Dolomites Adventure

Our trip begins in Venice, one of the most iconic cities in the world. We’ll meet you at Venice Marco Polo Airport and make our way towards Cortina d’Ampezzo in the heart of the Dolomites. As we head north, the foothills rapidly steepen and become more colorful around every corner. Amidst rolling green meadows and high rock monoliths, Cortina village is one of the most picture-perfect mountain towns in the world. There’s almost not a blade of grass, roof tile, or street cobblestone out of place.

Once we arrive in town we’ll walk to a local restaurant for lunch, where you’ll have the opportunity to try the local beetroot ravioli! After lunch, we‘ll take an introductory hike to the Cascade di Fanes and this afternoon you’ll have a chance to briefly explore the cobbled streets of the iconic mountain town of Cortina before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Franceschi, Cortina
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3.1 miles (5 kilometers), 2-2.25 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 492 feet (150 meters) ascent, 492 feet (150 meters) descent

Today we’ll circumnavigate the most iconic landmark in the Dolomites – the soaring peaks of Tre Cime de Lavaredo. First climbed in the 1930s, these three massive rock monoliths, that seemingly rise out of nowhere in isolation from other peaks, loom large high over the valleys below. It’s difficult to look away! If there’s one thing to peel your attention away from the scenery, it’s the best espresso you’ll ever receive.

Later, as we hike further around the peaks, their shape and form evolve with every step – the views keep getting better! Keep an eye out for bunkers and old barracks on the trail today, as this area is dotted with reminders of the First World War.

After our hike, we’ll drive a short distance back to Cortina d’ Ampezzo.
Accommodation: Hotel Franceschi, Cortina
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: Longer option: 8 miles (12.9 kilometers), 6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,000 feet (610 meters) ascent, 2,000 feet (610 meters) descent

Hiking: Shorter option (Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop): 5.4 miles (8.6 kilometers), 4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,863 feet (568 meters) ascent, 1,863 feet (568 meters) descent

This morning we’ll ride along the converted Val di Landro railway line – once the only communication link between the towns of Calalzo, Cortina, Dobbiaco amd the Austrian border. Non-operational since the 1960s, this route cuts through some of the most iconic and dramatic scenery in the Dolomites. 

Nowadays the bridges and stations are still standing, and the route is perfect for e-biking with a gradual slope. The incredible iron bridges traverse deep canyons providing views of the mountains and glaciers that are some of the most beautiful in the Dolomites. We’ll pass Ospitale, the site of a 13th century frescoed chapel and hospice for pilgrims - damaged during WWI, it has since been reconstructed and transformed into a charming restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants opened in Europe and still operating.

Continuing the ride, we’ll pass by two shallow lakes leading to Cimabanche pass (1,529m/5,015'), marking the highest point of the day, then descending on coarse gravel to the smeraldine Landro lake. We’ll soon reach Restaurant Durrensee where we can try their apelstrudel and admire Lago di Landro Durrensee, before making our way back to Cortina along the railway line.

If you prefer, there’s plenty of free time in Cortina to relax and tonight you’ll have the evening free to choose from one of the many restaurants for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Franceschi, Cortina
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking (Optional): 36 miles (60 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,392 feet (725 meters) ascent, 2,332 feet (707 meters) descent

Today we’ll begin our hike into the heart of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park. After a short drive deeper into the mountains, we’ll set off on the trail, following the turquoise Boite River higher up the Valon Scuro with the massive Piccola Croda Rossa looming large above us. Through dwarf pines, into a lovely, flowered basin, and past the usually dry lake, Lago di Remeda Rossa. We’ll climb from the lake to Rifugio Biella (2,327m / 7,634'), with its beautiful panoramic views of the Tofane and Pelmo Massifs to the south. We can choose to stop for lunch here or continue and have lunch at Rifugio Sennes at 6,975 feet (2,126 meters).

Afterward, it’s an easy 1-hour hike down to our accommodation for the night at Fodara Vedla, a rifugio surrounded by massive peaks to the south, east and north, and the vast Vallone di Rudo to the west.
Accommodation: Rifugio Fodara Vedla, San Vigilio
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 7.4 miles (11.9 kilometers), 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,300 ft (700 meters) ascent, 1,345 feet (410 meters) descent 
Notes: Depending on the weather conditions on the day, your guide may opt for a different route

This morning you'll set off along the legendary Hunter's trail, reaching the foot of the imposing Mutejela rock pyramid. The hike is a geologists dream, through dramatic karst landscapes marked by pinnacles and rock walls. The trail opens up to flowery meados and beautiful views as you stop for refreshments in Rigugio Sennes. Rifugio Sennes, or The Senneshütte, offers a far-reaching panorama over some of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites: Hohe Gaisel, Cristallo, Sorapis and Tofane. From Rifugio Sennes, we’ll take the path toward Rifugio Munt de Sennes, hiking along the Val de San Berto and continue to Muntejela de Senes (The peak).

Later you'll return to Rifugio Fodara Vedla.
Accommodation: Rifugio Fodara Vedla, San Vigilio
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 8.4 miles (13.6 kilometers), 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,005 feet (916 meters) ascent, 3,005 feet (916 meters) descent

Departing your rifugio this morning, you'll hike downhill towards Rifugio Pederù at an altitude of 5,079 feet (1,547 meters). From Rifugio Pederü, we’ll then hike uphill in the direction of Lago di Limo. 

When we reach Lake Lé Piciodel we'll be hiking through a landscape studded with little lakes and rounded mountain tops along the Ru d'Al Plan River. Continuing to follow the trail toward Lago di Limo, we’ll arrive at Rifugio Fanes (2,060m / 6,759'), the perfect lunch stop. From Rifugio Fanes, we’ll continue to hike south on gentle curves out of a steep valley to Passo di Limo (2,172m / 7,126'), past an old military building and a wooden cross, hiking down for Malga Fanes Grande (2,104m / 6,903') a cheery converted farm. The route continues through the beautiful high meadow and karst formations and then descends to Capanna Alpina (1,726m / 5,663'), a restaurant built at the edge of the Natural Park in an incredible setting. 

From here, we'll have a private transfer to our hotel in Alta Badia.
Accommodation: Hotel Conturines, Hotel Stores or Hotel Steinrosl, San Cassiano
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 9.8 miles (16.4 kilometers), 6-7 hours 
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,434 feet (738 meters) ascent, 3,240 feet (982 meters) descent.

Today we'll hike to the Santa Croce Sanctuary from the base of the Sasso della Croce. We’ll begin walking uphill on a paved road, passing through a number of closely-knit hamlets formed of clusters of ancient shingle-roofed timber farmhouses and barns, known as viles. These small communities are characteristic of Val Badia; in medieval times they were grouped together for protection, forming self-sufficient units with their own collective oven and well. The properties have also been safeguarded from demolition and destruction, thanks to the deeply rooted and legally recognized custom of the maso chiuso - closed farm - introduced in the sixth century, whereby the eldest son is expected to carry on farm activities and traditions while siblings must leave to seek fortune elsewhere. 

We’ll walk out of the village on the road that leads to the higher "viles" of Larjei and Rudiferia: these are some farmhouses and barns that belong to old local families. Entering the beautiful forest of larches and spruce pines, our climb becomes steep before it becomes a single-track trail. As we reach closer to the Sanctuary, we’ll notice the 13 stations of the cross, and views open up in front of your eyes: Santa Croce peak, the Conturines and Sella Mountain groups, and the meadows above the towns of La Villa, Pedraces and San Leonardo. We’ll start to descend and hike north, following the signs to Armentara and to Ranch da Andrè, continuing in the direction of San Leonardo Village until we reach the small hamlet of Valgiarei.

From here, we'll have a private transfer back to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Conturines, Hotel Stores or Hotel Steinrosl, San Cassiano
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 7.7 miles (12.4 kilometers), 5 hours 
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,837 feet (560 meters) ascent, 1,705 feet (502 meters) descent

This morning the group will split, depending on what option has been chosen.

The Via Ferrata group will drive to Passo Lagazuoi where a new Via Ferrata has been inaugurated in October on the Sasso de Stria peak. Lieutenant ‘Mario Fusetti’ climbed the Sasso di Stria peak to occupy the summit in 1915 during WW1. To commemorate the sacrifice of these soldiers, in the year of the centenary of the end of the First World War, the Army's Alpine Troop secured the original trail with sturdy bolts and cables, to reach the summit from the South West side, opening up to wonderful 360 degree views over the neighboring mountain ranges. From the ‘Forte Tre Sassi’ WW1 museum we'll hike along the Goiginger gallery and the trail continues across the saddle, home to Austro-Hungarian post, reaching the start of the Via Ferrata in around 25 minutes. 

This relatively short Via Ferrata is great to test your climbing skills and we'll begin the climb on the equipped trail, reaching the trenches located 110m/360’ above, in approximately 40 minutes. The Via Ferrata ends beneath the summit, which can be reached following the already existing trail. The descent is on a well marked trail to 'Forte Tre Sassi' WW1 museum, which is open to visitors in the summer months. We'll then take a cable-car up to Mount Lagazuoi where you'll meet up with the rest of the group.

For others who chose not to do the Via Ferrata, we’ll drive to Il Forte at Passo Valparola where we’ll begin hiking to Passo Falzarego (2,105 m / 6,906').  The hike starts with a gentle ascent across grassy hillsides, and as we gain elevation the terrain becomes rockier, interspersed with wildflowers such as gentians and pink thrift. We’ll take a short break at Lago di Limedes, then return along the same route to Passo Falzarego and take a cable-car up to Mount Lagazuoi, where you'll meet up with the rest of the group. 

After lunch together, we'll hike down to the Galleria del Lagazuoi, a fascinating open air and underground WWI museum carved into the mountains. This is where the Italian and Austro–Hungarian armies dug shelters out of the mountains, transforming them into an impenetrable 20th Century fortress of tunnels, trenches and machine gun posts. A number of different subterranean routes take us on a behind the scenes tour of some of the dramatic high-altitude battles that were fought in World War 1. 
Accommodation: Hotel Conturines or Hotel Steinrosl, San Cassiano
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Via Ferrata Experience: 2 hours. This option must be selected at the time of booking.
Notes: Please note the trails on the Via Ferrata Experience are narrow and involve considerable vertical gain along sections of protected climbing paths with iron cables and iron steps and ladders. While the trails are perfectly manageable for participants in good shape, the experience is not suitable for anyone with fear of heights.

Hiking: 3 miles (4.9 kilometers), 1-2 hours 
Elevation Gain/Loss: 349 feet (106 meters) ascent, 606 feet (184 meters) descent 

Today is the last day of your trip in the Dolomites. You’ll go home knowing you’ve hiked, biked, explored by via ferrata, and immersed yourself in one of the most spectacularly beautiful regions on the planet. We’ll head back to Venice this morning in time for flights leaving in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast