Cicerone Press

Uncover the explosive peaks, vivid colours, and unique culture of the southern Italian Dolomites, Europe’s crown jewels and the birthplace of via ferrata adventure. From the soaring spires of the Brenta to the dramatic ridgelines above Lake Garda, this UNESCO World Heritage mountain range offers an unrivalled collection of via ferrata routes. Fixed cables, ladders, and airy bridges open up dramatic terrain to adventurous walkers, scramblers, and climbers eager to experience the thrill of these protected paths. Expertly curated, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook details 77 outstanding via ferratas across the southern Dolomites, Brenta, and Lake Garda regions. Routes range from short, accessible outings to long, committing multi-day journeys, with distances from 1 to 60km (1 to 37 miles) and durations of 1 to 12 hours. This ensures a rewarding experience for everyone from confident novices to seasoned ferratisti. Explore celebrated Dolomite areas including Brenta, Lake Garda, Pale di San Martino, Trento, Schiara, Südtirol, Civetta, Vicenza, Rovereto, Riva del Garda, Bolzano, Feltre, Cortina, Agordino, and Belluno. Each is a gateway to unforgettable mountain adventure. All routes require a helmet, harness, and via ferrata lanyard, and are best enjoyed between June and late September. Lower-altitude options around Lake Garda and the Adige valley can be climbed year-round. The guidebook features 1:50,000 mapping and detailed colour photo topos for every via ferrata route, making navigation straightforward and route-finding clear even on the most complex terrain. Practical advice covers essential equipment, safety, choosing the best base, and route planning to help you embark on your Dolomite via ferrata journey with confidence and knowledge. Each route description is accompanied by an at-a-glance information box detailing start and finish points, distance, ascent and descent, estimated time, technical grade, seriousness, wire length, and GPS coordinates for parking. This is perfect for planning your days in the Italian Dolomites. All routes are graded using the widely adopted Smith/Fletcher dual system, offering consistent guidance on both technical difficulty and seriousness unique to this spectacular region. Designed specifically for the southern Dolomites, the guide includes summary tables for quick route comparison and covers everything from short, scenic outings for beginners to challenging, exposed routes for experienced adventurers. Also available from Cicerone is Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites Volume 1, which explores the northern, central, and eastern Dolomites. Plan your via ferrata adventure in the Italian Dolomites with confidence using this definitive Cicerone guidebook, and experience the untamed beauty, rich history, and unique alpine culture of Italy’s most celebrated mountain range.

Discover the wild beauty of Montenegro’s Dinaric Alps, where limestone peaks, deep canyons and remote highland plateaus create one of Europe’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. This comprehensive guidebook describes 17 graded day walks and multi-day treks across Montenegro’s mountains and national parks. With clear route descriptions, sketch mapping and practical planning advice, it provides everything you need to explore the country’s diverse and often remote terrain with confidence. From Durmitor and Prokletije to the coastal mountains above the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kotor and the wetlands of Lake Skadar, the country’s five national parks offer outstanding opportunities for walking and hiking. This guidebook features 17 walks in Montenegro, ranging from 2–14 km (1–5 hours), while the multi-day routes span 14–44 km, with some routes involving exposed sections and light scrambling suitable for the more experienced hikerKey mountain regions including Orjen, Lovcen, Lake Skadar, Durmitor, Bjelasica, Komovi, Kucka Krajina (Žijevo), Visitor and Prokletije, with variants and extensions included so that you can tailor your walk or trek to suit your group’s ability and timescaleClear route descriptions are supported by sketch mapping to assist navigation across rugged ridgelines and forest trails of the Dinaric AlpsPractical information on accommodation in key centres like Plav, Podgorica, and Kotor, as well as where to find facilities, water sources, and transport, is provided Plus preparation advice from expert Rudolf Abrahams, including kit lists, a language glossary and background on Montenegro’s geology, wildlife, plants and history Whether you’re seeking panoramic summits, remote mountain plateaus or scenic lake and forest walks, this guidebook opens the door to unforgettable trekking in Montenegro. With expertly researched routes and detailed guidance, you can confidently plan and experience adventure in one of Europe’s most rewarding mountain destinations.

A guidebook to walking the 954km (593 mile) GR10 Sentier des Pyrenees trail between Hendaye on the Atlantic coast and Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean. This long-distance trail through the French Pyrenees is suitable for hikers with some long-distance walking experience and is best experienced July through October.  Presented in 55 stages of 7-27km (4-17 miles), for a fit walker the trek could be walked in 45 days Highlights include Pic du Midi d?Ossau, Vignemale, Gavarnie, Ariege, Canigou massif 1:100,000 mapping provided for each stage Detailed information on planning, facilities and accommodation

Trek the dramatic peaks, jagged ridges, and alpine valleys of the western Dolomites on the Alta Via 2 (AV2), a 174km (108 mile) long-distance trail from Bressanone to Feltre. This classic north–south route threads through some of Italy’s most stunning mountain scenery, including rocky passes, high plateaus, and scenic valleys, with opportunities to explore traditional mountain villages and alpine huts along the way. Suitable for experienced trekkers with a good level of fitness, AV2 typically takes around two weeks to complete. The route is divided into 13 stages of 8–22 km (5–14 miles), with alternative 3- or 6-day sections for those who prefer shorter excursions. A dedicated map booklet, featuring Kompass 1:25,000 maps with the full route line clearly marked, allows you to navigate the trail with confidence. 13 stage-by-stage route descriptions covering the full Alta Via 2 from Bressanone to Feltre, with distances, terrain summaries, and daily hiking timesPresented with 1:75,000 overview maps in the main book, plus a separate 1:25,000 Kompass map booklet with route line for precise navigationGPX files for the Alta Via 2 compatible with GPS devices and smartphone apps, allowing easy digital navigation on alpine terrainAlternative 3- or 6-day sections and exit routes, plus overview maps and route descriptions for Alta Via 3, 4, 5, and 6, for planning shorter hikes or extended trekking adventures in the central and eastern DolomitesDetailed information about mountain huts, refugios, and facilities along the route, with guidance on transport links and logisticsPlanning and preparation advice, including what to pack, seasonal considerations, and tips for navigating the high mountain passes of Italy's Southern Limestone AlpsKey highlights include the jagged Sella Group, scenic alpine valleys, historic villages, and panoramic Dolomite peaks along the north–south trail Plan your Alta Via 2 adventure with confidence and experience the scale, beauty, and challenge of the western Dolomites with this comprehensive guidebook.

A guidebook to walking the 224km (140 mile) Rota Vicentina, between Santiago do Cacém and Cabo de Sao Vicente. This long-distance trail following Portugal?s Atlantic coastline through the Alentejo and Algarve regions is suitable for all fit walkers and is best experienced Spring and Autumn. Presented in 12 stages of 12-24km (7-15 miles) that combines two well-marked routes, the Caminho Histórico (the Historical Way) and the Trilho dos Pescadores (the Fishermen''s Trail) Guide also describes an alternative circular route for those who would prefer an 11-stage loop, moving inland from Odeceixe and back up to Santiago de Cacém Route passes key areas including Cercal do Alentejo, Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar, Aljezur, Arrifana, Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo, Sagres, Odemira 1:100,000 mapping provided for each stage GPX files available to download Detailed information on planning, transport and accommodation

Explore a classic Alpine adventure across three countries on a long-distance trek that links the Bavarian heartland with Italy’s iconic lagoon city. From Munich’s Marienplatz to the Piazza San Marco in Venice, the Dream Way (Der Traumpfad) traverses some of the most stunning high-mountain scenery in the eastern Alps, with varied landscapes ranging from the Karwendel and Zillertal Alps to the dramatic Dolomites. Trekking Munich to Venice: The Traumpfad, ‘Dream Way’ is your essential guidebook for planning and undertaking this remarkable 570 km (354 mile) Alpine journey. Written by experienced trekker John Hayes, this guide combines detailed stage descriptions with practical advice on accommodation, logistics, terrain, and seasonal considerations so you can walk with confidence and enjoyment. The guidebook includes comprehensive stage-by-stage route descriptions covering Munich to Venice in 30 sections, with practical distances and expected walking times for itinerary planningFive alternate stages and an optional via ferrata day in the Dolomites are described, offering flexibility and scenic variety for those with a head for heightsGPX files and mapping (1:100,000 plus larger urban maps) are included to support confident navigation and route planningDetailed accommodation, refreshment, transport and resupply information for each stage and in key centres like Hall, Pfunders, Alleghe, and Belluno, making daily logistics easier to managePlanning and preparation advice from an expert, including best seasons to go, walking times, difficulty, terrain types, and how to get the most from mountain huts and local facilities Walking the Dream Way is an immersive, unforgettable month-long experience that blends challenging Alpine terrain with cultural richness and varied landscapes; the perfect trail for walkers with reasonable fitness. This guidebook provides the insight, detail, and inspiration to help you take on one of the Alps’ most iconic routes with confidence.

Master the art of navigation and unlock new adventures with Navigation by Pete Hawkins, the definitive Cicerone guide to using a map and compass with confidence. Whether you’re a complete beginner keen to take your first steps off the beaten track, or an experienced walker looking to hone your skills for challenging conditions, this compact, practical handbook provides everything you need to navigate safely and independently, on any walk, in any weather. Navigation is packed with clear explanations, step-by-step guidance, and hands-on exercises designed to build your confidence on the hill and beyond. The book guides you through every element of map and compass navigation, from understanding scales, grids, symbols, and contours, to taking bearings, planning routes, and navigating in the mountains, at night, or in poor weather. You’ll find practical advice on choosing and using a compass, reading map features in detail, and integrating technology such as GPS to complement your traditional skills. Learn the essentials: chapters cover scales and grids, map symbols and contours, map reading, compass use, bearings, route planning, and advanced techniques for night and bad-weather navigation. Packed with visual aids: illustrative map extracts, diagrams, and graphics help demystify navigation, while practical exercises encourage you to put theory into practice and develop your skills. Embrace technology: advice on using GPS devices and computer mapping is included, offering a balanced view of how digital tools can enhance your understanding of a map and compass. Thoughtfully designed: the compact format slips easily into a jacket pocket or rucksack, making it the perfect companion on any walk. Comprehensive reference: includes a romer, map scales, timing and pacing charts for quick access in the field, with all topics clearly referenced and easy to find. Written by an expert: Pete Hawkins draws on a wealth of experience teaching navigation, delivering clear, jargon-free explanations that make even advanced techniques accessible. As you progress, your confidence will grow, symbols and features that once seemed obscure become familiar, and your ability to plan and execute your own routes will blossom. This comprehensive Cicerone guide is an indispensable companion for anyone seeking the freedom, safety, and satisfaction of exploring the outdoors. Master the skills that keep you safe, enrich your adventures, and open up new horizons with this essential Cicerone guide.

Discover the vineyard-covered hills of northern Italy with this guide to walking in the Prosecco Hills, a UNESCO-listed landscape between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in the Veneto region. Terraced vineyards, wooded slopes and historic villages create a distinctive patchwork of scenery, with quiet paths linking churches, castles and wine-producing communities in one of Italy’s most celebrated rural landscapes. The routes are suitable for walkers of all abilities, with a mix of short vineyard walks and a longer multi-day trail through the region. Day walks range from gentle strolls to rewarding hill walks, while the 4-day Cammino delle Colline del Prosecco links valleys and hilltop villages between Vidor and Vittorio Veneto. The guidebook is ideal for travellers who want to combine scenic walking with local culture, food and wine. 15 varied day walks ranging from 2–13km (1–8 miles), plus the 4-day Cammino delle Colline del Prosecco covering 51km (32 miles) across the heart of the regionRoutes explore the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills north of Venice, following paths through terraced vineyards, wooded hillsides and quiet rural lanesWalks connect historic villages and wine towns including Valdobbiadene, Pieve di Soligo, Follina, Conegliano and Vittorio VenetoClear step-by-step route descriptions with 1:50,000 map extracts for every walk to make navigation straightforwardGPX files available to download, allowing you to follow each route easily using a GPS device or smartphone navigation appDetailed practical information on planning, facilities, public transport, accommodation and local wineries, helping you combine walking with food and wine experiences From peaceful vineyard paths to historic hilltop villages, these routes offer a relaxed way to experience the landscapes, traditions and flavours of Italy’s Prosecco country. This guidebook provides everything you need to plan memorable walks in one of northern Italy’s most distinctive regions.

With breathtaking scenery, some 600km of well-maintained, waymarked paths and a selection of characterful resorts, the Tatras mountains have all the elements of a perfect walking holiday. Straddling the border between Slovakia and Poland, the region boasts stunning mountain landscapes: rocky pinnacles, craggy peaks, jagged ridges and towering cliffs, mirror-surfaced tarns and dancing waterfalls. Covering the Western, High and White Tatras, and both sides of the Polish-Slovakian border, it presents 180 walks and scrambles routes of between 1km and 30km (both circular and linear and from easy to strenuous) linking the main resorts with peaks, lakes and mountain chalets. In Poland, there is just one base - delightful Zakopane - whereas in Slovakia, you can walk from several villages strung out along the foot of the range and linked by a tramway. The guide also includes a wealth of information about local services, facilities and attractions and extensive practical advice covering travel and insurance, accommodation and facilities, mountain guides, languages and safety in the mountains. The Tatras have been designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in recognition of their rich biodiversity and the guide presents a summary of the region's plants and wildlife, as well as its fascinating history. Other highlights include an ascent of Krivan, the national symbol of Slovakia, glorious ridge walks in the Western Tatras and gentler strolls taking in caves and waterfalls. Blending information with inspiration, this book is a must for anyone wishing to visit the High Tatras.

The first in a two-volume set, this guide describes cycling the first half of the 1271km Danube river from its source in the Black Forest to Budapest. The main route in this volume has been broken into 29 stages, averaging 44km per stage. A fit cyclist, cycling an average of 90km per day should be able to complete the route in a fortnight. Suitable for all levels of cyclist, on all types of bike, the route is on a gentle downhill gradient, is mostly off-road and uses well-surfaced and dedicated cycle tracks or quiet country roads. With guidance on the plentiful accommodation and places to stop for food and drink en route. The Danube Cycle Way has become the most popular holiday cycle touring route in mainland Europe. Leading through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, the route visits spectacular gorges, hilltop castles, vineyard-clad hillsides and medieval towns.