Dolomites Hikes

Dolomites Slow Discovery in Val d'Ega from Earth to Stars

Imagine slowly traveling through space and time while savoring the finest Northern Italian wines. Val d'Ega / Eggental is one of South Tyrol's best-kept secrets in the heart of the Dolomites, and on this rejuvenating six-day journey, you'll discover exactly why. With history etched in stone, character poured into every glass, and the vast cosmos stretched overhead, Val d'Ega will captivate your soul. You'll descend into the Bletterbach Gorge to uncover Copper Age mysteries, stargaze at a celebrated mountain observatory, and enjoy a mindful hike on the Alps' first immersive mindfulness trail beneath the Latemar.

Trip Overview

A journey through time and rock, through green and starlight, this six-day Slow Discovery is an invitation to meet the Dolomites from their very origins to the cosmos overhead. 
Val d’Ega / Eggental is a place where history, nature, and science intertwine to tell a story that stretches from the origins of the Earth to the mysteries of the universe. It also holds the GSTC recognition and the South Tyrol Sustainability Label, making it one of the few Alpine holiday regions internationally recognized as a model for responsible and regenerative tourism. Local farmers, producers, and restaurateurs have dedicated years to a circular, community-rooted way of life, and you'll taste it in every meal. 

The journey begins in the deep past. In Bolzano, South Tyrol's radiant capital, a guided morning leads to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and the world-famous Ötzi the Iceman, preserved in glacial ice for more than 5,000 years. The afternoon turns to the fruits of this land, with a private tasting of award-winning wines at an acclaimed family winery, introducing you to the extraordinary character of South Tyrolean viticulture. A private transfer then brings you to Nova Ponente and the heart of Val d'Ega, where you can rejuvenate mind, body & spirit for four nights in the mountains.

The valley's geological soul is revealed at the Bletterbach Gorge, often described as the Grand Canyon of the Dolomites, where, accompanied by a local geology expert, you descend through nearly 8km / 5 miles of multicolored rock walls preserving more than 40 million years of Earth's history and an important collection of Permian fossil footprints. From deep time, the journey arrives at the present moment. A gentle hike through the Latemar alpine pastures leads to the Mindful.Latemar trail, the first immersive mindfulness experience created in the Alps, where 18 stations invite you to slow down, breathe, and meet the mountains in the here and now. 

Your final day unfolds by e-bike beneath the iconic Rosengarten and Latemar massifs, following panoramic routes through forests and traditional alpine villages toward Collepietra, home to the Max Valier Observatory and Planetarium. Here the gaze lifts to the future and the sky: Val d'Ega's link to astronomy and space exploration comes to life here, and an optional walk along an outdoor scale model of our solar system transforms the vast distances and the mysteries of the cosmos into something quite tangible. 

The journey closes where earth and flavor meet — a Michelin-starred farewell dinner that traces South Tyrol's ancient tastes back to their source, in the herbs, grains, and heritage crops of these valleys.

A path through time and stone, through green and stars — come discover Val d'Ega. Contact our team and let the journey begin!
 

Highlights

  • Experience 6 soft, active days of geological discovery, gourmet experiences, and stargazing in Val d'Ega / Eggental, in the heart of the Dolomites
  • Explore Bolzano, South Tyrol's vibrant capital, with a local expert guide and meet Ötzi the Iceman at the Museum of Archaeology 
  • Descend into the Bletterbach Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of the Dolomites," guided by a geology expert 
  • Rejuvenate in the Latemar alpine pastures and walk the first immersive mindfulness trail in the Alps with a local guide, and nature-based mindful practitioner 
  • E-bike beneath the Rosengarten and Latemar peaks to South Tyrol's only astronomical observatory and planetarium in Collepietra, and observe the wonders of the cosmos by sun and stars
  • Discover local wines during a private tasting at an award-winning winery on one of South Tyrol's most respected family estates 
  • Savor a Michelin-starred farewell dinner of South Tyrolean cuisine at its finest 
  • Relax for 5 nights in excellent hand-selected hotels in Bolzano & Val d'Ega 

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Hotel in Bolzano (B)

  • Day 2

    Hotel in Val d'Ega (B,D)

  • Day 3

    Hotel in Val d'Ega (B,D)

  • Day 4

    Hotel in Val d'Ega (B,D)

  • Day 5

    Hotel in Val d'Ega (B,D)

  • Day 6

Area Map

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

Want to learn more about our accommodation style?
Val d'Ega offers a distinctive collection of hotels, mountain lodges, and family-run properties that blend authentic South Tyrolean character with contemporary Alpine comfort. Many are set in peaceful locations surrounded by forests, meadows, and spectacular views of the Rosengarten and Latemar massifs, putting you right at the heart of one of the Dolomites' most quietly extraordinary valleys. 

Whether you choose a wellness-focused retreat, a stylish design hotel, or a traditional family-run property, you can expect warm hospitality, excellent regional cuisine, and easy access to the valley's hiking trails, cycling routes, and outdoor experiences. Sustainability, well-being, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape are at the heart of many of Val d'Ega's most beloved accommodations, creating the perfect base from which to explore this remarkable corner of the Dolomites.
Want to see the Dolomites in action?
Check out the high-definition videos in our SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!

Want to know what type of weather you should expect on your trip? 
Check out our Climate and Weather in the Dolomites article!

Want to learn about the Dolomites?
See our resource articles for information about the people, culture, landscape, geology, and more!

Why E-Bike in the Dolomite Mountains?
Always wanted to mountain bike in the Dolomites, but not sure you’re up to the challenge? Then why not try e-biking! E-bikes – or electric-bikes – look like, pedal like, and handle like regular bicycles, but they have a re-chargeable electric motor to help you out. You just set your e-bike on the amount of assistance you want – from a little to a lot, pedal just like you would on a regular bike, and off you go! And imagine your uphill rides being just as relaxed as your downhill ones; on an e-bike, you can go further and explore more terrain that you might be able on your own.
Please note: You can use a mountain bike OR an e-bike for ALL our Biking Itineraries. The choice is yours!

Still want more? Extend your adventure!
Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip to the Dolomites. Explore Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Florence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There isn't a more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip! 

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Guided trip
Cost on request

The cost is based on the specified hotel category. (Please see the cost inclusions list). If you would like an upgrade, please get in touch with us for a quotation.
We will do our best to place you in the specified class of accommodations. However, if there is no availability in this category, we will offer you the next available classification at a supplementary price. 
 
Important to note: 
  • There is a high-season 15% surcharge from July 12th to Sept 6th.
  • Prices may increase between the time of quotation and booking. Your Dolomite Mountains consultant will inform you of any changes.

Cost Includes:

  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and map of the area
  • 1 night accommodation in 4* hotel in Bolzano
  • 4 nights accommodation in 4* S hotel in Val d’Ega
  • All breakfasts
  • Dinners in hotel on days 2,3,4
  • Dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant on day 5
  • Local English-speaking professional guide in Bolzano on day 2
  • Local English-speaking professional hiking guide and geology expert on day 3
  • Local English-speaking professional mindful expert on day 4 
  • Local English-speaking professional bike guide on day 5 
  • Ötzi museum entrance
  • Wine tasting on day 2
  • Helmet at Bletterbach Canyon
  • Mindful.Latemar experience
  • E-bike and helmet rental for 1 day
  • Observatory and Planetarium entrances
  • Transfers in the area as per itinerary
  • Lift tickets as per itinerary 
  • An €18 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon neutral. 
  • Italian VAT tax

Area Map

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