MOUNTAINS, ART AND WELLNESS

The Dolomites of Val Pusteria
The Dolomites, such as the range in Val Pusteria, are mountains unique in the world. This type of mountain can only be found in the Alps, specifically in the area between Alto Adige, Trentino and the provinces of Belluno, Udine and Pordenone. They are the result of the accumulation of shells, coral, algae and other sedimentary rocks, rich in limestone, that rose to heights sometimes over 3,000 metres due to the clash between the European and African geological plaques. Up to 20 million years ago, the entire Dolomites area consisted in coral atolls similar to the Bahamas. 
The Dolomites acquired their name from the French naturalist Déodat de Dolomieu, the first researcher to study the rocks forming these mountains. The type of rock was dubbed dolomia, and is rich in mineral water called dolomite. The Dolomites are also called the Pale Mountains, based on the legend according to which the ancient inhabitants wove them with moonbeams.

Sesto Dolomites
The Sesto Dolomites form the north-eastern part of the mountain chain. They are bordered by the Val Pusteria to the north, the Valle di Landro to the west and the Valle d’Ansiei to the south. The most famous peaks in the Sesto Dolomites are definitely the Cime di Lavaredo, the highest of which is 2,999 metres. The three Cime di Lavaredo are a symbol not just of the Dolomites, but also of Alto Adige, and are amazing and majestic. Other famous peaks are Monte Paterno, Cima Una, Cima Tre Scarperi and Cima Nove. This part of the Dolomites has a lot of Alpine refuges, the most famous being the Rifugio Antonio Locatelli.

The Braies Dolomites
The Braies Dolomites are bordered by the Val Pusteria to the north, the Val Badia to the south-west and the Valle di Landro to the east. The highest peak is Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo,  which is 3,148 metres high. Other famous peaks are Croda del Becco, Piccola Croda Rossa, Picco di Vallandro and Sasso del Signore. The Braies Dolomites are intersected by the Valle di Braies, a small side valley of the Val Pusteria. The Valley of Braies ends with the famous Lake Braies, one of the most beautiful in the Alps. Finally we should visit the Prato Piazza, a meadow at an altitude of 2,000 metres with a marvellous view over the Braiese Dolomites, in the Fanes Senes Braies Nature Park.

This trip is designed for everyone to enjoy: families with children, couples looking for well-being, relaxation and a little romanticism, gourmets fond of typical recipes and lovers of sports with full immersion in a natural setting that is a UNESCO heritage site.