Italy | Italian Dolomites Trek

Nourish yourself with the pleasures of northern Italy.

“My Dolomites hike last September with Lynn was beyond the beyond. I have no words to describe the majesty of the region, the food, serenity, wine, topography, history, and Lynn! Ryder-Walker is the best!”- Barbara Crocker
"I have done two trips with Ryder Walker. The organization was immaculate. The hikes very well planned. Hotel accommodation superb, with excellent spas for recovery, and delicious food for reward! I will book again and recommend Ryder Walker to anyone looking to enjoy vigorous hikes in nature, mixed with a little luxury."- AJM B.
"Everything! R-W does an amazing job of setting us up for an unforgettable experience. The trails were a perfect 2 as expected and the accommodations were a wonderful 4. This was our third trip and we are already looking forward to planning our fourth. Keep up the good work."- A Happy Client
"Wow. Not enough space here to list all we loved. My wife and I marveled at how smooth and organized the trip was. The quality of everything was exceptional."- David S.
"Excellent accommodations and coordination of the trip. Wide variety of options. Everything well organized. I have no other adventure companies to compare Ryder-Walker to, but I have no reason to change. I have been extremely satisfied with both our Engadine and Dolomite trips."- Brian G.
"Everything! It was a wonderful mix of landforms, languages, and trails. The towns were charming as were the people in the guesthouses. It was clear that Ryder-Walker is a well-liked organization as we were always treated in an extra-special way! We travel with you because of our previous experience with RW and we love the personal touch."- LeeAnn B.
"We were quite impressed with our guides and the care they provided. They were open to suggestions, easy to be with and knowledgeable. The hotels were great, especial La Perla. What is not to like about that place! The food choices were always amazing no matter what town we were in and we were quite impressed with the refugio stay. It was well worth the hike. All in all, it was a fantastic trip!"- Pamela Price
"Cindy and I want everyone at Ryder-Walker to know how wonderful a guide Nikola was for our Dolomite trip. We greatly enjoyed his company throughout the trip. He was knowledgeable about the culture, the history and the trails and terrain. He was a gracious host at the hotels and advised us well on wines, cheeses and beers. The route and hotels were perfect and the weather, which I'm sure you arranged as well, was blue skies every day."- Jake Winebaum
"Totally awesome!! Nothing else to say…"- J. Rochelle
"The itinerary for a group of women was perfect. Plenty of hiking during the day and wonderful lodging at night. The personal family run hotels/inns were special and meeting families who run them made it personal. Everything was planned perfectly."- Sally S.
"One of the most wonderful family vacations we've ever had. Amazing hiking -- the Dolomites are fabulous. From one area to the next, fantastic views everywhere. Great hikes specified throughout the trip. And truly lovely first class hotels and food throughout. The transportation was well arranged and organized from end to end, including the taxis and lifts along the way. Our family will always remember this wonderful week together in the Dolomites. A truly first-rate experience."- Stephen C.

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Trip Highlights:

See the breathtaking spires of the Alta Badia.
Explore the fabled Tyrolean culture and cuisine.
Stay in world-class inns built in the 14th century.

Towers of vertical limestone, tinged pink in the evening light, loom above the rolling green meadows and intriguing castles, ruins and onion-domed church steeples of the Alto Adige region in northern Italy. This may be the most beautiful mountain region on earth; regularly attracting photographers and mountain enthusiasts enamored of the incredible light and topography of the range.

The Dolomites are culturally diverse, and this trip visits the German speaking Tyrolean villages of the Val Gardena, the Ladin speaking center of Corvara in the Alte Badia and the chic Italian speaking center of Cortina D’Ampezzo, a long-time destination for members of the jet set crowd.

Drink tall weizen beers and nibble on homemade apfelstrudel in Völs Am Schlern, a cobblestoned village beneath the Sciliar, an impressive rampart of limestone. Climb onto the Alpe di Siusi, the largest “alp” in the Alps, with views that extend across the Ortler, Stubaier and Zillertaler Alps of Austria to the north. Spend one night in a comfortable rifugio above tree line, sipping wine and marveling at the unwavering stamina of the innkeeper’s espresso machine. Hike through the Rosengarten, Sassolungo, Puez and Tofane ranges; the most striking and vertical-looking mountains in the Dolomites.

Curious about the Alta Via 1? Ryder-Walker’s Italian Dolomites Trek provides a thoughtfully designed alternative, combining the iconic trails of the Dolomites with elevated comfort. Skip the rugged hut-to-hut challenges and enjoy boutique accommodations, hassle-free luggage transfers, and the choice of guided or self-guided experiences. Hike through breathtaking landscapes while indulging in exceptional service and convenience. Plus, spend a night at the spectacularly situated Rifugio Alpe di Tires, set at 8,000 feet with panoramic views in every direction.

From our fabulous inns, including one immured in a fourteenth century edifice, and others known for their haute cuisine and charm, you’ll enjoy the most fabled scenery and classic hiking of the Dolomites.

Click here to view incredible photos and read an in-depth guest description of our Italian Dolomites Trek.

Learn more about the Northern Italian Alps-Dolomites destination

Trip Elevation

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Bolzano and Transfer to Völs

Travel independently to Bolzano. We will arrange a taxi to pick you up and transfer you to Völs am Schlern (Völs). Overnight in a beautiful five-star hotel situated in the heart of this Southern Tyrolean village.

Day 2 - Völs Day Hike

Today we embark on a gentle warm up hike through a world of perfectly manicured Tyrolean chalets, rolling fields and pine forests. From Völs, ascend to Tuffalm, a picturesque alp offering views across northern Italy and the entire south Tyrol. Continue to Hofalm, a Tyrolean farmhouse with dirndle-clad women serving tall weizen beers and apfelstrudel. Enjoy views of the Sciliar, an imposing rampart of limestone, before looping back to Völs.

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

Day 3 - Völs to Rifugio Alpe di Tires

Today’s hike begins in the Alpe di Siusi, the largest meadow, or alp, in the Alps. Views extend to the Austrian Alps to the north and to the region’s dominant peaks, the Sassopiatto, Sassolungo and today’s objective, the Sciliar. Snap photos in front of the Sciliar, then sample more strudel and hot coffee at yet another Tyrolean hut. Have lunch at the Rifugio Bolzano (9,006 feet), an atmospheric restaurant that feels more like a lively beer hall than a climber’s hut. Traverse to the Rifugio Alpe di Tires, a well-stocked hut with wine, beer and a commercial grade espresso machine. No luggage access tonight.

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

Day 4 - Rifugio Alpe di Tires to Sëlva di Gardenia

Beginning with a traverse beneath the Denti di Terrarossi, while enjoying expansive views over the Alpe di Siusi as we head toward the Sassopiatto and Sassolungo. Our route travels directly between the two peaks to a high saddle with a dramatically situated cable car. Alternatively, we may hike beneath the Sassopiatto. Both routes descend to the Forcella Sassolungo for transport to the village of Sëlva in Gardena (Sëlva) and a welcoming three-star inn.

Distance: 9.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3200/4100 ft.

Easier Option: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1300/2150 ft.

Day 5 - Sëlva di Gardenia to Corvara

Ascending a pristine glacial valley surrounded by towering limestone walls, we climb through larch and stone pine toward the Rifugio Puez before descending to the village of Corvara in the Alta Badia, a valley where the Ladin culture dominates. Overnight in one of our favorite four-star hotels, filled with Tyrolean charm and offering superb cuisine.

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

Harder Option: 10.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3350 ft.

Day 6 - Corvara Day Hike

Today’s hike begins with an ascent to the Pralongià Plateau, often called the Amphitheatre of the Dolomites for its sweeping views—westward to the Puez and Sella groups and the mighty Marmolada, Italy’s highest Dolomite peak, and eastward to the Tofane and Croda della Croce ranges. We follow the popular Panoramaweg trail to the top of the Col Alto lift, then either ride the lift or descend on foot via scenic switchbacks to Corvara and our wonderful hotel.

Distance: 7.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2250/1000 ft.

Day 7 - Corvara to Cortina

A quick shuttle delivers us to Lagazuoi. During the First World War, Austrians and Italians dug a network of tunnels beneath Mount Lagazuoi. We walk through some of these restored tunnels as we enter a stunning world of rock, and the heart of the Tofane Range. Ascend gradually to a beautiful vantage point before descending the beautiful and lush Val Travenanzes. Transfer to the alpine center of Cortina D’Ampezzo and the comforts of our four-star hotel.

Distance: 4.7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1500/1750 ft.