BOTANICAL SOMNIUM!
THE ITALIAN DOLOMITES
Natural history specialist Naturetrek’s 8-day botanical holiday follows in the footsteps of turn-of-the-century alpine botanist Reginald Farrer's book The Dolomites, exploring the dramatic scenery and fascinating habitats of Italy’s limestone and granitic mountains. Departing London 20th June 2007.
The tour is based in the Fassa Valley where time is spent discovering rich orchid flora of the lowland meadows, including Military, Dwarf, Marsh and Scented orchid species, while surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in Italy. After settling into the comfortable, family-run Hotel Gran Mugon, situated in the village of Tamion, no time is wasted and guests spend the rest of the day walking through local woods and meadows. As Farrer suggests, they may have an early encounter with the rare Cypripedium (Lady’s Slipper). Next day, a short drive passes through the village of Pozza di Fassa to Valle di S.Nicolo where travellers walk botanically rich and colourful landscapes observing Salvia pratensis, Globe Flowers and Onobrychis arenaria amongst others. Continue on through spruce and pine woods noting Pinus mugo and P. cembra with Clematis alpina, climbing through them before picnicking in the upland meadows amongst Filipendula vulgaris, Thalictrum aquilegiifolium and Great Meadow Rue. The next 5-days are spent making regular forays following Farrer's circuitous progress around the north eastern Dolomites in search of characteristic flora. Highlights include Thlaspi rotundifolium, Ranunculus segiueri, Mountain Avens, Edelweiss, Rhododendron ferrugineum, Primula minima and Fur Clubmoss.
The tour costs £985 p/p including scheduled flights, private transfers all meals and accommodation at a friendly family-run hotel with fine views over The Fassa Valley plus expert botanical guiding.
