DAY 1 – Coming to Marrakech

After picking you up at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be transferred to your 3* hotel, 10 minutes away from Djemaa El Fna.

DAY 2 – Marrakech (450 m) – Asni – Ait Misane valley – Imlil (1750 m) – Toubkal refuge (3200 m) [5h, +1450]

Transfer to Imlil at 1750m in a walnut tree valley – there’s a Berber souk here on Saturdays! Here we meet our team of Berber muleteers. We start our walk in the late morning, reaching “Marabout Sidi Chemharouch” (2250m) in about 2 hours. Here, our cook has prepared a lunch made of salad, vegetables, mint tea, dessert and seasonal fruits. We then continue to climb on a very easy mule track, until we reach Toubkal refuge at 3200m.

A Walking Holiday on the Haute Route, Switzerland. The Haute Route, is a cross-country route running between Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. First charted by English adventurers at the end of the 19th century, this route follows a 100 km glacier walk (or ski) from the Chamonix valley; home of Mont Blanc, to Zermatt; home of the Matterhorn.

Our team has specially designed this trip for adventurous hikers who don’t want to compromise on comfort. During 8 days you will discover the best of the famous “Haute Route” from Les Hauderes to Zermatt; picturesque villages, massive glaciers, and majestic peaks! As we transfer your luggage during the day, you need only carry a back pack whilst you walk (except Days 2,4 and 6 when you will need your overnight gear). One Foot Abroad also provides detailed walking notes and maps throughout the hike to help you find your way. Enjoy the highest part of the Alps!

Day 1 – Les Hauderes

After flying to Switzerland and making your way to the Goms d’Annivers, you will spend your first night in a charming hotel in a Valaisan-style town. Why not enjoy some regional specialties for dinner with a glass of local Arvine. The added bonus? An accordion-playing hotel owner!

Town: Shops, bus. Accommodation: 2* hotel. Rooms en-suite with view. Meals: Dinner

Day 2 -To Cabane de Moiry

We begin with a tough enough ascent to the Tsat pass (2868m). As we make our way down, the Glacier du Moiry comes into view. You will be afforded a closer view of the glacier as we make our way up to the “Classic” Cabane de Moiry. Good food and a great atmosphere are on the menu this evening.

Town: No public facilities although food and drinks can be purchased in the hut. Accommodation: Mountain hut. Dormitories. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner

Day 3 – To Zinal

You start the day with a gentle walk overlooking the Lac de Moiry with its impressive dam (148m high). Then, after passing the Col du Sorebois (2896m), your descent features an incredible view across the Zinal valley with Les Diablons (3609m) and the Pointe de la Forcletta (3078m). The village of Zinal is charming and compact. Stroll around its pretty streets and see some fine Valaisan houses.

Town: ATM, shops, Tourist Office, bus, train. Accommodation: 2* hotel with restaurant and bar. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner.

Day 4 -To Gruben via Weisshorn

Today we will begin by walking through woodlands towards a high Alpine trail up to the Hotel Weisshorn (2337m). Pasture lands will then bring you up to the Meidpass (2790m). There, the views on the Schwarzhorn, the Gletschhorn and the Weisshorn are stunning. On your way down, you will pass the Meidsee lake before reaching the isolated village of Gruben – so remote that it is only inhabitated from June to September.

For those who wish to have shorter walking days, you have the option to stay in the Hotel Weisshorn and split the stage in 2. See options table below. Subject to availability

Town: No public facilities although food and drinks can be purchased in the hut. Accommodation: Hotel/Hut. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner

Day 5 – To St Niklaus

On this stage, nature rewards the diligent walker with some of the cleanest air and captivating views. Crossing your final pass today is a highlight in every sense of the word. Although the reward is worth every step, the walk is never as demanding as the total height gain and loss might suggest. Enjoy a hike that traverses spacious woodlands, high pastures and stony wildernesses. Your ultimate descent is full of pleasures and surprises – none greater or more beautiful than the discovery of the little hamlet of Jungen, clinging to the mountain side in the region of St Niklaus.

Town: ATM, shops, Tourist Office, bus, train. Accommodation: 2* hotel with restaurant and bar. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner.

Day 6 – To Europahette

Today is a day of contrasts on this recently-opened trail. Starting with a walk up to the statue of St Bernard, you will then experience a walk through boulder fields – the remains of a massive rock fall in 1991. The path is demanding and is often secured with ropes and chains. A challenging, yet rewarding experience. The Europah¼tte offers great comfort and views over the Weisshorn and its glacier.

Town: No public facilities although food and drinks can be purchased in the hut. Accommodation: Mountain hut. Dormitories. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner

Day 7 – To Zermatt

The scenery on the last day is stunning. At the beginning, the path alternates between boulder fields and forest. After a short climb uphill, you will enter Tachalp glen with fantastic views as you exit. Continuing on, the majestic Matterhorn will stun you as you get closer to Zermatt, following the gentle footpath. Zermatt is the place for mountaineering in Switzerland. The streets are busy and vibrant and your hotel is right in the heart of the action.

Town: Shops, bars, restaurants, ATM, Internet, bus, train, all facilities. Accommodation: 3* hotel in the heart of Zermatt. Meals: Breakfast and picnic.

Day 8 – Zermatt

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

We recommend taking the famous Gornergrat railway to 3090m, which gives you great views of the spectacular Riffelalp glacier!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Day 1

Accommodation Day 2

Accommodation Day 3

Accommodation Day 4

Accommodation Day 5

Accommodation Day 6

Accommodation Day 7

• 1 night in 3* hotel, 3 nights in 2* hotels, 1 night in a Hotel/Hut and 2 nights in mountain huts
• Full Board except no dinner in Zermatt
• Transport of luggage to Zinal, St Niklaus and Zermatt
• Detailed walking notes

• Flights
• Swiss Pass
• Transfers from/to the airport (included with the Swiss Pass)
• Drinks

You will stay 1 night in Marseille, in a 2* hotel in the old centre. Marseille is a lively city and you will be able to choose from 100 restaurants and bars whilst there.
The following 2 nights will be spent in the colourful and pretty village of Cassis, in a 2* hotel by the sea.

Located towards the Eastern end of the Alps’ great curve from the Mediterranean coast through Central Europe to the Balkans, the Dolomites region occupies an area of Northern Italy as large as Wales. Its world famous fairy tale spires, broad rock plateaus and mountain lakes provide a uniquely stunning environment. Its plunging forested valleys deservedly attract mountain lovers and keen walkers. One Foot Abroad are proud to offer this destination to you. This adventurous trip takes you to the highest part of the Dolomites, following rivers and lakes. You will experience the contrast between the lush green valley and the massive limestone peaks looming above you.

This trip alternates between nights in Cortina and high mountain refuges. This enables you to enjoy the comfort of a hotel, as well as getting the unique feeling of high altitude while staying in amazingly located refuges. Every day you have a choice between a “Moderate+” or a “Challenging” itinerary, starting and finishing at the same point. This way, you can vary the difficulty by doing some challenging days and some easier days, depending on the weather, your fitness and experience and what you fancy. In Cortina, you will stay in comfortable hotels, ranging from 2* to 4*.

DAY 1 – Arriving in Cortina (1211m).
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Cortina is also known as the “queen of the Dolomites” because of its amazing geographical location. From this vibrant and tourist-friendly town, the impressive mountains around are easily accessible. Excellent restaurants and nice pubs offer some well-deserved refreshments!

Town: Shops, Bus, ATM, Internet, Pharmacy, Pubs, Restaurants. Accommodation: Hotel 2*/3*/4*in the heart of the town. Room en-suite.

DAY 2 – To Refuge Locatelli (2405m) – Tre Cime area
Moderate+ route: 4h15, +1094m
Challenging route: 6h15, +1211m, -212m

After a short bus transfer to lake Landro, the ascent to one of the greatest highlights of the Dolomites can begin. It is a steady ascent of more than 1000m that will take you directly in front of the mighty Tre Cime. These 3 peaks are emblematic of the Dolomites. The famous Refuge Locatelli will receive you with refreshments and a hearty meal. Walkers who enjoy a challenge can take a hike around the Tre Cime and observe the peaks from every angle.

Accommodation: High mountain refuge. Rooms of 2/3/4 beds, or dorm accommodation, depending on availability. Hot water showers. Meals: Dinner, breakfast

DAY 3 – Back to Cortina (1211m) – Tre Cime area
Moderate+ route: 4h, +595m, -680m
Challenging route: 6h15, +690m, -1215m
Today’s walk was the scene of tragic war act during WWI. You can still see the evidence of these atrocities by walking through the war tunnel of Paterno and the curious looking Sasso di Sesto. The walk leads to the pretty refuge Cengia (2528m), then down into a silent otherworldly ‘amphitheatre’. Then it’s on to the refuge Auronzo, for a short transfer back to Cortina.

Town: Shops, Bus, ATM, Internet, Pharmacy, Pubs, Restaurants. Accommodation: Hotel 2*/3*/4*in the heart of the town. En-suite.

DAY 4 – To Refuge Lagazuoi (2752m) – Cinque Torri.
Moderate+ route: 5h00, +474m, -594m
Challenging route: 5h00, +335m, -455m
After a pleasant transfer on the open-air ski lift, this walk will take you to the very foot of the eroded rock towers of the Cinque Torri. Then, we walk around Nuvolau using either a dramatic and technical path by Ra Gusela (2574m), or an easier path by Passo Giau (2236m) before reaching Passo Falzarego (2105m). Here, you take an enormous cable car up to Refuge Lagazuoi (2752m), where we spend the night in the amazing surroundings of the Tofane range.

Accommodation: High mountain refuge. Rooms of 2/3/4 beds, or dorm accommodation, depending on availability. Hot water showers. Meals: Dinner, breakfast

From Treviso to Cortina
1. Direct Bus (€9.40) from Treviso Autostazione (Bus Station) to Cortina everyday between 13/06 and 31/08 and on Sat & Sun until 20/09, leaving at 8h35 and taking approx 2h45min http://www.atvo.it

2. Alternatively, train (approx 2h) from Treviso to Calalzo: http://www.trenitalia.com + Bus (approx 1h) Dolomitibus: http://www.dolomitibus.it/ (regular service)

3. Option to arrange a direct transfer from the airport with us (see options below)

To Venice
http://www.veniceairport.com/
easyJet, Aer Lingus, Alitalia and other airlines fly to Venice. From the airport, the ATVO line has frequent services to Piazza Roma (Venice) or Mestre Train Station (easier) for €3.

From Venice to Cortina
1. Direct Bus (€11) from Venice Bus Station or Mestre to Cortina everyday between 13/06 and 31/08 and on Sat & Sun until 20/09, leaving at 7h50 and taking approx 3h30min http://www.atvo.it/

2. Alternatively, train (approx 2h40) from Venice or Mestre to Calalzo: http://www.trenitalia.com + Bus (approx 1h) Dolomitibus: http://www.dolomitibus.it/(regular service)

3. Option to arrange a direct transfer from the airport with us (see options below)

To Milan
http://www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en/
Virtually all major airlines fly to Milan. From the airport, there is an express bus (Malpensa express) taking you to Milan train Station. Train (approx 2h40) from Milan to Calalzo or Dobbiaco: http://www.trenitalia.com + Bus (approx 1h) Dolomitibus: http://www.dolomitibus.it/ regular service)

Other Airports
The train & bus networks in Italy are well developed and very cheap. It is possible to get to Cortina from other major cities in Italy. Ask us for advice and we will help you.

3* hotels. Rooms en-suite. All located in the heart of town

4* hotels. Rooms en-suite. All located in the heart of town

Refuges Locatelli (2405m) and Lagazuoi (2752m)

Walking Holiday in the High Tatras, Poland. Walking the Tatras is THE perfect way to discover its inhabitants, its paths and its slopes. Following a ridge, above the green valleys and the immensity of the conifer trees, let you ramble through granite lands and, at a glance, view its sharpest and windswept peaks.

Our team has carefully designed this trip for adventurous minded people who want to explore the different aspects of the Tatras through the highest trails and summits. This truly unique itinerary, offers you the opportunity to discover the most magnificent part of the mountain chain: White Tatras, the High Tatras and the Polish Tatras. In Zakopane we accommodate you in a modern and very comfortable 3* hotel with swimming pool and sanatorium. The other nights are spend in refuge in the hearth of the hearth of the mountain chain.

With you during the trip, our English speaking guide, will help you making this adventure unforgatable.One Foot Abroad’s pricing is fully transparent and includes the accommodation for both the night before and after the trip. In the mountains, the party can relax in a comfortable mountain refuge. Often they are close to a lake or a forest giving a real “relaxing feeling”. The food is excellent and ranges from traditional dishes to classic European dishes.

Day 1 – Flight Dublin – Krakow & transfer to Zakopane.
After flying from Dublin to Krakow, you will have a chance to prepare for the hike in Zakopane. You will be pre-booked into a great 3* hotel in the heart of town, and all rooms have an en-suite. Dinner is included and you’ll have the chance to sample local cuisine or stock yourself up with a wide selection of European food from the hotel’s extensive menu. If it’s your first time in the Tatras Mountains, Zakopane is the best starting point. It is the ‘walking capital’ of Poland and a fantastic gateway to the country’s culture, gastronomy and nightlife. Enjoy!

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, bars, pubs & clubs. all facilities. Accommodation: 3* hotel, in the middle of the city. Room en suite. spa, swimming pool. Excellent food at the restaurant.. Meal: 3 Course dinner

DAY 2 – From Zdiar to Zelene Pleso [4h40, 12km, +1114m -389m].
In the morning, we transfer to the picturesque village of Zdiar in Slovakia. Unmistakable for its decorated timber cottages, it is worth a look before heading for the renowned White Tatras. Our first walking day is relatively short (4h40) but strenuous enough, with an immediate 1,000m ascent from Zdiar. The path climbs slowly from 820m to 935m, taking about 45 minutes, and brings you into the White Tatras. From there it gets seriously steep, but not hugely difficult. At the end of a demanding, but highly rewarding, first day we will retire to the comfortable refuge of Zelene Pleso (1,545m) on the shore of one of the most beautiful lakes in the area.

Accommodation: Mountain Refuge on a side of a lake. Very scenic, and relaxing. Meal: Breakfast, picnic lunch, 3 Course dinner

Day 3 – From Zelene Pleso to Sliezsky Dom [5h45, 16.5km, +591m -466m].
From Zelene Pleso, we head to the highest parts of the famous Tatranska Magistrala (the colossal traverse). Heading south, the path first drops down steeply to where we come across our first chains for support. Heading to Skalnate Pleso, views of the village of Tatranska Lomnica and the sub-Tatras basin are breathtaking. From here, the trail becomes easier, letting us enjoy the numerous lakes en route, before reaching the refuge in Sliesky Dom mid-afternoon. A good day walk and a well deserved rest!

Accommodation: Mountain Refuge under the highest peaks. Meal: Breakfast, picnic lunch, 3 Course dinner

The hotel in Zakopane has been carefully selected for his comfort, location, friendliness and character, and are subject of availabilities. If the hotel described is not available we provide you with the same standard of comfort & Price.

In the mountains, the party can relax in a comfortable mountain refuge. Often they are close to a lake or a forest giving a real “relaxing feeling”. The beds are in rooms of 4, 6 or 10.

Lunch boxes are provided everyday. They are really tasty and plentiful. They usually contain ham or chicken sandwich, a salad, a fruit & a drink.

You will have to carry your bag during the length of the whole hike.

• Included

Walking Notes
Accommodation: en-suite. Day 1&6 in a 3* hotel, Day 2-4-5 in a refuge in shared rooms, Day 3 double room en-suite
Meals: On a full-board basis Breakfast, Picnic lunch, dinner. (with day1: dinner, day7: breakfast).
Luggage: You will have to carry your own backpack during 5 days.
Walking Guide: English speaking walking Guide.
Transfers:
Transfers from/to the airport
Transfer to Zdiar (day2)
Transfer to the hotel at the end of the hike (day6)
White Tatras National Park entrance fee

• Not included

Flights
Insurance
Cable car at the end of the trip
Drinks