Italy | Italian Dolomites Trek
Nourish yourself with the pleasures of northern Italy.
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.
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.
Trip Itinerary
Travel independently to Bolzano. We will arrange a taxi to pick you up and transfer you to Völs. Overnight in a beautiful five-star hotel situated in the heart of this Southern Tyrolean village.
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: 1750 ft.
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: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss (with gondola and lift): 2600/1300 ft.
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 and a welcoming three-star inn.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3000 ft.
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: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3100/3300 ft.
There are many options for hiking in Corvara. From exploring the ski resort right behind the hotel; to ascending to a ridge separating the Puez and Sella groups and the Marmolada, the second highest peak in Italy at 3,259 meters, to the west, with the Tofane and Della Croce groups to the east. Your guide(s) will choose an appropriate outing for the group.
Distance and elevation gain/loss are variable.
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: 5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 200/2400 ft.
Buses from Cortina connect to the main train lines towards Venice and Milan, or to the north in the direction of Munich.