DOLOMITES HIKING

A seven-day hiking itinerary through the Dolomites, resting comfortably in 5* luxury and cozy mountain rifugios by night

Commence the week in  Cortina d’Ampezzo, hiking amongst the region’s iconic peaks - the Cinque Torre & Tre Cime, and exploring the cosmopolitan village, before traversing to Alta Badia and the home of Ladin culture and one of our favorite hotels, the family run Rosa Alpina in San. Cassiano. Alta Badia is known as the heart of the Dolomites, where the language, traditions and cuisine of another era lives on proudly through the modern residents. Explore Val Badia’s lesser-known trails, and relax at the extensive spa & wellness area at the Rosa Alpina.

Finish the week in Merano, which offers a mild climate year-round, creating a unique atmosphere where Mediterranean gardens in full bloom sit beneath snow-covered Alpine peaks, and vineyards produce some Italy’s best white wines. The perfect place to wind down in the natural thermal waters after a fantastic week of hiking the Dolomites

Icons of the Dolomites Hiking Itinerary:

• TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO - DREI ZINNEN: Until 1919, these peaks formed part of the border between Italy and Austria, and were the front line between Italy and Austria during World War I. Today, the Tre Cime lay on the border between the Italian provinces of South Tyrol and Belluno, and still are a part of the linguistic boundary between German-speaking and Italian-speaking regions.

• CINQUE TORRE: Spectacular hike from the Passo Falzarego to Rifugio Averau, a privately-run rifugio reputed to be “one of the best restaurants in the Alps”, amongst the Cinque Torre - unique rock formations, the five towers - today’s incredible backdrop for a scenic loop hike and lunch.

• FANES HÜTTE: Hiking on the famous white gravel roads of WW1, from Sankt Uberto to Refugio Fanes, your home for the night at 2060m.  Renowned hospitality from the Mutschlechner family in their cozy alpine lodge with private bedrooms, and delicious Sudtirol cuisine.

• FANES - ALTA BADIA: After breakfast, depart the Park Naturale Fanes Senes Braies, and work your way towards Val Badia via the Vallon de Ciampestrin and through the narrow Lech Pass, to lunch at the quintessential Refugio Scotoni 1985m. Check-in at the Hotel Rosa Alpina, and enjoy a gastronomic dinner at Restaurant St. Hubertus (2 Stars Michelin).

• SAS DE PÜTIA: The Roda de Pütia trail circumnavigates the Sas de Pütia, where today we’ll do a half loop in the shadow of Sas de Putia (Peitlerkofel 2875m). Another day and so many Rifugios & mountain inns to choose from, today snack at Utia Vaciara a small farm and inn along the trail, where the Zingerle family serves regional specialties and fresh produce of the farm.

• SASSONGHER MASSIF - PASSO GARDENA TRAVERSE: Traverse through the Naturpark Puez Geisler (Parch Natural Pöz-Odles as it is known in the local Ladin dialect), a spectacular region of the Dolomites known for its beauty and diverse landscape and geology. Finish the hike on the Passo Gardena, and descend by cable car to Selva Val Gardena. Afternoon transfer from Val Gardena to Merano.

• MERANO: Easy morning hike to the Fragsburger Waterfall or Yoga. Afternoon visit to the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, the Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary’s (Sissi) preferred winter residence, and visit and tasting at Cantina Terlano, a local cooperative known for their many award-winning white wines.