dolomites-the-best-hike-of-the-dolomites

Guided groups

Hiking

lvl. 3
Comfort
New
Day-hikes
Réf : E3Z5
7 days from 2150 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • The best hikes around Cortina d'Ampezzo, pearl of the Dolomites

  • Hike the most favorites spots/mountains: Tre Cime, Tofana, Cinque Torri...

  • Confortable accommodation close to Cortina d'Ampezzo

In the European Alps, the Dolomites form a sub range that stands apart from the rest, where massive vertical rock walls and spires rise high above lush green alpine meadows and pastures. This trip offers you the chance to discover every aspect of these truly unique mountains. With your hotel in the renowned Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort as base camp, each day's hike explores the most famous mountain groups in the area, including Tre Cime, Cinque Torri, and Tofane. In the evenings, enjoy the summer entertainment and activities program of a small mountain village as well as the creature comforts your hotel has to offer. Make sure you take full advantage of every aspect of this incredible mountain setting.

Reservation

Departure Return Price including VAT Departure status*  
From 10 July 2023 to 16 July 2023 2195 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 08 July 2024 to 14 July 2024 2150 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 05 August 2024 to 11 August 2024 2250 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 02 September 2024 to 08 September 2024 2150 € Confirmed from 4 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
*The date of departure is subject to change at any time (as specified in chapter 6.1 of our general terms and condition of sale).
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Past questions
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Rebecca M.
Traveler
Itinerary
Are these hikes via ferrata?
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hello Rebecca, There is no Via Ferrata on this trip, if you are looking for Via Ferrata, we are offering a special trip for that: https://www.montblanc-experience.com/trip/dolomites-via-ferrata-in-the-brenta-dolomites. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected], I'll be happy to help you!

Itinerary

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

Level 3: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails and/or 600 to 800 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 15 kilometers.

Duration : 7 days
Luggage transfers : Just a light day bag on your back
Lodging : Hotel
Guiding : French, english speaking, mountain leader (UIMLA certified)
Group : From 4 to 8 participants. The departure will be confirmed from 4 participants (The date of departure is subject to change at any time, as specified in chapter 6.1 of our general terms and condition of sale).

Day by day

Day 1

Benvenuto in the Dolomites!

Distance : 5 km (3 mi.) - Ascent : 500 m. Descent : 500 m
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : lunch, dinner. Meals not included : breakfast.
Meet your guide at 12 pm and check in your hotel and settle in for six nights.
The first hike, a warm up, takes you on the trails that start in town. The climb through the forest to Drusé Pass leads you past Tofane's towering rock walls and all the way to Lake Ghedina for a peaceful afternoon before heading back to your hotel.
Day 2

Lagazuoi Panorama

Distance : 15 km (9,5mi.) - Ascent : 700 m. Descent : 1100 m. Hiking : 4,5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Transfer to Falzarego Pass, one of the most popular trailheads in the Dolomites. At the foot of the famed Lagazuoi, the day's first climb leads to Lagazuoi Pass (2573m). Continue heading uphill to the summit, where you will stumble upon the ruins of several old military installations. As you start your descent, hike through a wide rocky valley and beneath steep cliffs equipped for via ferrata climbing. The descent then continues to Lake Lagazuoi and the the Scotini Hut, a popular final destination for Italian families on a day hike. From there, the trail descends leisurely to Valparola, where you will catch the bus back to your hotel.
Day 3

Croda da Lago range

Distance : 12 km (7.5 mi.) - Ascent : 800 m. Descent : 800 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
The short transfer takes you to Giau Pass, where the day's hike starts by with a climb through the forest to Formin Valley. Little by little the forest thins as you enter the rocky, mineral landscape at higher elevation. Walk through the boulder filed and along the base of beautiful Croda de Lago. When you cross Formin Pass (2462m), the southern Dolomites appear in all their majesty, with Civetta's legendary north face now in your sights. A short descent leads to Ambrizolla Pass (2277m). From there, head back along the other side of Croda da Lago and, during the descent, back through the forest just after the lake. Continue to Giau Pass road. Transfer back to your Hotel.
Day 4

Hiking around Tre Cime and Mt Paterno

Distance : 10 km (6.5 mi.) - Ascent : 600 m. Descent : 600 m. Hiking : 4,5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Transfer to the Auronzo Hut (2320m). The day starts on easy terrain to the foot of Tre Cime's south face. Walk along the base until you reach Laveredo Lake. From there, circumnavigate Mt. Paterno via Pian del Cengia (Cengia flats) and Cengia Pass. The trail winds back around to the Locatelli Hut, where great views of Tre Cime's north face will simply leave you in awe. For the rest of the afternoon, hike along the foot of several legendary north faces where you will likely see climbers scaling these towering rock walls. Hike over Medo Pass back to the Auronzo Hut. A private shuttle will take you back to Cortina.
Day 5

Tofana di Rozes range

Distance : 11 km (7 mi.) - Ascent : 600 m. Descent : 600 m. Hiking : 4,5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Early morning transfer to the Dibona Hut, the start of today's hike around Tofana di Rozes, Cortina's iconic mountain. From the hut, the trail climbs steadily towards Tofana's towering south face. From there, it contours along the base of the cliffs, offering one breathtaking view after another. Once over Bos Pass, Val Travenanzes takes you around the western side of Tofana. On the descent, a new trail winds and zigzags down the side of the mount to a small notch leading to a narrow gully (Majarie) boxed in between two Tofana peaks. Follow this trail up to the Giusani Hut (2580m), the usual base camp for most ascents of the main peak. From here, enjoy the descent on a comfortable trail through scree all the way to the Dibona Hut. Transfer back to your hotel.
Day 6

Hike around Averau and the Cinque Torri

Distance : 14 km (9 mi.) - Ascent : 550 m. Descent : 800 m
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.

This is the last time you will take the early morning shuttle along the now familiar road to Falzarego Pass where you started your trip. Today, the trailhead starts on the opposite side of the valley facing the Lagazuoi and Tofane, within a smaller group of peaks that has several surprises in store for you. The trail quickly leads out of the alpine meadows and small ski area towards the higher lunar terrain far above tree line. Once at Averau's base, continue hiking around its rocky summit spire to Nuvolau Pass. While climbing to the top of Nuvolau Peak is optional, we highly recommend it, since the small hut located at the summit is typical of the Dolomites and offers amazing views in every direction. When back at Nuvolau Pass, hike to the legendary Cinque Torri, well known for their great climbing and where several Dolomite climbers got their start. The area also boasts a rich history that we recommend taking the time to learn about before the trip officially comes to an end at Dames Lake. Last transfer back.

Please note: hiking times are approximate, and do not include bus transfers or riding the lifts.

Day 7

Arrivederci!

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out. Take the time to explore Cortina d'Ampezzo before heading off.

Please ask for any excursion opportunity around Cortina d'Ampezzo or any transfer back to the Airport or elswhere.
Or you can choose to take the bus to Mestre to extend your trip for a short stay in Venice.
If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to: Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips), Modify the itinerary for our tours, Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high. Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.

Pricing

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:
- Lodging: 6 nights in a 3-star hotel, twin/double room.
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners.
- The transfer needed during the trip.
- French, english speaking trekking leader (UIMLA certified).
- Emergency hotline 24/7.
-Energetic snacks for the week.
-A welcome drink.

The price does not include:
- Transfers to and from the start and end points.
- Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
- Everything not described as "included".

Other expenses:
- Any unplanned visits or transfers.
- Drinks and tips

During your trip

Our team

This trip is guided by a French - English speaking - UIMLA certified mountain leader from 5 to 8 participants. Specialists of the Dolomites, he will guide you on "his" trails through this region. Your guide will speak English...but don't be afraid if they speak as a French ;-)

- Day 2 : Cortina - passo Falzarego return trip and Valparola - passo Falzarego one way.
- Day 3 : Cortina - Rucurtu bridge return trip.
- Day 4 : Cortina - rifugio Auronzo return trip.
- Day 5 : Cortina - rifugio Dibona return trip.
- Day 6 : Cortina - passo Falzarego return trip.

Lodging

The Villa Argentina 3* hotel has been welcoming travelers with warm friendliness for over 100 years!
Ideally located between the social centre of Cortina d'Ampezzo and the famous Falzarego and Giau passes, most of the hotel's renovated rooms offer a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains.

Equipped with every comfort, the hotel also offers a wellness area with sauna and fitness centre.
The large dining room offers traditional menus, with recipes for Mediterranean and Alpine cuisine.
During your stay, you can park on the hotel's free parking.

You can find additional information directly on the hosting site: https://hotelargentinacortina.it/index.php

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.
- Dinners (hot meals, very filling) and breakfasts are prepared by your hotel.
- Lunches are pack-lunches either prepared by your guide or the accommodation.

The picnic has an important place in a day of hiking. Healthy and balanced, it allows you to regain your strength before continuing the day's hike. The tasting of local products is an opening on the traditions and the regional culture, and then it is above all a moment of convivial exchange.
During our trekking trips, our guides are careful to ensure that these shared meals are special moments, and try to diversify the menus as much as possible while taking into account the constraints related to transport and food conservation in the specific conditions of the trip.
If you have strict dietary constraints, we invite you to communicate them to us before departure, in your personal space. Remind your guide of this during the first briefing: he will be in charge of the picnics and will be your contact with the accommodation providers.

We commit ourselves to :

Offer a share of regional products, chosen, when possible, from local producers to support short circuits.
Favour quality products and integrate a part of organic food.
Reduce packaging, especially plastic, and recycle the remaining ones.


Luggage transfer

No baggage transfer required for this trip as this is a "center-based" program. Carry what you need in a lightweight pack on each day's hike.

Currencies

France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

Access

Access

Cortina d'Ampezzo is located in the hearth of the Dolomites.
Closest international airport is : Venezia
- From Venezia airport : about 2h15 bus transfer. https://www.cortinaexpress.it/en/timetable or https://www.atvo.it

We can also provide private airport transfer from. Prices on request

Required before leaving

Health

Some tips for staying healthy:
Tap water is mostly good for drinking all other the Alps. Unless notified as not, you can consider it as drinkable. Even if they are recyclable we request you consider the waste impact of your bottles.
Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it's far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!

During the trek, don't try to overpass your strength and walk too high, too quickly! Keep a regular pace and take time to enjoy the view while walking.
Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best! 

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

Hiking equipment list

  • Daypack about 30 litres
  • Hiking boots and mountain socks
  • Shorts and hiking trousers
  • T-shirts
  • Thermal baselayer shirts (1 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve)
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof overtrousers
  • One pair of gloves
  • Sunhat and warm hat
  • Sunglasses (category 3)
  • Sun protection and lipstick
  • Water bottles 2 litres
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • Travel / duffle bag
  • Washbag and toiletries
  • Head torch
  • Basic first aid kit and own medicines
  • Sleeping bag liner (in case of mountain huts overnight)
  • Travel clothes
  • Travel shoes
  • Ear plugs

Note : the weight of your daypack shouldn't be over 8kg and your main baggage should be under 15kg (for luggage transfers).

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.