Photo by Porter Teegarden
The Dolomites are among the most stunning mountains on earth. The soaring golden and gray-hued limestone towers are a magnet for mountain lovers and photographers alike. In morning and evening alpenglow sets these spires ablaze in wildly colored pinks and purples. Contrast this with the brilliant green meadows from which these towers emanate and you find the elements that make for an unforgettable mountain experience. Add superb accommodations and fascinating trails winding around the peaks and across the meadows and you have the ingredients to create lasting memories.
This trek has exceptional variety linking lakeside resorts with the high peaks of regions not often visited by the average traveler. It is equally beautiful yet slightly more strenuous than our Italian Dolomites Trek offered earlier in the summer.
This is an absolutely unique journey through one of the most fabled mountain ranges on earth. From the shadows of the towering Tre Cime di Lavaredo, this trek travels south from the heart of the South Tyrol to the charming lakeside village, Alleghe. We connect the Tre Cime National Park on the Austrian border with the Monte Pelmo Nature Reserve in the heart of the Dolomites while passing through quintessentially Italian mountain and hill towns such as San Candido, Misurina, Cortina, Pescul and Alleghe.
The choice of inns is superb with outstanding old world establishments in San Candido, Cortina, and Alleghe. We also spend a night in the magnificently situated Rifugio Locatelli beneath the North Faces of the Tre Cime. This is a tour through seldom traveled pockets of the range with stellar views of many of the Dolomites mightiest peaks: the Tre Cime, Tofane, Civetta, Pelmo and dozens more.
Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer by train to San Candido, a charming Italian village delightfully situated on the border of the famous
Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Sesto. Meet the group for dinner and overnight in a magnificent Sudtirolian hotel that began welcoming mountain travelers over a century ago.
Day 2 A perfect first day’s hike. We’ll enjoy vivid contrasts today as we leave the verdant forests and fields of the Valle Campo di Dentro and wander up to the otherworldly flanks of the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo. These famous three summits provide some of the most spectacular scenery in all of the Dolomites. Many pages of mountaineering history have been written on the spectacular towers of the Tre Cime. Prepare yourself for an incredible sunset and settle in for the night at the superbly situated Rifugio Tre Cime. This is one of the best nights to enjoy the laughter and camaraderie of mountain enthusiasts from around the world.
Day 3 Today’s hike follows a high level route close in to the great towers before leaving the well trodden trail for an adventurous traverse of the Sentero Bonacossa. This trail follows the WW I front lines as we connect to the Cadini
di Misurina group. After a great lunch at an Alpine Club hut, our descent carries us toward lago Misurina. This placid
mountain lake is framed by classic Dolomite summits. Overnight in a cozy lakeside hotel.
Day 4 Another high level walk. Today we’ll climb to the Passo Tre Coci and then traverse into the Sorapis group
where we rest our feet at the refuge Vandelli, a delightful source of mid-day refreshment. We’ll continue over another
pass, this one supported with cables but safe, before our final high balcony walk offers expansive views over Cortina
and across the valley to the Tofana and Pelmo. Overnight in our well appointed hotel in Cortina.
Day 5 After a short transfer to the Passo Falzarego, we hike through the soaring towers of the Cinque Torri. An
engaging traverse then takes us across the Passo Giau and onward to our fantastic picnic site high above the Val di Cadore. Our descent from this airy alpine world delivers us to a peaceful riverside walk, over fields and into the sleepy town of Pescul, our comfortable home for the night.
Day 6 A lift gives us a boost to the Rifugio Fertazza from where we begin traveling a ridge crest to a lovely alp
with superb views of the Civetta. We are treated to enticing views of the sparkling, emerald green Lago di Alleghe, a stunning lake where tree covered slopes drop precipitously to the water’s edge. Finish in this charming resort town.
Day 7 Depart. It is generally not possible to make a same day flight.
