This morning we take a 1-hour scenic drive to the Marmolada glacier for an epic gondola ride and exploration.  Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009, the Marmolada is the highest peak in the Dolomites at 10,968 feet. An important battlefield in the World War I between 1915 and 1917, the Marmolada is now home to the highest museum in Europe, remembering the war and the many soldiers who fell fighting in this challenging terrain.

To reach the glacier, we take three cable cars from the base of the mountain to the top station at Punta Rocca. The cable car ride offers superb views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is an experience in itself. The glacier is the only one in the Dolomites and offers a unique glimpse into the region's geological history. Enjoy lunch at typical local restaurant along the way.

In the late afternoon, relax back at our hotel and enjoy its impressive amenities, including the indoor/outdoor pool and spa.

This evening, gussy up as we are headed to the neighboring village of Corvara to dine at Michelin-starred restaurant, La Stüa de Michil, where the profusion of wood and antique porcelain lends an intimate and romantic feel to the decor. Although the setting is typical of the region, chef Simone Cantafio’s cuisine will take you on an extraordinary culinary journey. Originally from Calabria, this chef worked for many years in Japan, just one of his many formative experiences. As a result, his dishes feature different influences, often with a focus on vegetables. The leather-bound wine list alone runs to more than 180 densely typed pages.  The name of the restaurant is a reference to owner and manager Michele Costa, an indefatigable and extraordinary figure in the world of Ladin tourism. Perhaps we will run into him at his bar next door where live music is often playing before and after dinner. 

Hotel Cappella (B, L, D)