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 Prato Piazza, stone amphitheatre of Fanes and the unusual Tofane desert...
And after a week through the Dolomites of Cortina, the exploration continues around Val Gardena: Odles, Puez, Sella, Catinaccio... so many names for so many mountains with a different atmosphere!
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 (subject to availability)
2-person bedroom on nights 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13
Option Via Ferrata Day 7
250€ per person - minimum 3 people
Optional transfer on Day 7 between Cortina and Val Gardena.
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
A beautiful crossing at altitude, beneath the foothills of the Croda Rossa. The path then crosses a karstic plateau, a true Alpine garden, to reach the Sora Forno pass, at the foot of the elegant Croda del Beco (2810m). Night in a refuge at 2327m (without luggage)
6 hour walk / Elevation: +800m -350m
BIELLA - FANES PLATEAU
Optional morning climb of the Croda del Beco summit 2810m (elevation +/-460m) 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, the epitome of the Dolomites. 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
Meeting at the refuge with a high mountain guide, and departure for the Tre Dita, where we join the Via Ferrata Lipella. Climb the Tofana de Rozes (3225m), through a beautiful, airy stone amphitheatre, for a great panoramic view of the entire Dolomites. Descend to the Giussani refuge to pick up your packs, then descend to the Dibona refuge. Transfer back 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 expense; we can organise it for your if you don't have a cat). Night in a B&B (not included).
Meeting point at 1:00 pm in front of the bus station of Ortisei, Val Gardena. Plan to have already lunch, as well as your personal belongings for the first two nights (change of clothes 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- PASSO 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.
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 Passo 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 quiet 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 gentle 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 of the hike around 3pm 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, often rocky paths. The climb to the Giussani hut involves a short cabled section. Cable ramps secure steep or exposed sections on days 10, 12 and 13. For the optional itineraries, there are a few aerial passages secured by cables (cables on a flat 50m path on day 2, a cabled passage on the ascent of the Croda del Becco on day 4).
You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week.
Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty
Medium-level via ferrata, supervised by a mountain guide (1 guide for a maximum of 4 people). It is important not to be sensitive to heights. Equipment provided (helmet, lanyards, harness).
Group between 6 and 14 people supervised by a qualified professional mountain leader.
It is usual to tip your guide at the end of the trek, according to your satisfaction. It is not mandatory but, it is very appreciated.
13 nights in a refuge dormitory.
All accommodation has hot showers (except Day 3 and Day 6). However, due to increasingly recurrent periods of drought, access to showers is not guaranteed.
Optional 2 person bedroom supplement on registration: Nights 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 (+190€ subject to availability)
Breakfast and dinner are served in the accommodation.
For lunch, your guide will prepare a picnic, usually consisting of a variety of salads and regional produce.
For nights without luggage, picnics are ordered from the refuges for the following day.
Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of the booking.
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.
Water is a scarce resource in the Dolomites during certain periods ... Plan to buy water a few times at refuges (around € 4 / liter) or to be able to purify it (tablets or gourds with filter).
Tabacco Map 03 Cortina d’Ampezzo (1/25000)
Tabacco Map 10 Dolomiti di Sesto (1/25000)
Tabacco Map 31 Dolomiti di Braies (1/25000)
Carte Tabacco 05 Val Gardena (1/25000)
Day 1 meeting at 1.30pm at the bus station of Cortina d'Ampezzo (plan to have eaten).
Day 8 meeting at 1pm at the bus station of Ortisei (St Ulrich) (plan to have eaten).
BY TRAIN (then bus transfer)
Outward journey:
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, possible transfer (optional) by Altitude Mont Blanc from Cortina to the accommodation on Day 7, and 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 group taxi can be organised during the week by the tour leader (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, on 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 2024)
End of the hike on Saturday around 3pm in Siusi (Seis).
Cortina d'Ampezzo Tourist Office.
Val Gardena Tourist Office.
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.
If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.
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 documents) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your baggage will be transported daily, except on Days 3, 6, 8 and 9, between accommodations by our logistics vehicle where access is not always easy.
Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!
On nights 3, 6, 8 and 9, your luggage won't be dropped off at your accommodation (you will get it back the day after). Here are the things to bring with you (about 2 kilos are enough!):