Italian Dolomites Trek
Venice, Italy
4.9 (15 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Famous Mountains
- Dramatic Cliffs & Valleys
- Unique Wildlife
- Charming Villages
- Wonderful Accommodations
- Exquisite Regional Cuisine
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
Description
On our Italian Dolomites trip, we follow a gorgeous itinerary through unforgettable mountains with stunning views, cozy mountain accommodations, and delicious regional cuisine. The Dolomites are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world! They are a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, universally valued for their unique and exceptional natural beauty. Geologically distinct (consisting mostly of sheer, high-quality limestone) with fantastically unusual shapes and features, they have inspired artists, scientists and outdoors enthusiasts for centuries.
Alternating between towering, alpine passes and lush, diverse valleys, we explore a wonderland of scenery and adventure. The magic of these Italian landscapes emerge in detail as our week progresses and we discover alpine plateaus, dramatic massifs, pristine rivers and lakes, fields of wildflowers, fairy-tale villages, awe-inspiring mountain vistas and a lot more.
From $440 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. 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 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip features moderate distant hikes with significant elevation changes (1,000-2,000 feet is typical), but with light day packs only. There are a few areas with moderate heights exposure.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 10 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-15 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 2000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Potentially hiking across snow
- Hiking with occasional, significant heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Alps hiking tour a solitude 2. You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time.
We require a minimum of 3 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
- Vehicle Transfer: 2.5-3 hours
On this Alps hiking tour, we begin with arrival at Venice International Airport. Please arrange your flight to arrive at or before 2:30 P.M. After rendezvousing with your guide and group at the arrival terminal at 3 P.M., we will transfer via a private shuttle to our accommodations in the small village of Pocol just outside of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This scenic area will be our home for the next 4 nights and boasts fabulous views of the surrounding mountain landscapes. After you’ve had some time to settle into your room, we’ll have our orientation meeting to discuss the specifics of our trip before enjoying our first dinner together. The food in this region is a mixture of Austrian, German and Italian influences.
Day 2
- Hiking Distance: 6.2 mi (10 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1150 ft (350 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2346 ft (715 m)
- Trekking Duration: 4.5 hours
We begin today with a buffet breakfast spread at our hotel before taking a short, private transfer to the starting trailhead for today’s hike. Our hike takes us to the top of an amazing mountain pass. After skirting beneath the towering limestone cliffs of Averau, we will stop and have lunch surrounded by stunning views of the Italian Dolomites. Refueled from lunch, we continue down to another refuge, Scoiattoli. This stretch of our hike is directly across from the stone towers of Tofane and the world-famous Cinque Torri. Climbers from around the globe travel to these towering pillars, and you will see why – they are dramatic, sheer and awe-inspiring. We will visit several fascinating World War II relics, including mountain bunkers and defensive outposts, which for many guests is an unexpected highlight. After soaking in the views and learning about the region’s fascinating history, we’ll descend towards civilization and catch a short transfer back to our accommodations. We’ll have time to relax before dinner at our hotel, with the breathtaking Alps as our backdrop.
Day 3
- Hiking Distance: 7.2 mi (11.6 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1330 ft (405 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3050 ft (930 m)
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
We start Day 3 with another European buffet breakfast spread at our hotel, and another short transfer. Today’s hike begins from the road at Giau Pass. We’ll cross over 3 small passes on our way to a high plateau with an alpine pasture and stunning views. Dropping down to the picturesque high elevation Federa Lake, we’ll relax over a delicious trail lunch. Our descent is along a tranquil path, crossing a river along the way.
Day 4
- Hiking Distance: 6.5 mi (10.5 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1150 ft (350 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2067 ft (630 m)
- Trekking Duration: 5 hours
On today’s hike we explore the opposite side of the mountain valley from Cinque Torre. We follow a traversing route along the southern face of the Tofane di Rozes, one of the Dolomite’s most dramatic cirques. Our sweeping views are of the areas we have explored over the last two days, giving us a wonderful vantage point to appreciate all we’ve accomplished thus far. Our path eventually takes us to the Dibona Refuge, where we’ll sit down for a refreshing trail lunch. After lunch we’ll descend back to Pocol along a beautiful, forested path. Tonight’s meal is planned at a fabulous, hand-picked restaurant in the charming mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Day 5
- Hiking Distance:8 mi (13 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1936 ft (590 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1936 ft (590 m)
- Trekking Duration: 4.5-5 hours
We say goodbye to Pocol and leave our bags at the front desk to be transferred to us this evening. We have an early start today with a packed breakfast for our private transfer up to the Auronzo Refuge. From here we start today’s hike, the legendary hike around the Tre Cime, a truly breathtaking landscape of peaks, towers, and summits. We’ll hike up to the Lavaredo Refuge, just beneath the Tre Cime and continue around Mount Paterno and the Croda Passaporto. We’ll conclude today’s hike on a high note as we approach the Locatelli Refuge which affords stunning views of the north face of the Tre Crime. We’ll return via the Laveredo Pass where we’ll hop on a local bus back to Lake Misurina. Our bags will be awaiting us as we arrive to our new hotel for the next couple of nights.
Day 6
- Hiking Distance: 8.1 mi (13 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1936 ft (590 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1936 ft (590 m)
- Trekking Duration: 4.5 hours
Today the views are expansive, and the landscapes are unforgettable. It’s another early morning to make it to today’s hike and absolutely worth it. Mountain peaks, passes, valleys, and lakes fill our day with an ever-changing back drop of once-in-a-lifetime views. A few of these highlights include Lago di Cengia, the pass of Büllelejoch, and the Lakes dei Piani. We finish up our hike going up and over the Laveredo Pass down to our starting point. A local public bus will transfer us back to our hotel for one last relaxing night and celebratory dinner with Lake Misurina as our backdrop.
Day 7
- Hiking Distance: 3.1- 5 mi (5 – 8 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1265 ft (385 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1265 ft (385 m)
- Trekking Duration: 4 hours
- Vehicle Transfer: 3-4 hours
Our last day of the Italian Dolomites Lodge-based Tour gives us one more impressive half-day hike into the Popéna Valley. This quaint, remote valley just behind Lake Misurina allows us one last look at the surrounding beauty of the Dolomites. After returning to our hotel, we will take a private vehicle transfer to the Venice Airport, then Mestre Train Station. Flights should be planned for a 6pm departure or later. What a week it’s been!
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 starting on Day 1 and ending on Day 7
- Venice Airport (VCE) pick up on Day 1 and Venice Airport (VCE) or Venice Mestre Train Station drop off on Day 7
- Lodging for the duration of the tour
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 7
- 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 Alps 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
- Most beds are twin; no queen- or king-sized beds are available. Sometimes the twins are pushed together to form a double, but sometimes they must remain separated. If you would like to share a bed, it may not always be available.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled the most frequently asked questions that Wildland Trekking guests have about visiting and hiking Italy’s Dolomites. Learn the answers to these commonly asked questions about traveling in the Dolomites by using the link below!
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!
Where Do We Meet?
We will meet you at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) on Day 1. Be sure your flight arrives before 2:30 pm in order to meet your guide and group at 3:00 pm.
Our pre-trip support team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and 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.
Travel to Venice, Italy
Start/End Location: Venice, Italy
Closest Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Flights to and from Venice are the guest’s responsibility.
Day 1: You will meet at 3 pm at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Flights must arrive by 2:30 pm in Venice.
Day 7: You have the option of a drop-off at either Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or the Venice Mestre Train Station. Flights should be planned to leave no earlier than 6 pm on this day.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Venice as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
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.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 7 and older to join scheduled or private tours
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 in the Alps
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 VILLA ARGENTINA
4 NIGHTS
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.
Grand Hotel Misurina
2 NIGHTS
This charming 4-star hotel overlooks the shores of Lake Misurina. Here, the reflection of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo can be enjoyed. Beautiful villages and mountains surround this pristine area where we spend two nights. With cozy rooms and a truly spectacular setting, this is a special place to spend a few nights in the Italian Alps!
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Geoff T
Fantastic Trip
A fantastic trip. Very well organized and the trip leaders, Matt and Delphine were superb. The accommodations were excellent. And when an unexpected snow storm dumped a foot of snow on the routs we were to take, they scrambled around and put together a couple of traps that were just great. I look forward to another trekking adventure with Wildland.
Debra N
I love traveling with Wildland.
I’ve been on a few trips with Wildland Trekking . I love traveling with Wildland. I’ve never had a bad experience. Always private transportation, wonderful food, accommodation have always been perfect, the guides are the best and they make my hiking dreams come true. I just got lucky enough to travel with Wildland Trekking in the Dolomites. Beautiful. Another amazing trip. Our guides, Matthieu and Johannes , made this trip prefect . So much fun !!!
John H
Go with Wildland Trekking for the time of your life.
Wildland Trekking has an amazing formula for creating superior outdoor experiences that you will remember forever. Their guides are amazing showing patience and team building. Their skills are excellent in all aspects. Go with Wildland Trekking for the time of your life.
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