length
13 Days
difficulty
Strenuous
trip cost
From $5250 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest

Highlights
Get Ready For
- Some of the best sections of the Alta Via1 and Alta Via 2
- Led by our International Mountain Leaders
- Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery
- Local specialities, perfect coffee, great company
- Experience Italian hospitality at its finest

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 an average of 18–22km. 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 continue to Passo Giau via Forcella Ambrizzol. Don’t forget to look up and take in the grand view as we travel along.
Ascent 1100m / descent 750m
Meals: B, L, D
Today our route takes us via Forcella Averau and the Cinque Torri to our destination of Passo Giau. We 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.
The beautiful Giau Pass is located at the centre of a vast mountain pasture and is where we will find our accommodation for the night.
Ascent 500m / descent 1000m
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation at Passo Giau can be difficult to source, so sometimes we may stop at Pocol for Night 2 as well as Night 3 and do the above hike both starting and finishing in Pocol.
Today we trek to Fiames via Passo Tre Croci, or via Col Druscie and Cadelverzo, depending on the weather. There will be an opportunity to stop in Cortina in the afternoon.
Ascent 550m / descent 500m
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, Rifugio Fodara Vedla.
Ascent 1050m / descent 400m
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation this evening is in a refuge in a remote location. The rooms are very comfortable and ensuite; all linen and towels are provided. You will need to pack a small overnight bag with a change of clothes and basic toiletries as we are not able to have your luggage delivered tonight.
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.
Ascent 800m / descent 1200m
Meals: B, L, D
A welcome rest day in this picturesque little town. Hire mountain bikes and follow the local trails or take the Piz Sorega cable car for magnificent views. There are options for additional walks or possible via ferrata excursions. In the evening relax in the hotel’s spa/wellness centre. Dinner is not included tonight – there are plenty of excellent dining options in town to choose from.
Meals: B
After a short bus transfer this morning (20 minutes) 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.
The village of Arabba is our stop for the night and is nestled within this valley at the base of the imposing Sella massif and some of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites.
Ascent 500m / descent 950m
Meals: B, L, D
Today we have 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 we follow the famous Via del Pan, a high-level contouring path to Pecol, with the Marmolada on our left-hand side all the time. We descend from Pecol into Canazei by cable car, to give us time to explore this charming town, and to visit the swimming pool/leisure facilities if you wish.
Dinner is not included tonight. There are many dining options in Canazei including an excellent local restaurant where you can enjoy pizza or pasta.
Ascent 1200m / descent 650m
Meals: B, L
A steady ascent from Canazei brings us into the Val Contrin. Then we ascend steeply out onto the open hillside with superb views back down across the valley below to the imposing south wall of the Marmolada. We cross Passo San Niccolo and descend into the long pastoral San Niccolo valley. We use the local valley shuttle to descend the last 7km into Pozza, to avoid walking on tarmac.
Ascent 1100m / descent 500m
Meals: B, L, D
We start today’s hike by ascending through small hamlets and woodland until we reach the Val Udai and the steep gorge which we trek up to reach the beautiful pastoral Val Dona. The path is narrow, steep and rocky but the surroundings are truly spectacular. We then descend into the parallel Val Duron, with its traditional cattle farms. 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.
Tonight’s refuge is a true mountain refuge, accessible only on foot and perched at 2500m. Rooms are simpler than anywhere else on the trip and are not ensuite. Baggage will not be delivered tonight, so you will need to carry your own toiletries and personal clothing.
Ascent 1300m / descent 300m
Meals: B, L, D
We start on a delightful traversing path with fabulous views down into the wild gorge below, before ascending to the Sciliar Plateau. We then have 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 300m / descent 1000m
Meals: B, L, D
Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. Before you leave you may wish to spend some time exploring this interesting town. 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
Inclusions
What's included?
- 12 nights accommodation in small hotels and refuges
- 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)
- Flights and transport to and from the tour
- Travel insurance
- 3 dinners and 1 lunch
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Single supplement

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.
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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