Travel independently to Bolzano. Ryder-Walker will arrange a taxi to pick you up and transfer you to Völs am Schlern (Völs). Overnight in a charming hotel nestled in the heart of this Southern Tyrolean village.

Today begins with a gentle warm-up hike through a classic Tyrolean landscape of perfectly manicured chalets, rolling meadows, and pine forests. From Völs, ascend to Tuffalm, a picturesque alp with sweeping views across northern Italy and South Tyrol. Continue to Hofalm, a traditional Tyrolean farmhouse and an inviting stop for refreshments and a slice of Apfelstrudel. Along the way, enjoy wonderful views of the Sciliar, an imposing rampart of limestone rising above the valley, before looping back to Völs.

Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1900 ft.

Begin with a short taxi ride to Alpe di Siusi, the largest alpine meadow in the Alps. Sweeping views extend north to the Austrian Alps and across the region’s dominant peaks, Sassopiatto and Sassolungo, with the Sciliar, today’s objective, rising ahead. After a quick boost by chairlift, ascend toward the summit of the Sciliar and stop for lunch at Rifugio Bolzano at 2745 m (9059 ft). After lunch, traverse to the well-appointed Rifugio Alpe di Tires, your home for the night. (No luggage access tonight.)

Distance: 7.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3000/1600 ft. (With gondola and lift.)

This morning take advantage of your high-alpine location, descending from the hut beneath the unique rock formations of the Denti di Terrarossi (Teeth of the Red Earth). Traverse a high alpine plateau with expansive views across the Alpe di Siusi before reaching Rifugio Sassopiatto for a refreshment stop. From here, continue around the dramatic flanks of Sassopiatto and Sassolungo to the famous Sella Pass (Sella Joch), one of the four principal passes of the legendary Sella Ronda. At the end of your hike, transfer to Sëlva di Gardena (Sëlva) and your welcoming hotel.

Distance: 9.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3200/2150 ft.

Today starts with a scenic cable car high above Sëlva for a spectacular loop hike to Seceda, one of the Dolomites’ most iconic peaks. From the high alpine meadows, enjoy sweeping views of the dramatic Odle Group (Geisler peaks) as you follow well-marked trails past inviting rifugios, perfect for a leisurely lunch stop. This afternoon offers some of the most memorable scenery in the Dolomites. Return to your Sëlva hotel.

Distance: 6.5 miles.Elevation gain/loss: 1650 ft.

Ascending the lovely Val Lunga, a pristine glacial valley surrounded by towering limestone walls, you climb through larch and stone pine toward the Rifugio Puez. Following lunch at the hut, traverse to the Fuorcla Ciampai before descending to the village of Corvara in the Alta Badia, a valley where the Ladin culture dominates. Overnight in a superior four-star inn.

Distance: 6.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 550/2000 ft.

Harder Option: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3350 ft.

A short transfer takes you beyond Passo Valparola to Passo Falzarego, where you set out into the dramatic heart of the Tofane range. Surrounded by towering limestone peaks, ascend gradually to a spectacular vantage point with sweeping views across the Dolomites. From here, descend to beautifully situated Rifugio Dibona for lunch. Today ends with a transfer to your hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo (Cortina).

Distance: 4.7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1500/1700 ft.

Buses from Cortina connect to the main train lines towards Venice and Milan, or to the north in the direction of Munich.