ItalyTourTravel

Hiking in the Dolomites

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. Invigorating day hikes up to ridges and passes grant inspiring, otherworldly mountain views; at day's end you'll return to a deluxe oasis of comfort in the resort town of Cortina and the Val Badia (with one night at a comfortable rifugio), where you'll absorb the region's culture and cuisine - a unique blend of Italy and the South Tyrol. Count on mind-boggling mountain scenery throughout, including the striking, often-photographed pillars of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, arguably the most well known landmark in the Dolomites.

Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2 - Fly to Venice, Italy; drive to Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Day 3 - Warm-up hike in the Tofana di Rozes Mountains.

Day 4 - Hike around the stunning Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Day 5 - Along wooded trails and mountain ridges of Fanes-Sennes-Braies natural reserve.

Day 6 - Hike through the Altiplano di Fanes, with its panorama of the Western Dolomites, to the Val Badia in the South Tyrol.

Day 7 - A hike with panoramic views of Marmolada (the highest peak in the Dolomites at 11,024') and the Val Badia.

Day 8 - Hike to Passo Cir (8,130') beneath the towering sheer pinnacles of Pizzes da Cir and on to the Forcella di Ciampai Pass (8,280'). Optional climb to Sas Ciampac (8,775') for views of the Eastern Dolomites.

Day 9 - Hike past hamlets and pine forests to the Santa Croce Sanctuary, site of a church built in 1484.

Day 10 - Return to Venice and fly home

10 days (9 in Italy)

7 days moderate hiking (max. elev. 8,775')

7 nights hotels, 1 night rifugio

Jun 19 - Jun 28, 2004
Jul 17 - Jul 26, 2004
Jul 24 - Aug 02, 2004
Sep 04 - Sep 13, 2004
Sep 18 - Sep 27, 2004

$3190 (6-14 members)
$3490 (3-5 members)
$350 single supplement