Dolomites Hike

As a special treat for those who are keen for a little adventure, we offer the opportunity (weather permitting) for an optional hike along a stretch of the famous Via Ferrata. Literally translated as "the Iron Way," the Via Ferrata runs throughout the Dolomites, incorporating a system of iron ladders to assist hikers on steep mountainous terrain. The trails were originally built and used by WWI soldiers fighting in this region. Our local alpine guide provides you with the necessary helmets and harnesses to safely negotiate this exhilarating way to access spectacular mountain terrain (optional hike, supplemental fee required).

We spend the first four nights in the village of San Candido before moving to Cortina for three nights. San Candido is located in the Val di Pusteria, part of the Southern Tyrol. Until 1918, this region was part of the Austrian Tyrol and its people are largely of Germanic descent; many still speak the Latin-based Ladin language. Their local cuisine is a sublime marriage of flavors from Austria and Italy. Our last three nights are spent in Cortina. The village lies in a sunny basin at the junction of the Bigontina and Boite valleys. Host of the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina village is equal parts rustic beauty and chic Italian style. We spend our evenings in the comfort of small hotels nestled among the surrounding peaks. Cozy wood-paneled bedrooms and big fluffy duvets make for a great end to the day.

The trip ends with a private bus transfer to the train station and airport for connections to other destinations. Or you may choose to spend a few days in amazing Venice and explore the canals and narrow twisted streets of this unique city.


Day 1 - Saturday: Independent arrival to San Candido/Innichen. Daily rail connections are available from Milan, Venice, Munich and Innsbruck. Since the region is bilingual, the villages and towns in this region have both an Italian and Austrian name. Depending on when you get in, you will have some time to explore the village and admire its beautiful wooden farmhouses. The group will meet tomorrow morning. Overnight at the Post Hotel in San Candido/Innichen. Hotel included. Dinner not included.


Day 2 - Sunday: Meet your guides and fellow hikers at breakfast. After a brief orientation, we set off directly from the village for our hike, stopping for lunch at a mountain-side rifugio along the way. San Candido-Innichen is beautifully situated in the Upper Pusteria Valley and is fringed with thick pine forests and crowned by the jagged peaks of the Baranci chain. In the early evening you will have time to admire this charming town's Romanesque and Baroque churches and visit the ancient thermal baths or simply relax at a café in the village piazza. Overnight in San Candido/Innichen. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.


Day 3 - Monday:After breakfast we transfer to the trailhead for a scenic and challenging hike to Ponticello. Our efforts are rewarded with a constantly changing alpine panorama en route to our lunch spot in an alpine meadow. The wildflower meadows create a colorful counterpart to the stark limestone peaks, offering great photo ops! After lunch we continue towards Ponticello, descending through verdant pine forests and along mountain streams. Overnight San Candido. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.


Day 4 - Tuesday: We start the day with a short van transfer up to the rifugio at Auronzo. Our hike takes us around the spectacular massif of the "Tre Cime di Lavaredo." The "Three Peaks" are some of the most dramatic mountains in the Dolomites due to their extraordinary spike shape, alignment and subtle color changes that occur throughout the day. The Cima Grande (Big Peak) is the highest (9836'), followed by Cima Ovest (Western Peak) and Cima Piccola (Small Peak). We stop for lunch at a rifugio that offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, then continue down through alpine meadows to the valley below. This afternoon, we may have the opportunity for an optional hike along a stretch of the famous Via Ferrata. The Via Ferrata (translated as the "Iron Way") runs throughout the Dolomites, incorporating a system of iron ladders to assist hikers on steep mountainous terrain (optional hike, supplemental fee required). Overnight in San Candido/Innichen. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.


Day 5 - Wednesday: We leave the Sud Tyrol region this morning and hike towards the Veneto and its alpine gem, Cortina d'Ampezzo. As we draw closer to the wide valley where the town lies, the surrounding peaks of Monte Cristallo, Monte Pelmo, Croda da Lago, and the Tofanes fill our view. As we gaze upon this sublime scene, it becomes easy to understand why Cortina is considered to be the most perfectly situated town in the Italian Alps. Those who prefer a shorter day can catch a bus from our lunch stop in Cimabanche and explore Cortina on your own. We spend the next two nights at the locally famous Hotel Menardi, owned by a family that has been in the hotel business for 300 years! Before dinner you might enjoy a whirlpool in the hotel spa. Overnight at the Hotel Menardi in Cortina. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.


Day 6 - Thursday: Today starts with an unforgettable cable-car ride from Cortina up the side of Monte Faloria. Then we have a spectacular hike, traversing around the mountain and over a pass before descending to a turquoise alpine lake.  Try the delicious local specialty, "canederli," for lunch before descending into the verdant alpine forest surrounding Cortina. A less vigorous alternative is to explore lovely Cortina and perhaps relax in one of the outdoor cafés. Return to Cortina where you will have free time to explore Cortina village. This evening you are free to dine wherever you like in Cortina. Hotel and breakfast included. Dinner not included.


Day 7 - Friday: Depending on the weather we will either go up to the Rifugio Nuvolau, which means "rifugio in the clouds" in local dialect but offers spectacular views if it is clear, or we will hike amongst the "Cinque Torri" (five towers) whose towering spires dwarf all those below. Tonight we'll enjoy a special farewell dinner at Ristorante El Zoco to celebrate the week's adventures. Overnight Cortina. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.


Day 8 - Saturday:  We leave at 9:00 by van for a 1-1/2 hour transfer to the train station in Conegliano (about 45-mins from Venice).  From here you can make connections for other destinations; or maybe you'd like to extend your trip by a few days to explore the fantastic city of Venice.  We can also take you to the Venice airport, estimated arrival around noon. Breakfast included.


Useful Links -
Visit the Dolomites: great site about the area, see especially the section on culture, traditions, food, etc.

Val Pusteria: general site with weather forecast, photos, etc.

The Via Ferrata:  very informative Wikipedia site on these unique trails

World War I in the Dolomites: a short history of some of the battle sites we encounter during our hikes

Cortina d'Ampezzo:  very interesting site relating the history of Cortina and the area, going back to Neolithic times and stone-age human remains!

Speak Ladin?  a short introduction to this ancient language, a remnant of the Roman occupation of 2,000 years ago

General Information

Note on Itinerary: Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Qualifications: This trip is rated moderately challenging. Some prior hiking experience is beneficial but anyone in good physical condition will have no problems with the walk. Generally we hike about 5-6 hours a day. You do not have to have previous experience in mountain hiking. Of all of our hiking trips, this is the most challenging. A regular conditioning program consisting of walking/running and a daily stretching regimen is recommended, beginning at least 2 months prior to departure. We suggest you do some hiking at home before you leave, including some steep up and downhills!  This will get you in shape and ensure that you are able to enjoy fully all that this wonderful trip has to offer. Altitude is not a problem on this trip; it is rare for people to suffer from altitude sickness at less than 9,000 feet. You may, however, find that your breathing is slightly more laboured than usual once we start to gain altitude. The highest point we reach is less than 8,000 feet, and that is near the end of the trip. We never sleep at an altitude in excess of 3,000 feet. We have been running this trip for three years and none of our hikers have had any problems with altitude. The Via Ferrata: Weather permitting, on Tuesday we offer you the opportunity to go with a qualified Alpine guide along the Via Ferrata. This is an optional hike that we make available to all trip participants, however we reserve the right to refuse anyone the option of doing it if we think he/she is not of sound body -- or mind! The Via Ferrata is not for the faint of heart. You wear full climbing harnesses and helmets (equipment is provided) that enables the guide to lead you safely into difficult mountain terrain where some easy rock climbing is required. On these stretches you will be roped and belayed by the guide. We usually go to Monte Paterno in the morning, and in the afternoon (if there is time) up the Torre di Toblino. The hike takes you along the front lines of World War I and up to former observation points as well as through a 600-meter tunnel excavated by Italian troops. The views are magnificent and the summit up the vertical ladders of the Torre di Toblino is memorable. Your guides will tell you more about this option during the Sunday evening orientation talk. A supplemental fee is required (paid in cash that day), dependent on the number of participants. Group size is limited to eight people, in which case the supplement is 45 Euros (about $55 USD). Trip Cost Includes: 7 nights accommodation (4 nights San Candido/Innichen, 3 nights Cortina in 3-star hotels); 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners; bilingual guide or guides; all van and luggage transfers including final transfer to the train station. Not Included: Round-trip airfare; airport/hotel transfers; lunches; two dinners; travel insurance; gratuities; Via ferrata day/Alpine guide and climbing harness and helmet, alcoholic beverages, and items of a personal nature. Weather: We run our trips in June, July and August when the weather is at its most favourable. When the weather is sunny, and it often is, it can get warm, into the high 70's (23-25 degrees Celsius) and we hike in shorts and T-shirts. However, when the sun goes in it can get cool quickly. Mountain weather is very unpredictable so one must be prepared at all times for quick temperature drops and even rain. In general, when it rains it is usually in the late afternoon or early morning and then clears. You must come prepared for three season weather. Getting there (this will redirect you to our "Getting to the Trip" page) General Information: This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the CustomWalks Ltd. reservation information and trip agreement. Please read this information carefully and e-mail us (or use the "Contact Us" page) if you have any questions. We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance which you can do through CustomWalks Ltd or by clicking on the logo below (another window will open up on your screen). We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited. Send us an email or fax to reserve your trip. Full trip details including detailed pre-departure information, train timetables, and a gear list are sent upon receipt of deposit. Come join us!