Ultimate Dolomites

Our friend Reinhold Messner, one of the world’s greatest mountaineers, calls the Dolomites “the 8th wonder of the world,” and we couldn’t agree more! 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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Days 1-3
Venice / Pale di San Martino

From Venice, we travel to San Martino di Castrozza, set below the Pale di San Martino, a 12-mile-long rocky plateau of soaring towers referred to as a “bevy of formidable giants” by mountaineer/explorer Douglas Freshfield. Our hikes here bring us along a dramatic ridge across three mountain summits and include a marvelous high-level circuit of the altipiano, with its crown of awe-inspiring peaks and beautiful surrounding valleys brightened by a vivid alpine flora.

Days 4-5
Rosengarten / Latemar Massif

From our wonderful 4-star mountain hotel, we hike among the towering rock faces and eerie pinnacles of the Rosengarten Dolomites, a spectacular collection of peaks named for their luminous rose-red hues at dusk and dawn. One of our hikes brings us through the Latemar Labyrinth, an enchanting maze of needles and massive blocks of rock. Another option is a traverse of Latemar’s crescent-shaped crest, the rim of an ancient volcano. In Bolzano, we view Otzi, the Iceman, a Copper Age mummy discovered encased in ice in 1991, or visit Reinhold Messner’s Mountain Museum, housed in a medieval castle.

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

A hike from the pastoral Rosengarten Valley brings us to the Alpe di Siusi, a stunning alpine plateau with views of 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 meadows dotted with wildflowers.

Days 9-12
Rifugio Lagazuoi / Cortina d’Ampezzo

Crossing idyllic alpine pastures and passing fortifications remaining from World War I, we reach the Rifugio Lagazuoi, located along the Alta Via 1, a famous long-distance path featuring some of the finest scenery of the Dolomites. Hiking right from the lodge, we descend below the peaks of the renowned Tofane massif into stylish Cortina d’Ampezzo. From here we have options for wonderful hikes of all levels, including a circuit of the enormous limestone peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Depart from Venice on Day 12.

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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