Discover a world of breathtaking beauty in the Dolomite Mountains with Ecco La Cucina. Towering peaks stand sentinel over serene valleys, high alpine meadows, and mountain villages in this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its ski resorts and hiking trails. This tour is unlike our others where we are in the high mountains breathing the fresh air, taking in the gorgeous views and dramatic peaks.
This area of northern Italy is unique with its culture, food and architecture reflecting its Austrian heritage. Italy annexed the Trentino-Alto Adige region after WWI, and the cuisine is a unique fusion of Austrian, German and Italian, making for a very diverse culinary experience from the other areas of Italy. The alpine plains are home to an ecosystem that offers a wide spectrum of fruits, vegetables, herbs and wild flowers. With some of the best pastures in Italy, the cows and sheep grazing on the herbs and flowers produce rich, high-quality milk and butter. The indigenous grapes specific to Trentino-Alto Adige are grown in the foothills, making delicious wines that are often not exported out of the area.
Activities – Food & Wine
Our tour focuses on the beauty of the area with walks and hikes through towns, forests and meadows. Using cable cars and funiculars, we will access trails from the quaint town of Ortesei to the largest alpine meadow in Europe, the Alpe di Siusi, as well as to the slopes of Mount Seceda. As we traverse high alpine meadows you’ll enjoy the spectacular views, stopping for lunch in mountain lodges that offer farm-to-table local products.
One day we’ll descend from the mountains to explore the wine area of the Alto Adige. The main wine producing area is around the town of Bolzano and Lake Caldaro. We’ll enjoy a paired lunch at a boutique winery while learning about and tasting the region’s grape varieties. Cheese is also central to the local diet, and we’ll sample a selection of varieties that reflect the area’s culinary traditions.
Guided walks and hikes through the high alpine meadows is a highlight with its spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, alpine meadows and villages below. Some of the towns we’ll visit are Ortesei, Castelrotto and/or Selva di Val Gardena, the highest Alpine village in the Dolomites. Val Gardena is famous for its woodcarving tradition. Local shops showcase regional products, handcrafted pieces, and art.
Our Accommodations
We have selected the beautiful Valgardena as our base in the Dolomites. Our 4 star luxury hotel is in a central yet quiet position in the quaint alpine village of Ortesei. The comfortable rooms are spacious and with beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding gardens. This family run hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, a wellness facility and spa and a large sunbathing lawn. The staff dress in traditional Tyrolean costumes, adding to the cozy and quaint feel of the hotel.
You might feel like you’re in the Swiss Alps, but the delicious cuisine and scenery will remind you that this area has a rich cultural heritage.