Dolomites Via Ferrata

Day 1: Early afternoon rendezvous at Venice, Marco Polo Airport

Rendezvous at Venice's Marco Polo Airport in the early afternoon. KE Land Only package services begin with a single timed transfer to the first night's accommodation at the Refuge Auronzo (2343m) which is located at the base of the towers of the spectacular Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Overnight at the refuge. Included meals: Dinner (D)

Day 2: Climb the Torre di Toblin via the Sentiero delle Scalette

The twin-towered Torre di Toblin provides a superb objective for our first via ferrata of the week. It rises dramatically above a wide amphitheatre and provides views of the fantastic north walls of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. During the First World War, Austrian troops constructed a route to the top of this prime viewpoint and the modern-day Sentiero delle Scalette runs alongside the original Austrian route, with remnants of the old wooden ladders still visible in places. We start the day walking below the walls of the Tre Cime and after half an hour or so have the chance to stop for a tea or coffee at the Refuge Lavaredo. Continuing across the pass of the Forcella Lavaredo (2454m) and passing the Refuge Locatelli, we reach the base of the via ferrata on the north side of the Torre di Toblin. The route follows a stepped corner and passes a terrace to reach steep chimneys and a series of ladders leading up to the col between the 2 summits. A traverse and final airy ladder leads to the summit, where the views of the Tre Cime are brilliant. We descend easily via the stepped north-east ridge, with equipped sections in the most exposed places. Overnight at the Refuge Locatelli. 6 hours walking / climbing,, with 500 metres of ascent and 350 metres of descent. (B, D)

Day 3: Climb Monte Paterno by the De Luca - Innerkofler route

Monte Paterno (2746m) is another superb peak from which to view the impressive north faces of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Our route today starts out near our overnight accommodation and requires the use of headtorches for the sections of WW1 tunnel. After an initial, long and quite dark tunnel, there is a steeper section equipped with ladders and then a vertical wall with fixed cables leading up to the Forcella di Comosci (2650m). Some interesting route-finding and further sections of well equipped wall, lead to the cross at the top and those great views. We descend from the peak via its east ridge, which involves negotiating the Delle Forcelle route which crosses a number of ledges and makes use of ladders and bridges on the descent to the path at the base of the tower. From the Lavaredo Refuge, we follow the 'assisted path' of the Bonacossa Route through the Cadini di Misurina group of peaks, to our overnight stopping place at the Fonda Savio Refuge (2367m). Here, we can enjoy a final sunset on the Tre Cime. 5 hours walking and climbing, with 350 metres of ascent and descent. (B, D)

Day 4: Hike to the Refuge Lorenzi

We follow a continuation of the Bonacossa Route, across the Varda Pass and down to Misurina Lake. From here, we take a local bus up to the Col Tre Croci, where we have a rendezvous with our trek bags for a change of clothes. Then, we take the cable car up to our overnight accommodation at the Refuge Lorenzi (2918m). 5 hours walking and climbing, with 400 metres of ascent and 550 metres of descent.

Day 5: The Ivano-Dibona Route

This long, classic and largely downhill via ferrata gives us another chance to see some of the amazing WW1 installations on these rock towers. From the top of the cable car below our accommodation, the route starts with an iron ladder and then the superb ‘Ponte del Cristallo’ suspension bridge which crosses a deep gorge and continues to the pass of the Forcella Grande (2874m). We follow a well-marked route over rocky crests and along unlikely ledges, with old military hardware and construction in places. Finally, we drop down into Val Padeon and hike across to the Tre Croci Pass where we can once again access our main baggage. Enjoy a well earned rest at the Refuge Dibona. 7 hours walking and climbing, with 300 metres of ascent and 1400 metres of descent. (B, D)

Day 6: The Via Francesco Berti

Our final via Ferrata is the Giovani Lipella, a superb route which will test our skills and keep us entertained. The route climbs the NW face of the Tofana di Rozes by a series of natuarl rock ledges, gullies and open face scrambles. Sensational exposure and continuously interesting. After the climb we return to the Dibona refuge. 7.5 hours walking and climbing, with 1000 metres of ascent and 1000 metres of descent. (B, D)

Day 7: Transfer to Venice, Marco Polo Airport

After an early breakfast we say 'Arrivederci' to the Dolomites. Until the next time.