<DIV>As a trekking destination the Italian Dolomites has few peers. Juxtaposing dramatic mountain scenery with picture-perfect Tyrolean villages, and flower-filled alpine meadows with poignant WWI battlefields, this small yet exquisite range rarely fails to enchant and beguile those who visit. This guide has been re-researched and updated to include the two most popular long-distance hikes in the Dolomites--the Alta Via 1 (AV1) and the Alta Via 2 (AV2) as well as shorter walks.<br><br>The Alta Via 1 is the classic high level traverse of the Venetian Dolomites, from north to south. It's a nine to fouteen day walk which begins at Lago di Braies in Val Pusteria running along a trail which connects a network of high mountain refuges south to Belluno. The Alta Via 2 is the longest alta via of them all, taking ten to sixteen days.<br><br>>55 detailed trekking maps--showing route times, places to stay, and points of interest:<br>>Alta Via 1 (nine-fourteen days)<br>>Alta Via 2 (ten-sixteen days)<br>>15 short treks (one-five days)<br>>Practical information--planning the trip and getting to Italy from other countries in Europe, North America, and Australasia<br>>Historical and cultural background--with comprehensive sections on the legends and culture of the indigenous Ladin people<br>>Cortina, Bolzano, and ten other towns and villages--detailed street plans, where to stay, where to eat, what to see, and getting to the start of a trek<br>>Green hiking, health, and safety--how to stay healthy on a hike and minimize impact on a fragile region<br>>Italian language section<br>>Flora and fauna--four-page full-color guide to the flowers of the Dolomites, plus an illustrated bird identification section<br></div>