Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites

Nothing quite prepares you for the awesome spectacle of the Dolomites, a magnificent landscape of enormous spires, towers, and pinnacles that soar dreamlike above an enchanting realm of deep green valleys, storybook villages, and steepled churches. Our journey explores the Cortina Dolomites, famed for unearthly monoliths including the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the broad expanse of Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites. With moderate or challenging hiking options each day, we revel in some of Europe’s most incredible mountain scenery and delight in northern Italy’s alpine culture and marvelous mouth-watering cuisine.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Day 1
Venice / Passo Giau

From Venice, we head up to the mountains to our chalet-style hotel in the heart of the Dolomites. Set on a broad, flower-filled meadow atop a mountain pass, the albergo features wonderful views of the Tofane, Croda Rossa, Cristallo, and Croda da Lago massifs. Our warm-up hike offers a great introduction to this spectacular world.

Days 2-3
Passo Giau / Civetta Massif

Starting right from our hotel, we ascend to Forc d’ Giau (7,800'), then hike through beautiful meadows to Ambrizolla Pass. After lunch at a rifugio, we descend past waterfalls with stunning views of the Tofane Massif. Our moderate option is a lovely ramble through meadows and woodlands beneath the soaring Tofane peaks. The next day, we hike a fantastic route circling the regal massif of Monte Pelmo, called the “Doge’s Cap” by patriotic Venetians. Other hikes bring us into the magnificent Civetta Massif, with its famous six-mile-wide north face known as “the wall of walls.”

Day 4
Rifugio Lagazuoi

Our destination, reached by trail or cable car, is Rifugio Lagazuoi, an awesomely situated mountain lodge with hearty food and amazing views. From our lunch stop at Rifugio Nuvolau, panoramas stretch from Tofane to Marmolada (10,965'), the “Queen of the Dolomites.” Sunsets at Lagazuoi are marvelous, with the massive rock pinnacles taking on an extraordinary palette of ever-changing luminous hues.

Days 5-7
Cortina d’Ampezzo / Tofane / Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Cortina’s most famous massif is the Tofane: Tofane di Roses, Tofane di Mezzo, and Tofane di Dentro, three stunning peaks over 10,500 feet in height and renowned by alpinists worldwide. One challenging option features the “secret” valley behind the Tofane that few hikers explore. Our moderate option leads along a trail below the great spires of the Tofane di Roses and continues along the Alta Via 1, a long-distance footpath that traverses the Dolomites from north to south. Other hikes include an excursion northeast of Cortina into the world of the Sesto Dolomites and the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three yellow-pink spires that offer quintessential Dolomites hiking. No matter which hikes we choose, the views are simply out of this world. Overnights are in the celebrated alpine village of Cortina, nestled beneath a grand cirque of peaks.

Day 8
Venice

Return to Venice Airport for afternoon flights home, or extend your stay in this glorious city.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 4 or 5, depending on the hiking options you choose. During our six days of hiking (approximately three to seven hours a day), we have two hiking options to choose from each day. Most hiking is between 5,000 and 9,000 feet, with the routes featuring a good bit of up-and-down (although some level walks are available). The hikes show you some of the finest mountains and the most stunning scenery in the Dolomites. While the Dolomites are not exceptionally high, they are steep and rugged, and this trip, while not difficult, is aimed for those who have at least some experience of mountain hiking. All participants must be in good physical condition. No climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary. Of course, you are always free to skip a day’s hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle. On most nights, we return to our comfortable hotels to sample the gastronomic delights that the Dolomites offer. (On Day 4, we overnight at the Rifugio Lagazuoi, where there is no road access for our vans, but your overnight needs can be transported by cable car in a small bag). For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots are essential.

Explanation of Trip Levels