Dolomites Hut to Hut Traverse
Venice, Italy
Trip Highlights
- Charming Huts & Lodges
- Deep into the Dolomites
- Dramatic Landscapes
- Exquisite Alps Cuisine
- Endless Mountain Views
- Luggage Transfer
Description
This breathtaking traverse of the Italian Dolomites is a one-of-a-kind trip for those who want to more deeply explore this incredible region. We hike through diverse landscapes, from lush green forests and serene pastures to dramatic rocky terrain that capture the true essence of the Dolomites. On this all-inclusive trek, you just show up ready to hike! Your guide will create unforgettable picnic lunches, and you’ll be served delicious breakfasts and dinners at your accommodations.
After a rewarding day of hiking, rest in a mix of cozy mountain huts and comfortable hotels, ensuring you’re refreshed and ready for the next day’s exploration. It is the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, where nature meets comfort. By staying in huts, you’ll earn sweet tranquility by hiking on lesser-traveled paths. To truly round out your Italian hiking vacation, we will start and end at the Venice airport, facilitating easier flights and allowing you to enjoy different regions of the country if you choose to stay in country longer.
From $275 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
The scheduled rate for this trip is based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available on a limited basis for an additional single supplement. Single rooms are not available on hut nights (nights 2, 4 and 5). If you’d like to upgrade to a single room, please let us know when you register.
If you’re travelling on your own and would prefer double occupancy, please let us know and we will do our best to pair you with a roommate. If we’re unable to, then the single supplement fee will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
This trip features moderate to long hikes (up to 9.4 miles) with significant elevation changes (up to 3,635 ft./1,110 m.), but with light day packs only. A slightly heavier pack to include your overnight items is required on Day 5 due to no luggage transfer. There are a few areas with moderate to significant heights exposure. Note there are some slightly technical spots and occasional loose terrain.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 9.4 mi./16 km.
Backpack Weight:
10-15 lbs.
Terrain:
Moderate to significantly rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 3,635 ft./1,110 m.
Heights Exposure:
Moderate to significant
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 6-8 hours and a slightly heavier pack on Day 5 due to no luggage transfer that day
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Variable mountain weather ranging from pleasant to hot, with potential for snow
- Hiking with occasional, significant heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
We rate this Alps hiking tour a solitude 3. You can expect hours of solitude at a time.
We require a minimum of 4 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 60-65 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group or family!
In many areas we can run trips with group sizes larger than our normal capacity of 12 guests. There’s no minimum number of guests on a private tour, and in many cases, we have flexibility around minimum age as well.
For all international trips outside the United States, we quote private trip requests on a case-by-case basis. Please complete the form below to inquiry about a private tour.
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Driving Duration: 2 hrs. 45 min.
- Accommodations: Hotel in Val di Fassa
Ciao e benvenuto! Hello and welcome to Italy! We will meet in the arrivals hall of the Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airport at 3 pm and begin our adventure. After introductions, we’ll load into our private vehicle and head inland, into the Dolomites to Val di Fassa. We’ll check into our lodge for the evening and begin our orientation meeting. We’ll end the day by enjoying a beautiful dinner together.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 6.6 mi./11 km. – 9.1 mi/15 km.
- Elevation Gain: 3000 ft./915 m.
- Elevation Loss: 1510 ft./460 m.
- Accommodations: Alpe di Tires Refuge
After breakfast, we’ll take a short bus ride to the Vigo di Fassa cable car station. We’ll ascend to 6,224 ft/1897 m. to the start of our first hike! A large path in the forest brings us to the Vale de Vaiolé, in the heart of the Rosengarten (Catinaccio) Massif. We then continue up through an open landscape under the towers of the Rosengarten and pass a refuge at the foot of these impressive towers, to cross the Vajolet valley. This trail is along a balcony path which joins the Passo Principe. Next, we come upon a wild mineral cirque in the heart of the Rosengarten needles, where we then join the Passo Molignon at 8,543 ft./2604 m., and descend towards the Alpe di Tires Refuge. This is a stunning refuge. Expect shared rooms and bathrooms with hot showers, fresh linens and pillows, and views you’ll remember forever.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 9.4 mi./16 km.
- Elevation Gain: 3055 ft./930 m.
- Elevation Loss: 3900 ft./1190 m.
- Accommodations: Hotel in Plan de Gralba
In store for today is a superb balcony crossing of one of the largest mountain pastures in Europe: the Alpe di Siusi. Within a vibrant green landscape, we reach the Sasso Piatto refuge. Spectacular crossing of the Sassolungo massif, between the summits of Sasso Piato and Sassolungo, a real word of rocks. From the Forcella Sassolungo we walk down to Passo Sella. We take a short private transfer to our hotel lower in the valley, where we spend the night in the small town of Plan de Gralba.
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 7.6 mi./12.2 km.
- Elevation Gain: 3635 ft./1110 m.
- Elevation Loss: 2225 ft./680 m.
- Accommodations: Refuge Gardenacia
A quick 10-minute transfer to the village of Selva di Val Gardena takes us to the trailhead. We have an incredible hike in store today: a magnificent crossing of the immense Vallunga canyon, followed by a climb up the Puez massif, to the south of which stand the gigantic cliffs of the Sella. We’ll then cross through the Gardenacia pass, 8360 ft./ 2548 m. and then descend into the wonderful Gardenacia refuge.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 8 mi./12.9 km.
- Elevation Gain: 3790 ft./1155 m.
- Elevation Loss: 3160 ft./965 m.
- Accommodations: Refuge Dibona
We begin today’s hike by a short walk to take a chairlift to the village of La Villa. A private vehicle will take us about 6 miles down the road to Passo Falzarego, We hike up to the Forcella Averau with large, sweeping views before climbing to the summit of Nuvolau and one of the oldest huts in the Dolomites. We’ll then continue by hiking down to explore the famous Cinque Torri and its World War II historic sites. Our hike finishes by crossing the valley and hiking up to Rifugio Dibona along scenic, wooded paths.
On this day, we won’t have our usual luggage transfer, so you’ll need to carry what you need for the night and we’ll rejoin with our luggage on the following night.
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 4 mi./6.4 km.
- Elevation Gain: 2655 ft./810 m.
- Elevation Loss: 355 ft./110 m.
- Accommodations: Hotel in Cortina or Pocol
Today we start from the lovely Dibona refuge and hike under the massive walls of the towering summit of the Tofana di Rozes. We continue over the scenic passes of Forcella Col dei Bos. From here we drop into the head of the quiet, wild Travenances Valley. Here, the solitude is framed with tall mountain walls on either side. After several wet creek crossings, we come to the waterfalls at the end of the valley near Ponte Alto before ending at the road near the ruins of the Sant’Uberto Castello. A private transfer will take us to Pocol/Cortina. Tonight, we celebrate our incredible trek with a pizza dinner in Cortina.
Day 7
- Driving Duration: 2.5 hours
We’ll enjoy a final Italian breakfast together and then head to the airport where we will say our goodbyes. We will arrive to the airport by 11:30 am, so please plan for flights no earlier than 1:30 pm.
Thank you for choosing Wildland!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour
- Venice Airport (VCE) pick up on Day 1 and Venice Airport (VCE) or Venice Mestre Train Station drop off on Day 7
- Cable car and chairlift tickets
- Lodging for the duration of the tour including 3 nights in hotels and 3 nights in huts
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage Transfers (excluding Day 5), limited to 1 33 lbs./15 kg. bag
- Use of a day pack and trekking poles
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and emergency communication device
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from Venice, Italy
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required)
- Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 10-15% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
This Dolomites hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guide. Most lunches are prepared on the trail by your guides. Italian meals with Austrian and German influences will be had in our hotels and nearby towns! Bread, grains, pastas, rice, polenta, local cheese, and pork products are all staples in this region.
It is common in the Alps that restaurants do not allow groups to order from an a la carte menu; a set menu is created, and guests do not have the option of ordering differently from the set menu.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some destinations may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
Lodging: What to Expect
This trip is a mix of hotels and huts (rifugios) to give you a variety of experiences of this region and to take you to some more off-the-beaten-track places. These huts are all about the location!
There are some unique elements to the huts that are important for guests to understand:
- As huts go, these are quite comfortable. Clean linens and towels are provided, along with hot water and outlets to charge devices.
- The huts feature shared, co-ed rooms with bunkbeds, typically housing 4-6 hikers per room. In some rifugios, the rooms may consist of a mix of Wildland guests and other hikers. Bringing earplugs and an eye mask is recommended.
- Separate men’s and women’s bathrooms and showers are down the hall.
- Single rooms are not available in the huts; single rooms are available only for the hotel nights
- There may be limited Wi-Fi and cell service
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour, you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now). All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Trip Start
Trip Start
Venice, Italy
Closest Airport
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) on Day 1. Transportation to and from Venice is guest’s responsibility.
Day 1
We will pick you up from the Venice airport at 3 pm. Please be sure to arrive no later than 2:30 pm. We will then board our private vehicle and drive ~ 2 hrs. 45 min. to our first night’s accommodation
Our pre-trip support team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Trip End
Trip End
Venice, Italy
Closest Airport
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) on Day 1. Transportation to and from Venice is guest’s responsibility.
Day 7
After breakfast, we will have one group airport drop off at 11:30 am to VCE. Please be sure your flights depart no earlier than 1:30 pm.
We can also drop you off at the Cortina Bus Station or the Venice Mestre Train Station. If you would prefer either of these two options, please notify our Adventure Consultants.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 years and older to join scheduled trips
- 10 years and older to join a private tour
Trip Insurance Requirements
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is REQUIRED as a condition of partnership terms with our European vendors (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).
We recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance and policies meet all Alps requirements.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
If you already have the required insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Weather
The location of the Alps and their tremendous elevation variations lead to significant and sometimes unpredictable temperatures and weather patterns, both in different ranges and in a particular range itself. Due to the Alps’ location in central Europe, they are influenced by moist air off the Atlantic, cold polar air from northern Europe, fluctuating air masses; and warm Mediterranean air flows northward.
Due to these extraordinary forces acting on the Alps’ weather, we recommend following our clothing list closely (in your trip packet when you register), as guests are best served by being prepared for a broad range of possible temperatures and weather conditions.
The average temperatures and precipitation in Alps are:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||
|
Month
|
Valleys
<4k ft |
Peaks
4-6.5k ft |
||||
|
hi
|
low
|
hi
|
low
|
|||
|
May
|
67°
|
56°
|
60°
|
40°
|
||
|
June
|
75°
|
63°
|
66°
|
45°
|
||
|
July
|
81°
|
68°
|
71°
|
49°
|
||
|
August
|
79°
|
67°
|
70°
|
48°
|
||
|
September
|
74°
|
63°
|
63°
|
43°
|
||
Accommodations
HOTEL FALORIA MOENA
1 NIGHT
This beautiful, modern hotel in Moena, Italy features the traditional style of classic Alps hotels with all the convenience of modern of amenities. Rooms have air conditioning, wifi, private bathrooms, a hot tub and delicious breakfast. We are also in walking distance to the wonderful restaurants and shops of Moena.
RIFUGIO ALPE DI TIRES
1 NIGHT
This spectacular backcountry hut is located at the crossroads of 3 prominent valleys within the Sciliar Catinaccio Nature Park. Originally constructed by a young man seeking to escape from the hunger and poverty of post-war Italy, it officially opened in 1963. Expanded on by the founder’s family, it offers the ability to stay in cozy, warm rooms with hot showers and fresh bedding, delicious meals, and even a selection of local wines.
The hut features shared, co-ed rooms with bunkbeds, housing 4-6 hikers per room. The hut may arrange a mix of Wildland and non-Wildland hikers in a room. The bathrooms are down the hall and include hot water. Wi-Fi and cell service may be limited. We recommend packing earplugs and eye mask for the best night’s sleep.
HOTEL VALPUDRA
1 NIGHT
This classic Alps hotel is perfectly situated for our grand traverse of the Dolomites. It is located a short hike from Cappella di San Silvestro and also Passo Sella. The rooms offer comfortable, clean accommodations with Wi-Fi, a relaxing sauna, an excellent on-site restaurant that specializes in seafood entrees (but has other options), and private bathrooms.
RIFUGIO GARDENACCIA
1 NIGHT
For many guests, this amazing hut is the star accommodation of our Dolomites Traverse. The setting is spectacular, with breathtaking views in all directions. The wonderful hosts regularly display fresh flowers on the tables. The food is delicious, the rooms are spotless (with balconies), and the staff are generous, amazing people.
The hut features shared, co-ed rooms with bunkbeds, housing 4-6 hikers per room. The hut may arrange a mix of Wildland and non-Wildland hikers in a room. The bathrooms are down the hall and include hot water. Wi-Fi and cell service may be limited. We recommend packing earplugs and eye mask for the best night’s sleep.
RIFUGIO DIBONA
1 NIGHT
Rifugio Dibona provides stunning views in a dramatic setting, and is our most basic accommodation on this tour. It is a hostel-style, backcountry hut with warm, clean accommodations. Meals are tasty and plentiful. The staff and kind and helpful, and the rooms have clean, fresh bedding and towels.
The hut features shared, co-ed rooms with bunkbeds, housing 4-6 hikers per room. The hut may arrange a mix of Wildland and non-Wildland hikers in a room. The bathrooms are down the hall and include hot water. Wi-Fi and cell service may be limited. We recommend packing earplugs and eye mask for the best night’s sleep.
HOTEL VILLA ARGENTINA
1 NIGHT
Since 1910 Hotel Villa has been hosting adventurous visitors to the Italian Dolomites. Built from locally-sourced materials provided by the mountains (limestone and wood primarily), this 3-star lodge blends into the mountains while offering a cozy, comfortable experience.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
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