Dolomites: Highlights of Val Gardena - 8 days
Staff Pick
"Val Gardena is a region buzzing with scenic ski towns, cafes, markets, and hikers. Surrounded by the jagged peaks of Seceda and the rolling grass hills of Alpe Di Siusi, it's easy to get around on foot and via cable car. I'd recommend this walk to those who want to experience the Dolomites at a slightly slower pace, with easier walking options. I loved being able to shorten or extend the day's walking using the cable car system. Indulging in the region's wheat beer, wine, pizza and strudel at the end of each day was another big highlight."
– Rowan Waters, Product Manager
Embark on a self-guided walking holiday that unveils the breathtaking beauty of the Val Gardena and the Dolomites. Starting in the Villnöss region, where ancient architecture intertwines with stunning landscapes, this journey offers a soothing escape into nature. Traverse lush meadows, charming villages, and alpine trails that wind through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dolomites. Capture memories of soaring peaks and serene valleys as you delve into the rich Ladin culture renowned for its unique woodcarving tradition. Each day presents a new adventure, leading you to postcard-perfect vistas, quaint local eateries, and the warm hospitality of Tyrolean mountain houses.
Highlights
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3-star Hotel (7 nights)
7 breakfasts
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 Guide6
Days on the trail
9-17 km
Daily distance range
290-1030 m
Daily ascent range
6/10
Trail difficulty
Nights are spent in a selection of three-star guesthouses and hotels, each chosen for their quality, comfort and authentic Tyrolean atmosphere. The accommodation reflects the local character of the region, from traditional guesthouses to welcoming alpine hotels.
Six breakfasts are included throughout the walk. Lunches are purchased at mountain refuges along the way, which is very much part of the Dolomites experience. Dinners are not included as standard, though a half-board option is available, adding a three-course dinner featuring regional cuisine each evening. Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking — if you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source in the mountains.
The walk starts and finishes in Bressanone/Brixen. The closest airports are Innsbruck (approximately 83km), Verona (191km), Treviso (228km) and Venice (313km). By train, services run from Innsbruck via the Brenner Pass or through the scenic Pustertal Valley directly to Bressanone. We can arrange private transfers from Innsbruck, Treviso and Venice airports to your hotel on request. At the end of the walk, train connections from Bressanone provide easy access to major cities for onward travel.
This walk is available from late June to mid-September, with start days on Saturdays and Sundays. Groups of five or more have increased flexibility on start dates. Additional nights' accommodation and private transfers to and from Brixen can be arranged at additional cost — contact our team for details.
This walk is graded moderate to challenging, with daily distances averaging around 16km and up to 604m of ascent and descent. The trails are well-defined and varied, covering forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths and mountain villages, with prolonged ascents and descents on rough terrain and steps throughout.
Snow patches may be encountered on higher passes, so good mountain footwear is essential. An active lifestyle and a training regime of three to four times per week is recommended. Mountain weather can change quickly — at least one member of your group should be comfortable navigating with a map. Comprehensive walk notes, maps and GPX tracks are provided for each day.
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.
A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.
For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on this itinerary. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.
Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule
Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.
For groups of less than 5 people this walk must start on a Saturday or Sunday.
Really well shaped 5 days, amazing scenery with different experiences each day. Well organised trip, good information. There was one error with the hotel bookings —we were informed the hotel had changed for the last night of the walk but it was actually for the first night, but we resolved it fairly easily.
Great variety of local & international itineraries using quality overseas partners. Smallish boutique accommodation in character hotels & BnBs. Well selected walking routes. Reliable pick-ups & transfers of walkers &/or luggage.
The Walk through the Dolomites was a great experience. Monica & Jess & all staff we had contact with were prompt with their responses & helped with all travel transfer requests. Very grateful for all their assistance. Some instructions were in another language. But mostly it was delivered well. The whole area is just spectacular. As you walk, there are so many awesome views in every direction. It's truly a magical environment.
Was easily organised and communication was great. If I messaged via email or WhatsApp with any issues I got prompt replies both prior to and during the trip
Instructions are very clear. We enjoyed the walk and was grateful for the routes that took us away from the crowd.
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.
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