Ultimate Dolomites

The towering rock spires of the Dolomites are a sheer paradise for hikers. Our friend Reinhold Messner, one of the world’s greatest mountaineers, calls the Dolomites “the 8th wonder of the world.” We’ve created the ultimate experience of this epic realm, following a crescent route that traces an arc from its southern reaches to the famed Cortina Dolomites in the north, where the striking pillars of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo soar toward the sky. With two (and often three) Trip Leaders and a choice of daily hikes, we explore the pinnacles of the Pale di San Martino, hike amid the rose-tinted spires of the Rosengarten Massif, and discover the fantastic walls of the enormous Sella Massif. Two special overnights are in hike-in lodges high among the peaks. Mountain hiking doesn’t get more spectacular than this!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Day 1
Venice / San Martino di Castrozza

From Venice, we travel to the mountain town of San Martino di Castrozza. En route, we visit picturesque Bassano del Grappa, off the tourist track and renowned for its covered wooden bridge as well as grappa, Italy’s national firewater of choice. We have lunch by the river in this amazing little town, then head up to San Martino in time for a short warm-up hike.

Days 2-3
Pale di San Martino

A 12-mile-long plateau of soaring towers, Pale di San Martino is the southernmost group in the Dolomites and a wonderful sight, with its crown of awe-inspiring peaks. Our hikes follow a trail beneath these beautiful peaks through verdant valleys brightened by wildflowers and along the famed long-distance hiking path called the Alta Via 2.

Days 4-5
Rosengarten / Latemar Massif

We hike among the fantastic rock faces and eerie pinnacles of the Rosengarten Dolomites, a spectacular collection of peaks named for their rosy hues at dusk and dawn. One of our hikes brings us through the Latemar Labyrinth, an enchanting maze of pinnacles, needles, and massive blocks of rock. A strenuous option is a traverse of Latemar’s crescent-shaped crest, the rim of an ancient volcano. In nearby Bolzano, we can view Otzi, the Iceman, a Bronze Age mummy (over 5,000 years old!) discovered encased in ice in 1991, and Messner’s own Mountain Museum, housed in a medieval castle.

Days 6-8
Alpe di Siusi / Corvara / Sella Massif

A hike from the pastoral realms of the Rosengarten Valley brings us to the Alpe di Siusi, a stunning alpine plateau with views across all the spires and high peaks. From Corvara, a South Tyrolean gem, we venture into the stronghold of the Sella Massif for hikes along its exhilarating high trails and among fragrant mountain meadows dotted with wildflowers.

Days 9-12
Rifugio Lagazuoi / Cortina d’Ampezzo

Crossing alpine pastures and passing the remains of World War I fortifications, we reach the Rifugio Lagazuoi, with its 360-degree panoramic views. Hiking right from the lodge, we descend around the peaks of the Tofane Massif into stylish Cortina. From here we have options for wonderful hikes of all levels, including one to a magical blue-green lake in the rocky, rugged heart of the Sorapiss Massif. Depart from Venice on Day 12.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 4 or 5, depending on the hiking options you choose. During our ten days of hiking, we have two hiking options to choose from on most days. 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. Each evening we sample the gastronomic delights that the Dolomites offer. 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