| The Dolomites - alpine flowers and photography |
| 9 - 16 Jun 2011 (1 week) |
|
Mostly Wild Flowers |
The Dolomites are situated in north east Italy. This will be our sixth wildflower holiday in this beautiful alpine location.
This popular holiday is an excellent introduction to alpine wild flowers amid the spectacular mountain scenery of the Dolomites.
The holiday is based in two locations. The first is on the shore of Lake Misurina (left), with day walks in the surrounding alpine meadows, and a short coach journey to the screes at the foot of the Tre Cime in the Dolomites National Park. The second base is in the Val di Fassa with woodland and valley walks, and a short bus ride to high level contouring walks on the Sella Pass and the Pordoi Pass. We also visit the deep gorge below the Dolomite’s highest mountain, the Marmolada. Although this is a mountain holiday, the walking is not strenuous, with circular contouring or “there and back” walks. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the flowers and take photos.
This holiday is timed early in the flowering season. Depending on the winter conditions, you should see pulsatillas in the meadows and some of the early flowering bulbs (Crocus and Gagea). This is also the main Primula flowering period (Primula minima, P. halerii, P. marginata and P. auricula) and the start of the orchid flowering with a chance to see the lady’s slipper orchid, Cypripedium calceolus, and the sweet-scented Daphne. Pete and Jackie Murray have been visiting these areas for many years and know where to find the plants! Pete can also help you with your photography during this holiday.
The holiday includes flights from the UK to Venice but rail travel from the UK to Venice is also an option on this trip.
Price: £1345, Single Room Supplement £135
Full Board
Leaders: Pete and Jackie Murray
For the real Alpine aficionado, this trip is easy to combine with our visit to the Bavarian Alps the week before, with a direct train from Munich to Venice.
