Prosecco, Pasta, Peaks and Plunges

There’s something so wonderful about gathering a group of adventurous women and setting off to explore the world together. Just last week, a small group of WanderFemmes traded our harried lives for the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, the sparkling vineyards of Valdobbiadene, and the magical winding canals of Venice — a week that was equal parts adventure, indulgence, and pure joy.

Here’s a glimpse of some of the highlights of our unforgettable adventure:

Pedaling Through Prosecco Country

Sunkissed, we pedaled (well, they were e-bikes, so we sort of pedaled) the rolling hills of Valdobbiadene, the heart of Italy’s Prosecco region. Our bikes carried us through lush vineyards and winding country roads with panoramic views that seemed plucked from a postcard.

No ride here is complete without a little indulgence. We paused for a Prosecco tasting/tour at Bastia, a small, family-run winery where we learned the art of the region’s signature sparkling wine — crisp, floral, and perfect after a ride. Laughter flowed as freely as the bubbles, and by the end of the day, we’d made fast friends and collected a few bottles to send home!

The Thrill of the Via Ferrata

Next, we headed high into the Dolomites. Towering limestone spires greeted us as we geared up for a via ferrata. Via ferratas are the “iron paths” that allow climbers to traverse dramatic cliffs with the aid of cables, ladders, and metal rungs. They were originally used by soldiers in WWI, as the Dolomites were an important front. But they have since been fortified and many even created for the pleasure of climbing without ropes.

Our hike took us below the face of a long cliff, then after we geared up, we climbed the narrowest switchbacks we'd ever seen, across a suspension bridge, spanning a deep canyon, then along a narrow path carved horizontally into vertical rock. It was exhilarating!

There’s a special kind of bond forged on a via ferrata — the cheers at tricky sections, the collective deep breaths, the high-fives at the top. We returned to our BnB tired, exhilarated, and feeling stronger than we’d arrived.

Skinny-dipping (maybe) in a Slot Canyon

One of the most spontaneous moments of the trip came deep in a narrow slot canyon, where emerald-green glacial water shimmered beneath towering stone walls. The sun filtered down in beams, lighting the icy pool like a hidden gem.

On a collective dare (and a burst of boldness), we stripped down and skinny dipped — gasping as the freezing water stole our breath! It was pure exhilaration — a moment of freedom!

Forest Sauna & River Plunge: The Ultimate Reset

One evening, after hiking, we visited the outdoor sauna tucked into a quiet forest at our BnB. The scent of pine filled the air as we sweated out our aches, gazing through the glass walls at towering trees.

Then came the boldest challenge yet — a plunge into the icy river nearby.

Squeals and gasps gave way to euphoric grins. There’s nothing like a cold dip to awaken every cell in your body. We emerged refreshed, glowing, and ready for the next two rounds! Afterwards, we relaxed in the wood-fired hot tub with a glass of local bubbly.

Culinary Delights: From Mountain Fare to Cooking our Own!

Our days were fueled by some of the best local food imaginable. Cozy mountain restaurants served hearty fare — rich polenta, wild mushrooms, and creamy cheeses. In the villages, we dined on handmade pasta and pizza, fresh fish, and seasonal produce. Each meal was a celebration of the region’s bounty.

A huge highlight of the trip was a cooking class where we learned to make pasta from scratch as well as many other culinary creations! We went to a local neighbor's home and she and her lovely daughters guided our hands as we learned from the best!

Venice: A Grand Finale

Our journey ended with a couple dreamy days in Venice. We lost ourselves in winding alleyways and stumbled upon hidden courtyards, fresh vegetable markets and artisan workshops.

There was something poetic about ending our adventure in a city so steeped in history and beauty. From wild peaks to shimmering canals, our trip had been a celebration of friendship, courage, and the pure joy of discovery.

Final Thoughts

Adventure travel has a unique power — it transforms, it bonds, it reminds us of how alive we can feel. This trip through a tiny portion of Northern Italy was much more than a vacation. It was an experience of connection: to nature, to the food, the land and the people, to one another, and to ourselves.

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable women’s adventure — one that blends adrenaline, indulgence, and awe — come with us in October. There is no better time than now to start prioritizing you!