Compare The Best of the Dolomites by MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) vs Western and Central Europe: Venice, the Alps & the Flavours of Rome by G Adventures

Day 1: Arrive in Innsbruck, Austria

Meals: Dinner

Arrive in Innsbruck, Austria’s capital of the Alps. We'll have one scheduled group transfer to our hotel, located in the center of town. The day is free to explore the medieval part of town, watch local Tyroleans while sipping on a cappuccino, or take a nap after your flight. Innsbruck’s robust architecture is a tribute to both its German and Italian influences, and the city is ideal for strolling. One cannot go too far in Innsbruck without noticing the mountains looming above; these mountains have attracted countless tourists and mountaineers, as well as Olympic games over the years. This evening we’ll all gather at 7pm for a brief orientation with your guide, followed by a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Take a warm-up hike through Pragser Wildsee (Lago di Braies)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Santer

This morning we’ll head south and cross the border into Italy, taking a winding road to meet the trailhead, which will bring us to the world-famous Pragser Wildsee (4,901'), also known in Italian as Lago di Braies and one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. This half-day hike will acclimate us to higher altitudes slowly and introduce us to the landscape we’ll be seeing for the rest of the trip. Upon reaching Pragser Wildsee, we’ll break for a picnic lunch near the lake, and then begin our climb through the forest to Pragser Kaser to rest and take in the views of the lake below. Tonight, we’ll stay in Toblach, a small town nestled in the mountains at the entrance of the Val di Landro and at the foot of one of the celebrated Tre Cime di Lavaredo—also known as the Drei Zinnen in German.

(Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours; elevation gain and loss: 1,650')

Day 3: Hike below the face of Drei Zinnen (Tre Cime di Lavaredo)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Franceschi

Today, the trail brings us on a challenging hike just below the face of Drei Zinnen, the Three Peaks of the Dolomites known as Tre Cime di Lavaredo in Italian. Everyone has seen a picture of these three rock towers with their sheer vertical walls, but believe us when we tell you that they are far more impressive in person! We’ll start our hike in Landro (4,593'), following the Riezental along creeks, gorges and rock walls, until we reach a steeper section, which opens to magnificent views of the peaks. We’ll continue on for another two hours and meet our bus at the Rifugio Auronzo, a classic mountain hut where we can rest and refuel before our drive to Cortina for the night. Cortina is known for its master woodworking, its tiled iron stoves, and its copper and glass art as much as its world-class skiing. We’ll have time to stroll the town and possibly visit one of its historic churches before unwinding over a sumptuous five-course dinner.

(Hiking time: 6 hours; elevation gain: 3,132'; elevation loss: 480')

Day 4: Explore the trails of Cortina d’Ampezzo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Franceschi

We’ll spend the day exploring the surrounding trails of Cortina d’Ampezzo, famous home of the 1956 Winter Olympics. We’ll transfer 10 minutes to our trailhead at 5,577 feet. After climbing gently uphill for about 90 minutes, we’ll reach a mountain hut in a scenic location where we can break for some soup or a light snack. Now above tree line, the views are superb. We’ll continue climbing uphill to Passo Giau, a mountain pass at 7,545 feet, where we’ll stop for a cool beer or a glass of wine in the sun to take in the beauty around us. From the pass, our vehicle will pick us up and bring us back to Cortina.

(Hiking time: 6 hours; elevation gain: 2,624'; elevation loss: 1,758')

Day 5: Enjoy a Cinque Torri circuit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Pordoi

This morning, a transfer will take us to the bottom of another famous rock formation in the area—the Cinque Torri. At the Rifugio Bai de Dones we will take the chairlift to the Rifugio Scoiattoli (7,398'). From here, we will start a truly remarkable circuit of the Cinque Torri and enjoy a trail up to the peak of Nuvolau (8,445'). After lunch at the Rifugio Averau, we'll continue towards the Passo Falzarego. En route, we'll have the opportunity to see some of the Italian entrenchments that were built here during the Great War. At the Passo Falzarego we have the opportunity to learn more about WWI at the open air museum of Lagazuoi. In the late afternoon, we'll transfer further west through the town of Arabba to the Passo Pordoi, with magnificent views of the Dolomites, where we will spend the night.

(Hiking time: 6 hours; elevation gain: 1,010'; elevation loss: 3,111')

Day 6: Summit Piz Boè

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Engel Resort & Spa

Today we'll get an early start and take the first gondola up from the Passo Pordoi (7,355') to the Sass Pordoi (9,186'). From here, we'll climb (weather permitting) to the summit of Piz Boè (10,334') on a rocky trail with some scrambling. With unforgettable views all around us we will have lunch at the high mountain hut before we continue our hike descending back to the Passo Pordoi. Here, our vehicle will pick us up and we'll continue to our beautiful hotel in Welschnhofen. We'll have some time to enjoy the luxurious spa or take a stroll in town situated at the base of the famous Rosengarten Mountains, celebrated for their shade of dolomite that seems to turn pink in the sun.

(Hiking time: 4 hours, elevation gain: 1,148', long descent: 2,979'; those who want even more of a challange can opt to get an earlier start, skip the gondola, and hike from the hotel the entire distance, which will add 2 hours, and a 1,800-foot elevation gain)

Day 7: Traverse the mighty Rosengarten Rotwand

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Engel Resort & Spa

We'll start with a short walk to a the gondola, which will whisk us up to the “Kölner Hütte” at 7,316 feet. Here our hiking circuit around the Rotwand begins with a rather challenging start. We'll go slowly, hiking and scrambling up relatively short but steep ascent to Passo Coronelle (8,628'). The views here are breathtaking, and worth the effort. Our trail then leads us through rocky and inspiring mountains before approaching the Cigolade Pass (8,372'), a scenic spot for a rest and snack before we continue on to the Rotwand Hütte. Here we will have lunch and a beer, and then make our way back to the  Kölner hut traversing along the base of the mighty Rotwand. This famous Alpine wall is said to be one of the most challenging in the Alps and home of many world class rock climbers. We'll finish our last hike of the trip with gusto! Later, we’ll return to our hotel in Welschnhofen.

(Hiking time: 6 hours; elevation gain: 2,700' up and down)

Day 8: Visit "Ötzi the Iceman" in Innsbruck

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We’ll leave the higher alpine areas and drive to Bozen, the capital of South Tyrol, passing impressive canyons and alpine villages along the way. We’ll spend the day strolling Bozen’s historic center, shopping for souvenirs and visiting Mr. Ötzi, the famous Iceman on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Ötzi lived around 5300 years ago and is Europe’s oldest known natural human mummy – an absolutely incredible archaeological find. Next we’ll taste fine wines at a local winery, before regrouping for a special farewell dinner back in Innsbruck.

Day 9: Depart from Innsbruck

Meals: Breakfast

Bid your fellow trekkers a warm “Aufweidersehen” before transferring to the airport in Innsbruck for our flights home. Departures and landings in this idyllic region are some of the most spectacular in the world.

Day 1 Munich

Arrive at any time, find a comfy spot in the hostel to relax or go out to explore before meeting fellow Roamies in the evening.

Day 2 Munich/Innsbruck

Get this adventure started and road trip from Munich to Innsbruck. Nestled snugly in a picturesque valley with panoramic views of the alps, Innsbruck won't disappoint. Get your bearings with the help of your CEO and spend some free time becoming familiar with your hostel and surroundings. Opt to wander along Maria Theresien Street, explore the Grassmayr Bell Foundry, or check out Ambras Castle, famous for its renaissance gardens. Get ready to fill your camera roll!

Day 3 Innsbruck/Venice

Pile onto the bus again and head into the epic scenery of the Dolomites. Think filling your feed with crystal clear mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks. Take a hiatus from the road and stroll around Lake Misurina in the province of Belluno. Known as the “Pearl of Cadore”, you won’t be disappointed with what you find here. The mirror-like reflection of the mountains in the lake makes it seem as if you are walking in a dream. But don’t forget, Venice is the real end goal of today, so try not to get too attached to Belluno, we bet you already did. Tonight join your CEO for a nice cold beverage and see where the night takes you.

Day 4 Venice

“Oh what a night, what a beautiful night…” This tends to be the song stuck in our heads whenever a visit to Venice is on the table. Can’t you just hear that accordion? After becoming acquainted with Venice's cuisine on a CEO-led food tour, and learning of ghostly legends, the day is yours, no judgments here on what you decide to do. From canals to gondola rides, and inspiring architecture, what’s not to love? The main city is small enough that you can walk it in several hours with the added bonus of getting those steps in. Explore the canals, relax in the small squares, and go cafe-hopping for coffee, pastries, wine, or all three, because why not? See Venice from the water on a gondola ride through the canals, run through the pigeons or people watch in St. Mark’s Square, take an elevator ride up to the top of the Campanile Di San Marco for panoramic views of the city below. Your only real job today is to have a blast!!

Day 5 Venice/Florence

We promise your tastebuds will thank you and rejoice with what’s on the menu for today’s adventure. All aboard the train from Venice to Florence. Being one of Italy’s most sought after food capitals, make sure you stuff your face while here. Eat the city’s signature pasta and venture out of those comfort zones to sample any specialty dishes you may stumble upon. Your CEO will point you in the right direction on CEO-led food and market tour. This evening happens to be perfect if you are looking to relax, eat some more (if you can), or recover from those food comas in your hostel before a quick highlight tour of the city.

Day 6 Florence

Live your best life on this free day in Florence! Grab some pals, lace up those walking shoes, and let the good times roll. Take in famous works of art hung in the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia. “Oh and ah” at the grand architectural masterpieces of the Duomo and the Palazzo Pitti, and smell the flowers in Boboli Gardens. Looking for more chill vibes? We got you covered. Walk along the Arno and over the Ponte Vecchio before eating your way through the Firenze’s many cafes, ristorantes, and gelato shops.

Day 7 Florence/Rome

Leave Florence behind and catch the train to Rome. Upon arrival grab your travel mates and enjoy a walking your before letting your appetites run wild on an afternoon food tour; cue those Italian fantasies. Sample pizza, gelato and more as you learn about the heart and soul behind Italian cooking. The night is yours! Did someone say dance party?

Day 8 Rome

Depart at any time, or keep the adventure going across the Adriatic Sea on the next leg of this epic adventure.