Hiking in the Dolomites

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. When you arrive at the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) this afternoon, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to the town of Dobbiaco – sitting within in a green valley, surrounded by alps this is a gorgeous place to start your hiking adventure in the Dolomites. Settle in at your comfortable guesthouse, which is within easy walking distance of the town, then you’ll have a welcome meeting at 7 pm tonight to meet your local leader and group properly. Surrounded by parkland and nearby woods, this is your home for the next eight days as you explore the natural beauty of the Dolomites.

After breakfast, catch the public bus to your first hike up one of the popular summits in the region – Strudelkopf. The hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and you'll walk through pastures full of wildflowers. The very top of Strudelkopf sits at 2307 m above sea level, and if the weather’s nice, you may get a glance of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. After some time at the summit, loop your way back down and across the valley. Before you reach the finish line, take a break in one of the mountain huts and taste a local’s favourite – strudel. (B)

Hit the road in your private vehicle and travel towards the Earth Pyramids of Platten, which are more than 25,000 years old. These naturally formed earth towers are the tallest and most perfectly shaped earth pyramids in Europe! The trail winds through dense forests, and breathtaking views of the Dolomites. Keep an eye out for wildlife like chamois, deer, and alpine birds that frequent these areas. Reach a plateau with great views and a small hut serving food and drinks. Take a break before heading back down to Percha, a picturesque Tyrolean village with quaint chalets, charming cafes, and local inns. Head to a cheese tasting cooperative before returning to Dobbiaco in early afternoon. (B)

After breakfast, take the public bus to Podestagno and start your exploration of the Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park. Enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls and the Boite River, and take a rest at a cafe housed in a traditional building surrounded by green pastures. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then choose whether you’d like to hike further into the valley or rest at the green pastures by the waters of the Boite River. Hiking back down, you’ll take a different path, which features a short crossing of a steep slope. The path leads to the most picturesque viewpoints of surrounding mountains and valleys! Take a bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo for some free time to explore the town before heading back to Dobbiaco. (B/L)

Today is slightly different, with a free day for you to enjoy your own way. You can take a bus to the start of one of the many trails in the area and enjoy more hiking on your own, or visit local museums, experience WWI history in Monte Piana and Monte Piano or rent a bicycle. Or, you may want to visit Bolzano – home of the Europe’s oldest natural human mummy known as the Ice Man. (B)

Today is a full day excursion to explore the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. This loop walk is widely regarded as the most scenic hike in the Dolomites and is packed with rugged peaks, lush alpine meadows and pristine lakes. Keep your camera handy as there is superb scenery at every turn, especially at Rifugio Locatelli with a fantastic view of Laghi dei Piani! (B)

This morning will be slightly more relaxed with an option to leave your hotel as late as 9 am. Take a short train ride to the town of Versciacio – a popular ski resort in the winter months. Here, you’ll catch a cable car for incredible views on your way to today’s hike – a short but relatively challenging trek up Monte Elmo. The last part of the hike takes you up a steep slope, but there’s a great restaurant at the bottom (where you can wait if you’re not up to the summit). If you reach the top of Monte Elmo, not only will you be greeted with amazing views, but you’ll also have a chance to cross the Italian Austrian border, which runs through the summit point. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure, perhaps with a final celebration at one of the many bars or restaurants in Dobbiaco. (B)

After breakfast, your hiking adventure will come to an end and you’ll have a group transfer to Venice Airport Marco Polo, arriving at approximately 1.30 pm. Please book any flights from 4 pm onwards. If you’d like to extend you stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)