Dolomites “Light” Hike

We’ll meet you at 13:00 at the Porta Altinia Suites Hotel in Treviso, ready for your Dolomites adventure!  A 2.5-hour transfer takes you to our first night’s hotel in San Candido-Innichen, Italy. You will have some time to explore the village and admire its beautiful wooden farmhouses adorned with geraniums and the odd smurf gnome! There is no accounting for taste, even in Italy. Joking aside, it is a gorgeous alpine village with the stunning Baranci chain of mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. We will get together for a drink and an intro talk from the guides before dinner in the cozy "stuba" dining room. Overnight Post Hotel or Sporthotel Tyrol (or similar) in San Candido/Innichen. Hotel and dinner included.

At 09:00 we have a 30-minute van transfer into the idyllic Val di Casies for our warm-up hike. This rewarding hike leads us through a timeless landscape of rolling meadows, traditional farmhouses, forested hills, and sleepy hamlets—offering a glimpse into an Alpine way of life that has changed little over the centuries. The trail features a series of short ups and downs, with a steady overall climb up the valley. We’ll stop for lunch at a cozy little restaurant that boasts sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and pastures. After the hike, a private transfer brings us to the village of Dobbiaco, where we’ll stop at the Visitors Centre and Museum for an introduction to the geology of the Dolomites and the area's role in World War I. From there, you can either walk the final flat 5 km back to San Candido with your guides or hop on a quick 4-minute train ride. Back in San Candido, you’ll have time to relax, explore the charming village, or unwind in the hotel spa before dinner in the hotel dining room. The Hike: 8.6 km/5.4 mi. 380 m/1215 ft elevation gain and loss. Duration: 3.25 hours moving time.  Overnight: San Candido. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Today, we transfer up to the high alpine meadow of Pratopiazza, which lies at 2,000 m (6,500 ft.). It’s surrounded by the Croda Rossa, Tofana, and Monte Cristallo Mountain ranges, and in June, it is covered in a carpet of delicate wildflowers. We climb up Strudelkopf, a small peak with a big view! Indeed, the view is one of those classic Dolomite WOW! moments as the world opens up in every direction from the broad, grassy plateau. To the south, the jagged skyline of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo rises sharply — clean, dramatic, and unmistakable. Turn slightly, and you’re treated to sweeping views over Prato Piazza, its green meadows spreading out below like a high-alpine amphitheater. On a clear day, layers of pale limestone peaks ripple toward the horizon: Croda Rossa, Cristallo, and beyond, all glowing softly in that unmistakable Dolomite light. We then drop down to the Rifugio Vallandro, where you can enjoy a mid-morning cappuccino and strudel break. Then check out an Austrian fort from the First World War that affords commanding views over the former Imperial border between Habsburg Austria and Italy. The hike resumes with a traverse through an alpine meadow and a short descent through a larchwood before stopping at the charming Malga di Stoppo for lunch. The hike continues after lunch as we follow a trail along a sparkling mountain stream to the historic Hotel Bruckele, where we have time for a refreshing drink before our van shuttle back to the hotel. Before dinner, we have a very fun and informative wine tasting with our friend Franz in the cellar of the historic Orso Grigio hotel. Franz is passionate and knowledgeable about Sud Tirol’s wines. You will taste 5 wines that are typical of the region. Dinner in the hotel dining room. The Hike: Distance 14 km/8 mi,  elev. gain and 365 m/1,200 ft, elevation loss 840 m/2,400 ft. Duration: 4.5 hours. This hike can be shortened by skipping the up-and-down to the Strudelkopf. Overnight: San Candido. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

We kick off the day with an 08:30 van transfer to Rifugio Auronzo, the starting point for one of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites: the loop around the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo. These striking “Three Peaks” are famous for their dramatic spires, perfect symmetry, and ever-changing colors throughout the day. The tallest, Cima Grande, rises to 3,000 meters (9,836 ft), flanked by Cima Ovest and Cima Piccola. The first 45 minutes of our hike lead us gently uphill to the Forcella Lavareda (pass), where a stunning panorama of the peaks opens up before us. A short walk brings us to Rifugio Locatelli, where we pause for coffee and perhaps a slice of strudel while soaking in the view. We then continue along the trail, stopping for lunch at a scenic rifugio with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. Our loop completes with a descent past dramatic cliff faces marked by World War I lookouts and fortifications, returning us to Rifugio Auronzo. A private transfer brings us back to San Candido in time to freshen up before dinner at Atto, a stylish village restaurant known for its refined cuisine and alluring wine list. The Hike: 11 km/6.5 mi. Elev. gain/loss 1,200 ft (382 m) Duration 3 to 3.5 hours Overnight: San Candido. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Today’s hike offers a dramatic change of scenery as we leave behind high peaks and alpine meadows and enter a world of canyons, cascades, and crystal-clear streams. The trail winds its way up the Rio Fanes river through wild rhododendron thickets, tracing the course of a brilliant sapphire-blue stream. Along the way, we pause at roaring waterfalls—including one that you can walk behind for a magical, curtain-of-water view. At the end of the hike, a short transfer brings us to Cortina d’Ampezzo. We’ve now left the South Tyrol and entered the Veneto region. Surrounded by the towering peaks of Monte Cristallo, Sorapis, Pelmo, and the Tofane group, it’s easy to see why Cortina is often called the jewel of the Italian Alps. We check into the elegant 5-star Grand Hotel Savoia, a historic property that’s been welcoming guests since the 1880s. You’ll have time this afternoon to wander the stylish streets of Cortina or simply relax. Dinner tonight is at Dolom’eats, a sleek, contemporary restaurant on the town’s lively pedestrian promenade.
The Hike: Long Option: 12 km/ 6.8 mi Elevation. gain/loss 473 m/1500 ft. (picnic lunch) Duration: 4.5 hours. Short option. 7.2 km/4.5 mi Elevatioin gain/loss 250 m/ 800 ft. Duration 2.5 hrs. Overnight: Cortina. Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.

This morning we transfer to Passo Falzarego and begin our hike with a steady climb up to Rifugio Averau, set beneath the impressive bulk of Mount Averau. Along the way, we’re treated to ever-expanding views, and once at the rifugio, we pause for coffee and strudel while taking in a jaw-dropping panorama of jagged peaks—including Monte Civetta and the glacier-capped Marmolada, the highest summit in the Dolomites. From there, we descend to explore the dramatic Cinque Torri—five iconic rock spires that draw climbers from around the world. The area also serves as a fascinating open-air museum, with restored trenches and fortifications that mark the Italian front lines from World War I. Across the valley, the Austrians held their position, and the strategic Falzarego Pass became the stage for fierce battles in the high Alps.We enjoy lunch at Rifugio Scoiattoli, known for its excellent local cuisine and stunning views. In the afternoon, we take a scenic chairlift ride back down to the pass and return by van to Cortina. Tonight is a free evening—explore the village’s dining scene at your leisure. Your guides will be happy to offer recommendations, from casual trattorias to one of Cortina’s two Michelin-starred restaurants if you're in the mood for something truly special. The Hike: 8 km - 10 km / 5 - 6 mi (The length of the hike will depend on the weather. We can do a shorter or longer loop amongst the 5 Torri) Elev. gain 400 m/1,300 ft Duration 4  to 4.5 hours.  Overnight: Cortina. Hotel and breakfast included. Dinner not included.

A ten-minute walk from the hotel, and we are at the base of Monte Faloria. A breathtaking gondola ride whisks us up to 2100m/6,700ft to the top of the mountain, where you will take in the stunning panorama before starting our hike. The trail immediately feels airy and alpine, contouring across open slopes before easing into beautiful larch and spruce forest. As you descend, the path alternates between gentle woodland sections and sunny clearings, always with glimpses back toward the dramatic skyline above Cortina d'Ampezzo. A natural pause comes at Rifugio Rio Gere where we can have a cold drink or a yummy pastry. The trail continues downward on soft forest paths toward Rifugio Mietres, a wonderfully welcoming spot perched on a sunny terrace. It’s an ideal place for lunch, with sweeping views over the Ampezzo valley and the surrounding peaks. From here, the final stretch follows quiet trails and tracks, gently downhill, back into Cortina. Enjoy some time for last-minute shopping in Cortina. The town offers everything from high-end Italian fashion to quality sports and trekking gear. Be sure to stop by the historic Cortina Cooperative—a local favorite with a bit of everything. Tonight, our final dinner together is in the cosy and delicious Al Camin restaurant. Run by chef-owner Fabio Pompanin and his wife Lorena, Fabiio blends local culinary tradition with imaginative touches to produce delicious dishes.  The Hike: 11.8 km/7.3mi, Elevation gain 85m/300ft Elevation loss 960m/3,100ft. Duration 3.5 hours. Overnight: Cortina. Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.

The tour ends this morning with a two-hour van transfer from Cortina to Treviso station. We will arrive around 11 a.m. You can continue your journey within Italy from Treviso train station, or take a taxi, train, or bus to get to nearby Venice International Airport. Travel time by taxi is 30 minutes. Or you can travel to Venice, which is also connected by taxi, train, and bus. Indeed, Treviso is a good base from which to visit Venice. It is easy to explore Venice by day and retire to Treviso’s low key, untouristy vibe for the evening. Breakfast and ONE group transfer included.

Please note that some details of the itinerary may change depending on the departure date of your tour. Whenever we run a tour, we make new discoveries. Sometimes they are good discoveries, like a wonderful new trattoria, and sometimes they are bad, like a trail has been washed away. The result is that we sometimes adjust our itinerary to enhance it by adding new outstanding elements to the tour or by removing something that no longer works. Rest assured, our goal is to always provide you with the best possible experience. We will advise you of any changes to the original itinerary prior to departure.  

The hikes in the Dolomites are spectacular. This itinerary allows you to enjoy the magnificence of the mountain terrain in a more relaxed manner than our more rigorous itinerary. The use of chair-lifts and funiculars allows us to avoid the worst of the uphills and downhills; still, we are definitely in the mountains and often in rugged terrain. The paths are good but require good footing. We will be walking between 2.5 and 4 hours a day, which means between 10 - 14 kms (6 - 8.5 mi.).

Getting There: We pick you up from Treviso Porta Altinia Hotel at 1 pm on Day 1. A 2.5 hour private transfer takes you and your luggage to San Candido.

Air: The most convenient airport to the trip is Venice. Other airports in Northern Italy include Verona or Milan (Linate or Malpensa). For a complete list of Itlian airports and a selection of low-cost airlines, see our "Transport Info" page.

Rail: Venice is well connected by highspeed rail lines to all principal cities in Italy. See the Trenitalia website (in English) at this link. For alternative high-speed rail travel, see the Italo website. For complete information on using the Italian train system, see our blog post. See the Austrian rail system website here if you are coming in from Innsbruck.

Getting Away at the End of the Trip: the trip ends with a private van transfer to the Treviso train station, arriving around 11:00 a.m. From there you can get a bus or train into Venice or to the train station. See our "Transport Info" page for more information on transportation alternatives to the Venice airport.

If you book a trip with us you will receive detailed information about how to get to the start of your trip.