Italy Best of the Dolomites Hiking Tour
Monumental Mountain Beauty & Scenic Valley Trails
- Available: June, July, August, September
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels
-
Group Size:
6-16 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Hike amid spectacular alpine scenery in a UNESCO-listed mountain wonderland
- See the Dolomites' most famous peaks including Tre Cime de Lavaredo and Marmolada
- Indulge in hearty mountain fare and enjoy warm hospitality in Trentino, Alta Badia and Veneto -- three cultures, languages, and valleys!
Itinerary
Arrive in Val di Fassa
Day 1
Land at Venice international airport and meet your guide for a private group transfer to Val di Fassa (4,593') in Italy's Trentino region. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a trip briefing and aperitif, followed by a welcome group dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Locanda Degli Artisti
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Accommodation: Hotel Croce BiancaTransportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Follow Scenic Trails to Val San Nicolò
Day 2
After breakfast, head to Alba di Canazei (4,891') where today's hike begins. Follow a forest trail uphill to the Locia de Contrin mountain hut and through the beautiful Val Contrin. From the Malga Contrin mountain hut, continue your ascent to Passo San Nicolò (7,703'). Be wowed by impressive views of Marmolada's peaks: Piccolo Vernel, Gran Vernel, Penia, and Ombretta. After a well-deserved lunch break, enjoy the panoramic view across Val San Nicolò. Then, hike down through the picturesque valley - a landscape of flower-filled meadows and pretty wooden huts, all framed by spectacular peaks. Alternatively, you can opt for a panoramic train ride back.
Accommodation: Hotel Locanda Degli Artisti
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Accommodation: Hotel Croce BiancaActivity: 6 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 3,099' elevation gain and 3,312' loss
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sasso Lungo Loop Trek
Day 3
Start the day with a cable car ride from Campitello to Col Rodella (7,152'). From here hike under Sassolungo and Sassopiatto on the famous Friedrich-August-Weg route. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views as you pass wildflowers and grazing cows on this age-old shepherds' path, which ascends to Rifugio Sassopiatto (7,546'). Check out the view north over Val Gardena from Rifugio Vicenza (7,391') and enjoy refreshments at Rifugio Comici (7,063'). This loop hike now turns south through an unearthly landscape of boulders at Città dei Sassi ("city of stones"). Arrive back at Rifugio Passo Sella for a cable car ride back to Campitello. Dinner is at your leisure tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Locanda Degli Artisti
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Accommodation: Hotel Croce BiancaActivity: 6 hours/10 miles hiking with 2,328' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike the Sella Massif in Alta Badi
Day 4
Today's hike will traverse an excellent network of paths on the south face of the Sella Massif. From Penia, take the cable car to Doleda where you'll follow the trail to Passo Pordoi (7,345'). From here, hike a zigzag trail toward the Forcella Pordoi and take in incredible views of the Sassolungo, Marmolada, Civetta, Pelmo, Antelao and Col di Lana mountains. Then follow a rocky and undulating trail along the Sella's south face to Rifugio Franz Kostner (8,200') — a great lunch spot. After lunch, hike downhill along Lago Boe` and through the woods to Corvara (5,120'), where a private transfer to La Villa awaits. There are optional downhill lifts as needed. Join together for a group dinner in La Villa, one of South Tyrol's delightful mountain villages.
Accommodation: Hotel Christiania, La Villa, Alta
Accommodation: Hotel La MajunActivity: 5-6 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and 3,000' loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend to the Santa Croce Sanctuary
Day 5
Make a pilgrimage to the pretty white Santa Croce Sanctuary, perfectly situated at the base of the Sasso della Croce. Starting from the town of San Cassiano (5,250'), hike uphill on a paved road passing tiny hamlets and age-old barns along the way. A gravel trail gradually ascends through a pine forest, affording great views of Santa Croce and the picturesque Val Badia. At the church you'll have time to look around and revel in the vistas before walking to "Ranch Andre," a traditional farmhouse converted into an inviting lunch spot. After lunch, take a different trail back down into town and enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Christiania, La Villa, Alta
Accommodation: Hotel La MajunActivity: 5-6 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,935' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Puez-Odle Nature Park
Day 6
After a hearty breakfast it's off to Colfosco, one of the charming towns of Val Badia. From here, you'll explore the picturesque 25,000-acre Puez-Odle Natural Park at the base of the Cir Mountains. Starting from the church in Val Badia, head uphill to Rifugio Edelweiss (6,008') nestled in the Edelweiss valley - the perfect stop for refreshments! Admire spectacular views over the Sella Massif, with its towering peaks and dramatic rock faces, then ascend to Rifugio Forcelles and the most panoramic bench stop you'll ever encounter! Then follow a series of uphill paths and switchbacks until you reach Jimmy's Hutte (7,299'), our final destination. After lunch, descend to Passo Gardena and Colfosco. Optional gondola rides are available (not included). Savor a traditional Ladin dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Christiania, La Villa, Alta
Accommodation: Hotel La MajunActivity: 5 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,330' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Go Back in Time in Cinque Torri
Day 7
Today, you'll transfer to Passo Falzarego and hike to Rifugio Averau (7,921'). From here, descend to Rifugio Scoiattoli and beautiful Cinque Torri. Learn about the history of Cinque Torri and the surrounding mountain valleys as WWI battlefields, complete with tunnels and bunkers. Depending on the group, there are 3- to 6-hour hiking options. Lunch will be in one of the rifugios around the Cinque Torri. In the early afternoon, transfer to Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Veneto region and enjoy an evening at your leisure. Sleep in luxury at the 5-star Grand Hotel Savoia.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Savoia
Activity: 3 or 6 hours hiking options
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Sunrise Loop Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Day 8
Rise early for a stunning finale to your Dolomites hiking adventure! Starting at Rifugio Auronzo (7,677'), set out on a loop hike around the soaring peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo (9,839')- probably the most famous landmark in all the Dolomites. Since the first routes were climbed in the 1930s, Tre Cime has become one of the most popular Italian peaks in the mountaineering world and seeing it at sunrise (weather permitting) is nothing short of spectacular. Raise a toast to your Dolomites adventure this evening and enjoy a farewell dinner with the group in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Savoia
Activity: 6 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain and 1,800' loss
Transportation: 40-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer from Cortina to Venice & Depart
Day 9
After breakfast, take a private group transfer from Cortina to Venice airport for your homeward-bound flights.
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,550 single supplementCheck for AvailabilityConfirmed
- $7,570 price per person dbl occ+$1,550 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $7,295 price per person dbl occ+$1,550 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $7,295 price per person dbl occ+$1,550 single supplementWaitlistConfirmed
- $7,595 price per person dbl occ+$1,550 single supplementWaitlistConfirmed
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$1,700 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2024 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $8,995 per person double occupancy
6 to 9 guests from $8,295 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
June, July, August, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners noted in the itinerary
- Water, soft drinks, coffee and tea during all lunches and dinners, and 1 glass of wine with dinners
- Additional regional guides and experts where required
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel necessary during the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (except limited amount with dinners)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Karin Pizzinini
Karin was born and raised in the Dolomites, where she pursues outdoor activities year round including skiing, hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, and cycling. She has been guiding for over 10 years and takes great pride in sharing her knowledge of the region. In addition to being a hiking guide, Karin teaches yoga and high school science, makes documentaries, and lives out her passion for travel and photography. She is fluent in six languages and can be spotted around the globe anywhere from Japan to Washington during the off-season!

Luca Zuliani
Luca was born in the northern Italian town of Cividale del Friuli, near the Austrian and Slovenian borders. His love of the mountains began at an early age while exploring the foothills of the eastern Alps and the Dolomites with his family. Today Luca is a hiking guide for the Veneto Board of Alpine Guides, a UIMLA Mountain Leader, and a passionate trail runner. Luca speaks Italian, Friulano (a minority Rhaeto-Romance language), English, and a little German—and is also a classical musician with 15 years of orchestral training! When he is not mountain guiding, Luca enjoys relaxing, cooking, socializing with friends, and playing with his cats.

Chiara Saldarini
Chiara was born and raised along the southern edge of Lake Como, surrounded by nature. As a child, every free moment was an opportunity to climb trees and dive bomb into the icy lake. The sports that Chiara practiced as a young woman were always strongly linked to nature: rowing, windsurfing, and sailing helped Chiara fall in love with "her" lake; while skiing and climbing brought her closer to the mountain world. She attended university in Milan, and after a stint as a salesperson, her choice to leave the city came naturally: with her shiny red mountain bike, and "more backpacks than handbags," Chiara arrived in Cortina d'Ampezzo and never looked back! In Cortina, she found a new life, and a mountain-guide husband. Chiara has a clear passion for nature, and she loves to share her knowledge of the territory and the local culture with clients, adults and children alike.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. On this trek you will be hiking 7 to 9.5 hours a day, mostly at elevations between 5,000 and 8,000 feet. The trails are well groomed, but rocky and often steep. This type of terrain makes it a challenging experience. You need to be in excellent physical condition and have similar previous experience hiking for multiple consecutive days.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
6 hours/9.5 miles hiking with 3,099' elevation gain and 3,312' loss
Day 3
6 hours/10 miles hiking with 2,328' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
5-6 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and 3,000' loss
Day 5
5-6 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,935' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
5 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,330' elevation gain and loss
Day 7
3 or 6 hours hiking options
Day 8
6 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,000' elevation gain and 1,800' loss
Accommodations
A warm welcome awaits at charming 4- and 5-star mountain inns with comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
Weather
The Dolomites are a mountain climate. It can be very hot at lower elevations, but can also be freezing above 7,000 feet.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Plan to arrive at the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) by 9:30am. An MT Sobek representative will meet you in the arrivals hall between 10:00am and 10:30am. Then transfer 2.5 hours to our group hotel in Cortina.
Can I wear trail shoes/cross training shoes?
Due to rocky and uneven terrain, hiking boots with ankle support are necessary.
Can you accommodate my diet?
The cuisine of the Dolomites is one of the most varied (and delicious!) in the world. We are able to accommodate most diets with advanced notice.
Can I skip a hike if I need a rest day?
On most days you can opt to stay back in town and explore or your own or rest. On Days 4 & 7, we will transfer to our next accommodation.
When should I schedule my departure flight from Venice?
Our arrival at Venice airport is scheduled for the late morning on Day 8, so your overseas flight should be planned for no earlier than 2pm.
Similar Trips to Italy Best of the Dolomites Hiking Tour
Inspiration to Explore
Guest Reviews
"Our trip to the Dolomites with Sobek was an amazing! Well organized and planned, terrific, knowledgable guides and wonderful meals and group dynamics. The scenery is fantastic. Highly recommend."
Brenda H.
MT Sobek Guest, Italy Best of the Dolomites Hiking
"Best of the Dolomites is the best of everything-scenery, food, adventure and wonderful hiking."
Sandy & Doug C.
MT Sobek Guest, Italy Best of the Dolomites Hiking