but for the intrepid duo, home beckoned and so did the only downside of the trip; driving back.
Rome - The Eternal City is the most famous and most popular destination in Italy. The city has so much to offer, from the arrogance of the Vatican; the to the timeless Forum; and the amazing colosseum. The top attractions consist of temples; residences; basilicas; churches; palazzi; piazzi; parks; museums; and fountains. With so much crammed into the city, it is evident that Rome wasn't built in a day and you won't be able to enjoy what the city offers in a day.
Amalfi Coast - This 50 km long stretch of coast, from Sorrento to Salerno, consists of Europe's most beautiful coastline. The long windy roads that follow the cliffs on the coastline, overlook the most striking blue waters and pass picturesque villages, that remind you of a time gone by. This is one of the top beach resort areas in Europe and is popular with tourists from around the world.
Venice - The Queen of the Adriatic is one of the best known cities in the world, and an icon of everything Italian. Meandering through the maze of canals and lanes, getting lost in history, is one of the city's main pleasures. The heart of the city, the Piazza San Marco, is home to some of the world's most breathtaking sights. Venice is a city everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Milan - This stylish city is the design captal of the world and the home of fashion. Milan is also the economic headquaters of Italy, home to the stock market and business centres. Eventhough it is a modern cosmoplitan city, it's centre is home to some of the most amazing sights, such as the Duomo, a fantastic Gothic confection topped by the Maddonina, Milan's protectress.
| Capri - by Capri from United Kingdom - 2004-12-05 |
| Amazingly romantic island off Naples. Relax in luxury and take in the gorgeous sunsets in one of the islands premier hotels. |
| Maremma - by Gloria from Italy - 2005-09-18 |
| Maremma is a very unspoilt region with beautiful beaches, sunflowers and poppies fields, olive groves and vineyards. The Natural Park of the Maremma is well known all over the world and it has trails and beautiful unspoilt beaches. Maremma is in Tuscany and it makes for a great alternative to the most touristy areas. |
A deep, clean sea at the foot of cliffs, villages and beaches: this is the celebrated Ligurian coastline. From Ventimiglia to Bocca di Magra lies a succession of unique forms and colours of surprising beauty. The ancient fishing tradition and the delicious flavours of the local fish-based cuisine gradually give way to the hills in the immediate hinterland. Here, castles, stone-built villages, churches and strips of land on which vines and olive trees are grown combine into a mosaic of fragrances, tastes and artistic forms immersed in the peace and quiet of centuries gone by. A livelier atmosphere and fashions are found in the cities which have grown up around the old ports and in the world-famous towns along the Rivieras.
The chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a majestic tree noted among other species for its intense cultivation outside its original habitat in S.E. Europe and Asia Minor.
Some millenary examples of this species have become famous, such as the “Chestnut of the 100 horses” on the side of Mount Etna. This tree's amazing size would apparently offer 100 horsemen protection under its crown.
During Imperial Roman times cultivation of the chestnut increased greatly both as a complementary cultivated species to the vine and for the typical practice of coppicing known as ‘silva palarisa'. During medieval times in Tuscany monks intensively cultivated the chestnut tree.
The chestnut is a tree of notable longevity with an erect trunk and widely-spreading dense crown; it is typically mesophyllic in character both with regard to temperature and humidity and is sensitive to late frosts.
The main forms of cultivation of the tree are coppicing and chestnut woods cultivated for the nuts. High chestnut forests are less common and usually derive from converting coppices into tall forest.
In coppices, many trunks grow from the cut base of the tree. Usually this type of wood is periodically cut with short intervals (10 years) allowing for an assortment of small wood of small dimensions, (paleria or wood for posts). Longer intervals (20-25 years) produce large, good quality trunks (antenneta).
The typical chestnut wood cultivated for its nuts is made up of great trees (100-200 per hectare), many of which are centuries old and sparsely grown to maximize nut production
Since the Second World War the national heritage of chestnut trees has undergone a considerable reduction due to an abandonment of the cultivation of the fruit and also the attacks on the health of the trees by two pathogenic fungi which have caused severe damage to this type of vegetation. To be precise, the first disease (mal dell'inchiostro or ink disease') derives its name from the blue-black colour that the diseased trunks and roots assume, (caused by the fungus Phytophtora cambivora Petri). The second type is a ‘cortical cancer' caused by another fungus (Endothia parasitica Murr.And), which attacks the bark.
The production of edible fruit rich in starches still had a fundamental importance at the beginning of the 1900's; some chestnut woods in fact produced sufficient fruit to supply a family's food requirements for the whole of the winter.
The name ‘marron' refers to particularly prized chestnuts characterized by nuts producing a single kernel of excellent perfume and flavour and nutshells which are easy to peel.
Chestnut leaves are about 10-12 cm long and 4-8cm wide, oval, pointed, with toothed margins, and well-defined lateral venation.
The decomposed fallen leaves help to form humus, a rich top layer of organic material over the soil.
T he role of grafting in regenerating and improving chestnut woods.
The current situation and future prospective for chestnut woods is tied to the cultivation of the varieties producing the most select nuts; particularly the various types of marron. For this reason different methods of grafting onto rootstocks have assumed considerable importance as a means of regenerating and improving the variety of chestnut trees in the woods. In the grafting process a scion of one variety is grafted onto a rootstock of another.
The first phase takes place in March and consists in collecting material from the most healthy and vigorous trees from which smaller scions are later cut. This material is kept refrigerated for the necessary length of time and is then ready for use. The next step is to select in advance the chestnut shoots from the rootstock most suitable for use in grafting and cut them diagonally at a height of 1m – 1.30m from the ground. The most suitable method for grafting is then applied. The principal techniques for chestnut grafting are those called cleft-grafting with the scion cut in a wedge-shape and then placed in the cleft of the host branch; and crown grafting which is carried out in May where the scions are cut in an asymmetrical wedge-shape then introduced between the bark and the wood of the host. Good results are obtained by grafting in favourable weather conditions and with the aid of special sharp tools, the open cuts protected by a layer of wax.