Where are The Dolomites?

Sam Chandler of Collett’s Mountain Holidays has provided a guest Press Release to coincide with the recent UNESCO Listing of The Dolomites.Two weeks ago, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee named some new localities to the list of sites. One mountain range named by the committee is The Italian Dolomites in northern Italy.

Walking in The Dolomites

“The site of The Italian Dolomites comprises a mountain range in the northern Italian Alps, numbering 18 peaks which rise to above 3,000 metres and cover 141,903 ha. It features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs and a high density of narrow, deep and long valleys. A serial property of nine areas that present a diversity of spectacular landscapes of international significance for geomorphology marked by steeples, pinnacles and rock walls, the site also contains glacial landforms and karst systems. It is characterized by dynamic processes with frequent landslides, floods and avalanches. The property also features one of the best examples of the preservation of Mesozoic carbonate platform systems, with fossil records.The Dolomites are named for the rock dolomite, which in turn was named for a geologist, Déodat de Dolomieu.” UNESCO

This is great news for The Italian Dolomites and all the National Parks that form it. To further the protection and interest in the mountains, Italy has set up a Dolomites UNESCO Foundation which swung into action when The Dolomites were named as a World Heritage Site on 30 June 2009. The Dolomites UNESCO Foundation has been created as an overarching organization to pursue the aims ensuring the long-term conservation of the Dolomites while allowing its earth science potential and tourism-boosting assets to be used to the full.

Collett’s Mountain Holidays is the UK’s holiday specialist for the breathtaking Italian Dolomites & South Tyrol, a paradise of idyllic valleys and mesmerising mountains that lie between Innsbruck and Venice. Set up in 1998 Collett’s has been offering tailored walking holidays, Via Ferrata, Skiing and Snowshoeing for 11 years.

In summer Collett’s offer Walking Holidays, Via Ferrata & Wildflower Walks that allow you to explore this natural splendour just as you wish – however ambitious or fit. In winter, we offer the perfect catered chalet skiing holiday and for anyone with an interest in snowshoeing and winter walking.

We offer six hosted alpine chalets, an exquisite hotel and self catering in three enchanting alpine villages, each with spectacular mountain backdrops, offering superb access to the walks and more.

Stay with us as long as you like, arriving and departing on whichever days suit you. Fly-Drive, Self-Drive or use our daily transfer service to and from Venice and Treviso.

In Italy, local prices are up to 50% less than in France & Austria – Many items including eating out is still inexpensive even with a strong Euro. Collett’s Mountain Holidays is bonded through ABTA & AITO, guaranteeing the protection of all payments.

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of The Dolomites

One Great Reason to Visit The Dolomites

One great reason to visit The Dolomites is for the spectacular scenery of the Italian Alps which Collett’s Mountain Holidays can offer.

Walking in The Dolomites With Collett’s

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Where is Meteora?

Meteora

Meteora can be found in northern Greece near the towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki. The area is renowned for its sandstone, rock pinnicles and sitting high upon them, a total of 6 active Byzantine monasteries. Meteora means ‘hovering in the air’. It is believed that more than 20 monasteries were originally built and used from the 10th-17th centuries but most have slipped into disrepair by erosion. Some exceptional early Christian art can also be viewed. For this, Meteora gained UNESCO inscription during 1988.

Meteora is also a very well known destination for rock climbing and abseiling. There are almost 700 different routes that ascend the pinnicles and a variety of grades. The best time to visit Meteora are spring and autumn. The summer can be very hot and the winter can even bring snow to the area.

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Meteora

One Great Reason to Visit Meteora

One great reason to visit Meteora is to view the spectacular sight of the Byzantine monasteries perched high upon the rocky outcrops.

Meteora

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Where is Lubeck?

Holstentor, Lubeck

Lubeck is located in the northern region of Germany known as Schleswig-Holstein, approximately 60km north-east of Hamburg. It is situated on the Trave River and is one of the largest German ports on the Baltic Sea. Much of its trade is with the Nordic countries.

For several centuries the “capital” Altstadt, was the former headquarters of the Hanseatic League (“Queen of the Hanse”). The main function of the Hanseatic League was to enable economic co-operation and trading in Europe. With its preserved Brick Gothic architecture, it’s now part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Altstadt is the main attraction of Lubeck, located on an island surrounded by the Trave River and smaller channels. The old town has fine examples of churches from various periods, a 13th century Town Hall, 16-18th century Salt Houses and the famous gate way, Holstentor. Lubeck is known as the ‘City of Seven Spires’ because the skyline is dominated by the spires of 5 local churches.

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Lubeck

One Great Reason to Visit Lubeck

One great reason to visit Lubeck is for the superb medieval architecture that can be viewed in the old city.

Lubeck

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Where is St Michael’s Mount?

St Michael's Mount

St Michael’s Mount became a National Trust site during 1954 and is located at Marazion, near Penzance in the most southern County of Cornwall in England. It’s perceived to be one of England’s most dramatic and well known coastal attractions. The medieval castle and church are perched high upon the mountain outcrop of an island. This is then separated from the mainland by a tidal causeway. You can visit on foot by the causeway at low tide or take a boat during high tide.

St Michael’s Mount is rich in myths, legends and history dating back to 350 B.C. A full Timeline of the Mount has been provided.

The island currently has a population of approximately 30 inhabitants and whose jobs range from the local boatman, gardener, guide and handyman. They all pool together to ensure the island is maintained for the 200,000 plus visitors that arrive each year.

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TravelTipsPlus Google Map of St Michael’s Mount

One Great Reason to Visit St Michael’s Mount

One great reason to visit St Michael’s Mount is to marvel at the location of the craggy island, that lies beyond the tidal causeway, with a castle and church perched upon it.

Tour of St Michael’s Mount

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