Hiking in the Dolomites

The Dolomites boasts pleasantly warm weather, with hot summer days and possibly rain and thunderstorms on occasion. It can get cool in the evening throughout the year so bring warm clothes. Good walking clothing including waterproof wet weather gear and appropriate footwear are a must.

We will walk up to 14 km per day, with a maximum elevation gain of 800 metres. You may wish to bring walking poles with you.

On Day 7 we will take a cable car ride from Versciacio to the start of our walk. The views will be stunning, but if you suffer from vertigo, you may feel slightly uncomfortable for a short period of time.

On our final day we aim to reach Venice Airport Marco Polo at approximately 1.30 pm. Flights should be booked from 4 pm onwards.

On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

1. Your adventure begins with a complimentary group arrival transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) at 3.45pm in front of the Relay Shop at the arrival hall (going via Venice Mestre so you can choose where to join). Please note airport pick up may take longer than we planned and therefore pick up from Venice Mestre will take place anytime between 4:15 pm and 5:30 pm at the transfer pick up area outside the train station, on the right-hand side. You will find the driver holding a sign with Intrepid Travel logo. If you decide not to take/cannot make the group transfer, welcome meeting will be held in our hotel in Dobbiaco at 7pm on Day 1. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
If you are in doubt about transfer time arrival, or you need to notify us that your flight is delayed, please contact us on +49 8024 4679540 (emergency number option 1)
2. Your adventure ends on Day 8 after breakfast. There are no activities included on that day. You are free to stay in Dobbiaco or take an advantage of complimentary group departure transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport. We will aim to arrive at the airport at around 1.30pm. Please book any flights from 4 pm onwards. The journey will go via Venice Mestre train station and if you prefer to depart by train, please do not book your train before 2:30 pm.
3. A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. Please note, due to unpredictable weather in shoulder seasons (early to mid-June and early to mid-September) some hikes may need to be adjusted or even replaced. We will always aim to provide equally interesting and picturesque hikes of similar difficulty.
5. As of April 2024, Venice will implement a visitor’s fee for all travellers visiting the city between 25 April and 15 July 2024. If you are planning to explore the old city prior to the start of the trip, you will need to pay the access fee at https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee. For further information, please see the “Passports, visas and entry requirements,” section of your Essential Trip Information.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes).

Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. As this is a centre based trip, once you check in to your hotel you will not need to pack again until the end of the trip. In that respect, suitcase with wheels may be an option too.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

MAIN LUGGAGE

What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip.

You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a small to medium backpack for day activities (20-25 litres). One with waist strap would be most comfortable for all included walks

ESSENTIALS

- Day pack: for carrying essentials during activities
- Trekking clothing: A mixture covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers is recommended. Your activities will take place in the outdoors, where weather may change quickly. Lightweight, comfortable, and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. Laundry facilities may not be available on every day basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes.
- Hiking boots with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day
- Walking Poles for support on steep uphill sections and longer descents
- Comfortable shoes for shorter walks or evenings spend around accommodation
- Sport sandals
- Light jacket, fleece and base layers
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts
- Long hiking pants or zip-offs
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Water bottle or bladder: you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat or bandana
- Torch/flashlight/headtorch
- Toiletries

RECOMMENDED

- Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, antihistamine tablets and any personal medication you may need
- Camera with spare batteries/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items daily
- Travel wipes/hand sanitizer

OPTIONAL

- Torch/flashlight/headtorch
- Ear plugs & eye mask
- A good book, a journal and music player

VALUABLES

Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. It’s also recommended to bring a copy of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list.

WATER BOTTLE

Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

You’re in for a hiking trip! Whilst previous experience isn’t essential for getting involved, a decent level of fitness will help you get the most out of this tour.
The hiking on this trip is over easy to moderate terrain and distances covered can vary from 5 to 12 km with several hundred metres of elevation gain (please check day descriptions for details). Some of the hikes are circular but some can be out-and-back walks. Be prepared for daily ascents and descents, sometimes with short, steep sections. Terrain can be rocky with loose gravel, or with roots, which may become slippery when wet.
As we are in the mountains, often hiking on the altitude exceeding 2000 metres above sea level, the weather can change very quickly. You must be prepared for sun, rain, strong winds and even occasional storms. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and the leaders set an even pace, providing time to take photos and to appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
If you’re already a regular exerciser, you’re probably good to go. If you’re not, it might be an idea to add some walking in to your routine in the weeks leading up to your departure. Also, anything cardio related (swimming, running, cycling, etc.) would definitely help you to enjoy this adventure to the max.

Hotel Union, Via Dolomiti, 24, Dobbiaco, 39034, ITALY

Alternate Joining Point

Your adventure begins with a complimentary group arrival transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) at 3.45pm (going via Venice Mestre so you can choose where to join). If you decide not to take/cannot make the group transfer, welcome meeting will be held in our hotel in Dobbiaco at 7pm on Day 1. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.

Venice, Marco Polo Airport, , Venice, Venice, ITALY

Alternate Finish Point

Breakfasts included: 7

Lunches included: 1

Dinners included: 

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

BREAKFASTS
There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

VEGETARIANS
Vegetarians might find the menu selection in Europe less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, eggs etc. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

As this is a walking trip, it will be a good idea to stock up on snacks you can fuel on during the day; mixed nuts, energy bars and sweet fruit are usually the best choice for this sort of activity.

SUMMER
Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C/104°F), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

SHOULDER SEASON
In contrast, weather in shoulder season can be unpredictable, and snow is not unheard of at higher altitudes. If you travel at the start or towards the end of the European season please pack accordingly with warm and/or waterproof clothes (preferably layers). The advantage of travelling during this time is that there are less tourists around.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above.

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Operations Team can be reached on the number listed below:

Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

As this is a walking trip the majority of distances will be covered on foot. Some stretches may be done by public bus or private vehicle.