Western Dolomites walking tour in Italy

Planet

Activity:
As a walking holiday, this trip has very limited detrimental impact upon the environment, residents and communities in the regions we visit. Adverse effects like pollution and threatening wildlife do not come into play and although erosion on popular paths can be an issue, guides can advise pre-planned routes to avoid this. Trekking also allows for flexibility and allows for easy access to the local population, shops and restaurants, which facilitates cultural exploration. By operating consciously with a ‘leave no trace’ policy, we are able to raise local awareness for a kind of tourism which refuses to sacrifice the environment and real connections with people for financial gain.

UK Office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK Offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

People

Activity:
As a walking holiday, this trip has very limited detrimental impact upon the environment, residents and communities in the regions we visit. Adverse effects like pollution and threatening wildlife do not come into play and although erosion on popular paths can be an issue, guides can advise pre-planned routes to avoid this. Trekking also allows for flexibility and allows for easy access to the local population, shops and restaurants, which facilitates cultural exploration. By operating consciously with a ‘leave no trace’ policy, we are able to raise local awareness for a kind of tourism which refuses to sacrifice the environment and real connections with people for financial gain.

Accommodation and Meals:
Accommodation for the week is Hotel Laurino, a family-run hotel in the heart of Moena. The hotel is environmentally conscious, and as with the rest of Trentino, complies with recycling regulations. Energy saving policies are also in place. For example, the hotel makes clients aware that daily washing of towels and bed linen is optional. The kitchen provides generous breakfasts and delicious, traditional evening meals with locally sourced ingredients. Prevalent specialties in the Dolomites include dumplings with speck, fried or grilled polenta with hearty stews, freshly caught trout and locally produced cheese and wine.

Local Craft and Culture:
Although this trip takes us to some very altitudinous and remote locations, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with local culture. Clients are encouraged to stop at mountain huts or refuges, some of which are really off the beaten track and dependent on the more curious adventurer to remain in business. These locally run huts are a good place to stop and engage with the people who live and work in the area. They often serve local beers and delicious home cooked meals. If clients express an interest in locally produced food, they may be able to visit a nearby cheese factory or farm. The group is also encouraged to use their free day to go to Bolzano to see Oetzi the Iceman from 3,300 BCE in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.

Group Size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in unique, family-run hotels that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to their limited sizes.