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Hiking in the Dolomites


Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and stunning scenery of the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking adventure. This trip offers a comfortable yet active way to enjoy this scenic region. Base yourself in the pretty Italian town of Dobbiaco and spend each day exploring the Dolomite’s iconic backdrop of towering cliffs, lush pastures and emerald green lakes. With easy to moderate walks, conveniently located accommodation, and a knowledgeable leader, this hiking adventure is filled with natural wonders.

8 days, from

$3,690

per person

GROUP SIZE

12 people max

ACTIVITY LEVEL

3
Trip code: ZMXI
Style: Original
Theme: Walking & Trekking

Details

Countries Visited:  Italy
Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Transportation: Walking , Private vehicle , Taxi
Included Meals:

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 1 lunches

Group size: Minimum 1, Max 12
Minimum Age: 15

  • Revel in the beauty of the sheer rock walls, deep valleys and lush pastures of the Dolomites, a mountainous area in the northern Italian Alps.

  • Base yourself at a charming hotel surrounded by parkland and native woods, within easy walking distance of the pretty town of Dobbiaco.

  • Hike the Three Peaks of Lavaredo loop, a full day walk which is widely regarded as the most scenic hike in the Dolomites.

  • See the Earth Pyramids of Platten, naturally formed earth towers which are the tallest and most perfectly shaped earth pyramids in Europe.

  • Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch featuring some of the region’s famous produce at the green pastures of Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park.

Itinerary

Show Full Itinerary

Day 1: Venice to Dobbiaco

Welcome to Venice! Meet your leader and your group in the Arrivals Hall at Venice Airport Marco Polo at 3.45pm. Sit back and relax during the drive to the pretty town of Dobbiaco which is nestled in a green valley surrounded by alps. Settle in at your comfortable guesthouse which is within easy walking distance of Dobbiaco. Surrounded by parkland and nearby woods, this is your home for the next eight days as you explore the natural beauty of the Dolomites.

Day 2: Strudelkopf summit hike

After breakfast, catch the public bus and begin your Dolomite hiking adventure with a hike up one of the popular summits in the region – Strudelkopf. The mountain is relatvely well accessible as you can drive all the way up to the elevation of 2000 metres above sea level. The hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and the pastures you’ll hike across will welcome you with great selection of wildflowers. The very top of Strudelkopf, sitting at 2307 metres above sea level, may give you a glance at the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (if it’s not too cloudy!). After some time at the summit, loop your way back down and across the valley, but before you reach the finish line, take a break in one of the mountain huts and taste local’s favourite strudel – where better to do it than at the foot of Strudelkopf?

Day 3: Earth Pyramids of Platten

Hit the road in your private vehicle and travel towards Bruneck, a pretty town at the heart of the Kronplatz region. You will have some time to walk around this town, but beforehand, hike to the unique 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. After snapping a few pictures at this incredible place, hike further up on well defined, yet slightly steep paths – walking poles for support are a very good idea! Soon you’ll reach a plateau with great views and a small hut serving great food and drinks. Take a break before heading back down to catch a local bus to Bruneck, where you will have some time before returning to Dobbiaco in early afternoon. Upon your return, enjoy a cheese tasting at the cooperative dating back to 1882!

Day 4: Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park

After breakfast, take the public bus to Podestagno and start your exploration of the Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park. During the hike, keep an eye out for Sempervivum dolomiticum, the rare endemic plant which is the symbol of this park. Enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls and the Boite River, and take a rest at a cafe housed in a traditional building surrounded by lush 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, however, leads to the most picturesque viewpoints of surrounding mountains and valleys one can ask for! Take a bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo for some free time to explore this charming town before heading back to Dobbiaco.

Day 5: Dobbiaco

Today is slightly different, with a free day for you to enjoy your 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, rent a bicycle or do anything else that interests you. Or, you may want to visit Bolzano, home of the Europe’s oldest natural human mummy known as the Ice Man. Your tour leader will be able to help you with arrangements.

Day 6: Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Today is a full day excursion which explores 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 Lake Misurina and Lake Antorno where the group will take a special photo stop.

Day 7: Monte Elmo summit hike

This morning will be slightly more relaxed with an option to leave your hotel as late as 9am. Take a short train ride to the town of Versciacio, a popular ski resort in winter months. Here you will catch a cable car and enjoy unbelievable views on your way to the start of 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 fear not, there’s a lovely restaurant at the bottom in which you can wait for the rest of the group if you don’t feel like climbing up the steep path today. If, however, you reach the top of Monte Elmo, not only will you be greeted with breathtaking views, but you’ll also have a chance to cross the Italian-Austrian border, which runs precisely 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.

Day 8: Dobbiaco to Venice

After breakfast, your Dolomites hiking adventure finishes with a group transfer to Venice Airport Marco Polo, arriving at approximately 1.30 pm. Please book any flights from 4 pm onwards.