The Italian Dolomites

Tour Code: ITA08

An 8-day botanical holiday exploring the Dolomites Mountains of north-eastern Italy.

8 days from
£1,995 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£1,795

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Highlights

As well as a fabulous flora, the Italian Dolomites have a unique scenic beauty and distinctive character, all at their best during the latter part of June when we hope, also, to benefit from long days, sunshine and clear skies. We will stay in a wonderfully friendly, family-run hotel, blessed with exceptional mountain views. From this delightful base amongst the mountains, we will spend each day on foot, enjoying gentle walks as we explore rich meadows and high pastures and their spectacular displays of alpine flora. This is an enjoyable and very popular single-centre holiday, packed with wonderful botanical walks amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe!

Explore in the footsteps of Farrer
Enjoy walking in search of some of Europe’s rarer alpine plants
Discover Tyrolean Primrose, Pink Cinquefoil, Bluish Paederota, amongst others
Search for the King of the Alps, Eritrichium nanum
Enjoy a special family-run mountain hotel, and its delicious cuisine
Learn from our expert botanical tour leaders
Encounter a wealth of Alpine butterflies and birds too

Grading

Day walks only.

Many believe the landscape of the Italian Dolomites to be amongst the most beautiful in the country. Situated in north-eastern Italy, it is a mountainous region of the eastern Alps with a particularly unique scenic beauty and distinctive character. The mountains take their name from the predominant mineral — dolomite — from which they are formed, a type of crystalline magnesium limestone. Although these mountains are not as high as those in the central Alps, they are very dramatic, characterised by their towering pinnacles and castellations, and constant changes in rock colour as the crystals catch and reflect the light. The colours of the dolomite rocks stem from their formation as coral colonies and sedimentary deposits. The sediments were laid over noncalcareous primary rocks (granite) which have been exposed by tectonic movement and now present dark rounded mountain slopes with acidic conditions, that contrast markedly with the neighbouring, needle-like, limestone formations.

This holiday will take the turn-of-the-century alpine botanist, Reginald Farrer’s book ‘The Dolomites’ as its pivot. Following in Farrer’s footsteps, we will have opportunities to explore both the limestone and the granitic mountains which present both dramatic scenery as well as fascinating habitats for alpine plants. We have been operating this holiday in the Dolomites since 1997, focusing on the abundant and varied flora which is representative of the eastern Alps but further enriched by several species considered to be endemic to the Dolomites. Although snow has fallen in the month of June in this region, we hope that by visiting during the latter part of June we will enjoy fine, sunny weather, with long days and clear skies.

We begin our holiday with a flight from London to Venice, and in privately hired minibuses drive north to the Fassa Valley where we will be based throughout the week in a wonderfully friendly, family-run hotel, blessed with exceptional mountain views. Our drive north from the airport will take us into the province of Trentino and the Dolomites Mountains, and during the initial part of this journey the vegetation will reflect the influence of the Mediterranean climate, before we get further north into the Adige Valley, where vineyards and low altitude mountain vegetation will appear. This relaxing week is set amongst the mountains but does not involve any strenuous mountaineering. There will be ample opportunity to slowly explore the rich meadows of the valleys with their spectacular flora of orchids — including the Military, Dwarf, Marsh and Scented Orchids — fine Pedicularis species, Pulsatillas, Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum and other flowering herbs.

The Fassa Valley itself lies midway along Farrer’s circuitous route, and within reach of the renowned Marmolada and the Catinaccio ranges on which the different habitats, each with its own characteristic flora, are to be found. Spectacular amongst the walks on limestone will be our exploration of the Catinaccio group (also known as the Rosengarten range), where pinnacles rise up above precipices and screes, on which the fragrant tufts of Thlaspi rotundifolium are abundant, compact and robust. Here we can also hope to find Potentilla nitida, Valeriana supina and Valeriana saliunca, Campanula zoysii, Soldanella alpina, Ranunculus seguieri, Anemone baldensis as well as creeping willows, Mountain Avens and Edelweiss in the rocks. Other limestone-loving plants will be seen elsewhere, for example, in the region of the Pordoi Pass, Androsace obtusifolia (chamaejasme), Androsace hausmannii and Androsace helvetica have all been reported, as well as Ranunculus keupferi, and on the slopes of the Marmolada itself, we hope to locate the rare Primula tyrolensis.

During two days of the holiday we will concentrate our explorations on the National Park of Panevéggio. Here, on the lower slopes, magnificent spruce forests shelter Daphne striata, Anemone trifolia and Cypripedium calceolus, whilst above the forest lies the high Rolle Pass, and views of the magical Cimon della Pala, described by Farrer as ‘the mountain of mountains’. We will spend time on the limestone Castelláz, and on the screes beneath the Cimon della Pala, where amongst the rich limestone flora we can expect to find Carlina acanthifolia, Primula halleri and hopefully Campanula morettiana, as well as many other species particular to this habitat.

On the nearby granite mountain of Cavallazza, south of Rolle Pass, Farrer was sure Eritrichium nanum would be found. We will look! The flora on this acid substrate will be less rich than that on the limestone but nonetheless we can expect to find such species as Rhododendron ferrugineum, Loiseleuria procumbens, the erect Huperzia selago, Fir Clubmoss, Soldanella pusilla, Primula glutinosa and Primula minima. Above all, we will enjoy a week of wonderful botanical walks amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in Italy.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Venice and transfer to the Fassa Valley

Day 2/7

A programme of botanical day walks from our base in the Fassa Valley

Day 8

Fly London

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation: A friendly and comfortable family-run hotel (with private facilities), with fine views over the Fassa Valley.
Food:
All food included in the price.

Reviews

Well organised and thoroughly enjoyable trip to the Fassa Valley in the Dolomites with Nature Trek. The guides were extremely knowledgeable of the area and its flora and fauna. They were very mindful of individuals' needs and the daily walks were beautiful and informative. The range of flowers we saw was exceptional and we even managed to get out at night to look for glow worms and to detect bats. We stayed at a wonderful hotel with extremely high quality food and very friendly, helpful staff. From beginning to end all our needs were met, wonderful. I have travelled abroad with Naturetrek only twice so far and both times the trip has been very well organised with excellent pre-trip information and a person at the end of a phone if need be. The locations are always well research with very experienced guides who obviously know the area and its people well. The accommodation and food are of a very high standard.
T.C. Worcestershire, Jun 24
Ours was primarily a botany focussed holiday with birds and butterflies added in. We enjoyed the excellent organisational skills of the tour leader and co leader. Their knowledge of all flora and fauna was incredible. The family owned and managed hotel was superb with a Michelin Star chef part of the family! Each day we drove short distances up and down the Fassa Valley in Italy enjoying the stunning scenery with friendly like minded new friends.
G.T. New Zealand, Jun 23
No praise could be too high for the tour leader, Jessica Turner, who did everything to make the holiday worthwhile.
MD, Cheshire, June 19

Jessica, our leader, was outstanding in every way. Her knowledge of plants is astounding, as is her desire to impart that knowledge to others. The hotel made us feel very welcome and fed us well. The rooms and facilities were excellent. The range of beautiful flowers that we saw could not be bettered anywhere else in my experience. This is the best Naturetrek holiday we have been on!
RL, Suffolk, June 19

Su is an excellent leader, very well organised, extremely knowledgeable, patient and good company. We saw so much and the holiday exceeded (already high) expectations. The hotel was very good, quiet, friendly and with excellent meals.
R.C. Midlands

The holiday was absolutely splendid and I loved every minute of it.
M.R. Cambridgeshire

This was one of the best holidays we have ever enjoyed and could hardly have been improved on.
Mr & Mrs G. Gloucestershire

Invigorating days spent seeking high altitude plants with knowledgeable guides in a group small that shares the passion. Naturetrek has selected superb, remote trails among jagged peaks, inspiring us with their familiarity of botanical, ornithological, and lepidopterological discoveries along the way. On top of all that, the food and accommodations were outstanding. I'd love to head back tomorrow.
T.H. New York

From start to finish everything went smoothly with regard to planning and organisation by the Naturetrek team. The holiday location was beautiful with wonderful views surrounding the hotel. The three Naturetrek tour leaders were excellent, nothing was too much trouble, their patience was incredible, their knowledge of all subjects studied in the 'field' I'm not sure could be bettered. They all worked very hard to ensure it was a great holiday. We have already started looking at venues covered by Naturetrek for our next holiday. The scenery and walks were stunning, there was something of interest to be seen and studied even when it rained on the first two days. As you can guess, yes it was a successful holiday and would thoroughly recommend to anybody who has an interest in Plants, Butterflies, Moths and Birds. My husband and I learnt so much over one week.
V.R. West Midlands, July 18

The scenery, plants and hotel were all superb, and all the leaders worked tirelessly, somehow managing to please everyone's differing wishes every day. Jessica in particular looked after us in a wonderfully caring way at all times.
P.V. Surrey

I had no problem going on my own. It was a lovely holiday with a friendly group and top class leaders. The days were packed with so much choice, bird watching, wild flowers, butterflies and moths. The Italian Dolomite's were amazing.
E.S.B. Hampshire, June 18

From the time of planning the holiday with the Naturetrek office to the travelling there and back and the seven days enjoying the itinerary, I felt comfortable and reassured that all would go well and there would be no hitches or disappointments. I was right, as usual! The flowers and butterflies in these upland areas were wonderful and gave me great happiness and enjoyment, especially the day walking with new made friends in the upland meadows with the cows and their bells ringing. The mountain scenery was a highlight.
M.C. Buckinghamshire, June 18

The hotels were all good. I did not expect the Great Bear Lodge (3 night stay) to be as good (because of the situation!) but the standard was just as high and the cooking was superb! The staff there deserve a special mention. They were very caring and hardworking and were a most efficient team.
E.W. Cheshire

Paul and Chris deserve the highest price for their skills, and the effort they put in to ensure we all had a magnificent holiday.
C.W. Cheshire

This is my third holiday with Naturetrek and it was excellent. Both guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. Nothing was rushed and I saw plants I had not seen before. I am particularly interested in high alpine plants and was delighted to see so many.
S.J. West Midlands

Paul and Jessica are startlingly good botanists (and birds, butterflies too!), easy going and very personable. The staff at Hotel Lwga were charming and very helpful/attentive. The food was really exceptionally creative and delicious. The Dolomites themselves are stunning as are the plants and animal life they harbour. Our last hike through high alpine meadows with cowbells and running water for accompaniment was priceless. Bravissimo!
C.S. Northamptonshire

We had a fabulous holiday which did which did include 3 nights in Venice prior and a further 5 nights, with a car, in the Dolomites, doing our own thing. The hotel Gran Mugon was fantastic. Stefano and his family were attentive and friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed. The food was good everyday but at times it was excellent. Our team leader, Jessica Turner was brilliant. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious. She had patience for these two novices. The picnics were memorable, all thanks to her. She worked hard and constant throughout our stay. She carried a selection of books etc on long walks to help our knowledge. The rest of the group were stimulating and great company. What a holiday!
Mr & Mrs L. Cumbria

The Hotel Gran Mugon in Tamion was superlative - accommodation, meals and personal treatment by the owners and staff. Lovely! We were pleased that the itinerary contained a decent amount of walking.
Dr & Mrs H. Surrey

A really excellent trip - tuition, leaders, hotel were all superb. Jessica Turner in particular took time to cater for all levels of knowledge/ interest - she was a fantastic leader! Her co-leader Byron Palacios was also superb, both are very knowledgeable and superb and nothing was too much trouble! I will certainly book again!
Ms H. Switzerland

I was particularly impressed with the three leaders who were so helpful and enthusiastic with their knowledge and organisation.
P.S. Nottinghamshire

Leaders were excellent. Endlessly patient and so enthusiastic about the plants and birds. Very conscientious. Leaders made for such a marvellous holiday.
M.K. Yorkshire

The trip was obviously well planned and organised but it was the leader, whose confidence and flexibility, personality and knowledge, enthusiasm, care and concern, who brought it all to fruition so successfully. The beautiful rugged environment and its social and natural history did the rest! Excellent!
V.S. New Zealand

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Tue 17th Jun – Tue 24th Jun 3 £1,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£295

Tue 24th Jun – Tue 1st Jul SPACES £1,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£295

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Tue 16th Jun – Tue 23rd Jun SPACES £1,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£295

Tue 23rd Jun – Tue 30th Jun SPACES £1,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£295

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There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.  
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?

All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife

What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?

Travel with a group of like-minded people
Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora

In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.  

Our specialist recommends...


"I'd recommend 'Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps', 'Crete' and 'The French Pyrenees', which all offer some fascinating European botany, along with plenty of wider natural history and some stunning scenery. If you’re keen to travel a little further afield, I’d suggest joining us in South Africa for our 'Wild Flowers of the Cape & Namaqualand' tour” 

David Tattersfield - Tour Leader

All Botany Tours
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - June 2018

Tour report - June 2017

Tour report - June 2016

Tour report - June 2015

Tour report - June 2014

Tour report - June 2013

Tour report - June 2011

Tour report - June 2010

Tour report - June 2009

Tour report - June 2008

Tour report - June 2007

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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