4
moderate to challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided alpine walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels or mountain hotels
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£1440GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: DGW

Trip highlights

  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery high in the Dolomites
  • Enjoying the variety of scenery from valley lakes and rivers to the stark beauty of the dolomite spires
  • Experience the WWI history of the mountains
  • Sharing your hiking day with a group of like minded travellers

There are few alpine hikes that encompass a region so entirely as this stunning circuit through the dramatic spires of the Dolomites in northern Italy. From the lively ski town of Cortina d'Ampezzo flanked by classic dolomite peaks to the WW1 bunkers of the Tofane massif, the woods and alpine lakes of the Sextener Dolomites and the distinctive Tre Cime (3 peaks), every day on the hike offers a new scene. Accompanied by an experienced mountain guide and like minded group members, your gear is carried for you, allowing you to enjoy the sights and vistas. Nights are spent in comfortable 'rifugios' or 'Hüttes' in beautiful locations, where German or Italian cuisine could be on the menu, owing to the strong German heritage of the region.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Cortina

Finishing Point:

Cortina

Itinerary

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Meet the guide and group at 9:30 am. From the delightful alpine ski town of Cortina, there is a group transfer before we hike towards the Tofano peaks, the location of the Dino Buzzati film “Désert des Tartares” (The Desert of the Tartars). Here the trail winds high along a wartime mule track, through rock needles and past bunkers and abandoned refuges. The views down to the Cortina basin and surrounding peaks are fabulous and a great reward for your efforts. After a tough first days ascent we'll relax in our mountain hut, the Refuge Guissani, and absorb the fine Italian alpine hospitality. Distance: 4km/2.5mi, ascend +845m/2772ft

Meals:  L,D

The first section of the hike takes you through a wondrous rocky landscape as you zig zag down the trail through the Val Travenanzes. Passing waterfalls and outcrops of dwarf mountain pines, you continue towards the next nights’ accommodation with the scenery changing with cascading streams crossed by wooden bridges and evidence of marmot burrows. Ascend to Pederu refuge (hutte). Distance: 15.7km/9.7mi, ascend +645m/2115ft, descend -1143m/3750ft

Meals:  B,L,D

A stunning hike today taking in the picture postcard views of the Fanes group of peaks. As we hike, the Croda Rossa and Sorapis mountains will form a picturesque backdrop. Overnight Sennes Refugio. Distance: 17.1km/10.6mi, ascend +923m/3028ft, descend -1463m/4799ft,

Meals:  B,L,D

The eastern Dolomites offer more fabulous views as we ascend to the Rosalmhutte (2200m). The trail takes us beneath the stunning peaks of Rotwand and Croda Rossa. There are some steep sections as we make our way to Durrenstein hutte (2040m). Distance: 15km/9.3mi, ascend +1206m/3956ft, descend -674m/2211ft

Meals:  B,L,D

A visually stunning hike to the three towers, Tre Cime. We are right on the former Austro-Italian border where fierce fighting took place during WW1. Hiking under Strudelkopf we pass lake Dürrensee. Ascend for overnight accommodation at Drei Zinnen hutte with outstanding views to the towers and surroundings. Distance: 13km/8mi, ascend +1186m/3891ft, descend -834m/2736ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today takes us through tunnels, over passes and amongst a stark rocky landscape with 360 degree views of the mountains. The domination of Tre Cime is clear as we circuit these impressive spires. Overnight at Rifugio Lavarredo. Distance: 10.2km/6.3mi, ascend +788m/2585ft, descend -868m/2847ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Our last day of hiking back down into the lush valley and Lake Misurina. In 1927 Aldo Bonacossa made numerous first descents on skis following today’s trail, which has become his namesake. Descending the Bonacossa Dolomites, we are in the shadow of the massive Cadini di Misurina. On arrival at the lake we are transferred back to Cortina where the trip concludes at approximately 2pm. We recommend not making onward travel plans before about 3.30pm. Distance: 6km/3.7mi, descend -750m/2460ft

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties
  • 6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges on a dormitory share basis.
  • Luggage transfer by mule, 1 piece maximum 6kg (+ the provided duffle bag) - additional luggage storage available, fees apply, must be pre booked
  • Experienced mountain guide

  • Travel to and from the start and end point in Cortina
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Storage of luggage - fees apply
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Mountain Gite

Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 15 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 4-12). In the dorms beds are often bunks, always with separate mattresses. Blankets are provided. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING – GRADE 4 The hiking is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily guided hikes of around 4-6 hours, between 4 and 17.5 kms and maximum ascents of 1250 metres per day. Whilst 3 of the days would be considered moderate there are 4 days which involve harder stages and all days will involve steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care with loose rock on the trail. There are short stages where chains and cables are there to support hikers. If you suffer from vertigo there are parts of the trail that are quite exposed. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness and a good hiking pace to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for hikers with some experience in alpine terrain. If you have no alpine experience, we recommend you participate in a series of hikes of 7-8 hours with lots of uphills and downhills - this will gauge your suitability for this hike. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on sections of the trail which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong hot sun and extreme winds. Pre trip training should involve a combination of cardio vascular sessions of 45 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, coupled with endurance hikes of up to 8 hours carrying a daypack. Our staff are happy to provide further advice on pre trip training. Important note: good quality hiking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this hike.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Please ensure you read the downloadable trip notes prior to booking.

Priceper person from

£1440GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Additional luggage storage - per 15kg bagGBP£60
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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Gaiters are not needed

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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