Day 1 – San Vito di Cadore
Your 6-day Dolomites hike begins at the pick-up point in Marco Polo airport in Venice and arrival to San Vito di Cadore 3,000′ (993m) at the foot of Mt. Antelao. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in town or cycle along the scenic bike path of the Dolomites! Be sure to bring your bathing suit for a dip in the indoor heated pool or go to the hotel’s SPA while enjoying an unsurpassed view of the north face of Pelmo (3,168m).
A welcome aperitif and a brief presentation will be followed by dinner.
Day 2 – Tre Cime di Lavaredo
HIKING TIME: 6 HOURS • VERTICAL HEIGHT: 1,800’(600m).
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are the iconic symbol of the Dolomites! We trail past Rifugio Auronzo 6,960′ (2,340m) and Rifugio Lavaredo, crossing moraines of bygone glaciers. We crest at Pian de Cengia 7,884′ (2,628m) which overlooks a vast range of peaks sedimented in the late Triassic period—over 220 million years ago. A few but the most tenacious plants grow here, like the beautiful alpine poppy (Papaver rhaeticum) with its bright yellow flowers.
Day 3 – 5 Torri
HIKING TIME: 5 HOURS • VERTICAL HEIGHT: 1,200’(400m).
The 5 Torri 7,000’ (2.361m) emerge majestically from the vast surrounding lush alpine meadows. The view of Cortina d’Ampezzo and its valley from this vantage point is simply spectacular. Multiple trenches dot the area, a reminiscence of the Italian defense lines during the Great War. Before we head back, let’s enjoy a great cappuccino at one of the rifugi. This is also a botanical hotspot with myriads of flower species, many of which endemic to the area.
Day 4 – Forcella Lerosa
HIKING TIME: 5 HOURS • VERTICAL HEIGHT: 1,200’(400m).
The high point for the day is Forcella Lerosa 6,060′(2,020m). Here a derelict cemetery reminds us that it was a battlefield during World War I. The Croda Rossa 9,438′(3,146m) towers over a Jurassic period ocean bed 190 million years ago. The valley is populated with century-old pines (Pinus cembra), some of which are said to be over 800 years old! Our trek ends at Ra Stua 5,004’(1,668m) where a van will take us to our destination in a beautiful B&B in val di Zoldo
Day 5 & 6– Pelmo
HIKING TIME: 4 HOURS • VERTICAL HEIGHT: 1.200’(400m).
The trail head is at forcella Staulanza, and our first stop is at Rifugio Citta’ di Fiume 5,754′ (1,918m). The sound of rolling rock avalanches can be occasionally heard as gravity brings down loose debris from Mt. Pelmo. The Dolomites adventure continues as we climb to the very top of Col de la Puina 6,672’(2,254m). From this vantage point we have an unsurpassed view of Mt. Pelmo 9,510′ (3,168m).
The following day we drive back to the drop-off point at the airport. If this feels like the trip of a lifetime, make sure you contact us!