Experience Europe's Most Dramatic mountains
Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites
Overview
The Dolomites are an awesome spectacle, their rose-tinted pinnacles and towers soaring above glistening green meadows and storybook villages. We explore this famous landscape with a choice of moderate or challenging hikes each day, heading across trails below regal Marmolada (10,968'), highest peak in the Dolomites, and the colossal and ghostly pillars of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Their majestic geometric angles and “golden hour” hues are spellbinding. By day, we savor some of Europe's most eye-catching mountain scenery, and by night, we sleep in comfortable hotels. Mouth-watering Italian-Tyrolean cuisine fuels our hikes, and we'll spend one night at a spectacular mountaintop lodge to watch alpenglow on the peaks.
Arrive: Venice, Italy
Depart: Venice, Italy
Highlights
- Hike through a surreal landscape of splintered spires, huge rock walls, and picturesque villages
- Savor a special overnight at a spectacularly located hike-in lodge
- Experience the Dolomites with expert Trip Leaders by your side
- Enjoy alpine culture and cuisine reflecting both Italian and Tyrolean influences
Itinerary
Our first hike starts atop a mountain pass and brings us through lush meadows to Ambrizolla Pass for panoramas stretching from the Tofane massif to the Croda da Lago massif. Another hike reveals the majestic Pelmo, called “the Throne of the Doge,” and the Civetta, shaped like an enormous trident. Sunsets at our hotel paint the mountains in shades of pink and purple.
A challenging hike from Passo Giau (with moderate options) brings vistas stretching from Tofane to Marmolada before we head up to Rifugio Lagazuoi by way of a spectacular cable car ride. This lodge has a stunning “top of the world” location surrounded by breathtaking peaks and the silence of the mountains. We'll savor a cold beer or a glass of wine on the terrace to enjoy our mountaintop setting and the colors on the pinnacles. On the way down from Lagazuoi, we'll explore some of the haunting World War I tunnels carved into the mountains by Italian soldiers.
Cortina's most famous massif includes three sheer peaks all over 10,500 feet: the Tofane di Roses, Tofane di Mezzo, and Tofane di Dentro. One hike in the Tofane massif takes us below the southern cliffside of the Tofane di Roses, and another option is a walk below all three massifs along a crystal-clear stream. Our final hikes are in the magnificent realm of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the three yellow-pink battlements that are the reigning symbol of the Dolomites. This iconic mountain group served as the border between Italy and Austria until 1919. Depart on Day 8 via Venice, or extend your stay in this marvelous city.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated a Level 4 or 5, Moderately Strenuous or Strenuous, according to our trip grading system, depending on what hiking options you select. We have two hiking options to choose from on most of our 6 hiking days. You will need to be comfortable hiking 8 miles a day, being on your feet for up to 7 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces including downhill over loose scree. No climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
Review Trip Level Details
Average Hiking Day
- 6-8 miles
- 6-7 hours
- 1,100-1,600 feet gain/loss
- Altitudes range from 5,000-9,100 feet
- Day 5: 11.5 miles, 6-7 hours, and 4,700 feet loss; alternative option of 5 miles, 3 hours, and 2,500 feet loss
While the Dolomites are not exceptionally high, they are steep and rugged, and this trip, while not technically difficult, is aimed at those who have at least some experience mountain hiking. Trails can be uneven, with large rocks or loose scree, so participants must have good balance and be confident on their feet. Hiking poles are highly recommended.
Temperatures are likely to reach the 60s°F and 70s°F during the day, with cool breezes and occasional rain. At night the temperature will drop quite a bit, depending on the altitude. The months we run these trips have the optimal weather conditions, but still can be fickle. It can range from blue skies to cloudy, wet, and cold conditions, making rain gear and warm garments necessary items to carry with you on every hike.
Our accommodations are in comfortable, small hotels with private bathrooms. They have been chosen as much as possible for their ambience and history and are delightful for the local color and dining that they offer. These rustic and well-located hotels are clean and comfortable, but since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole.
Single rooms are offered when possible, but those who pay the Single Supplement may have to share a room for one night at Rifugio Lagazuoi. On this night, we stay in 4- or 6-person rooms with shared bathrooms and shower facilities. The bedding at the lodge is very clean, consisting of a down comforter, a bottom sheet, and a pillow. There is no vehicle access to this alpine lodge, so you will need to take your overnight items and a change of clothes with you on the cable car to the lodge, while your main luggage will be stored in Cortina for the night. A small bag will be provided for you to transport your overnight belongings.
Most evening meals will be taken at our hotels and will be hearty, nourishing mountain fare, often with the cuisine the region is known for. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often, the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day). As noted, we will have one overnight at a lodge without vehicle access, and you will need to carry the items you need with you for that day.
Client Testimonials
"Well designed, a good balance of hiking and social experiences, with flexibility for individual preferences."
Allan C.
Chapel Hill, NC
"This was a wonderful trip. Very well organized, all went smoothly. The scenery was breathtaking, accommodations were great, and the food was...well, I will be on a diet for the next 6 months!"
Ana C.
Snohomish, WA
"It was a wonderful trip! Wilderness Travel is seasoned and smart. We were lucky, but the planning was great. Thank you forever."
Anne K.
Sun Valley, ID
"This was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the fact that we had three tour guides that were well versed in their subject area."
Christine P.
Moraga, CA
"Wilderness Travel has this trip down pat!"
Chuck T.
Alexandria, VA
"Wilderness Travel constantly demonstrates high standards and a caring attitude. I had a fabulous time."
Cile C.
Littleton, CO
"Amazing trip, well planned, flexible staff and itinerary. Staff had great relationships with hotel and lodging hosts, chefs, making it even more special! What could be better than to have a world class mountain guide steering you around a beautiful setting like the Dolomites?"
Dana W.
Spokane, WA
"Without a doubt, one of the best organized trips we have been on. All three leaders were truly outstanding, the arrangements were far beyond expectation."
David D. and Judy M.
Vienna, VA
"Superb operations, spectacular trip, and a well-designed itinerary from very knowledgeable and experienced guides very familiar with the destination."
David K.
Toronto, Ontario
"This was my first WT trip and I would absolutely go on another one! I definitely enjoyed everything about the week."
Elaine D.
Toronto, Ontario
"Super trip—very nicely handled by the team of three trip leaders."
George D.
Seabeck, WA
"This was the most incredible hiking trip I have experienced. Credit to the three trip leaders...they were fabulous!"
Jane C.
Pacific Grove, CA
"This is a fun, diverse, and well organized trip. We had a little bit of everything—great mountain scenery, beautiful refugios, a charming town, challenging and exciting hikes, and great food!"
Janet R.
Encinitas, CA
"Fantastic scenery, hiking, accommodations, wine, food, and good company—who could ask for anything more?"
Jeff W.
Portland, OR
"Loved it—who could not love days spent hiking through beautiful areas and great food and wine at night?"
Julia R.
Topanga, CA
"This was my first adventure travel trip, and I had an amazingly wonderful time! I am sure I will do more trips with WT! Very challenging hiking, great food, great guides, and great people to hike with! It was a trip of a lifetime!"
Karen F.
Auburn, WA
"Beautiful, challenging, fun, and full of culture and nature. I highly recommend it!"
Kathy L.
Des Moines, IA
"There was beautiful scenery on well maintained trails, and the food and wine were excellent. We had a great time and look forward to our next trip with you."
Ken R.
New City, NY
"Wow…a fantastic trip! Well-designed, smoothly-run from beginning to end. Though the trip was short, you still left the Cortina Dolomites with a great sense of their beauty. Amazing hikes, majestic mountains, three beyond tremendous guides, and every meal, every lodging was perfect. All in all, lots of fun! Thank you!"
Leela H.
Woodstock, NY
"It was the best vacation I've ever had!"
Lili T.
Charlotte, NC
"This was a wonderful hiking trip. Great day hikes, comfortable accommodations, and excellent food and wine. We couldn’t have asked for more!"
Linda and Ira G.
West Hartford, CT
"The trip guides, Stefano and JoAnn, planned an amazing trip that gave us a great sampling of the variety of these amazing mountains. Their knowledge of the geography and history of the area really enhanced our experience too. Anyone who is an avid hiker should put the Dolomites on their bucket list!"
Lisa S.
Sacramento, CA
"The overall knowledge, organization, and demeanor of our three trip leaders was extremely impressive. They clearly respect and enjoy working with each other. They have such a nice rapport with so many of the local people that we came in contact with throughout the trip. Seeing their mutual respect and fondness for each other time and time again was a pleasure."
Lori W.
Charlottesville, VA
"Cannot imagine that there is a better trip to the Dolomites out there anywhere!"
Mike J.
Crested Butte, CO
"The scenery, activities, and the WT Trip Leader team made for an outstanding trip."
Neil K.
Columbia, MD
"This was our first Wilderness trip. It won't be the last. We loved the quality of the guides, the food and drink, and the many little ‘surprises’ that Wilderness includes."
Randy and Sarah L.
Denver, CO
"This was a perfect trip from start to finish. The location, the design, the guides, the food, the hikes—all top notch!"
Sandy B.
San Francisco, CA
"Fabulous trip and guides. Everything including the locations, lodging, food, and guide expertise was outstanding. I was surprised, delighted, and impressed with how much knowledge our lead guide, Leila, and the two assistant guides knew about the history of where we were, the proprietors and chefs who took care of us, and the wines and food we ate."
Stephanie B.
Emeryville, CA
"We loved the trip and cannot wait for our next one with Wilderness Travel. The scenery was majestic, we all drank way too much wine, and the accommodations were first rate. Sensational all the way around!"
Susan K.
McLean, VA
"Great, challenging hiking and amazing food!"
Tom R.
Manhattan Beach, CA
"This was my first trip with WT and it was a spectacular adventure from start to finish! The hikes, itinerary, lodgings, leaders, and meals were superb!"
Wayne D.
Mahwah, NJ
"Dolomites is now my most favorite hiking trip. The combination of great scenery, open vistas, relatively uncrowded trails, great (well, maybe too much great food) food, and excellent guides all made trip a fantastic experience."
Yvonne L.
Bloomington, IN
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.