Trip Notes
DOLOMITES WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK
Trip Code:
CIM
Country:
Italy
Amended:
June 2014
Edition No:
CD 1 2014
Valid from:
01 Dec 2014 - 01 May 2015
HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover an excellent variety of winter activities
• Try downhill skiing in Folgarida
• Admire the spectacular Western Dolomites
SUMMARY
The Val di Sole is a quiet valley in the heart of Trentino, in the Western
Dolomites. Boasting some truly breathtaking alpine scenery, it is an
ideal winter playground offering a broad range of activities, from
downhill skiing to ice skating and horse sleigh rides. This is the perfect
introductory week with a variety of fun-packed winter activities to
try, surrounded by stunning scenery. Based in the tranquil village of
Dimaro, we enjoy active days out and come back each evening to our
lovely hotel, where we can relax and savour some delicious traditional
cuisine. On the free day, there are many optional activities available
including downhill skiing in the nearby resorts, or perhaps visiting
the chic resort of Madonna di Campiglio or fascinating city of Trento.
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
Grade: Leisurely/Moderate (2). Suitable for beginners in all activities
with a reasonable level of fitness.
No previous experience required but a reasonable level of fitness
is required. Snowshoeing is suitable for summer hill walkers.
Cross-country skiing is aimed at beginners, but it is possible for
intermediates and experts to ski independently. Downhill skiing is
independent, but tuition for beginners can be arranged locally (with a
local ski school). Although a programme is detailed, the actual order
of events may be changed and the timetable will be confirmed locally
by your Exodus leader.
Risk of injury
All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from
something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility
of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we
do all we can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared
to accept some risk as part of the holiday. Please see 'risk of injury'
note in the brochure.
LAND ONLY ITINERARY
The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
Day 1 Start Dimaro. (D)
Day 2 As the perfect introduction to this beautiful area, we get into
the snowy mountains and try snowshoeing in the beautiful Val di
Rabbi. (BD)
Day 3 We transfer this morning to the nearby quaint village of
Folgarida to collect our equipment and get ready for some downhill
skiing. If you wish to get an instructor, the Exodus leader can help
you arrange this. In the evening, there is the option to take a walk
accompanied by a photographer to find picturesque views and photo
opportunities. (BD)
Day 4 We enjoy a full day of cross-country skiing, with tuition
provided by our leader. We learn the basics of the classic technique
and get the opportunity to explore the loipe at Campo Carlo Magno.
For intermediate or advanced skiiers, information is provided for
other exciting loipe that are available. (BD)
Exodus Travels
Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE
Sales & Reservations: 0845 330 6007 E-mail: sales@exodus.co.uk
WEATHER AND SEASONALITY
Day 5 A day at your own leisure. You can relax in the local wellness
centre (payable locally), enjoy self-guided skiing or snowshoeing or
visit the nearby chic resort of Madonna di Campiglio. (B)
Day 6 This morning we can rest our weary legs and enjoy an exciting
horse and sleigh ride through the forests near Pelizzano with a local
guide. Later in the afternoon, we enjoy an exhilarating snowmobile
ride in Passo Tonale (2 people per snowmobile) (BD)
Day 7 We head to the Val di Peio where we enjoy another day of
snowshoeing, surrounded by the majestic Stelvio National Park. (BLD)
Day 8 End Dimaro. (B)
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL DOLOMITI ***
Located in the pretty village of Dimaro, the hotel Dolomiti offers
a warm welcome in the heart of the Western Dolomites. With
comfortable en suite rooms with balcony overlooking the tranquil
mountains, this family-run hotel also has a restaurant where we can
enjoy some delicious traditional food.
Throughout the Dolomites the winter months can bring extended
periods of fine, settled weather. From Christmas through to the end of
February average daytime temperatures range between +4º and -10º
C in the shade. These temperatures can feel surprisingly comfortable,
largely because the air is very dry, and you will often be on the move.
In periods of unsettled weather the daytime temperature will rise to
zero or higher, but it will feel much colder as the air carries much
more moisture at these times. At any time local winds can blow, and
the resulting wind-chill factor can be significant.
Single Accommodation:
Single rooms are available for a supplement. Please book early to
avoid disappointment as there is limited availability in this small hotel.
JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK
8 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat
Itinerary Start
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1
of the itinerary.
Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or EasyJet
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or
your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may
change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately
two weeks before departure.
Due to Easyjet's booking system, we can only purchase flights 6
months before the date of your departure. If you book your trip
before this date, a booking confirmation will be sent to you advising
that flights are subject to confirmation. We will then secure the flights
as soon as they become available. In the case that flights are not
available at the original budgeted cost once they are released for
sale, a flight supplement will be charged. If the supplement exceeds
10% of the original holiday price, you will be given the right to cancel.
FOOD & TRANSPORT
Food
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners are included. These are usually
taken in the restaurant at Hotel Dolomiti. Dinner is not included on
the free day, which may be an excellent opportunity to try the A la
carte menu on offer at the hotel. Vegetarians are catered for, yet as
this area is renowned for its meats, please be aware that there may
not be as much variety.
Transport
Most tours will operate with private or public transport to reach daily
activities.
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Please note that many destinations now require Advanced Passenger
Information (API), such as your passport number, date of birth and
nationality, to be added to your booking before departure.
UK Regional Flights
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we
are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit
www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview of the
options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a
minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in
time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer
than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be
subject to delays.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please
note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other
flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on
non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for
information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus
office.
Based in the small village of Dimaro, we are bringing clients to an
area that does not usually benefit from tourism, as it is not located
directly next to the chairlifts. Although many do not choose to come
to Dimaro for downhill skiing, it is an excellent base to start from
for a variety of activities including snowshoeing and cross-country
skiing.
We always include a free day on our tours for clients to choose a local
restaurant or shop to spend their evening. It is part of our effort to
ensure all suppliers benefit and not just the hotel we work with in a
chosen area. We use local leaders for all activities to ensure the local
ski school, horse-drawn sleigh company and local equipment hire
companies all benefit from our groups.
JOINING THE TRIP IN DIMARO
8 days, normally start Dimaro Sat, end Dimaro Sat
Itinerary Start
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Dimaro in the evening of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are
provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two
weeks before departure.
For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:
www.exodus.co.uk/responsible-travel
Airport Transfers
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only)
be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide
with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight
details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or
miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own
expense.
Passports and Visas
Most nationalities, including British, require a full passport that must
be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility
to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa,
if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country
you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport
holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent
or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of
local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or
otherwise, and any subsequent effects.
If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your
sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with
all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure.
Private transfers from Innsbruck, Venice and Verona airports
are available on request. Full joining instructions including local
emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining
Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before
departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your
travel agent.
Certain European nationalities may be able to travel within Europe
on their national identity card. Check carefully with the relevant
authorities if you intend to do this.
Italy No visa required for British passport holders.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income,
positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their
natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism,
covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the
practices of Exodus as a company.
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current
regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
Vaccinations and Health
Travel health can often be something people forget about before
going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way
to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.
There are no specific health risks on this trip.
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not
qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly
recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health
Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.
Insurance - are you adequately covered?
You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip
which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up
to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we
strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically
designed to cover all activities on your trip.
Local Time
GMT +1hour in Italy.
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Group, Staff and Support
The group will generally be between 6 and 14 people. There will be a
UK leader and drivers and local guides where needed.
The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note
that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share
accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
MONEY MATTERS
Currency Information
The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate
of 1.2 to the UK£ and 0.75 to the US$.
Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.
ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques
Dimaro is a small village with limited facilities, still there is a wellstocked supermarket, tourist office and post office, all situated next
to our hotel. 24-hour cash machine is available.
In the Community Travel Forum you'll find the Departure Lounge
where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you
depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload
your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other
people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered
automatically into our monthly photo competition.
Extra Expenses and Spending Money
For meals not included we suggest you allow €8-€12 per lunch and
€15-€25 per dinner for meals in restaurants in the area. Of course,
as you are free to choose where to eat, you can choose to spend as
much as you like.
To make full use of the Community you'll need to join My Exodus.
It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for?
Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group
sizes)
http://www.exodus.co.uk/community
Downhill skiing in Folgarida or Madonna di Campiglio: approx. €30
per day for a ski pass and €20 for ski hire.
Entrance to the local spa €20 per person (treatments to book and
pay locally)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS
Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be
contacted on 0044 (0)1582 640 045.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read
the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www.
WHAT TO TAKE
exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information?
Essential Equipment and Clothing
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers,
and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you
approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive
these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please
contact our office or your travel agent.
Walking boots: 3 or 3-4 season waterproof walking boots with semirigid soles, and good ankle support.
Medium sized daypack: (approx 30 litres), expect to carry your
snowshoes on the outside of your pack on occasions - packs with a
lid or adjustable side straps are well suited for this.
Outdoor/winter clothing as follows:
Good quality waterproof jacket;
waterproof trousers and gaiters;
warm fleece;
warm hat and gloves.
Occasionally we experience unseasonably warm days, where t-shirts,
lightweight trousers and light fleeces are all that's required.
Other essentials:
Large capacity water bottle and/or thermos flask;
sunglasses and high factor sun cream and lip protection;
trainers/comfortable shoes for the evenings;
blister kit (some people find they are more prone to blisters with
snowshoes);
sit-mat (or small square of karrimat) for taking lunches in the snow.
Equipment provided
Snowshoes and poles. If you have a shoe size of 12 or over, please
inform us at the time of booking so we can ensure to have snowshoes
of the right size available for you. Cross-country ski hire, boots and
poles. Downhill skiing equipment (boots, skis and poles)
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where
differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure
or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All
holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy
them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary.
Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to
follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons
- climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will
make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the
integrity of the original itinerary.
As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines
manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever
to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to
keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean
that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices
we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your
Travel Agent.
Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The
most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website.
Baggage and Baggage Allowance
© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on
the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We
recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage
is subject to change, we suggest you check www.baa.com and/or the
airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure.
JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY
Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view
the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which
have featured in the national media and take advantage of some
special deals on travel gear and equipment.
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HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP
1. Check availability
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
2. Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for
between three and seven days.
3.
Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online
booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking
form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all
major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as
a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL)
number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour
Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means
you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies
paid to us for your trip are fully protected.
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