European Alps
Dolomites Circular Trek
- Best of the central and eastern Dolomites
- Spectacular Cinque Torri and WWI trenches
- Italian hospitality and local specialities
- Walk with an experienced International Mountain Leader
$4,090.00
European Alps
Dolomites Traverse – 11 day
- Trek east to west, and cross the mighty Sciliar Plateau
- Magnificent balcony views of the Marmolada (the highest mountain)
-
Two refuge stays in magnificent surroundings
- Free day in the delightful village of San Cassiano
$5,250.00
On the trail
The experience
The Dolomites are very steep and rocky mountains so consequently the terrain is often uneven, rough, stony and hard underfoot and some of the paths are narrow and exposed. There are also vast scree slopes. To get the most from the hikes on this trip you will need to be fit, experienced and free from vertigo. Watch this short video for an overview of what our Italian Dolomites walks offer.
Explore
Italian Dolomites Route Map
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Surrounded by towering peaks, including the iconic Tofane, Cristallo, and Cinque Torri, this bustling town in the heart of the Dolomites is a major hub for locals and visitors and the perfect place to enjoy delicious Italian coffee and scrumptious strudel before another big trekking day. Its charming pedestrian streets are perfect for leisurely strolls, and the historic center features picturesque churches and charming squares.
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Rifugio Fodara Vedla
Nestled in a vast green basin in the heart of Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, this authentic high mountain hut (1980m) is a family-run gem. The setting offers stunning views of jagged peaks and panoramas, and the meals here are outstanding – crispy salads from the rifugio’s garden, handmade pasta dishes and Tyrolean specialties.
Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park
The Fanes Dolomites is home to fascinating Ladin legends as well as stunning scenery – shady larch forests, magnificent gorges with crystal-clear blue water, and views of the stark limestone peaks. As you are now in South Tyrol you will notice a more Austrian influence, be it in the lederhosen and traditional outfits of the staff or the goulash and apple strudel at dinner. As well as the excellent Italian wines you can now enjoy a Tyrolean beer!
San Cassiano
This friendly, secluded cosmopolitan mountain village is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, stunning chalets and glorious sunshine. It offers a picture-perfect Italian Alps experience with fairytale vistas of the toothed peaks of the Dolomites.
Arabba
This tiny and charming village nestled within the Fodom valley at the base of the imposing Sella massif offers views of some of the most beautiful and breathtaking peaks of the Dolomites. Arabba is home to many of the ancient Ladin traditions that make the Dolomites so unique and appealing.
Bolzano
Austria meets Italy in this town hidden away in the mountainous region of South Tyrol. Don’t miss the 5300-year-old corpse named Ötzi.
Rifugio Tierser Alpl
The outstanding refuge Tierser Alpl is situated on the saddle of the same name. It is perched high in the mountains and is an excellent place to view the famous Dolomite sunset. Max Aichner, a mountain guide from Tiers, realised his idea of building his own refuge 50 years ago. Over the years, the refuge has been adapted to the needs of the times, but its spirit has remained the same.
Canazei
Canazei is one of the treasures of the province of Trento, located in a magnificent, lush hollow on the northern border of Val di Fassa. Its excellent location, history and long tradition of hospitality have made it one of the most famous destinations in the Dolomites.
Cinque Torri
This unique cluster of five towering rock pinnacles, which translates to “Five Towers” in English, stands as a testament to the incredible geological forces that have shaped the Dolomites into a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cinque Torri area is not only renowned for its geological wonders but also for its rich history. During World War I, it served as a battleground, and the remnants of trenches, tunnels, and other war-related structures can still be found among the rocks, providing a poignant reminder of the past.
Passo Giau
The breathtakingly beautiful mountain pass of Giau Pass connects the Livinallongo valley with Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is renowned for its panoramic views and dramatic landscapes.
Croda da Lago
Situated a few kilometres southwest of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the jagged peaks of the Croda da Lago mountain range (2715m) are an iconic feature of the Dolomites. There is a pretty little lake below the towering rock walls.
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Calalzo
Calalzo di Cadore, often simply referred to as Calalzo, is a picturesque mountain town located in the Veneto region. Its historical centre has charming streets, squares, and traditional alpine architecture.
Exclusive Guide
GET INSPIRED
From the thrilling Tour du Mont Blanc and mighty Italian Dolomites to the impressive valleys and trails of the Swiss Alps, the European Alps are as enticing in summer as they are under three feet of snow.
Our comprehensive Destination Guide is bursting with inspiration, travel essentials, background information and more! Essential reading to help you plan, prepare and enjoy a memorable trip in the Alps.
Italian Dolomites
Frequently Asked Questions
The European summer months (June through September) have warm temperatures and plenty of sun – perfect for hiking. While the average maximum temperature may reach some 25°C on the valley floors, the gentle wind of the Dolomites guarantees refreshing moments in the shade of rich green woods. Read more on when to trek the Italian Dolomites.
The trails on the Dolomites can be narrow, steep and quite exposed in sections. Dizzying heights and steep slopes are a feature of the walks in this area. The Dolomites are not suitable for people who experience vertigo. The terrain is often uneven, rough, rocky and hard underfoot. Each day you will be trekking distances from 16–24km. Occasionally your guide will take a different route because of weather, group fitness or trail closure. You need to be fit enough to comfortably trek long days, including ascents and descents of 1000m+. Speak to our Destination Specialist if you have any concerns about your ability to undertake this trek. All our guided treks are led by experienced and passionate International Mountain Leaders who have an intimate knowledge of the region. They take safety very seriously so you know you will be in good hands.
Highlights of trekking in the Italian Dolomites include spectacular mountain scenery, delicious food, exceptional Italian hospitality. Each day will captivate your imagination as you trek through forests, meadows, lush alpine pastures, past emerald lakes and jagged peaks.
You will enjoy quintessentially Italian dishes such as risotto or pasta, followed by a hearty goulash and polenta, or local sausage. Owing to the northern location and high elevation, many dishes are Tyrolean in style. This is especially true of the South Tyrol, which is one of the three provinces over which the Dolomites extend. There are some unique and delicious local specialties such as Casunziei, which originates from the area around Cortina d’Ampezzo. These are handmade ravioli filled with beetroot puree and served simply with melted butter and poppy seeds – they are absolutely delicious! Even the bread is different – and delicious – up here; the local pane nero is wholemeal bread with fennel seeds, very tasty.
Custom trips
Private groups
If you have a group of friends or family you can request one of these trips as your own private departure. Consider a customised trip, individually tailored to your ideal walking distances and timeframes. Have a look at our tailor-made trips page on the link below and drop us a line: