A One-of-a-Kind Dolomites Hiking Tour

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 a family-made lunch in an Italian refugio, followed by 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.

Hotel Franceschi, Cortina (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hiking: 13 kilometers (8 miles), 5-7 hours, elevation +/- 610 meters (2,000 feet)

This morning we’ll ride along the converted Val di Landro railway line – once the only communication link between the towns of Calalzo, Cortina and Dobbiaco on the Austrian border. Non-operational since the 1960s, this route cuts through some of the most iconic and dramatic scenery in the Dolomites. We’ll ride over iron bridges that skirt deep canyons, through tunnels and across gentle passes that afford dramatically beautiful views of some of the Dolomites’ steepest peaks, including Tre Cime de Lavaredo. 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.

Hotel Franceschi, Cortina (Breakfast, Lunch)

Biking: Optional: 54 kilometers (34 miles), 5-7 hours, elevation +/- 289 meters (950 feet); Or one way: 27 kilometers (17 miles), 3-4 hours

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. We’ll have lunch at Rifugio Senes and 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. For those who are keen on more hiking today, we’ll hike above Fodara Vedla to Col de Lasta where we’ll be greeted by 360-degree views of the highest peaks in the Dolomites. Every way you look you’ll be blown away by orange and red spires, including the imposing Croda Rossa (10,320 feet), saturated in the late afternoon light. It’s a sight to behold!

Refugio Fodara Vedla (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hiking: 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles), 4-6 hours, elevation + 920 meters, elevation - 300 meters (984 feet)
Hiking: Optional: 5.3 kilometers (3.2 miles), 1-3 hours, elevation + 490 meters (1,608 feet), elevation - 130 meters (426 feet)

The morning light here in Fodara Vedla lends itself kindly to the peaks immediately surrounding this small hamlet – it’s worth getting up early for! After breakfast, we’ll hike down through the larch fir forest and into the Pederu valley. As we descend the valley, the towering peaks of the Lavinores Range reveal themselves in dramatic red and yellow – typical coloring of the Dolomite rock. After a mid-morning break at Refugio Pederu, we’ll head deeper into the natural park and ascend the Vallone di Rudo and into a wide open basin, home to Refugio Lavarella, a comfortable family-run mountain hotel. This place is in an incredible setting, surrounded by massive peaks and small alpine lakes. After lunch, it’s an easy stroll to Refugio Fanes, through the moonlike landscapes of the Pian Dies Sarens trail to Passo di San Antonio, where we’ll spend the night. If you’d like, you can join us for an extra hike this afternoon taking advantage of the many trails within the Vallone di Rudo or simply relax at the Refugio. Later we’ll have the chance to sit back on the deck of our refugio and enjoy an espresso or glass of wine while soaking up the incredible vistas.

Refugio Fanes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hiking: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), 3-5 hours, elevation + 700 meters (2,300 feet), elevation - 620 meters (2,040 feet)
Hiking: Optional: 9 kilometers (5.5 miles), 3-5 hours, elevation +/- 426 meters (1,398 feet)

Today we’ll hike out of the Fannes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, on to the Gran Fanes plateau, and drop down and over the Col de Locia. The landscape here changes around every corner – from sweeping meadows and steep rocky ridges to deep valleys of larch forest. The final stages of today’s hike bring us down to Alta Badia – often described as the “heart and soul” of the Dolomites. With tiny villages dotted along the valley, this region is a step back in time, and picture postcard beautiful. Our home for the next couple of evenings is the village of San Cassiano at the head of the valley.

Hotel Conturines or similar, San Cassiano (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hiking: 11.4 kilometers (7 miles), 5-6 hours, elevation + 250 meters (820 feet), elevation - 650 meters (2,132 feet)

This morning we’ll drive a short distance to the Valparola Pass, where we’ll set off on a hike on the Setsass Dolomiti Range. This magnificent high ridgeline trail affords superb 360-degree views the whole way. No matter which way you turn, you’ll have the highest peaks in the Dolomites up close and personal and on show – Conturines, Sas de Pütia and Marmolada (to name just a few), the “Queen of the Dolomites”. After lunch at the Pralongia High Plateau, we’ll head down a trail through an area of lush green pastures and wildflowers dotted with traditional chalets, to our hotel in San Cassiano.

Hotel Conturines or similar, San Cassiano (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hiking: 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), 5-6 hours, elevation + 730 meters (2,395 feet), 785 meters (2575 feet)

This morning we’ll drive to Passo Valparola where a new Via Ferrata has been inaugurated in October on the Sasso de Stria peak. 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. 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. For others who chose not to do the Via Ferrata, you'll walk along a track to check out WWI trenches, finishing at Passo Falzarego. From there you'll ascend in the Lagazoui cable car for a a short walk up at the top where we'll all re-group and enjoy lunch. After lunch, from here, we’ll hike up 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.

Hotel Conturines or similar, San Cassiano (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hiking: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation + 140 meters (459 feet), elevation - 800 meters (2,624 feet)
Notes: Optional Via Ferrata Experience: 2 hours. This option must be selected at the time of booking.

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. If you have more time here, we’re happy to help arrange extra accommodation.

No Accommodation (Breakfast)