Make your own way to Cortina, an attractive high-altitude town in the northern extremity of the Veneto region of Italy. it is a fashionable winter resort that also springs to life in the middle of the summer. Accommodation: For two nights, stay in a comfortable 4 star hotel located in the centre which is 200m from the Faloria Cableway and 150m from Corso Italia.

Meals:  Nil

A 30 minute bus ride will take you to the start of today's walk. Begin trekking by climbing steadily into the Tre Cime mountain group. This is a famous block of three vertical sided finger-like towers. The route is often quiet and the climb unravels with anticipation. Head towards the Rifugio Locatelli, taking lunch at or near to the refuge, then descend around the Tre Cime to Rifugio Auronzo, (shorter option 12 km/7.5 miles, 5 h ends here). The descent is through pleasant forest to Lake Antorno. Return to Cortina by bus for your overnight accommodation. Approx ascent: 1170m/descent: 300m

Meals:  B

From Cortina, after a few minutes by bus, begin your climb to the Rifugio Dibona at the end of the dirt road. From here climb a little more and then traverse, with the vertical rock walls of the Tofana di Rozes (3219m) and Tofana di Mezzo (3240m) peaks above. Follow a high-level route to the Forc Lagazuoi pass. There is much evidence of First World War trench systems, fortresses, barbed wire here. Much of the rubble lying around Lagazuoi was not created by glaciation, but by huge mines that were detonated in 1915-16. The descent is rocky but easier down to a pretty lake. A steeper section takes you to the Rifugio Scotoni for drinks and strudel. Then onwards downhill, following the stream on the way to your hotel at Armentarola near Sare. Accommodation: Stay in a well-appointed 4 star hotel in the rural location of San Cassian. There are no local facilities nearby but dinner can be taken in the hotel restaurant. Approx ascent: 1050m/descent 1115m

Meals:  B

Our route today is a complete change from the harsh rocky tablelands. You enjoy hiking through forests and climb on to a grassy ridge to the mountain refuge at Pralongia. The strudel is particularly inviting here. Continue to Col Alti (1983m) which also has a nice little restaurant by the gondola station, with panoramic views of the Tofana and Sella mountain groups, our next destination. Descend steeply to Corvara and stay nearby in Colfosco. This is a pretty village with an old church, a few shops, a supermarket, bank and a couple of bars. Approx ascent: 815m/descent: 800m Accommodation: For two nights, stay in a welcoming and good standard 2 star bed and breakfast accommodation.

Meals:  B

Enjoy a rest day in this picturesque village; there are, however, some rewarding walks on offer. 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 rewarded by an impressive picnic spot on the summit. The descent takes you down into a glaciated valley where you might see Edelweiss. You should get back to your accommodation by mid afternoon. Approx ascent: 650m/descent: 1130m

Meals:  B

Starting from Colfosco, return past the campsite and head up into the trees around the east side of the Sella group. We recommend taking a gondola part of the way to assist in the ascent (saves 600 metres and 2 hrs walking). You then traverse below the cliffs and above the forests, with magnificent views of the Marmolada and peaks to the east. From Passo Pordoi, descend to Campitello, a gondola can also be used for the second half of this descent. This route should only be undertaken in dry, clear weather. In the event of poor weather or too much snow, a direct bus can be taken via Arabba to Canazei, with connections to Campitello. Approx ascent: 772m (if taking the gondola)/descent: 1510m Accommodation: We use a 3 star hotel on a half board basis. This is quite a large hotel with good size rooms and a small spa with a sauna.

Meals:  B,D

There are a variety of different walks of varied grades available to choose from. Routes for the day include a popular trail below the Sassopiatto from Col Rodela with the option to climb the peak and a bus ride to the foot of Marmolada from where you can walk or ride up to the Marmolada glacier and the mountain hut there perhaps for a Jaeger Tee.

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, depart for your onward journey.

Meals:  B