Walk through history and hospitality in the Dolomites

Stretching through the eastern alps of Italy, the Dolomites is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its natural beauty and cultural significance.

The mountain range is a compilation of majestic rock walls, glaciers and caves, and represents a unique blend of cultures – Italian, Germanic and that of the local Ladin community.

It’s also Emanuele ‘Piero’ Pierobon’s homeland.

Piero has crafted a walking tour that explores some of the most beautiful parts of the Dolomites foothills, which are less frequented by tourist groups but offer remarkable national park, lake and mountainside tourist experiences.

Inspired by his work leading tour groups on the Camino de Santiago in north-western Spain, Piero wanted to share the sights, sounds and tastes of the region and create natural interactions with the local people he considers family.

The 10-day My Dolomites tour was an experience I’ll never forget.

Piazza Flaminio in the Serravalle quarter of old Vittorio Veneto.

Hidden gems in the Italian Alps

After a brief train ride from Venice to Cognegliano and then a bus ride into the surrounding country, our tour started with an introduction to Serravalle, a village described as a ‘medieval gem’ located at the end of a mountain valley that has beautiful architecture and frescoes that have been conserved over time.

The most enjoyable part of the tour was not only the hikes through stunningly beautiful countryside, but the cultural activities that were programmed into each day.

Piero varies these experiences depending on the time of the year and the local events that may be occurring when he is conducting his tours.

The daily routine of the tour is simple: hiking in the morning, time to rest and chill out in the afternoon, and optional pre-dinner activities in the early evening.

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Piero’s tour includes the Cansiglio Ring circular hike, Mezzomiglio circular hike, Val Salatis hike, Santa Croce Lake area, Col Visentin trail, Malghe circular hike, Castello di Zumelle and Valdobbiadene, the home of Prosecco wine (which alone made the walk worthwhile!).

The walks go through farming fields and forests, and among mountains with winding roads and walking tracks that are set out in loops that bring walkers back to the original starting point.

The groups are accompanied by a second tour guide and include a maximum of eight to create a safe and personalised experience. And you don’t have to be super fit to join – Piero is adept at tailoring the walks to suit people’s fitness levels and confidence.

Tempting appetisers (speck, salami, cheese and beans) at Rifugio Pranolz, Valmorel region.

An authentic journey through nature and culture

There is so much more to the My Dolomites tour than just hiking.

The trip is an intimate showcase of village history, art, architecture, and the wonderful experience of tasting local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, other delicacies and wines.

The food and wine experiences were incredible and included a barbecue lunch under the trees at Piero’s family home; picnics with home-made salads in the forests and on the mountains overlooking grand vistas of the valleys below; dinners with wine and cuisine unique to the region at small restaurants run by local families; and coffee breaks on the walks to feed the caffeine addictions of the walkers.

There was even an opportunity to do yoga near the vineyards as a pre-dinner relaxation activity before being serenaded by local singers and musicians who were friends of Piero.

We loved meeting Piero’s family and friends, who interacted with our group over the course of several meals and village tours.

While not always possible, this surprise interaction added to the richness of the tour – providing a very personal insight into family life and friendships in Italy.

Cultural experiences integrated into the hikes included visiting a trail with sculptures made from local materials created as a community development project; walking through several villages to admire murals by local and international illustrating village life through the ages; visiting a grotto with World War II history; museums showcasing local history; and seeing a local artist’s home and art.

In the evenings, we experienced outdoor dining with a difference – my favourite was dinner at a local restaurant in a beautiful 15th-century palazzo next to a river, where we enjoyed a night out with the locals.

Some of the delicious dishes we enjoyed throughout the tour included crespelle, canederli, casunziei, minestrone d’orzo, pastin con Polenta, deer stew, gnocchi di zucca, strudel and, of course, the Italian favourite – tiramisu.

Cattle graze in Malga Mezzomiglio meadows, Alpago.

Stay in cosy ‘agriturismo’ accommodation

The accommodation on the tour reflects a balance between simplicity, comfort and authenticity.

Our first night was spent at Vittorio Veneto, one of the settings described by Ernest Hemingway in A Farewell to Arms.

Most of the establishments are cosy rural hotels surrounded by green mountains and breath-taking views.

This type of accommodation is known as 'agriturismo' in Italian – a combination of lodging and agriculture, mostly on family-run working farms.

Agriturismo also refers to proximity, friendliness, home-cooked food and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Every night was different – we stayed in family hotels located within farming communities, on the edge of the lake, near forests, even in a medieval castle originally built in the Roman Age as a defensive fortress.

All the beautiful towns we visited provided an opportunity to do a little shopping or just stroll along the historic streets.

Piero’s business is called My Dolomites for a reason – tours can be tailored it to suit your every want and need. Whether it’s touring the foothills of the Dolomites or trekking the Camino in Spain, you can make the experience truly yours.

Story and photos Liz Ainsworth