Active and Awesome 40’s - 60’s, Hike, Kayak, Travel

One of Meetup's most popular events - Kayaking on Lake Union with Joe! Great for BEGINNERS and experienced paddlers!

You LOVE kayaking or want to try.. You CRAVE warmth & sunshine..
You DELIGHT in meeting new friends. Gorgeous, 83 degrees weather this week. Get out of work early.. it’s worth it!

We could always use more 'Males/Men'... to join us. Event is cross-posted w other Meetups.
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Cross-posted w Active & Awesome 40-60, SOA, and PNW Hiking & Adventures.

STRICT MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE of ONLY 14.

KAYAKERS, Meet at NWOC, right at 5:20- 5:30pm.
BE ON TIME!

Free parking after 4 pm.
As typical in Seattle, allow for extra time for traffic.
(Or, Metro Bus #40 stops right in front.)
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ORGANIZER:
Joe Staiano, 206-305-2200. (not avail after 5:30 pm, while kayaking)
joe@MeaningfulTrip(dot)com
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STRICT MAXIMUM OF 14 People. Cross-posted w other meetups. Only RSVP if you know you will make it.
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We have mix of double & single kayaks. We always pair any first-timer with a more experienced paddler in a double kayak.
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ANSWERS TO FREQUENT QUESTIONS:
OK for first-timers, YES
Is there a BATHROOM... YES
Is there changing room?.. YES

Sorry.. No SUP or inflatables
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APPROX COST FOR Hour & Half:
Approx $27 per person sharing double. $35 for single.
(pay when finished, NWOC takes cash or credit card).

• Bring $3 cash per person for us to tip the NWOC Kayak staff

WHAT IS PROVIDED:

• Kayak, paddle, lifejacket

WHAT TO WEAR:
sneakers or sandals
shorts or pants that are OK to get a little wet
t-shirt and or long sleeve shirt.

WHAT TO BRING:
Water bottle
sun hat
sun screen
sun glasses
dry shorts or pants to change into after
$3 cash to give to Joe to distribute tips to kayak staff
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OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS:
-All my Meetups are always inclusive to all races, religions and identities
-Never leave any valuables visible in your car.
-Folks will give, wallets, car keys to joe, which are kept safely inside NWOC office. (never want to risk a wallet or keys falling into the lake)
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DISCLAIMER:
40-60 Active & Awesome, SOA, and International Travel and Adventures Meetups are not professional guide services. Event leaders function as facilitators only to enhance your outdoor experience. You join this active event at your own risk and hold harmless Meetup leaders in the event of injury or loss.

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DREAMING of TRAVEL?

Discover the captivating beauty of Italy's Dolomites on this hiking adventure. The Dolomites in Northeastern Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere! Ascend gondolas and cable cars to reach iconic ridgelines and famous mountain trails such as Cinque Torri, Seceda, Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi. Hike 6 - 7 miles daily with lunch stops at mountain refugios. Learn about the WWI history of this region. Even enjoy one day of awesome bicycling on a converted railway line. Start and end in Venice and while in the Dolomites, enjoy multiple 3-night stays in 3 & 4-star lodges in two charming mountain villages of Ortisei and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Toast each day’s adventures with new friends over delicious Italian and Tyrol cuisine and wine.
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Introducing Meetup Travels – Specially curated adventures to some of the world’s most exciting destinations, offering the activities you adore, value-pricing, comfortable lodgings, culinary delights, local guides, authentic touches, giving back, and, of course, Meetup fun and camaraderie. Our 6th season of running safe, active, fun tours to Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, Iceland… and now… ITALY’s Dolomites!
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OVERVIEW:
Days: 9
Date: Sept 13 - 21, 2025
Discounted Meetup Price: $3,195 (international airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $900
Group Size: 6 – 8
Minimum Age: 15
Level: Moderate

HIGHLIGHTS
World Famous Hiking
Venice, + 2 Charming Hotel Bases: Ortisei and Cortina d'Ampezzo
Blend of Italian, Austrian and Ladin Cultures & Cuisines
Hiking 5 - 7 miles daily
Amazing Food & Wines

ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Transfer Ortisei, Hike Resincia
Day 3: Seceda Hike
Day 4: Alpe di Siusi Hike
Day 5: Transfer Cortina, Bike Ride
Day 6: Cinque Torri Hike
Day 7: Lake Sorapis Hike
Day 8: Free time, Return Venice
Day 9: End
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Included:
8 nights hotel accommodations
Breakfasts as per itinerary
Venice to Ortisei transfer
Ortisei to Cortina transfer
Cortina to Venice transfer
Meetup Tour Escort

NOT included:
International Airfare
Transfer to/from Venice Airport
Travel Insurance
Lunches, Dinners, Drinks
Gondola / Cable Car fees
Bicycle rental
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
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Entry Requirements:
Must have a US Passport valid for 6 months beyond the tour end date. Visa is not required for US citizens (this may change in 2026). COVID vaccination recommended, not required.
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Trip starts and ends in Venice, Italy.
Depart the USA Sept 12. Arrive anytime on Day 1, Sept 13th. Return home anytime on Sept 21. Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers.

Safety
Italy's Dolomite region is generally safe.

Weather
People flock to the Dolomites in winter for skiing. Summer and fall are the ideal hiking seasons. Average September temperatures are around 68-70 degrees.
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Lodging
This trip includes 8 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges. Two nights in Venice hotels, and two 3-night stays at 3 & 4-star lodges in two charming mountain towns of Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo.