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This is a spectacular alpine hiking holiday beneath Italy’s most dramatic peaks.
The Dolomites offer some of the most dramatic and sculptural mountain landscapes in all of Europe. Towering limestone peaks rise in chiselled contrast to green valleys and flower-filled meadows, shaped over millennia by glacial forces. On this self-guided hiking holiday, you’ll follow well-graded trails through a region where natural beauty and cultural heritage are equally rich: from the iconic spires of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to hidden WWI bunkers carved into the rock. The region was heavily fought over and, in fact, the fighting even changed the shape of some of the mountains. Nowadays, in more peaceful circumstances, we can enjoy one of the most spectacular walking holidays in all of Italy.
Beginning and ending in the easy-to-reach mountain hub of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the route is ideal for independent walkers who want to combine activity with comfort. The hiking is varied and rewarding; through forested valleys, across peaceful plateaus and up to high passes with panoramic views. Footpaths lead past traditional rifugios, clear alpine lakes and geological marvels, with the changing colours of the ancient rock intensifying at dusk in the unmistakable "Alpenglow".
You’ll stay in carefully chosen, characterful hotels selected for their charm, comfort and warm hospitality. With personal experience of this route, our team are happy to offer first-hand advice, including how to adapt the trip to suit your pace. Whether you want to add a rest day, shorten the journey, or focus on certain highlights, we’ll help make the trip your own. With your bags transferred daily and a tailored app on your phone, this is walking made simple. All you need to do is focus on the stunning scenery, rich history and mountain culture of northern Italy’s most captivating region.
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18kg of CO2-e PP per day
(124kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Cortina
Welcome to Cortina d'Ampezzo, a vibrant mountain town nestled in Italy’s Dolomites and known for its alpine charm. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, this fashionable resort has long drawn outdoor enthusiasts in both winter and summer months. Make your own way to Cortina. There are up to 4 direct buses a day from Venice Marco Polo Airport, arriving conveniently into town. Cortina is easy to explore on foot. Stroll along Corso Italia, the main pedestrian street lined with boutiques, pizzerias, cafés and the popular, old-fashioned Cortina department store. If you're eager to stretch your legs after travelling, you’ll find scenic paths close to the town centre. Accommodation: Stay in a welcoming and comfortable hotel located just 200m from the Faloria Cableway and 150m from Corso Italia, ideally positioned for tomorrow's start.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cortina to San Cassiano 10.4-16.4 km / 6.5-10.2 miles, 4-7 h
Today offers you a choice between two rewarding routes: a scenic high-level walk through dramatic Dolomite landscapes or a gentler hike with the help of public transport and a cable car. Either way, you’ll be immersed in spectacular alpine scenery and the historic WWI remnants that define this region. >> High Route via Forcella Lagazuoi Option: After a short bus ride from Cortina, begin your climb from Rifugio Dibona along a trail beneath the towering Tofana di Rozes (3219m) and Tofana di Mezzo (3240m). The path leads across a high traverse with occasional gullies that require care, offering sweeping views across the Dolomites. Continue to the Forcella Lagazuoi pass, a key location during the First World War. You’ll pass crumbling trench lines, fortresses, and wartime rubble, not shaped by glaciers but by the devastating mine blasts of 1915–16. From the pass, descend to a picturesque alpine lake before a steeper section brings you to Rifugio Scotoni; an ideal rest stop for coffee and homemade strudel. The final descent follows the stream into the peaceful hamlet of Armentarola, near San Cassiano. >> Easier Route with Cable Car Support: Prefer to skip the climb? Take the bus directly to Passo Falzarego and ride the Lagazuoi cable car up to the mountain refuge. From the top, enjoy views and WWI landmarks before walking down to join the main route. This alternative saves almost all the ascent while still offering rich scenery and historical highlights. >> If conditions are poor or you’d prefer not to walk today, it may be possible to travel with your luggage to Armentarola. Please arrange this well in advance. Accommodation: Stay in a well-appointed hotel in the rural location of San Cassian. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and a sauna. Approx. ascent: 75-1024m / descent 1104m
Meals: B
Day 3
San Cassiano to Colfosco 14.9 km / 9.3 miles, 6.5 h
Today’s walk is a complete contrast to the rocky terrain of previous days, with soft alpine pastures, forested trails and wide-open ridgelines. You’ll enjoy more gentle walking through classic Dolomites scenery, with sweeping views, charming mountain huts, and the flexibility to tailor the distance and effort to suit your pace. From your hotel in Armentarola, begin the day by crossing meadows and gently climbing through larch and pine forests. Reach the panoramic ridge of Pralongià, where a welcoming mountain restaurant awaits, the freshly baked apfelstrudel here is a local favourite. Continue to Col Alt (1983m), another scenic stop with a gondola station and a café offering superb views of the Tofana and Sella massifs, tomorrow’s destination. From Col Alt, you have two main choices. You can walk down to Corvara and then for about 3km with a gradual uphill walk on to Colfosco, or you can take the gondola(s) down to Corvara and then either walk or take another gondola to reach Colfosco. This is a relaxed way to enjoy the scenery while conserving energy. You spend two nights in Colfosco, which is set beneath soaring peaks. It is a picturesque village with a historic church, several small shops, a supermarket and a few cafés and restaurants, ideal for a gentle wander or an evening meal. >> In wet conditions, the trails can become muddy and slippery. If this were to be the case you could opt for an amended hike or travel by road to Colfosco. Accommodation: For two nights, stay in a welcoming hotel, offering beautiful landscapes right at your doorstep. Approx. ascent: 715m / descent: 708m
Meals: B,D
Day 4
Colfosco: Passo Gardena or Sas Ciampac Circular Walk or at leisure 10-11.3km / 6.2-7 miles, 4-4.5h
Enjoy a free day in the picturesque village of Colfosco for a well deserved break or choose from some rewarding walks. If the weather is good, we recommend taking a morning bus up the short distance to Passo Gardena and then walking up to Sas Ciampac (2672m). This is a fantastic walking peak high above Colfosco and you will find an impressive picnic spot on the summit. The descent takes you down into a glaciated valley where you might see Edelweiss flowers. You should get back to your accommodation by mid afternoon. 10 km, Approx. ascent: 570m / descent: 1060m, 4.5 h. >> You can also walk up and round Passo Gardena through forests and pastures, doing a loop back to Colfosco. 11.3km Approx. ascent: 660m / descent 660m, 4 h. >> You may also just feel like enjoying the ambiance of Colfosco, perhaps walk up past the church to the Refuge Edelweiss for lunch?
Day 5
Colfosco to Arabba 11.8-12.3 km / 7.3-7.6 miles, 4.75-6.5 h
Today you can choose between a dramatic high-level alpine walk or a gentler route along lanes and forest paths. Both offer a rewarding day in the Dolomites, with flexibility depending on weather and energy. >> The high-level route climbs steeply through forest into rocky glacial terrain, leading to the Franz Kostner Refuge at 2500m. From here, enjoy sweeping views of Piz Boè and the Marmolada. It’s an ideal rest stop for a hearty lunch or warming Jaeger tea. The descent into Arabba is steep in places, with a short section of cable handrail, and passes the inviting Rifugio Boè before dropping into the valley. If preferred, you can shorten the climb by taking the Boè gondola from Corvara, and potentially even the Lech Boè chairlift, this cuts out most of the ascent while still delivering the views. >> The lower route follows quiet backroads from Corvara to the Campolongo Pass. From here, a steep path leads directly down into Arabba. This is a more relaxed option and one you may consider in poor weather. In which case it may be reassuring to know there is a direct bus service between Corvara and Arabba. Accommodation: Stay at a cozy, family-run hotel known for its warm hospitality and traditional Alpine charm, offering comfortable rooms with rustic wooden furnishings and modern amenities. The hotel features a relaxing wellness area and a restaurant serving hearty regional cuisine. Approx. ascent: 453-1028m / descent: 461-997m
Day 6
Transfer to Cortina, Choice of Walks 12.3-16.4km / 7.6-10.2 miles, 3.75-4.75 h
After breakfast, a transfer takes you back to Cortina (1hr), where you’ll arrive with time to enjoy the afternoon at your own pace. You can explore the town’s shops and cafés or choose from two scenic walks. >> The first option is a circular walk from Cortina, climbing through forest to the viewpoint at Col Druscié. From the top, there are expansive views across Cortina and towards Monte Cristallo. If you'd prefer a gentler version of this walk, take the gondola up and walk back down. This route is 12.3km and takes around 3¾ hours. Approx. ascent: 619m / descent: 619m. >> The second option begins with a short bus ride to Fiames. From there, follow forest paths to the Cascate di Fanes, one of the Dolomites' most beautiful waterfalls. It’s an easier walk overall, with a short steep section that is rooty in places. The Fanes Waterfalls are a stunning series of waterfalls located in the heart of the Dolomites. Known for their dramatic drops and crystal-clear waters, they are accessible via a scenic hike through the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. The route continues back into Cortina, covering 16.4km in about 4¾ hours. Approx. ascent: 333m / descent: 420m. Accommodation: Return to your Cortina hotel for a your 2 final nights in the mountains.
Day 7
Classic Circuit of the Tre Cime 11.9-12.5km / 7.4-7.8 miles, 7 h
This final walk is one of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites. After a 30-minute bus ride, begin your steady climb into the spectacular and dramatic Tre Cime mountain group: three striking, vertical towers that dominate the skyline. The trail unfolds quietly, with the peaks revealing themselves gradually as you gain height. The route leads to Rifugio Locatelli, perfectly placed for a scenic lunch stop with views over the northern face of the towers. From here, descend around the base of Tre Cime to reach Rifugio Auronzo, where a transfer (incl) returns you to Cortina. This is a fitting finale to your Dolomites journey, offering big mountain views, rich alpine scenery and a real sense of reward. Approx. ascent: 1160m/descent: 267m
Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast
After breakfast, depart for your onward journey.
What's included
What's not included
During your trip, you will be accommodated in comfortable hotels offering excellent quality. The accommodation are selected based on their local character and welcoming hospitality offered. They are all unique in their way of introducing you to the Dolomite Alps. Some have a pool or a sauna and most have a high standard restaurant on site. The hotels are 3-4* handpicked, family-run hotels that reflect the charm of the region, from the stylish comfort of our hotel in Cortina, to the alpine elegance of your stay in Armentarola and the warm mountain welcome at our hotel in Arabba.
Moderate to Challenging (Grade 4). While generally no tougher than our other Alpine treks, this route does involve some short, slightly exposed, albeit stunning, sections where a head for heights is needed. The two routes that are the most exposed are however options and there are easier versions so these can be avoided. No mountaineering experience is necessary for the trip but it is a trek most suited to those with previous experience of hillwalking and mountainous terrain. For this reason the trip is graded ‘moderate to challenging’. Average daily duration of walking is around 5-7 hours, although this will obviously vary according to the terrain, conditions, individual progress and weather. The trails in the Dolomites tend to be more rocky underfoot than many other areas of the Alps, so care must be taken along some sections. By using buses and cable cars some of the longer days can be shortened. In the event of extreme bad weather clients are expected to bear the cost of transport to the next night's stop. Snow levels vary year to year, and it may be prudent to miss a walk or shorten a walk if possible, when this is the case.
Per Person, Twin Share
The accommodations that we have chosen for you on this hiking tour in the Italian Dolomites are comfortable 3-4* hotels with ensuite facilities. Often there is a pool or a sauna and on two occasions you will spend 2 nights to explore more.
The paths can be busy in the vicinity of refuges and on the Tre Cime walk, while away from cable car and cafe stops, numbers drop off substantially. You are rarely likely to be on your own on the trails in this stunning part of Italy.
There is no Via Ferrata climbing on iron ways involved in our trip. Trails however can be loose in places after snow with gravel washouts and care needs to be taken at certain times.
The weather in the Dolomites is often stable and clear during the period that we run this walking tour. Normally it is drier than the Italian Alps further north and west, however humid Mediterranean air from the Gulf of Venice can bring instability and afternoon thunderstorms are quite common. Snow can be seen on the trails early or late in the season.
Yes, we will provide GPX files of the walks in the Dolomites that we have set out for you. These files need to be interpreted with care and the performance of GPS can be affected by cliffs and rain etc. You will also be provided with access to our especially designed travel app that includes information on your accommodation, daily organisation and route finding.
Hiking poles are very useful on the steep descents and for loose scree sections when you're walking in the Dolomites.
Travelling to Cortina involves either a bus from Venice Airport or station (2-3 a day) or a train & bus combination from Venice Mestre. Generally a morning flight into Venice is required. From Campitello at the end of your tour, there is a bus service to Trento (allow 3 hours), then train to Venice. You may like to consider staying an extra night in Venice.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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