Compare Dolomites Hut Hike by Distant Journeys vs Hiking in the Dolomites by Intrepid Travel

Day 1:

The trip will begin at the hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a classic Dolomites village nestled among the spectacular mountains of the Tofane, Cristallo, Sorapis and Antelao. This beautiful village has a wonderful main street lined with several shops and outdoor cafes. There is bus and train access from Venice. Cortina is a great place to begin our trek. Welcome dinner and trip orientation

Day 2:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Morning transfer to Ra Stua. This pleasant hike offers our first views of the Tofane, the Croda Rossa and the Croda del Becco. Passing the high alpine meadows of Ra Stua, our trail switchbacks up through the larch forest before arriving at our rifugio for the night, Rifugio Fodara Vedla. After we arrive at the rifugio we will have time for a wonderful day hike. Private triple or twin rooms and shared facilities.

Day 3:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

From last night’s stop we first descend steeply (1,380′) to the valley and hike up to Rifugio Lavarella. This hike leads up Valle di Rudo to Rifugio Lavarella. This short day of hiking will allows time for a day hike to Lac Parom, about 2 hours round trip or a longer 3 ½ hour hike to the open plateau of the Gran Ciamplac which circles back to the rifugio. Small, simple bunk rooms for 2 to 4 persons. Shared facilities.

Day 4:

After a short 30-minute hike we arrive at Lago di Limo and a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains; a wonderful beginning to your day. The trail then opens into a lush, broad valley between the rocky summits of Monte Castello, which was heavily fortified during WWI, and Piz des Cunturines (10,111′). The scenery and colors are stunning. This descent (1,500′) leads down to the valley floor, followed by a 40-minute climb to Rifugio Scotoni. This small rifugio is set in a beautiful valley surrounded by the towering mountains of the Cime di Fanes. This small, comfortable rifugio has bunkrooms with 4 to 6 bunk in each room. Shared facilities. Dinner and breakfast included. If the weather if perfect we might be able to hike over the dramatic Forcella del Lago and down steeply to Scotoni. This is a short hiking day but very dramatic.

Day 5:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

From Scotoni we hike up through the Alpe di Lagazuoi to the Rifugio Lagazuoi (gaining 2,530′) through this vast limestone plateau. Surrounding us are the Punta di Fanes, the cliffs of the Lagazuoi and the massive Tofana di Rozes (10,650′). The scenery just doesn’t quit. It is big and impressive in all directions. Near the pass there are several World War I underground passages called galleries, which serve as memorials to the terrible fighting that took place here in 1916.

After we stop for lunch at Lagazuoi, which has a very good restaurant, we have an optional hike, which takes us down though one of these galleries. Our other option is to take advantage of the cable car which can bring us to the valley. We rejoin the hiking route and begin our final ascent (950′) to the very friendly Rifugio Cinque Torri that has been run by the same family since 1936. Once again the setting for this rifugio is remarkable as it looks at the long wall of the Croda di Lago. Comfortable rooms with 4 beds per room. Shared facilities.

Day 6:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today the trail takes us near two striking rock mountains: Averau and Nuvolao as we descend to Passo Giau. The trail then leads over the forcella Giau where the views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. The trail leads over lush alpine meadows, perhaps spotting some wild edelweiss. The last part of the day leads below Pelmo’s north face, (which is 3,300′ straight up to the top at 10,454′,) to our comfortable mountain rifugio at Passo Staulanza. This is a long day. Small private rooms with private bathrooms. Dinner and breakfast included.

Day 7:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

From Passo Staulanza, we join a popular trail and climb to the shoulder of Monte Coldai, which lies at the edge of the famous Monte Civetta (10,620′). After stopping for a picnic lunch at Lago Coldai, we continue to the col Negro di Coldai, which looks over at the towering west face of Monte Civetta. This “wall of walls” extends for over 4 miles! About mid-way past this wall, we climb to our rifugio (7,500′), Rifugio Tissi, perched on the mountain flank looking out at the Val Civetta, down the Alleghe Valley and west to the Marmolada Glacier. This overnight stop is memorable. This is a rustic rifugio, bunkrooms and shared facilities. Dinner and breakfast.

Day 8:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

From Tissi we descend to the val Civetta over the Col Rean, through beautiful, open, green meadows to the narrow valley of Val Corpassa. Our route takes us right below the sheer rock faces of the Torre Venezia and the Torre Trieste, both rising some 2,000′ feet. Perhaps we will see some climbers ascending these impressive towers. We pass by the Rifugio Vazzoler (5,656′) and then ascend steeply through a dense forest to forcella de l’Orso and alongside Monte Mioazza’s southern flank to Rifugio Bruto Carestiato, our rifugio for the night. Today’s hike includes some rugged terrain. We think it is one of the more varied and certainly one of the more remote hikes of the trip. Small bunk rooms and shared bathrooms. Dinner and breakfast.

Day 9:

Continuing on the Alta Via 1, we first arrive at Passo Duran and cross the mountain road. The route from this point on is remote and rugged. The trail leads south of the rocky Tamer Grande and Castello di Moschesin. Rounding the corner at the pass at Moschesin you are treated with views of Mont Talvena, Cima de Zita, the deep, narrow valleys of the La Clusa to the south and Monte Pelmo (again) and the Val Prampert to the north. This rocky, rough and quiet path leads to the farm at Malga Pramper where we will be met by our van late in the afternoon for transfer to nearby Forno di Zoldo. This is a great way to end our hike. We spend the night in a family run hotel in the pretty village of Forno di Zoldo. Farewell dinner a nearby restaurant. Our extra luggage from Cortina will be at the hotel when we arrive.

Day 10:

The trip will end with a group transfer from the hotel to the Venice Airport. The departure time is about 7:00 am. Travel time is about 1 ½ – 2 hours; expected arrival at the airport is about 8:30 – 9:00 am. Note: We have purposely set the departure time early to accommodate morning flight departures from Venice. If you would like to depart later we can arrange for a later taxi at an additional cost.

Day 1 Venice to Dobbiaco

Your adventure begins with a complimentary group arrival transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) 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 Rifugio Locatelli with a fantastic view of Laghi dei Piani.

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. 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.