length
11 Days
difficulty
Strenuous
trip cost
From $5250 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Highlights
Get Ready For
- Journey from east to west, passing through three provinces
- Cross the mighty Sciliar Plateau
- Two refuge stays in magnificent surroundings, including a true high mountain experience at 2450m
- Magnificent balcony views of the Marmolada (the highest mountain in the Dolomites)
- Free day in the delightful village of San Cassiano
- Fine Italian hospitality and local specialities
- Expert International Mountain Leader
- Mix up your trekking with cycling and spa time
The experience
On the Trail & Video
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. Please ensure that you are fit enough to comfortably trek long days, including ascents and descents of 1000m+. Speak to our Destination Expert if you have any concerns about your ability to undertake this trek.
Itinerary
Daily details
This itinerary is subject to change due to trail closure, inclement weather, accommodation availability or other reasons unforeseen to us at the time you make your booking. When making these changes we always have your safety and welfare in mind to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience is maintained throughout your trip with us. Thank you for your understanding.
Arrive today in the Boite River Valley and the town of San Vito di Cadore. There is a welcome meeting scheduled with your trek leader at 6pm at the hotel. Before meeting with your trek leader the afternoon is free for you to explore the town and its amazing mountain surrounds. We will enjoy our first dinner together after the briefing.
Your first night may instead be in the nearby town of Calalzo di Cadore. This will be confirmed in your final documents.
Meals: D
After a hearty Breakfast we ascend steeply through forests to emerge at the magical spot of Croda da Lago, with its pretty little lake below towering rock walls. Then we have a lovely 30 minute contouring walk to arrive at a stunning view point overlooking Cortina d’Ampezzo far below. Finally, we descend to Pocol and our hotel for the night.
Ascent 1100m / descent 750m
Meals: B, L, D
Today our route takes us via Forcella Averau and the Cinque Torri to our destination. We start with a short bus journey and will explore the WWI trenches and learn about the history that took place here. Between 1915 and 1918, the Austro-Hungarian and Italian armies fought many a bloody battle within these mountains during what was also known as the Great War. The soldiers endured severe weather conditions, bitter cold and the risk of avalanches while posted in the Dolomites.
Our accomodation tonight is a simple style Hotel and has shared bathrooms (shared between 4 rooms). It is comfortable, with great views of the mountains and well located for our itinerary, enabling us to walk out from the hotel the following day.
Ascent 500m / descent 1000m
Meals: B, L, D
Today we ascend to Passo Posporcora on a delightful switchback trail through woods, then descend past the impressive limestone gorges of Travenanzes and Ponte Outo. There is a stunning view down into the gorges and the rushing turquoise water from Ponte Outo. Then we ascend through alpine meadows, with alternating easy and steeper sections, until finally we reach a plateau and our lovely family-run refuge,
Accommodation is in a remote location and may require a triple or quad share & a shared bathroom. Luggage transfers are also not included on this day so you will need to carry a spare set of base layer clothes and basic toiletries for the night.
Ascent 1050m / descent 400m
Meals: B, L, D
Crossing high Alpine meadows and rocky tracks, we descend to Pederu in the heart of the nature park and then ascend, past traditional farm buildings, to a mountain pass where we can take our picnic lunch in a field of edelweiss encircled by towering limestone massifs. Then the trail leads south and downhill, steeply in parts, to Alta Badia and the delightful small town of San Cassiano. You will be able to enjoy the typical Tyrolean hospitality and food at our lovely Pension Steinrosl which will be our home for two nights.
800m ascent, 1200m descent.
Meals: B, L, D
A welcome rest day in this picturesque little town. Hire mountain bikes and follow the local trails, take the Piz Sorega cable car for magnificent views, options for additional walks or possible via ferrata excursions. In the evening relax in the hotel’s spa/wellness centre.
NB – Lunch & Dinner are not included tonight.
Meals: B
A short bus transfer this morning (20 minutes) then we ascend to the north flank of the Settsass mountain, for stunning views towards the Austrian Alps. After a rocky traverse and some tantalising glimpses of the Marmolada to the south, we then descend through alpine meadows and contour to Pralongia. After a well-earned afternoon coffee option, we descend to the mountain village of Arabba.
Ascent 500m, descent 950m
Meals: B,L,D
A big ascent from Arabba, via a little-known and very beautiful trail, to the summit of Pizac. Then onwards to Passo Portovescovo for stunning views across the valley to the Marmolada (highest mountain in the Dolomites, 3343m). Then follow the famous Via del Pan, high-level contouring path to Pecol, with the Marmolada on our left-hand side all the time. Descend from Pecol into Canazei by cable car, to give us time to explore this charming town.
Ascent 1000m, descent 650m.
Meals: B, L
NB – dinner is not included tonight. There are many dining options including an excellent local restaurant where you can enjoy a pizza or pasta
We start today’s hike by ascending through small hamlets and woodland, then steeply up through open mountain pastures, to Col Rodella at the foot of the Sassolungo massif. Then we have a delightful contouring path around the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto mountains, followed by more contouring, this time through more gentle rolling scenery, with alpine pastures below us to both sides. We end the day by climbing up, through impressive rocky scenery, to our overnight refuge perched high in the mountains with stunning views. This is an excellent place to view the famous Dolomites sunset.
Accommodation is in a remote location and will be a triple or quad share & a shared bathroom. Luggage transfers are also not included on this day so you will need to carry a spare set of base layer clothes and basic toiletries for the night. Tonight’s refuge is a true mountain refuge, accessible only on foot and perched at 2500m and rooms are simpler than anywhere else on the trip.
Ascent approx. 1400m, descent approx 300m
Meals: B, L, D
We start on a beautiful traversing path, with fabulous views down into the wild gorge below, before ascending to the Sciliar Plateau and then a long, easy walk across the plateau to a quick coffee stop at Rifugio Bolzano. From here it’s a quick 10-minute push to Monte Pez, the summit of the Sciliar and the highest point of our trek. Then we descend steeply from the mighty Sciliar massif, cross meadows and finally descend to the village of Compatsch. We end our hike here, with a cable-car descent to Siusi and then a 40-minute bus ride into the centre of the historic capital of the South Tyrol, Bolzano.
Ascent approx. 300m, descent approx. 1000m
Meals: B, L
**Please note that dinner on the final night is at your own expense. Your guide will make a booking for your group at our favourite eating spot in Bolzano if you would like to have a celebratory dinner with your fellow trekkers.
There are many things to see and do in Bolzano, notably the South Tyrol Archaeological Museum which is home to Otzi, the famous Neolithic man whose exceptionally well-preserved corpse was found in the glacier ice.
Meals: B
Map
Explore
San vito di Cadore
The mountain town of San Vito di Cadore is nestled at the foot of majestic peaks in a broad green valley, just 11km from Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is an ideal jumping-off point for trekking in the Dolomites.
CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inclusions
What's included?
- 10 nights accommodation in small hotels and mountain rifugios
- Qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader
- Daily meals as outlined above
- Local briefing in San Vito di Cadore
- Private rooms on trek (with the exception of 2 nights in remote areas where multi-share may be required)
- Transportation where needed on the trek
- Luggage transfers on all but two trekking days (where you will stay in remote mountain locations)
- Single supplement – ask for a quote if you would like a single room
- Flights and transport to and from the tour
- Travel insurance
- 3 dinners and 1 lunch
- Expenses of a personal nature
Your leaders
International Mountain Leaders
We have our own staff of experienced and qualified International Mountain Leaders. Not only do they know the trek routes exceptionally well but they will excel in looking after you; your safety is our priority in an alpine environment. All our guides are native English speakers, so clear communication is never an issue.
Exclusive Guide
get inspired
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.
Reviews
What our clients say
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TRIP date selection
when would you like to travel?
Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed