cortina dolomites italy hiking tour

Santa Lucia, the Dolomites, Italy

The craggy peaks and spires of the Dolomites rise above classic mountain villages. Our hiking journey offers a daily choice of fantastic hikes in these spectacular mountains.

Photo by Dan Heller

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Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites

Experience Europe’s Most Dramatic Mountains

Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $4095   see pricing
Length: 8 days
Arrive: Venice, Italy
Depart: Venice, Italy
Lodging: 6 nights 3- and 4-star hotels and inns, 1 night comfortable alpine lodge with semi-private rooms, shared baths, and hot showers describe
Meals: All meals included except 1 dinner
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: 6 hiking days, choice of moderate to steep trails, 3-7 hours a day, altitudes from 5,000-9,100 feet, van support (for luggage or tired feet), team of up to 3 Trip Leaders
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Highlights

  • Hike through a surreal landscape of splintered spires, huge rock walls, and picturesque villages
  • Moderate to challenging hiking options among the most spectacular mountains in all Europe
  • Enjoy delightful Italian alpine culture and cuisine


Beautiful, challenging, fun, and full of culture and nature. I highly recommend it!Kathy L.—Des Moines, IA

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

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

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

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.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

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

 

Departures & Leaders

Jun 28-Jul 5, 2013

Jul 20-27, 2013
Aug 11-18, 2013  JoAnn Lantz
Sep 6-13, 2013

Trip Cost

Prices are for 2013
$4095 (11-15 members)
$4495 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $270
Forced single supplement: $135
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Trip Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of at least two Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders (and sometimes three, depending on group size)
  • Accommodations as noted
  • All meals included except 1 dinner
  • Land transportation, airport transfers as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
  • Cable cars and uphill / downhill conveyance

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional cultural events, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Albergo Passo Giau

Albergo Passo Giau

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Passo Giau, Italy

This 9-room family-run auberge is very special, wonderfully quiet, and set on one of the main mountain passes above Cortina. Diego and Claudia and ...
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Rifugio Lagazuoi

Rifugio Lagazuoi

Day 4 (1 night), Dolomites, Italy

360-degree panoramas of the spires of the Dolomites, including glorious Tofano, Cristallo, and Marmolada, are at our fingertips at Rifugio Lagazuoi, ...
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Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Days 5 to 7 (3 nights), Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

In Cortina d'Ampezzo, we stay at one of the following properties:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Our Trip Leaders

Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).

Stefano Baldi

Departure Dates: June 28-July 5, 2013

Stefano Baldi, of Tuscany, has led hiking trips in Europe for us for nearly 15 years. He has spent most of his life living in the beautiful rural countryside of Tuscany, except for a few years in Florence as a student. His love for nature led him to found an agricultural co-op with friends in the ...
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Tony Farina

Departure Dates: July 20-27, 2013

Tony Farina, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, earned his degree in Outdoor Experiential Education, with a minor in Liberal Arts, from Prescott College in Arizona, a school known for its programs in environmental studies and adventure education. His passion for travel, mountains, and sea ...
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James Fuss

Departure Dates: June 28-July 5, 2013

James Fuss is a trekking guide, photographer, bicyclist, and chef extraordinaire. Born and bred in South Australia, James acquired his wanderlust early while exploring Australia extensively on camping trips with his parents. His love of the cooking arts began early, as well, and after embarking on ...
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Lisa Halderman

Departure Dates: July 20-27, 2013, September 6-13, 2013

Lisa Halderman experienced Italy in 1973 as a high school exchange student. She earned her degree in Italian Literature, completing her final year at the University of Padua. Her studies have immersed her in the world of Italian art, architecture, politics, and history. An avid gardener, Lisa also ...
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JoAnn Lantz

Departure Dates: July 20-27, 2013, August 11-18, 2013

JoAnn Lantz was born in New York City, raised in Long Island, and graduated from New York University. She taught at the School for the Deaf in Manhattan before moving to Italy in 1988, after many years of traveling to Italy on vacation. She lives with her daughter in the countryside outside of ...
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Sergio Mastroberardino

Departure Dates: September 6-13, 2013

Sergio Mastroberardino was born in the town of Avellino in southern Italy. He is a Certified Alpine Ski Instructor and during the winter season works full time with various ski schools and as a professional ski guide. Sergio has lived and taught skiing in Aspen, Colorado, Val D'Isere, France, and ...
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Stewart Wheelhouse

Departure Dates: June 28-July 5, 2013

Stewart Wheelhouse, a Welshman by birth, has spent the past 23 years leading adventures and expeditions throughout the world. He has traveled the length of Africa, written guidebooks on cycling through Europe, and led expeditions in Asia and Australia. A wonderful storyteller and traveling ...
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Client Comments

Beautiful, challenging, fun, and full of culture and nature. I highly recommend it! Kathy L., Des Moines, IA This was a wonderful hiking trip. Great day hikes, comfortable accommodations, and excellent food and wine. We couldn’t have asked for more! Linda and Ira G., West Hartford, CT Cannot imagine that there is a better trip to the Dolomites out there anywhere! Mike J., Crested Butte, CO The scenery, activities, and the WT Trip Leader team made for an outstanding trip. Neil K., Columbia, MD Without a doubt, one of the best organized trips we have been on. All three leaders were truly outstanding, the arrangements were far beyond expectation. David D. and Judy M., Vienna, VA Wilderness Travel has this trip down pat! Chuck T., Alexandria, VA Well designed, a good balance of hiking and social experiences, with flexibility for individual preferences. Allan C., Chapel Hill, NC
This was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the fact that we had three tour guides that were well versed in their subject area. Christine P., Moraga, CA This was my first WT trip and I would absolutely go on another one! I definitely enjoyed everything about the week. Elaine D., Toronto M4V 1R1, ON This was the most incredible hiking trip I have experienced. Credit to the three trip leaders...they were fabulous! Jane C., Pacific Grove, CA It was the best vacation I've ever had! Lili T., Charlotte, NC Loved it—who could not love days spent hiking through beautiful areas and great food and wine at night? Julia R., Topanga, CA This was my first adventure travel trip, and I had an amazingly wonderful time! I am sure I will do more trips with WT! Very challenging hiking, great food, great guides, and great people to hike with! It was a trip of a lifetime! Karen F., Auburn, WA