Italian Dolomites

2026

We are flying across the Atlantic Ocean tonight on our way to Italy. We are spending 17 days hiking in the Dolomites. Wild alpine meadows, mountain lakes, soaring peaks, the Dolomite Mountains feature an infinite number of trails winding their way through these incredible landscapes, with breathtaking vistas adding to the drama. This will be our 5th hiking trip to the Dolomites. In September 2000 we hiked the Alta Via 1 trail, 70 miles, over 12 days. We spent every night in Refugios (high mountain hotels) looking down on small towns in the valleys below. No luggage transfers, we carried all our worldly needs on our back. On this trip, we are spending 12 nights in wonderful hotels with Spas and heated swimming pools. However we are also spending 5 nights in two high mountain Refugio’s. The Dolomites are located in northeastern Italy, forming a distinct UNESCO World Heritage section of the greater Alps. This region of Italy was once part of the Austro-Hungarian empire until the early 20th century. During World War I, some of the deadliest battles were fought here.
Italian is the official language, but many parts are also German speaking. Straddling the border between Italy and Austria, almost every town, and sometimes even the mountains, have two names – Italian and German – and often, they are not even remotely similar. There are so many beautiful places in the world to hike but hiking in the Dolomites has always been extra special. The light, the history, the mix of cultures, the food and wine, and the incredible high mountain terrain create an experience that is hard to match. We have attached some photos taken over the last 26 years. Be Happy.

Love to all,

Barbara and Joe

Thursday, August 27, 2026

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down “happy”. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

— John Lennon

Saturday, August 29, 2026

A perfect Hiking day. 6.5 hours, 23,747 steps, 9.7 miles of walking with plenty of stops to enjoy the magnificent views and lunch at the Tierser Alpl Mountain Hut | Alpine Hut in the Dolomites at 8,000 feet. It was a long and hard climb to the Hut.

We are staying 4 nights at the Hotel Brunelle Seiser Alm Lodge (elevation 5,600 feet) located in Alpe di Siusi, also known in German as Seiser Alm, in the Dolomites. It is Europe’s largest high-alpine meadow plateau and is framed by some of the Dolomites most recognizable mountains , including Sassolungo (Langkofel), Sassopiatto (Plattkofel), and Schlern (Sciliar). It is a hiker’s paradise with over 270 miles of hiking trails, 7 ski lifts and gondolas and over 50 mountain huts with restaurants and rooms. No matter your age or physical condition this beautiful place can be enjoyed by all.

The Florian chairlift close to the hotel can quickly get you up the mountain. Breathtaking views of the alpine meadow below with a Resturant and outdoor terrace at the top of the lift. Short walks in every direction. When you return to the hotel there is a heated indoor pool and spa to enjoy. Every night we have been enjoying a gourmet meal, with a local wine, in the hotel restaurant and every morning we wake up to enjoy the fabulous view from our room (first photo). Be Happy.

Love to all,

Barbara and Joe

Food For Thought

There is no shortage of delicious beer, wine or food in the Dolomites.

Barbara and Joe

Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” — Federico Fellini

“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” — Luciano Pavarotti

Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. It’s not about nutrients and calories. It’s about sharing. It’s about honesty. It’s about identity.” — Louise Fresco

Food is art, and food is love. And we should show love and appreciation for those who cook it by eating it with relish.” — Mark Bittman

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.” — Dough Larson

I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.” — Coco Chanel

My Desert Sky

Photos From Around the World