THE DOLOMITES

 

Due to their beauty, unique landscapes, and geological characteristics, the Dolomites have been included in the list of natural assets of "UNESCO  World Heritage Sites”. The Dolomites are a mountain range in the Eastern Alps. They feature a variety of stunning landscapes and they extend over three regions that have different cultural roots and traditions. The Dolomites are an example of exceptional natural beauty and they are regarded as the most beautiful mountains in the world.

 

 

 

 

About The Dolomites

In 2009, the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most prestigious titles in the world, which confirms their universal geological value and outstanding natural beauty. They are a mountain area in the Eastern Alps that extends over three regions: Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia. They are regarded as the most beautiful mountains in the world because of their spectacular vertical walls, peaks that rise to almost 3,500 metres above sea level, deep valleys, a unique pale colour and distinctive sculptural forms. The highest point is the Marmolada which is 3,342 metres high. Val Gardena, the heart of Ladin culture, will fascinate you with its mountains. In Ortisei, the capital of Val Gardena, in South Tyrol, you will be enchanted by the Church of San Giacomo, the oldest place of worship in the whole valley. Corvara is situated in the heart of the Dolomites, in Val Badia, at the foot of the Sassongher massif, which is famous for its nature trails.  Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites, is a skiers’ paradise which has a wonderful setting. Sappada, in Friuli, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its typical wooden houses. We will take you to discover small lakes, such as Lake Carezza, surrounded by fir trees and pale rocks, or Lake Braies, at the foot of the wall of Croda del Becco. Monte Civetta is one of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. All while, the famous Tre Cime of Lavaredo offers a majestic and unparalleled landscape. In the spectacular Dolomites, there are  450 ski lift systems, 1.200 kilometers of snowy slopes and twelve different ski areas where you can ski with a single convenient ski pass. Cadore is a geographical region that spreads over two regions: Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The territory of Cadore includes the artificial basin created by the dam that blocks river Piave, the source of river Piave and the town of Termine di Cadore.
Among the most symbolic places of the Ampezzo Dolomites there are the Tofane, three majestic peaks that are over 3000 meters high. You will also be able to admire important and famous natural parks, such as the Belluno Dolomites National Park, a true paradise for those who love hiking, the Ampezzo Dolomites Nature Park.

Things to do

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After they were granted the prestigious title, the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation was created  with the aim to safeguard and protect these unique places from excessive human exploitation. UNESCO has also recognized the importance of other areas in Trentino, such as the Ledrensi Alps and the Judicaria area, which have been granted the status of Biosphere Reserves.

In addition to the natural beauty of this area, its history and culture will fascinate you. You will admire the most beautiful Castles in these mountains. One of the oldest and most original castles in Trentino is Avio Castle (Castello di Avio). It belonged almost uninterruptedly to the noble Castelbarco family, who, during the Middle Ages, transformed the fortress into a small feudal court which became a destination for artists and intellectuals. You will walk in some spectacular valleys, such as Val di Non, Val di Fassa ,Val di Fiemme, Val Gardena and Alta Badia, from where you will enjoy striking views that will remain etched in your memory.There are also beautiful lakes in the Dolomites. Lake Misurina, the largest and most popular lake in Cadore, is an ideal place for excursions in winter thanks to the mild temperatures of the area. Lake Molveno, an alpine lake of natural origin, has been regarded as the most beautiful and cleanest lake in Italy for many years. You will enjoy thermal experiences at Terme of Comano, the perfect place for a wellness break, or Pozza di Fassa, which has two spas that use the sulfurous water of Alloch for wellness treatments in the heart of the Dolomites. The avant-garde QC Terme Dolomiti offers chromotherapy treatments in sensory pools, Kneipp paths, cascades, bio-saunas, and the unique Perlage Sauna, which is inspired by the visual and olfactory experience of a wine cellar.

In the spectacular Dolomites there are  450 ski lifts systems, 1,200 kilometers of snowy slopes and twelve different ski areas where you can ski with a single convenient ski pass. The Dolomiti Superski area  is among the largest and most exciting in the world.

Cortina is not only snow in all its nuances but also well-being, culture, tradition and charm. You can experience snowshoeing in the Cortina area. Along the paths you will be surrounded by woods and you will have wonderful mountains as a backdrop, as is the case in every place in the Ampezzo basin.You can enjoy ice-skating in the Winter Olimpic ice stadium in Cortina, which is open in winter as well as in summer. Horseback riding is another unforgettable experience you can have in the amazing valleys and in the woods.Let yourself be seduced by the unmistakable flavors of mountain cuisine while having a meal in suspended over the valleys restaurants, with breathtaking views of the landscape.Traditional cuisine of the Dolomites consists of  very simple dishes made with local ingredients, as is typical of  all the mountainous areas in Italy. Let yourself be seduced by the unmistakable flavors of mountain cuisine while having a meal in restaurants with breathtaking views of the landscape.You will discover splendid cellars, inside castles and ancient monasteries, and new tasting rooms with a panoramic view of valleys covered with vineyards, which are among those located in the highest areas in Italy. You will visit both small family-run wineries, where you will find an an intimate atmosphere, and large entrepreneurial businesses. During the visits, you will notice that they are united by their passion for their territory.

Cities and Villages to Visit

Spectacular valleys, lakes and mountains filled with great history and culture.