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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
6 DAYS
COMFORT
STYLE
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Hidden valleys, fairy-tale villages and majestic mountains in a multicultural mosaic
  • Ride chairlifts, then hike past grassy meadows, pine forests, alpenrose and mountain huts
  • Michelin-starred cuisine in San Cassiano
  • Dramatic views of the Cinque Torri, a collection of towering stone pinnacles
  • Shop for authentic Tyrolean specialties, such as jams, cheeses and flavored grappa
$3998USD
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Dolomites Walking & Hiking

Imagine a rustic mountain hut that serves piping hot spaghetti al ragu and vino rosso. More than a warming hut, the traditional Dolomite rifugio is an oasis of simple comfort and hearty cuisine. Isn’t it the perfect time to find refuge in a rifugio?
Imagine a rustic mountain hut that serves piping hot spaghetti al ragu and vino rosso. More than a warming hut, the traditional Dolomite rifugio is an oasis of simple comfort and hearty cuisine. No celebrity chefs. No pretense. But they’re like everything in this region - like the sweeping pastures of wildflowers, the raw jagged snowcapped cliffs, the never-ending views from gondola rides, and the charm of Cortina, a bustling Italian Alpine village. They’re vibrant, filled with flavor and satisfying. These days we all work hard, long hours and have fast-paced lives. Isn’t it the perfect time to find refuge in a rifugio?

Terrain Description:
Alpine trails among limestone peaks.

Note: Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Departure Dates with Hotel Variations:
7/1-6: Hotel Variation: On Days 4 & 5 we stay at Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
7/8-13: Hotel Variation: On Days 4 & 5 we stay at Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
7/29-8/3: Hotel Variation: On Days 4 & 5 we stay at Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
9/2-7: Hotel Variation: On Day 5 we stay at Hotel Ancora a Casual Inn in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Day 1: Bolzano
Meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T-shirts) at noon in front of the main entrance to the Bolzano-Bozen train station in Bolzano, Italy. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you might want for today’s hike. See “Arriving & Departing” for additional logistics information.

Shuttle to Prösels Castle 30 Minutes

Walking & Hiking Options:
Fiè allo Sciliar Route: 3.1 Miles (330’ elevation gain)
Laghetto di Fiè Route: 5 Miles (990’)

After meeting in Bolzano we shuttle to Prösels Castle, a notable Tyrolean fortress dating back to the 1200s, where we get better acquainted over a picnic lunch. Then stretch your legs on a walk amid spectacular surroundings. Make your way across a meadow nestled between the towering Dolomite peaks and the Adige River Valley. In case you’re wondering, the word “Dolomites” was derived from the name of a French geologist, Déodat de Dolomieu, who was the first to describe the type of carbonate rock abundant in these mountains. If you’re up for some climbing, hike to beautiful Laghetto di Fiè, where you can reward yourself with a cappuccino or gelato lakeside. Descend to the alpine village of Fiè allo Sciliar, strolling by prolific gardens of roses, delphinium, foxglove and berries. Take a moment to enjoy views of brilliant green pastures and quaint hamlets below.

In the afternoon we arrive at the Romantik Hotel Türm, where proprietor and award-winning chef Stefan Pramstrahler welcomes us. Settle in before we gather for an evening reception hosted by your leaders. They offer insight into the region, and then lead us to the dining room for a delicious dinner of local specialties paired with regional wines. Lodging: Romantik Hotel Türm
Lodging Romantik Hotel Türm
Description A 13th-century hotel with Tyrolean-style décor, and delicious regional cuisine prepared by proprietor and renowned chef Stefan Pramstrahler. (pool, spa)
Day 2: Parco Naturale dello Sciliar
Our first full day in the Dolomites begins with a short shuttle and gondola ride to the trailhead for our hike into the Parco Naturale dello Sciliar, bordered by dramatic massifs and filled with vast fields of colorful wildflowers. After working up an appetite on a vigorous climb, we relish a fantastic lunch at a family-run rifugio (alpine hut). These huts can be found all over the Dolomites and offer hikers a place to relax, have a warm meal and even spend the night. Polenta, goulash, thick soups and local cheeses are a few of the hearty menu items.

Following lunch we continue our hike over the Sciliar and around the Catenaccio peak down to the town of Tires. If you’d like, take a ride in the van when the trail meets the road, about 3 miles from Tires, or continue en route to the hotel.

Back at Romantik Hotel Türm, consider unwinding with a spa treatment: lounge in the pine sauna, take a flower-scented steam bath or try a grape-seed oil massage. (Spa services are not included in the trip price.)

Before dinner, enjoy an optional visit to the hotel’s cantina. Tonight we celebrate the day’s adventure with another superb meal at the hotel. Lodging: Romantik Hotel Türm

Shuttle to/from Dolomites Trailhead 20 Minutes Each Way

Walking & Hiking Options:
Alpe de Siusi Loop: 5 Miles* (300’ elevation gain)
Compatsch to Tierser Alpl & Bagni Route: 8.5 Miles* (1,970’)
Compatsch to Tierser Alpl, Bagni & Tires Route: 11.5 Miles* (1,910’)
*with shuttle
Lodging Romantik Hotel Türm
Description A 13th-century hotel with Tyrolean-style décor, and delicious regional cuisine prepared by proprietor and renowned chef Stefan Pramstrahler. (pool, spa)
Day 3: Val Gardena
Leaving Fiè allo Sciliar, we shuttle through the famous Val Gardena, the gateway to Parco Naturale Puez-Odle, before arriving in Selva di Gardena. We’re accompanied by a local hiking guide, who shares stories about the region’s history and culture, and talks about growing up in the area. Then take a gondola ride to Passo Gardena and set out on foot, soaking up the inspiring scenery as you climb to Crespeina Pass where you can take time to pause and enjoy your packed lunch. On your approach to Val Badia, marvel at the magical views of Lago Crespeina and the two primary peaks in the region, Punte del Puez (9,555 feet) and Sassongher (8,741 feet). You’ll notice the landscape has become much more barren, rocky and lunar-like. Marmots are plentiful here; watch for the furry creatures on the outcrops and listen for their telltale whistles.

If you’re up for the challenge, hike further into the dramatic landscape of the Gardenaccia, and even up to Sassongher! Continue down to the village of La Villa, before following a crystal clear stream gradually uphill to our home for the next two nights, Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa. Or, on the basic route, begin a steady downhill to a gondola that brings you to the wooden homes in the village of Colfosco, where the Backroads van awaits. Or continue walking to the village of Corvara, where the van waits to whisk us to San Cassiano, a picturesque Alta Badia hamlet about 15 minutes away.

Our refined and cozy hotel, Rosa Alpina, welcomes us with expansive views and Pizzinini family hospitality. In need of some R&R? Consider a treatment at the hotel’s award-winning spa. (Spa services are not included in the trip price.) Later we sit down at Rosa Alpina’s restaurant for a dinner of simple yet creative cuisine. Lodging: 

Shuttle to Selva di Gardena 45 Minutes

Walking & Hiking Options:
Sella Low Trail: 4.3 Miles* (320’ elevation gain)
Corvara via Crespeina Pass Route: 6.8 Miles* (860’)
San Cassiano via Gardenaccia Route: 9.3 Miles* (1,380’)
San Cassiano via Gardenaccia & Sassongher Route: 11.8 Miles* (2,080’)
*with shuttle
Lodging Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa
Description Built as a parish priest house in 1850, this alpine getaway now wows guests with its stunning setting, elegant décor and Michelin-starred cuisine. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Day 4: Santa Croce
After breakfast we shuttle to the village of Pedraces and take the chairlift to historic Santa Croce. Set in a lush valley, the tiny white 15th-century chapel is an important pilgrimage destination. Hike along a gently winding trail at the base of the Fanes Range through open grassy meadows and fragrant pine forests. En route pass by rifugi, meandering brooks, flowering alpenrose (rhododendron) and a series of unique trailside crucifixes. We’re rewarded at the end of the hike with a savory lunch of fresh regional specialties.

Afterward we meet up with our friend Heidi, who is a member of the Ladin community, a linguistic minority group living in the heart of the Dolomites. She engages us in a casual Q&A about the distinct language, culture and customs of the Ladin people.

Continue walking back to the hotel or hike to Malga Valparola, where we can sample freshly made yogurt. If your legs are energized, continue up to Passo Valparola and back to Armentarola. Otherwise, enjoy the gentle descent as you return to the hotel.

Back in San Cassiano later this afternoon, you can shop for Tyrolean items such as wool sweaters and tasty Ladino specialties, including mirtillo (blueberry) preserves, flavored grappa, formaggio nostro (literally translated as “our cheese”) and speck (cured and smoked ham). Alternatively you may indulge in a spa treatment.

This evening you’re free to choose a restaurant in San Cassiano for dinner on your own. Your leaders are happy to point out their favorites. If you’re interested in dining at Rosa Alpina’s elegant Michelin-starred St. Hubertus restaurant, please make reservations far in advance (see hotel sidebar for contact information). Lodging: Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa

Walking & Hiking Options:
Santa Croce to Armentarola Route: 4.8 Miles* (470’ elevation gain)
Santa Croce Loop: 9 Miles* (490’)
Santa Croce and Malga Valparola Loop: 10.1 Miles* (670’)
Santa Croce and Valparola Pass Route: 15.8 Miles* (2,480’)
*with shuttle
Lodging Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa
Description Built as a parish priest house in 1850, this alpine getaway now wows guests with its stunning setting, elegant décor and Michelin-starred cuisine. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Day 5: Passo Falzarego
This morning we shuttle to Passo Falzarego, our trailhead for today’s hike. Accompanied by our local guide, walk along a mountainside on our way to Rifugio Averau and Rifugio Nuvolau.

We lunch at Rifugio Nuvolau, where spectacular vistas make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Then you can hike the longer option, which loops over to Passo Giau, or descend to view an open-air museum that reveals trenches, bunkers and tunnels from World War I. From there, it’s a stunning chairlift ride down to where we shuttle to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is Italy’s answer to Chamonix, Aspen and other world-class resort destinations. If you’re a fan of shopping or people-watching, take a passeggiata (stroll) on Corso Italia, Cortina’s pedestrian-only thoroughfare. Or you may want to go straight to our elegant hotel to enjoy its amenities.

Tonight our farewell dinner is at Tivoli, a Michelin-starred restaurant outside of Cortina. Lodging: Hotel de la Poste

Shuttle to Passo Falzarego 15 Minutes

Walking & Hiking Options:
Falzarego, Averau & Cinque Torri Route: 3.9 Miles* (1,340’ elevation gain)
Falzarego, Averau, Nuvolau & Cinque Torri Route: 5.4 Miles* (1,620’)
Passo Giau Loop: 8.6 Miles* (1,760’)

Shuttle Cinque Torri to Cortina 20 Minutes
Shuttle to Dinner 30 Minutes (Round-Trip)
*with shuttle
Lodging Hotel de la Poste
Description Owned by the same family since 1835, this former mail coach inn occupies a superb location on Cortina’s bustling Corso Italia.
Day 6: Cortina
Our last hike features incredible views of the mountains surrounding Cortina. Ascend through the forest to the Faloria chairlift and emerge high above Cortina to savor extraordinary Dolomites vistas. Take in the Cristallo Range (and even the Tre Cime di Lavaredo on a clear day) before taking the chairlift down to Cortina. We say our goodbyes before boarding a private coach bound for Venice. See “Arriving & Departing” for end-of-trip logistics.

Shuttle to Rio Gere 15 Minutes

Rio Gere to Faloria Route 3.7 Miles* (1310’ elevation gain)
Shuttle to the Venezia-Mestre Train Station 2½ Hours
*with shuttle
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Laura Gamble
This is our first Backroads trip. It far exceeded our expectations, in every way. The food was over the top in quality and quantity. The scenery and hiking are diverse and extraordinary. The inns were intimate and excellent. But it was the guides who made the trip so very special. They appeared to handle all the logistics effortlessly and we so appreciated having everything handled. They both provided leadership, but it never quite appeared so. They were tons of fun, inspiring, well informed and good teachers, and just so generally interesting as human beings I would have loved to have been almost anywhere with them. I effuse enough. It was a perfect trip.
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Richard Tigner
I don't know how Backroads does it! This is my second trip with you and it was just like my first one to Patagonia in 2006, absolutely wonderful. My trip leaders were so nice, so well organized and so much fun to be with. I loved my time with them at meals, at wine tastings and while hiking. The hikes were over and through some of the most remarkable and unusual mountain terrain on the planet and I felt very privileged to get to walk the hikes and see what I saw. The group of people I traveled with were wonderful people. All of them were fun, smart and interesting and put themselves "out there" to have a great time. In summary, all of this is simply to say that nobody does this kind of travel experience better than Backroads and I continue to be a big fan! Thank you again for giving me another memorable Backroads hiking trip!
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Shelly Karns
First, let me say thank you!!! This was our honeymoon and we decided that just this once we'd really splurge and let someone else do the planning - figuring that we probably won't allow ourselves this kind of luxury again until we hit another major milestone. But the trip was so incredible that we just might be addicted to Backroads and totally unable to travel on our own ever again! Since this was our first time using an "active travel company," we did a lot of research to find the right trip - so we know that there's a ton of competition out there - but based on our experience in the Dolomites, I can't imagine any company doing a better job.
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Martha Brumfield
This is one of the best vacations I have ever had. The region is so rich, and the challenging hikes took us to places of such beauty and tranquility - exactly what I needed to get away from my hectic daily life. It ended much too soon.
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Jill Greaney
The hikes were absolutely stunning...The views were beyond our high expectations. The biggest highlights, aside from the hikes, were Turm hotel, the dinner in the castle, and the refugio. Loved the refugio atmosphere and ate one of the best meals there.
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Elizabeth Stoltzfus
We were very happily surprised with the trip and with the Dolomites, which were stunning. I really liked meeting in Bolzano because I don't think we would have visited otherwise, and we really enjoyed our visit there. The towns were charming and beautiful, and the people were friendly and helpful. We had a wonderful time and felt very well taken care of. We were sorry to see the trip end!
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Sandra Rosen
The leaders where excellent. The itinerary was well thought out, planned, and executed. I have traveled all over the world both independently and on group tours. Backroads level of service is simply unparalleled.
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Peter DuBois
A wonderful experience. It was engaging and thoroughly restful at the same time. This is a trip I would seriously consider taking again.
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JoAnn Ellero
Felt like we really got a flavor of the Dolomites! Did all the longest hike options and really loved it.
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Judy Hicks
This trip was well designed to offer options that seemed to suit everyone. It had absolutely fabulous scenery, and was one of the more challenging trips we've been on.
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Maritza Castro
This was a wonderful trip - it offered the right amount of activity combined with cultural enrichment.
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • All meals included except 1 dinner
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • 1 dinner
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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