Located in northeastern Italy just two hours from Venice, the Dolomite Mountains are not your everyday alpine range. These knife-edged peaks and towers come in irregular, fantastical shapes, as if formed by the gods during a primordial, Bacchanalian frenzy. Their vertical walls are literally in your face. As our well-traveled mountain guide exclaimed, “Where else can you walk right up to the face of such tall mountains?!”

From just about any trail or roadway, a grand panorama presents itself. Make a quarter turn, right or left, and yet another staggering scene comes into view. It’s little wonder Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the 20^th century, said, “The Dolomites are the most beautiful architectural work on earth.”

Formed from a 250 million-year-old, Triassic Age seabed, these mountains—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—are a paradise for hikers, climbers, skiers and bikers. The area also has one of the greatest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Alps and a range of accommodations—from romantic, 5-star hotels to wilderness rifugios.

For more information, get in touch with Agustina Lagos Marmol, founder of Dolomite Mountains, a company established to serve the needs of discriminating, upscale travelers who want a customized, mountain experience that can be coordinated with travel to other destinations. Originally from Argentina, this world traveler and adventurer emphasizes that the Dolomites offer “a perfect blend of authenticity and luxury that’s not to be missed.”

Visit www.dolomite mountains.com