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 from the heart of the South Tyrol south 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 and bus to San Candido to meet your guides. Overnight in a magnificent South Tyrolean hotel that has been welcoming mountain travelers for over a century.

Day 2 We traverse into the Campo di Dentro to a rifugio beneath the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Day 3 From the rifugio we ascend to a high pass and ridge before dropping down to the legendary Lago di Misurina and our lakeside hotel.

Day 4 The fourth hiking day traverses from the Passo Tre Croci to a valley beneath the northern buttresses of the towering Sorapis. A high pass is crossed where views of the Tofane and Pelmo draw us down and into Cortina d’Ampezzo the “capitol” of the Dolomites.

Day 5 Today we traverse from the Passo Giau over three passes, the final one unlocking access to the remote and sleepy Pescul and a charming three star inn.

Day 6 On our final hiking day a lift gives us a boost to the Rifugio Fertazza from which we travel a ridgecrest to a lovely alp with superb views of the Civetta, We are treated to enticing views of the sparkling, emerald green Lago di Alleghe. Finish in this charming resort town.

Day 7 The final morning, travel by van to Belluno for departure.