Image: Ken Fuhrer
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.
Tour Highlights:
- The Dolomite region's best kept secret.
- Alpenglow from our cozy hut.
- Hiking in northern Italy's most dramatic mountain ranges.
- A feast of vertical limestone towers, splintered, shapely and stunning.
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. Overnight in a magnificent Sudtirolian hotel that began welcoming mountain travelers over a century ago.
Day 2 This is a perfect first day’s hike. You'll enjoy vivid contrasts today as you 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 you connect to the Cadini di Misurina group. After a great lunch at an Alpine Club hut, your descent carries you 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 you'll climb to the Passo Tre Coci and then traverse into the Sorapis group where you'll rest your feet at the refuge Vandelli, a delightful source of mid-day refreshment. Continue over another pass, this one supported with cables but safe, before your final high balcony walk offers expansive views over Cortina
and across the valley to the Tofana and Pelmo. Overnight in a well appointed hotel in Cortina.
Day 5 After a short transfer to the Passo Falzarego, you'll hike through the soaring towers of the Cinque Torri. An
engaging traverse then takes you across the Passo Giau and onward to a fantastic picnic site high above the Val di Cadore. Your descent from this airy alpine world delivers you to a peaceful riverside walk, over fields and into the sleepy town of Pescul, your comfortable home for the night.
Day 6 A lift offers a boost to the Rifugio Fertazza from where you'll begin traveling a ridge crest to a lovely alp with superb views of the Civetta. You'll enjoy 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.
