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.
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 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Franceschi, Cortina
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking (Optional): 34 miles (54 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 950 feet (289 meters) ascent, 950 feet (289 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.

We’ll have lunch at Rifugio Sennes at 6,975 feet (2,126 meters) 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!
Accommodation: Rifugio Fodara Vedla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers), 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,018 feet (920 meters) ascent, 984 feet (300 meters) descent
Optional Afternoon Hike: 3.2 miles (5.3 kilometers), 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,608 feet (490 meters) ascent, 426 feet (130 meters) descent

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. From here you'll get some panoramic views of some of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. 

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

Hiking: 8.4 miles (13.6 kilometers)
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 here you will have a private transfer to Castalta in Badia  which is about a 50 minutes drive.  

The journey continues  through a larch tree forest, to Malga Pasciantadù. The path is flanked by the Via Crucis stations, and crosses pastures, mugo pines, and woods, reaching the church and sanctuary of Ospizio Santa Croce at 6,710 feet (2,045 meters). The sober white church was consecrated in 1484 and holds an image of Christ bearing the cross, hence the name of the mountain - Sasso della Croce, "stone of the cross." The original chapel on the site was built in the 11th century, when a wealthy count of the Val Pusteria withdrew here in meditation, in repentance for his harsh treatment of his subjects. He then donated all of his earthly possessions to the nearby abbey, the badia, which gave its name to Val Badia. The "pilgrim's" hospice (ospizio) building, built in 1718, was originally the sacristan's lodgings.

There is a charming rifugio here, where you can enjoy a traditional Dolomites lunch. Don't miss the famous Kaiserschmarren, a crepe-like pancake with powdered sugar and jam!
In the afternoon we'll hike on path Number 15 to reach the village of San Cassiano and check-in into your hotel. Our home for the next couple of evenings is the village of San Cassiano at the head of the valley.
Accommodation: Hotel Conturines or Hotel Steinrosl, San Cassiano
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 7.38 miles (12.3 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,253 feet (380 meters) ascent, 3,180 feet (964 meters) descent

In the morning, we'll take a private transfer to Capanna Alpina at an elevation of 5,663 feet (1,726 meters), a restaurant built at the edge of the Natural Park in an incredible setting. From here, you'll begin climbing on trail Number 11 for about 1 hour. At the top of the climb, you are at Col de Locia at an elevation of 6,788 feet (2,069 meters), from where you can admire the beauty of Alta Badia right in front of your eyes. 

Col de Locia marks the entrance of a fairy tale valley amidst the mountains with green pastures all around. At a crossroads, the route continues on your right through the beautiful high meadow and karst formations, climbing to the Forcella del Lago, a narrow and dramatic gap in the mountain with a trail descent through steep talus on the south side. At the base of the slope is the lake called Lago Lagacio' whose green waters are framed by pines with a backdrop of the sheer walls of the Cima del Lago and the Cima Scotoni. From the lake, walk downwards, and reach a beautifully placed Rifugio Scotoni at an elevation of  6,512 feet (1,985 meters), and continue downhill to Capanna Alpina. 
Accommodation: Hotel Conturines or Hotel Steinrosl, San Cassiano
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 6 miles (10 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,268 feet (1,301 meters) ascent, 4,287 feet (1,307 meters) descent

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.
Accommodation: Hotel Conturines or Hotel Steinrosl, San Cassiano
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 459 feet (140 meters) ascent, 2,624 feet (800 meters) descent

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.

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