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Trip Highlights:

• Enjoy fantastic architecture and cuisine set against the backdrop of some of the most dramatic mountains on earth.

• Sneak your way through heavenly lush meadows and authentic Italian hamlets.

• Bed down in magical villages like San Candido, St. Vigilio, and Armentarola.

The Pusteria Valley on the Italian/Austrian border is where the Alps morph into the Dolomites. The northern flank of the valley is pastoral, with undefined walls of limestone and gentler summits. The southern flank is where the Dolomites find their personality, as jagged summits skyrocket above you. Ryder-Walker’s tour begins in the charming village of San Candido, aslo knows as Innichen in German.

The magnificence of this hiking itinerary lies in its ability to navigate these seemingly impenetrable peaks. The route sneaks its way through heavenly lush meadows, and links fascinating remote hamlets and hotels. Adventuresome outings exist in the higher hills and more rugged ridges of this forgotten section of the Dolomites, often piercing the astonishing relics of World War I’s Fronte Italiano.

The route follows the migration of the Ladin culture over the centuries. Ladin culture emerged in the more northern area of Tyrol, now southern Germany and the Südtirol (Austria). As a nomadic farming community, the Ladins radiated in many directions, but the southern route we explore was most favorable for them due to the “hospitality” of the topography and terrain.

The culture is colorful and effervescent, with fantastic architecture and cuisine, and it’s all set against the backdrop of many of the most dramatic mountains on earth. Evenings are most enticing, as the Ladinia meld the orderliness of the Tyrol with the dolce vita Italy is so revered for.

This trek travels from north to south, to the most comfortable and atmospheric inns available in each location. From a classic South-Tyrolian hotel in San Candido, embraced by the woods of San Candido and shadowed by the imposing and jagged Baranci peaks; to the village of Pieve di Livinallongo and a hotel with comfortable rooms, creative cuisine, and a fun atmosphere; each inn reflects the charm and character of its location.

You also spend one night in the quiet village of St. Vigilio, home to the visitors center for Fanes-Senes-Braies Dolomite Nature Park, and two nights in the peaceful hamlet of Armentarola, a hidden gem in the Alps.

Dinner is usually a four course meal, and breakfast is a simple buffet taken at your leisure. Typically, lunch is a picnic enjoyed at a high pass or in a pasture with spectacular views. Other days, mountain restaurants or huts along the way make for perfect lunch stops.

Considering the Alta Via 1? Ryder-Walker’s Italian Dolomites trek, featuring Lago di Braies, Fanes Wilderness, and Alta Badia, is a fantastic alternative. It offers the same stunning trails, but with added comforts like charming boutique accommodations, convenient luggage transfers, and the flexibility to hike with or without a guide. Experience the Dolomites in a more relaxed way, where every aspect is carefully crafted to ensure an unforgettable adventure—minus the hassles of hut-to-hut trekking.

Learn more about the Northern Italian Alps-Dolomites destination