What strange mountains... The architect Le Corbusier defined them as "the most beautiful architectural work in the world". Similar to a city where the skyscrapers are rocks and alpine pastures the streets.
Here it is the whiteness of the dolomite rock which dominates and retains magically the evening light; the cyan sky and the brilliant green of the alpine pastures acting as contrast...
This tour offers a 14 day getaway to discover the strong images of the Dolomites, the peaks of Tre Cime, high pastures of Pratto Piazza, stone amphitheatre of Fanes and the unusual Tofane desert.
Nature and man have shaped a unique region, recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. The history of these mountains makes them even more spectacular. Squeezed between Austria, Italy and Ladin country, the Dolomites are rich from all these influences, with lots of history and culture to be discovered along this beautiful itinerary.
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Comfort Option (depending on availability)
2-person bedroom on nights 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 : +190€ per person
Option Via Ferrata Day 7
200€ per person - minimum 3 persons
Includes:
Does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Personalised tour available
Contact us !Meet at 1:30pm at Cortina d'Ampezzo bus station in the town centre, then bus transfer (30mins) to the Auronzo refuge (*please have lunch before meeting).
CORTINA - TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO
Circuit hike at the foot of the famous Tre Cime de Lavaredo, a mythical section of the hike amidst spikey peaks, towers and surrounding summits, passing via the Locatelli Refuge.
3.5 hour walk / Elevation: +400m -400m
TRE CIME - PRATO PIAZZA
After passing the north face of Tre Cime follows a beautiful descent into the Landro Valley. Followed by a fairly steep climb with a well secured (50m) cabled section, which contours the Strudelkopf. Cross the Strudelsattel Pass and descend to the magnificent mountain pasture of Prato Piazza. Night in a refuge on the plateau.
6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +950m -1250m
PRATO PIAZZA - SENNES PLATEAU
Beautiful altitude traverse under the foothills of the Croda Rossa. The trail crosses a karst plateau to reach the Sora Forno Pass just above the Biella hut at the foot of the Croda del Beco.
Night in a refuge at 2327m (without baggage)
6 hour walk / Elevation: +800m -350m
BIELLA - FANES PLATEAU
Optional morning climb of the Croda del Beco summit 2810m (elevation +/-480m) for those who wish. Return to the refuge and depart for a panoramic traverse through the vast Sennes pasture. Crossing this mountain pasture using shepherds trails and descend to the Tamesc Valley via a historical road, a real challenge regarding the impressive gradient! Climb to the Fanes plateau and night in a refuge.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +550m -850m
FANES - SCOTONI
Cross the vast karst Fanes plateau, a real geological curiosity, before ascending to the Lech Window at 2486m, a narrow passage between two imposing cliff faces. Followed by a superb descent, impressive but very well maintained, to the small Lagacio Lake and the Scotoni pasture. Night in a refuge. Beautiful option to climb to the Medesc Pass (+/-400m).
4.5 hour walk / Elevation: +550m -600m
6 hour walk / Elevation: +900m -980m to Medesc Pass
SCOTONI - TOFANE
Depart in the morning for the Travenanzes Pass at the foot of the Tofane, a vast theatre of the battles of the First World War. Tunnels, pillboxes and Via Ferrata testify to the tumults of the past. Traverse below the Tofana di Rozes. Climb to Refuge Giussani between the Tofane, positioned in a setting worthy of a fantasy film. Night in a cosy refuge (without baggage).
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1200m -600m
REFUGE GIUSSANI - CORTINA
Early morning, optional ascent of Tre Dita (2694m) close to Tofana de Rozes. Return to the refuge for a coffee and descend via Refuge Dibona and on to Cortina through the forest.
1.5 hour walk / Elevation: +/-120m to the Tre Dita
3.5 hour walk / Elevation: -1380m from Refuge Giussani to Cortina
OPTION VIA FERRATA TOFANA DE ROZES
Early morning, possible ascent of Tofana de Rozes by Via Ferrata with a High Mountain Guide. Return to the refuge for a coffee and descend to Refuge Dibona. Taxi transfer to Cortina d'Ampezzo.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +650m -1380m
End of the first part in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Taxi transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Val Gardena (at your charge ; we can organise it for your if you don't have any vehicle). Night in a B&B.
Meeting point at 1:00 pm in front of the train station of Ortisei, Val Gardena. Plan to have already lunch, as well as your personal belongings for the first two nights (change and toiletries).
ORTISEI - MONT DEDORA
Departure from the village with a first ascent in the forest. The path arrive on the large pasture of Mont Dedora... The viewpoint is incredible on all the Dolomites massifs of Val Gardena and the continuation of the hike. Night in a cosy refuge, without the luggage.
3h walk / Elevation: +900 m
ODLE NATURAL PARK - RIFUGIO FIRENZE
The day begins flat, on the ridge to reach the fabulous Odles. Climb to the Forcella Pana, for a unique viewpoint of the massif. The crossing of the alpine pasture to the refuge Firenze is then quiet, passing close to the cliffs and the Pieralonga.
Night in a refuge at 2000m, in dormitory without the luggage.
5h30 walk / Elevation: +800 m - 900m / 13km
CROSSING OF THE PUEZ MASSIF- PASO GARDENA
The day begins in the beautiful valley of Sieles to reach the Forcella de Sieles. The path continues on the ridge, secured by several small cables, before reaching the impressive cirque of Puez. Grassy terraces and mineral atmosphere alternate during the crossing of the plateau that dominates the immense canyon of the Vallunga and ends in beauty, through the Pizes de Cier and their funny rocky towers. Night in a refuge, with the luggage, at the side of the road near to the pass.
6h walk / Elevation: + 750 m - 650 m / 15 km
HIGH PLATEAU OF SELLA - REFUGE VALENTINI
Total immersion in the mineral atmosphere of the Dolomites for the crossing of one of its highest massifs: the Gruppo del Sella! From the pass, the trail reaches the heart of this immense stone building through the Val Setus pass, equipped with cables and steps to secure the passage. After the Pisciadu hut, the path continues in a a lunar atmosphere to reach the high plateau of Sella, at 2900m of altitude. Descent through the Val Lastie. Small transfer to reach the Paso Sella. Night in a refuge, with the luggage.
7h00 walk / Elevation: +900m -1260m / 10km
SASSO LUNGO - RIDGES OF SIUSI - PASTURES OF TIRES
A day that takes place under the Sasso Lungo group, emblem of the Val Gardena. Crossing the Friedrich August royal trail and then the ridge "auf der Schneid" ("On the Edge") which dominates the largest alpine pasture in Europe: the Alp de Siusi. This quitly itinerary allows you to enjoy the other side of the Dolomites: vast alpine pastures, "Tyrolean Greys" with a curious look... A more alpine variant is possible with the crossing of the massif by the Forcella Sasso Lungo. 2 nights in a refuge at 2440m of altitude, with the luggage.
4h30 walk / Elevation : +600 m - 400 m / 12km
6h30 walk / Elevation : +1150 m - 850 m / 14km by the Forcella SassoLungo
ROSENGARTEN - ANTERMOÏA - ALP DE TIRES
Departure for another day in an unusual location in the heart of the Rosengarten (or Catinaccio). Molignon, Antermoïa, Val Duron... a journey through the whole mineral nuances of the "Monti Pallidi": ochre, white, dark grey, dolomite, gypsum, volcanic rocks...enhanced by the turquoise blue of the lake of Antermoïa and the green of the pines. A very colorful itinerary !!! Back to the refuge of Tires for a second night, with the luggage.
6h00 walk / Elevation: +/-970 m / 13km
ALTIPLANO DELLO SCILIAR - ALPE DI SIUSI
From the refuge, the itinerary begins by reaching the altiplano of Sciliar, with the possibility of a little trip to the summit of Mount Petz to enjoy a last 360° view of the Dolomites of Bolzano. The return to the Alpe di Siusi takes place with a quietly descent that allows us to appreciate once again the exceptional knowledge of the Ladins in the design of the roads through their mountains.
4h30 walk / Elevation: +100m -1500 m / 12,5km
End point around 3:00pm in Siusi.
Bus transfer to Ortisei, Val Gardena or Bolzano.
The itinerary is established according to the latest information available, the possibility of unknown factors affecting this itinerary is possible including situations beyond our control which may change the route, timings etc.
Elevation: +/- 650m to 750m approximately per day.
Walking time: 4 to 7.5 hours per day with optional itineraries possible.
Type of trek: mountain hike on marked trails without technical difficulties.
There are some steep passages well equipped with cables.
Group between 6 and 14 people supervised by a qualified professional mountain leader.
13 nights in a refuge dormitory.
Remember to bring your own sleeping sheet and pillowcase.
All accommodation has hot showers.
Optional 2 person bedroom supplement on registration: Nights 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (+190€ depending on availability)
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your guide, comprising a variety of healthy salads and local products.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
The route has been modified to offer one night at the heart of the Tofane mountains. As a consequence, nights 3, 6, 8 and 9 are without baggage transport. We made that choice to favour an enchanting route but also to lower the cost for you and to limit the environmental impact.
For the nights without your baggage at the accommodation, here are the things to add to your backpack (about 2 kilos are enough!):
- small toilet bag
- sleeping bag liner sheet
- change of clothes (bare necessities!)
Tabacco Map 03 Cortina d’Ampezzo (1/25000)
Tabacco Map 10 Dolomiti di Sesto (1/25000)
Tabacco Map 31 Dolomiti di Braies (1/25000)
The Day 1 meeting at 1.30pm at the bus station of Cortina d'Ampezzo (plan to have eaten).
The Day 8 meeting at 1pm at the bus station of Ortisei (St Ulrich) (plan to have eaten).
BY TRAIN (then bus transfer)
Voyage Aller:
Paris - Milano - Venice, then Venice-Cortina by bus (2h, about 60€ A/R): Bus ATVO/ Bus flixbus
Or by Stuttgart, Munich, Fortezza and Dobbiaco, then Dobbiaco - Cortina by bus (45mn, 16€ A/R)
SNCF Information: 3635 or sncf.com
CORTINA EXPRESS: cortinaexpress
At the end of the 1st week, the Day 7, transfer planned by Altitude Mont Blanc from Cortina to the accommodation. Then the Day 8, transfer from the accommodation to the bus station of Ortisei to be there at 1pm.
Return Trip:
End of the hike in Siusi. Regular buses between Siusi/ Bolzano/ Ortisei, at your expense (about 5€ per person):
valgardena.it/en/bus-schedule/
Siusi (Seis) >> Ortisei (St Ulrich), Val Gardena with bus 172, departure every hour, 1h journey (waiting for the summer timetable)
Siusi (Seis) >> Bolzano with bus 170, departure every hour, 40 minutes journey.
Then train Bolzano - Verona - Milano - Paris: SNCF information, 3635
At your request, a collective taxi can be organised during the week by the attendant (about 10€ per person for a full minibus).
BY PLANE: Venice International Airport "Marco Polo"
Bus transfer Venice – Cortina, (2h, about 40€ A/R)
ONE WAY: bus on Sunday at 11.20am at the airport, arrival in Cortina at 1.25pm
RETURN: bus on Saturday at 3.30pm in Cortina, arrival at the airport at 5.45pm
ATVO bus
Flixbus bus
BY CAR
Two long-term free car parks on the outskirts of Cortina (about 10 minutes walk from the train station/1km): "Lungo Boîte" (west of Cortina) and "Parcheggio Via del Parco" (south of Cortina).
By Milan, Verona, Venice, Belluno and Cortina d'Ampezzo
By Milan, Brescia, Trento, Bolzano, the most convenient: We recommend you then take the train to Dobbiaco (9.02am/ 11.05am, or a train every two hours), then the bus to reach Cortina (11.10am/ 11.55am, or every two hours).
At the end of the 1st week, the day 8, meeting at the bus station of Ortisei at 1.00pm. You will have picked up your car the day before in Cortina.
2 car parks for this 2nd week:
- Ortisei (for a fee): Alpe di Siusi gondola lift in Ortisei, €6 per day
- in Siusi (free): gondola Seiseralm. Parking, bus 172 to Ortisei. Depart at 11:50 >> 12:25 (or 10:50 >11:25). (Specific times to come for summer 2023)
End of the hike on Saturday around 3pm in Siusi (Seis).
Cortina d'Ampezzo Tourist Office.
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Clothing
Other Equipment
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
Your baggage will be transported daily (except on Days 3, 6, 8 and 9) between accommodation by our logistics vehicle. You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 12kg. Your bag has to be carried everyday by the driver, where access is not always easy, please think of their backs! Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers!
If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be deposited at the end point with your other baggage.