Classic Hikes in the Dolomites - 8 days
ItalyDolomites

Classic Hikes in the Dolomites - 8 days

8 Days
Moderate to Challenging

Classic Hikes in the Dolomites - 8 days

from $4,395 / person

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where stunning natural beauty reigns. Your adventure begins in the mountain resort of Cortina d‘Ampezzo, with walks leading you through lush alpine meadows and towering peaks on the Alta Via 1 trail and towards Lake Braies. Experience idyllic landscapes as you hike classic trails, witnessing the dramatic scenery of Cristallo, Mount Tofane, and the iconic Three Peaks. Also stay at Val di Landro, with sundowner views of Three Peaks, and at Sesto, in the beautiful Fiscalina Valley. This guided tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, whether you're enjoying local delicacies at traditional huts or soaking in panoramic vistas over some of the world's most impressive mountains.

Highlights

  • Explore the iconic Cinque Torri rock formations
  • Hike to the legendary Drei Zinnen, a symbol of the Dolomites
  • Visit the crystal-clear waters of Lake Braies
  • Marvel at the panoramic views from Passo Giau & Monte Cristallo
  • Savour regional meals with lunch stops at Rifugio Biella and Klammbachalm alpine hut
  • Wander through the picturesque Val di Landro & Val Fiscalina
  • Engage with local culture and history through guided insights

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Your walking adventure begins in the heart of the Dolomites, where you'll arrive in the charming town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, cradled by stunning mountain ranges. This vibrant destination, known for its stunning vistas and outdoor activities, is the perfect starting point for your journey. Take a moment to wander through the town, exploring its quaint shops and indulging in local delicacies as you prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Accommodation

3-star Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo

What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (7 nights)

Meals

7 breakfasts, and 2 dinners

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Cable Car
  • Taxi Transfer

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

4

Auswalk Walking Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Regular hills and varied terrain. These walks involve more challenging sections. Regular walking beforehand is recommended.

View Fitness Guide

6

Days on the trail

13-15 km

Daily distance range

560-950 m

Daily ascent range

5/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

You'll spend your nights in comfortable 3 and 4 star hotels set against the Dolomites' dramatic peaks and pastures. Each property has its own character, from cosy family run hotels to smart alpine lodges, but all share the same warm Italian hospitality and a genuine welcome after a day on the trail. Rooms are well appointed and restful, giving you everything you need to recover before the next day's walking. In Val di Landro you'll settle into a particularly scenic base, with the mountains visible right from your window. Wherever you stay, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere and a good night's sleep at the end of each stage.

What You'll Eat

Breakfast sets you up for the day with a generous spread of regional produce, from breads and cured meats to fresh fruit and pastries, so you can eat well before setting out. In Val di Landro, included dinners bring the flavours of the Dolomites to your table, think hearty mountain dishes, local cheeses and wines from the surrounding valleys. Expect multi course meals served in a relaxed, convivial setting, the kind of dinner that rounds off a big day of walking with good food and good company. It's a chance to slow down, share stories with fellow walkers and taste the region properly, one course at a time.

More About This Trip

We run this trip in early and late summer, when the high trails are clear of snow and the weather is at its most settled for walking above the treeline. It also means you avoid the peak of the European summer holidays, so the huts, cable cars and mountain villages feel far less crowded. Days are long and generally mild, though conditions at altitude can shift quickly, so pack for both sunshine and a cool wind on the exposed sections.

This is a moderate to challenging trip, with prolonged climbs and descents and stretches of rough, rocky ground and steps underfoot. It suits an active walker with some hiking experience behind them. Ahead of the trip, we'd suggest building up your fitness with regular uphill walks, at least 3 to 4 times a week. The trails themselves are well defined and clearly waymarked throughout, taking you across forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths and through the mountain towns and villages along the way.

The trip starts and ends in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The easiest way in is to fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), then take a direct coach with Cortina Express or ATVO, which run daily scheduled services straight from the arrivals terminal. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs roughly €20 to €30 per person each way, best booked online ahead of time. At the end of the walk you're back in Cortina, ready to head home the same way or continue on to your next stop.

Luggage transfers during this tour allow for 1 piece of luggage which weighs no more than 20kgs. If you are bringing extra luggage then there is a surcharge of €50 per piece which is payable to the local supplier on the day. During the day you will need a small backpack to carry any personal items and clothing needed for your days hiking.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Departure

Select a fixed group departure - places are limited

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Notes

Departure Dates are subject to change

Dolomites reviews

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Ann W
last year

Instructions are very clear. We enjoyed the walk and was grateful for the routes that took us away from the crowd.

Andy
last year

The Dolomites are the most spectacular place I have walked. The accommdations and the food were good, the app and the notes got us around the mountans without a hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your main luggage is transported between accommodations so you only carry a daypack on the trail each day. Bags must not exceed 20kg. Your luggage will be accessible at each property by the evening.

A 30–45 litre daypack with a hip belt and a waterproof cover is recommended. This is what you'll carry each day on the trail with your layers, rain gear, water, snacks, camera, and other essentials.

Yes. Most days offer a choice of distances or routes to suit how you're feeling. On the Dolomites of Cortina walk, for example, Day 2 can be walked as either 10km or 16km, and similar flexibility exists across most other days. Cable cars and public buses can also be used on certain days to skip sections, though tickets for these are generally not included in the trip price.

The Dolomites are spectacular but demanding. Some trails reach above 2,000 metres, with exposed sections equipped with handrails and cables. Trekking poles are strongly recommended — they make a real difference on steep and rocky ground. A solid base of fitness is important, and it's worth building in elevation training before you go, as the climbs use different muscles to flat walking. Snow is possible in the early season, and certain trails can be affected by water erosion, so always check conditions before heading out.

Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, including at most mountain refuges, but carry some cash too — smaller villages and local businesses often prefer it, and some public toilets charge a small fee. ATMs are available in towns along the route.

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory, and it must cover trekking above 2,500 metres and helicopter rescue. All medical services in Italy are chargeable — including emergency evacuation — and costs can be very high without adequate cover. Keep your policy number and your insurer's 24-hour emergency contact number with you at all times.

Let Auswalk know of any allergies or dietary needs at the time of booking so your hotels can be informed in advance. If your requirements are particularly specific, it's worth bringing some of your own snacks as backup — ingredients can sometimes be harder to source in more remote mountain locations.

Want to Know More?

The Dolomites Experience

Wonder
The most dramatic arena on earth. Auswalk beneath Cinque Torri, Tofane and Tre Cime di Lavaredo massifs
This is wilderness on a scale that humbles. See Lake Sorapis, its blue-turquoise waters glowing beneath Mount Sorapis
Wander Bressanone’s historic streets past the cathedral and bishop’s castle
Wellness
Walk, Climb, Breathe, the Dolomites do not do ordinary. Where physical challenge meets profound restoration.
The Dolomites silence you. Not gradually, as other landscapes do, but immediately and completely.
Relax and unwind in comfortable 3 and 4-star hotels from Pocol to Misurina. Enjoy breakfasts, dinners and local Italian mountain cuisine
Nature
Cross Seceda alpine pasture with iconic Geisler peaks rising across UNESCO-listed slopes
Enjoy some of the most dramatic and crowd-free high alpine walking in Europe. Roam Alpe di Siusi, among diverse flora beneath Sassolungo and Schlern
Follow forest tracks and balcony paths through verdant valleys and pale peaks