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Italy Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour

A Tyrolean Traverse from Tre Cime di Lavaredo to Marmolada

Lace up your boots and hike into the magnificent Dolomites, where pale rock faces catch the alpenglow at dawn and dusk, and idyllic valleys are carpeted in wildflowers. Led by the best guides in the region you'll traverse stunning trails between classic rifugios, only reachable on foot. Each is perfectly positioned to access trails and set in breathtaking locations. From Tre Cime di Lavaredo (9,839') to Marmolada (11,024') you'll hike among well-known wonders and untrammeled scenery, as you discover Tyrolean culture with your insider guide. Experience the Dolomites as hikers and mountaineers have for decades, hiking hut to hut in some of the most tremendous landscapes imaginable.

8 Days • 7 Nights

Lace up your boots and hike into the magnificent Dolomites, where pale rock faces catch the alpenglow at dawn and dusk, and idyllic valleys are carpeted in wildflowers. Led by the best guides in the region you'll traverse stunning trails between classic rifugios, only reachable on foot. Each is perfectly positioned to access trails and set in breathtaking locations. From Tre Cime di Lavaredo (9,839') to Marmolada (11,024') you'll hike among well-known wonders and untrammeled scenery, as you discover Tyrolean culture with your insider guide. Experience the Dolomites as hikers and mountaineers have for decades, hiking hut to hut in some of the most tremendous landscapes imaginable.

Highlights

  • Wake up beneath the towers of Tre Cime at historic Rifugio Locatelli, welcoming hikers since 1883
  • Trek a stretch of the famed Alta Via 1 and descend to the turquoise waters of Lago di Braies
  • Cap off the traverse with a guided walk through Venice's canals and a night near St. Mark's Square

Italy Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Hiking

Start: Venice, Italy  End: Venice, Italy

Itinerary

  • Arrive in Venice & Transfer to the Dolomites

    Day 1

    Welcome to Italy! Please plan on arriving at the airport by 1:00 pm. Your MT Sobek guide will meet you in the Venice Marco Polo Airport for a private transfer departing at 2:00 pm to your first night's hotel, located in the heart of the Dolomites. On arrival, check in to your hotel, enjoy a briefing and aperitivo, followed by a welcome dinner with the group and guide.

    Accommodation: Hotel Serena Cortina

    Transportation: 2-hour to 2-hour 45-minute private transfer

    Meals: Dinner

  • Hike up to Iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo

    Day 2

    The classic hike from Rifugio Auronzo (7,600') to Rifugio Locatelli (7,890') is the perfect introduction to the breathtaking Dolomites. Start out on a wide gravel path with views of the Val d'Ansiei and the jagged teeth of the Cadini di Misurina peaks. Then, start to climb, zigzagging toward Forcella Lavaredo (8,051') where the legendary Tre Cime (three peaks) appear dramatically, towering at 9,839 feet. From the saddle you can see your destination in the distance. Hike along the scree slopes of Monte Paterno, a mountain honeycombed with World War I tunnels and bunkers—a landscape shaped by nature and history. Arrive at Rifugio Locatelli, perfectly positioned for panoramic vistas and a well earned rest.

    Accommodation: Locatelli Hut

    Activity: 4 hours/5.5 miles of hiking with 1,735' of elevation gain and 1,475' of loss

    Transportation: 20 minutes to 1-hour private transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Traverse Tre Cime to the Pratopiazza Valley

    Day 3

    Enjoy one last view of the rugged peaks of Tre Cime's north faces soaring into the sky as you leave Locatelli Hut. Head west on an easy trail down through the wild Val Ribon, hiking into conifer forest and along rock walls with valley views. From the bottom of the valley, hike uphill to Strudelkopfsattel Pass (7,218'), beneath Monte Specie, and into Pratopiazza Valley, with its typical Dolomite pastures where cattle graze among the wildflowers.

    Accommodation: Alpin Natur Hotel Bruckele

    Activity: 6 hours/10 miles of moderate hiking with 2,625' of elevation gain and 3,937' of loss

    Transportation: 15-minute private transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike to Stunning Lago di Braies in South Tyrol

    Day 4

    After crossing Pratopiazza meadow, hike towards Croda Rossa and then up to lofty Gaiselleitte Pass (7,405') along a spectacular yet sheer mountainside trail equipped with chains. Then, a traverse through beautiful alpine pastures leads to Cavallo Pass (7,503'). Hike down from the pass to the turquoise waters of tree-lined Lake Braies, located in a magical mountain setting surrounded by breathtaking peaks. After your hike, take a short transfer back to your charming hotel for the evening.

    Accommodation: Alpin Natur Hotel Bruckele

    Activity: 6 hours/8 miles of challenging hiking with 1,640' elevation gain and 3,280' loss

    Transportation: 15-minute local bus transfer Ponticello to Pratopiazza, 20-minute private transfer to hotel

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Stroll amidst Wildflowers at Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park along the Alta Via 1

    Day 5

    Stroll amidst Wildflowers at Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park along the Alta Via 1. Begin the day with a transfer back to gorgeous Braies Lake (4,921'). From here, head south to picturesque Fosses Lake and the enchanting valley of Piccolo Lake in the heart of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. Walk through splendid alpine grasslands, punctuated by a multitude of wildflowers. Descend to the Scuro Valley, then climb to Fodara Lake and the Fodara Vedla Hut (6,496'). Continue onto a large alpine plateau with open green meadows to reach Pederu Hut in the San Vigilio province of Fanes Valley.

    Accommodation: Pederu Hut

    Activity: 7 hours/11 miles hiking with 3,280' of elevation gain and 4,265' loss

    Transportation: 20-minute private transfer to Braies Lake

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Marvel at Marmolada and Other Peaks from Puez-Odle Nature Park

    Day 6

    Start your day with a drive to La Villa where you will take a cable car to enter the Puez-Odle Natural Park, a small but sensational reserve. Begin at the base of the Cir Mountains where sawtooth ridges pierce the sky. Hike uphill through verdant forest to Gardenacia Hut (6,726') and continue on a narrow mountain path to Piza Gherdenacia (8,770') for fantastic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Head downhill to the Puez Hut in a small grassy valley for a welcome break. The trail then takes you on a pleasant traverse to Gardenacia Pass, with great views of the Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites, and other prominent peaks in the area.

    Accommodation: Gardenacia Hut

    Activity: 5.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,430' of elevation gain and 3,290' of loss

    Transportation: 50-minute private transfer, optional 10-minute cable car

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike Back to La Villa & Transfer to Venice

    Day 7

    From Gardenacia, you'll hike down through Puez-Odle Natural Park savoring your last views of the Dolomites—jagged limestone peaks glowing in shifting light above rolling alpine meadows and vast, open skies. Arriving in La Villa, you'll be met for a transfer to Venice. Enjoy a delicious lunch in town, then meet with an expert local guide to discover the beautiful canals and historic center of this fabled city. Gather together this evening for a celebratory dinner.

    Accommodation: Casa Nicolo Priuli

    Activity: 1 hour/1 mile hiking with 880' elevation loss, 2-hour guided tour in Venice

    Transportation: 3-hour private transfer, optional 10-minute cable car

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Depart Venice

    Day 8

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Venice airport at 10:00 am for your departing flight. We recommend booking a flight with a 12:30 pm departure at the earliest.

    Transportation: 30-minute private boat transfer

    Meals: Breakfast

Why Travel With Us?

  • MT Sobek has been operating hiking adventures in Italy for over 40 years and crafts each trip to highlight the iconic sights and hidden gems of the region.

  • Our trip explores the Dolomites on a classic hut-to-hut hiking adventure, staying at boutique hotels and mountain rifugios on an achievable and authentic 8-day itinerary.

  • Our expert local Italian guides have decades of experience and will share with you truly authentic experiences you won't find in the guidebooks.

Know Before You Book

Accommodation: This itinerary utilizes a mix of accommodations including comfortable 3* hotels in cities like Cortina D'Ampezzo and Venice as well as more remote and rustic lodgings in the mountains themselves. When staying in the huts, we will stay in dorm rooms that can be mixed sex.

You will have access to your luggage every evening of the trip except for night two. You will hike with what you need for the evening and be reunited with your luggage the following evening.

Dates & Prices

Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

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.

Barbara M.

Barbara M.

Barbara’s career as a Mountain Leader began over 20 years ago. The transition to a life spent outdoors inspired more passion, curiosity and enthusiasm for the natural world that seems to grow with each passing day. She loves traveling and hiking, but most of all, doing so with others in a shared experience. Originally from Italy, she leads trips across the country as well as the Alps. The Dolomites have always been of particular passion and she takes pleasure in discovering new corners and new wonders of these beautiful mountains.

Steven G.

Steven G.

Steven was born in the French Alps, where the landscapes shaped the person he is today. He is a certified UIMLA mountain leader who is passionate about people and mountains. When he is not leading a group of trekkers, he is observing wildlife, trail running, mountaineering, rock climbing and skiing. His life is in the mountains, and his dream is to always share the mountains with people. As his family name suggests, he has Italian roots and often explores the mountains of Italy. Due to their unique history, culture, gastronomy and spectacular natural beauty, the Dolomites are one of Steven’s favorite places to share with travelers.

Activity Level

This trip is rated activity level 4. Moderate to challenging hiking 8 to 11 miles and 4 to 7 hours per day over rocky mountain trails.
Learn more about activity levels here.

Activity Snapshot

Day 2

4 hours/5.5 miles of hiking with 1,735' of elevation gain and 1,475' of loss

Day 3

6 hours/10 miles of moderate hiking with 2,625' of elevation gain and 3,937' of loss

Day 4

6 hours/8 miles of challenging hiking with 1,640' elevation gain and 3,280' loss

Day 5

7 hours/11 miles hiking with 3,280' of elevation gain and 4,265' loss

Day 6

5.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,430' of elevation gain and 3,290' of loss

Day 7

1 hour/1 mile hiking with 880' elevation loss, 2-hour guided tour in Venice

*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.

Accommodations

A warm welcome awaits at comfortable boutique hotels and rustic mountain rifugios with spectacular hiking right from your door.
Locatelli Hut
Locatelli Hut
Rustic Lodging
This historic and beautifully located hut has been offering hikers and climbers refuge since 1883. Rebuilt multiple times since then, it remains reachable only by foot. Take in the panoramic view of Tre Cime from the large terrace. Accommodation is in shared dormitory-style rooms with shared baths. Tuck in to a hearty meal after your hike and in the morning before you depart for the next leg of your journey.
Alpin Natur Hotel Bruckele
Alpin Natur Hotel Bruckele
Comfortable Hotel
At the foot of Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, breathtaking mountain views greet hikers outside this classic hotel. Rooms and suites with alpine decor include ensuite baths and balconies with spectacular mountain views. Traditional South Tyrolean specialties are served along with wood-fired pizzas, all organic and locally sourced. Stop for a cappuccino and cake in the cafe bar or a glass of wine in the evening, or head to the Finnish sauna for some relaxation.
Pederu Hut
Pederu Hut
Rustic Lodging
Situated right in the heart of Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, this wooden refuge is surrounded by a pleasant meadow and dramatic towering cliffs. There are eight simple ensuite guest rooms and shared dormitory accommodation with shared bathrooms. Sample South Tyrolian dishes as well as Mediterranean favorites served in the traditional wooden stube (parlor) with fresh ingredients from their own garden and nearby farms. The perfect stop on the trail, deep in the Dolomites!
Gardenacia Hut
Gardenacia Hut
Rustic Lodging
Expect Ladin hospitality within the Puez-Odle Nature Park (also known as Puez-Geisler in German). Hike to a sloping pasture with cows roaming by to find a refuge built in 1937 and renovated in 2009. Wood-paneled rooms have 2, 3, or 4 beds and a sink, and shared bathrooms are located nearby. Dine on the terrace for enchanting views of Alta Badia and mountain sunsets. Relax in the Finnish sauna with views of the Dolomites.
Casa Nicolo Priuli
Casa Nicolo Priuli
Comfortable Hotel
Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the place, staying in a former 18th-century Venetian house just steps from Saint Mark's Square. The remodeled interior offers rooms decorated with antique furniture and Murano glass chandeliers as well as plush bedding, modern baths, Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. A delightful garden-themed Victorian style breakfast room and patio greets you each morning during your stay.
Hotel Serena Cortina
Hotel Serena Cortina
Comfortable Hotel
Just a 15-minute walk from the bustling town center, Hotel Serena Cortina is classic chalet style property with gorgeous mountain views, established in 1906. Comfortable rooms, many with balconies, are furnished in alpine style and feature views of the town and breathtaking Tofane and Croda da Lago mountains. Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscape and lively culture of the Dolomites.

Weather

The Dolomites have a mountain climate. It can be very hot at lower elevations, but can also be freezing above 7,000 feet.

 
Jun
Jul
Sep
Dolomites 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Dolomites
67
45
59
48
53
43
Venice 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Venice
78
62
83
66
75
58

FAQs

Is there Wi-Fi service available at the huts on this trip?
Some huts will have wifi in the common area. However, this is uncommon and unreliable. The best part of staying in the mountain huts is getting away from it all, in the peace and seclusion of the mountains, with no media interruptions.
Are there private bathrooms available at the huts on this trip?
No. Most of the bathrooms at the huts are shared bathrooms.
If I want to skip a day of hiking and take a rest, can I do that on this trip?
This trip moves from point-to-point each day, and there will not be vehicle support on most days. Skipping hikes will not always be possible, except in the event of an emergency that requires evacuation.
Will I need trekking poles on this trip?
We highly recommend that you bring hiking poles on this trip, due to steep, rocky, and shifting terrain.
Are private rooms available at the huts on this trip?
No, there are no single rooms available at the mountain huts. Guestroom at the huts are dormitory-style either in shared rooms with bunk beds or a large shared room with mattress platforms.
What essential gear should I pack for nights in the mountain huts?
You'll need a sleep sheet for your bed. This is like a sleeping bag but lighter and more compact. You'll be provided with a pillow and duvet, but you'll sleep within your sleep sheet. We also recommend a headlamp and lightweight travel towel as must-haves. While not essential, a small travel pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask can add extra comfort to your experience.
Are the shared hut dorm rooms exclusive to our group?
No. While the staff will prioritize placing our group members together, it's possible that you may share a room with fellow hikers who are not part of the MT Sobek group. This is part of the experience of hiking in the European Alps and is a great way to meet other adventurers from around the world.

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