Dolomites Guided Hike
Dolomites Guided Hike
Dolomites Guided Hike
7 Days Starting and ending in Cortina
Visiting: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Albergo Alpino Pederü Berggasthaus, Fanes, Rifugio Vallandro, Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DGW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 14
Age range:
18-80
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
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 'Huttes' in beautiful locations, where German or Italian cuisine could be on the menu, owing to the strong German heritage of the region.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet At Cortina D’Ampezzo, Transfer To Tofano Group Of Peaks (4Hrs)
Location: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Accommodation: Mountain refuges on a dormitory share basis
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
Day 2 : Descend The Val Travenanzes And Hike To Pederu Hütte (6Hrs)
Location: Albergo Alpino Pederü Berggasthaus
Accommodation: Mountain refuges on a dormitory share basis
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
Day 3 : Hike Through The Fanes Natural Region (6Hrs)
Location: Fanes
Accommodation: Mountain refuges on a dormitory share basis
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,
Day 4 : Ascend Wooded Trails To Dürrenstein Hütte (6Hrs)
Location: Rifugio Vallandro
Accommodation: Mountain refuges on a dormitory share basis
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
Day 5 : Hike To Tre Cime, The Iconic Three Peaks Of The Dolomites (6Hrs)
Location: Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Accommodation: Mountain refuges on a dormitory share basis
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
Day 6 : Hike Around Tre Cime With Picture Postcard Views Throughout (5Hrs)
Location: Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Accommodation: Mountain refuges on a dormitory share basis
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
Day 7 : Descend To Lake Misurina And Transfer To Cortina (3.5Hrs), Trip Concludes
Location: Cortina d'Ampezzo
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
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels or mountain hotels -
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
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6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges on a dormitory share basis.
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Luggage transfer by mule, 1 piece maximum 6kg (+ the provided duffle bag) - additional luggage storage available, fees apply, must be pre booked
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Experienced mountain guide
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Travel to and from the start and end point in Cortina
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Drinks and snacks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Storage of luggage - fees apply
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
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Items of a personal nature
What's Not Included
Accommodation
6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels or mountain hotels
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). Beds are often bunks, always with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.
Grading
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.
Check out our Q&As
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.