Enjoy a Solos scenic walking holiday in the Stelvio National Park, with a mix of breathtaking hikes. Experience the beauty of glaciers, alpine valleys, and panoramic high-altitude trails, all while exploring historical sites and natural wonders. Each day offers a new adventure, from crossing Tibetan bridges and viewing the effects of glaciation, to relaxing outdoor lunches and barbeques in picturesque settings. After guided walks along streams, through forests, and past meadows, you’ll return to cosy accommodations with access to wellness facilities.
We land in Milan today, and meet our transfer to Santa Caterina and the Hotel Nordik. We’ll enjoy a welcome drink to get to know each other, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Starting directly from Hotel Nordik, this gentle hike takes us to the upper part of Santa Caterina after a brief climb. From here, we continue uphill along a dirt road to the Ponte dei Sospiri, where a flat stretch through a peaceful pine forest begins. The route then leads to the Sclanera huts, the highest point of the excursion, offering stunning views of the meadows and Santa Caterina Valfurva.
The trail descends, crossing a stream and weaving through meadows, pastures and woods before arriving at the Paradiso/Sci 2000 refreshment points for a lunch break. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing descent along the Le Sorgenti trail, finishing back at Hotel Nordik in Santa Caterina.
After breakfast, our day starts with a private transfer to the Forni parking lot. From here, we embark on the glaciological path, where we can witness the striking effects of both glaciation and the subsequent melting of the glacier. The route follows the glacier’s moraines, offering an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Valle dei Forni.
Continuing along the Frodolfo torrent, we’ll cross an exhilarating Tibetan bridge suspended over the rushing waters from the glacier, while discovering remnants of World War I military posts along the way. A break for lunch awaits at the Branca refuge, where we can relax and take in the surrounding alpine views before returning to our private transfer.
This scenic and educational hike is accessible to everyone and promises an unforgettable journey through stunning natural landscapes.
Spend today at leisure, relaxing in the hotel’s spa or exploring the local town.
Our walk today begins again from the Forni parking lot. After a brief ascent, the trail leads above the woods, offering spectacular views of the Gavia Pass and Mount Sobretta, a popular ski area in the winter. The path continues towards the Ables huts, where the panoramic vistas provide a perfect backdrop for our hike.
Upon reaching the Ables huts, the route descends gently to Baita Sell, a family-owned mountain hut, where a delicious outdoor barbecue featuring local Valtellina products awaits (weather permitting). After lunch, we enjoy a short and easy walk back to the hotel, concluding a relaxing and scenic day in the mountains.
Our day begins with an off-road vehicle ride to the Zebrù locality, followed by a hike through the stunning upper valley towards the Baita del Pastore. After enjoying lunch at the Campo refuge, the return hike takes us to the Niblogo car park, where a private transfer will bring us back to the hotel.
Enjoy a well-earned rest with another day at leisure, relaxing in the hotel or exploring the local town.
Enjoy a final breakfast as a group this morning, before transferring back to Milan for our flights back to the UK.
This comfortable, family-run hotel enjoys a peaceful setting in the resort with beautiful views of the Alps.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, a cosy bar and a wellness/beauty centre with sauna, solarium and hammam.
All the comfortable rooms feature satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time between Milan Airport and Hotel Nordik is approximately 3hr20.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Italy, including the Alps and the Dolomites. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
Passports and visas
If you are travelling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
You must check if your passport meets these requirements before you travel.
At Italian border control, you may need to:
Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Italy as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.
Visa requirements
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:
If you are travelling to Italy and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you visit the travel health website for more information; Italy
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Italy, including the Alps and the Dolomites. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).
Euro
There is a local city tax, payable on check out of 1.60 Euro per night.
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
