8-Day Dolomites Three Valleys Hiking Traverse
Tinted in weathered shades of rose, yellow and gray, the fairytale spires and dramatic rock walls of the Dolomites rise in elegantly chiseled shapes of fantastic form, looking every inch like a landscape devised by the gods. And if this isn't exactly heaven, well, it's about as close as you can get.
Each day you'll hike up to ridges and passes for spellbinding views of huge peaks and pinnacles, seemingly architecturally inspired, and then descend to lush green valleys where wildflowers bloom in pastoral meadows and storybook villages hug the valley floor. At day's end you'll relax in hotels that are deluxe oases of comfort, where you'll absorb the region's fascinating culture and cuisine - a unique blend of Italy and the South Tyrol.
Long known as a paradise for rock climbers, the Dolomites are a great destination for hikers, too. You'll see the best of this stunning mountain Valhalla, including the majestic Sella massif and the striking, often-photographed pillars of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, arguably the most well-known landmark in the Dolomites. On the trail, you'll only need to carry a light daypack with the daily essentials (camera, water bottle, and jacket). But the best part? You can do as much (or as little) hiking as you please! We'll provide details of varied, moderate hikes with strenuous options, but you get to customize your own experience as you go!
Available early June through end of September.
Accommodations are just examples -- actual accommodation will depend on availability. Rifugios are shared dormitories unless requested and available.
It is easiest to access the starting point from Innsbruck, and then depart to Venice.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: 8-DAY DOLOMITES HIKING TRAVERSE / Arrive in Ortisei / Val Gardena (D)
Arrive in Val Gardena (1,563m / 5,128') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). Set among the mountains of Sassolungo, Puez, and the Sella Massif, Val Gardena is best known for skiing and rock climbing, as well as woodcarving, which has flourished here since the 17th century. Home to three cultures - Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Val Gardena is written in the three languages - Italian, German, and Ladin! Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore one of the three villages of Val Gardena - San Cristina, Ortisei, or Selva Gardena.
If you are doing this trip as a self-guided adventure, you will meet with a local representative who will provide a trip briefing and orientation, as well as maps, and everything necessary for your self-guided adventure, typically around 6-7pm. Guided treks have their briefing tomorrow.
Meals included: Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel Sureghes (Ortisei/Val Gardena)
Luxury Accommodations: Alpenhotel Rainell (Ortisei / Val Gardena / 4-star)
Day 2: Puez-Odle, Rasciesa, and Geological Phenomena (BD)
The flank of the Odle mountain group, amply named "needles" in Ladin, has been subject to long term erosion, revealing the fascinating earth and rock strata underlining the principal pale Dolomite rock. The array covers grey-white chalks dating back 240-250 million years along wine red porphyry from a relatively late volcanic phase. Ongoing weathering of the oldest, a blood-red variety of sandstone, led to the 1968 discovery of intriguing skeletal fragments belonging to a long extinct porpoise-like lchthyosaurus, now displayed in the museum at Ortisei, a recommended follow up to the walk.
From the town of Ortisei, take the Resciesa funicolar (not included) to Chalet Resciesa from where you will start your hike. This is an easy hike, suitable for almost anyone, as the trail is predominantly flat with little or no elevation change. Stop for a drink or a rest at a local Rifugio and admire the jagged north faces of the dramatic Odle Group before descending toward Ortisei by cable-car.
(~5-6 hours hiking, 13.3 km / 8.3 miles, 350 m / 1,150' ascent, 700 m / 2,300' descent)
This afternoon, discover the charming Tyrolean town of Ortisei on foot.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel Sureghes (Ortisei/Val Gardena)
Luxury Accommodations: Alpenhotel Rainell (Ortisei / Val Gardena / 4-star)
Day 3: Hike Puez-Odle Nature Park from Selva to Corvara in Alta Badia (BD)
The Puez-Odle/Geisler Nature Reserve comprises an expanse of 10,722 hectares (25,194 acres) and is named after the striking peaks of the Puez and the pinnacles of the Odle/Geisler massifs. Today's hike presents some challenges, but the views will be breath-taking!
In the morning take the Dantercepies cablecar (not included if self-guided) to Passo Gardena (2,120m / 6,955'), then hike up to the Passo Cir (2,470m / 8,100') and follow a wider trail on undulating terrain that leads to the Forcella Ciampai Pass (2,365m / 7,760') and up to the Rifugio Puez (2,475m / 8,120') where you can stop for lunch.
A longer option allows a one-hour ridge hike from the Passo Cir to the Sass Ciampac (2,673m / 8,770').
A final three-hour hike downhill on an easy and panoramic trail brings you to the town of Colfosco and then onto Corvara (1,560m / 5,120'), where your hotel is located.
(~7-8 hours hiking, 15 km / 9,3 miles, 590 m / 1,935' ascent, 1,150m / 3,775' descent.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel Steinrosl (San Cassiano/Alta Badia)
Luxury Accommodations: Hotel Stores (San Cassiano/Alta Badia)
Day 4: Hike to Santa Croce Sanctuary (BD)
Today you will hike to the Santa Croce Sanctuary at the base of the Sasso della Croce (Sass dla Crusc for the Ladin-speaking population). Begin walking uphill on a paved road, passing through a number of closely-knit hamlets formed of clusters of ancient shingle-roofed timber farmhouses and barns, known as viles, or small communities, characteristic of Val Badia.
In the morning take a private transfer to San Cassiano and the start of your hike. After a 45-minute walk on a road, pass through the last vile, continue hiking on a gravel trail that leads to the Santa Croce Sanctuary. Walk gradually uphill through the pine forest with great views of Santa Croce, the Conturines, and Sella mountain groups, as well as the towns of La Villa, San Cassiano, Corvara, Pedraces, and San Leonardo - all part of the Val Badia valley. Along the way there are a couple of steep ascents.
It takes about two hours from San Cassiano to reach the church and sanctuary of Ospizio S. Croce (2,045m / 6,710'). There is a charming rifugio here, where you can enjoy a traditional Dolomites lunch. Don't miss the famous Kaiserschmarren, a crepe-like pancake with powdered sugar and jam!
Enjoy a meal and a rest at the Ospizio of Santa Croce restaurant (2,045m / 6,710'). Don't miss the famous Kaiserschmarren, a crepe-like pancake with powdered sugar and jam!
When you are ready to depart, descend along the Armentara meadows to La Villa and take a private transfer to your hotel.
(~5-6 hours hiking, 13.0 km / 8.1 miles, 600 m / 1,970' ascent, 530 m / 1,740' descent.)
Option for a shorter hike.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel Steinrosl (San Cassiano/Alta Badia)
Luxury Accommodations: Hotel Stores (San Cassiano/Alta Badia)
Day 5: Hike from Capanna Alpina to Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park (BD)
After breakfast, take a private transfer to a restaurant built just at the edge of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, located in an incredible setting.
From here, begin your hike with a steep, 1.5-hour ascent. You will soon enter a fairytale valley, set between mountains, carpeted with green pastures. You'll hike numerous ups and downs for about 3 hours, until you reach a cozy mountain hut (2,104m / 6,903'). This cheery converted farm offers light meals (option to have lunch here). Pass by a beautiful mountain lake at 2,159 meters (7,083'). In summer, the waters here are surrounded by gentians, buttercups, and globe flowers. Descend to reach your rifugio for tonight.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 9,1 km / 5,7 miles, 520m / 1,705' ascent, 200 m / 660' descent.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Rifugio Fanes
Day 6: Hike from Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park to Cortina d'Ampezzo (B)
This walk to the Alpe di Sennes uplands entails a good range of scenery and habitats. Grandiose Dolomite groups headed by the Croda Rossa are foremost features, their lower flanks cloaked by flourishing woods of a healthy mix of evergreen conifer and deciduous species.
Depart your rifugio this morning and hike down to Rifugio Pederü (1,540m / 4,313') on Alta Via n.1. From Pederü hike on to Rifugio Fodara Vedla (1,965m /6,447'), which is also part of the Natural Park of Fanes-Sennes-Braies. From here you will have a superb view east on the Croda Rossa Massif (2,818m / 9,245'), so-called for its blood-red rock due to the presence of iron oxide.
After lunch, you will hike on a stony track, a former wartime mule route, traversing a series of grassy basins dotted with bushes and dwarf mountain pine, the ideal home of marmots and chamois. The final part of today's hike winds steadily down through Arolla pine and larch to Rifugio Malga Ra Stua, where your driver awaits to take you to your hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
(~5-6 hours hiking, 13.2 km / 8.2 miles, 500 m / 1640' ascent, 880 m / 2,890' descent)
Shorter option available.
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel Beppe Sello (Cortina)
Luxury Accommodations: Hotel Cortina (Cortina / 4-Star)
Day 7: Hike around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (B)
Today you'll take a scenic drive by private taxi up to Rifugio Auronzo (2,331m / 7,650') by transfer, then hike around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Monte Paterno, one of the most scenic mountain landscapes in the Dolomites. Along the way you'll admire the spectacular Cadini mountain group on the south, with its rock spires and strangely formed needles. Take a private transfer back to Cortina.
The remainder of the afternoon is free to wander and explore Cortina's busy streets lined with restaurants and cafes, antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques.
(6 hours hiking 12.8km / 8 miles, 610m / 2,000' ascent, 549m / 1,800'descent.)
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel Beppe Sello (Cortina)
Luxury Accommodations: Hotel Cortina (Cortina / 4-Star)
Day 8: Depart Cortina (B)
After breakfast, departure on your own (private transfers available). Consider spending an extra day for a via ferrata.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
8-Day Dolomites Three Valleys Hiking Traversefrom $2495 USD
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
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