August 29 - September 10, 2021
NEW - Special small group size limited to 10 participants
Trip Leader - Gene Goldberg | Assistant Leader - Deirdre Butler
Nowhere else can you find such craggy peaks so easily accessible. Nowhere else such stark, white mountains contrasting with such lush, green meadows. Nowhere else such raw dramatic beauty attained amid such cultural finesse. While we hike, we’re surrounded by nature at her wildest, but while we rest, we’re in the arms of humanity’s ease; rough trails contrasting with fine Italian cuisine and the comfort of four star hotels. Come explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with Big Round World. Admire it’s stunning scenery, learn about the little-known Ladin culture, explore the two remote valleys of Alta Badia and Val Gardena, then relax with a good meal and some Italian wine.
We will explore two valleys of the Dolomites, Val Gardena and Val Badia.
Val Gardena, also known as Gröden in German or Gherdëina in Ladin, lies between the expansive Alpi Siusi on the northwest and the massifs of Mount Schlern, Langkofel, and the Sella and Geisler-Puez Groups on the other sides. It has been inhabited for at least 2,000 years and is famous for its skiing. The major towns are Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva. Surrounded by 10,000 foot mountains, the valley’s isolation helps explain how the local population of Ladin people survived the millennia of passing conquests, Romans, Germans, French, and time itself. They retain their culture, traditions, and language, a mix of the former Rhaetian and Latin.
Also known as Alta Badia, Val Badia is popular both for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. One look at the many mountains and scenic views and no further explanations for this are necessary. Fine hotels and restaurants abound here. Agriculture, tourism, and art, especially woodcarving, are the dominant industries. Much of the land is included in two regional nature parks, Puez-Odle and Fanes-Senes-Braies. There are over 240 miles of designated hiking trails in the valley. Corvara is the only town of size in the valley.
"I'd rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0." Sophia Loren
Click here - Detailed Trip Itinerary:
What’s Included:
All lodging in 4-star hotels (double-occupancy with en-suite bath).
On trip transportation and luggage transfer.
Lifts per trip itinerary.
Entry to South Tyrol Regional Archaeology Museum.
All meals except one lunch.
Gratuities for local service providers.
All hikes.
4 pre - trip bulletins prior to departure with more detailed and specific information to help you prepare for your adventure.
What’s not included:
International airfare and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip.
Lunch on Day 9.
Beverages with meals.
Travel insurance.
Tips for trip leaders are at your discretion.
Trip Dates August 29th - September 10th, 2021 | 13 days
NEW - Special small group size limited to 10 participants
Trip Price and Deposit
Special Early-bird Price Sign up by December 31st 2020 $4,800 per person | Deposit: $1,200
Regular price Starting January 1st 2021 $5,100 per person | Deposit: $1,275
Remainder due by May 15th, 2021
Price is based on double occupancy of rooms. Same gender roommate will be assigned to participants traveling solo. Single supplements are limited. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation. Either pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system or write a check, payable to “Big Round World”, and mail it to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.
How to Sign Up
Pay your trip deposit - click on the yellow Buy Now button below.