Italian Alps: Hiking in the Dolomites
Experience Italy at its most wild on a luxurious trek through the towering Dolomites from San Cassiano to Cortina
Italy's Majestic Dolomites
Soaring cliffs, alpine meadows, luxurious mountain inns—the true adventure of a lifetime
Aug 29 - Sept 5, 2022
Limited to just 12 people–reserve your spot today!
8 Days, 7 Nights
San Cassiano, Fanes-Sennes-Braies, Cortina
You’re surrounded by jagged limestone cliffs, looking out over vast untouched country defined by imposing vertical peaks, sparkling mountain lakes, and lush pastures dotted with fairytale villages. You’re in the incredible Italian Dolomites—your playground for the week—and every day brings new adventure. By day, you’re hiking from peak to peak on some of the world’s most scenic trails, carrying just a day pack and fully supported, led by experienced local guides; by night, you’re relaxing at luxurious mountain inns and savoring northern Italy’s finest cuisine.
This is Italy’s Dolomites in all their glory, where rugged cliffs carve the sky and jagged peaks and pinnacles tower high above lush valley floors carpeted with pine and fir trees. Traverse the Alta Badia valley, trek through the heart of Fanes-Sennes-Braies and scale the granite walls of Ferrata Fusetti. In between, get a taste for tradition and culture with visits to local farms, and go behind the scenes at a Michelin-starred kitchen.
If you want to experience and hike the wild side of Italy, in style, this trip is for you. Four to eight hours per day, we’ll make our way up, down, and around through the heart of the Dolomites, every inch of it mesmerizing, eating well and sleeping in elegant mountain lodges. Join us for an Italy adventure like no other.
Who It's For
The outdoor adventurer with refined tastes. The Dolomites offer the most diverse natural beauty in Italy—paired with renowned local cuisine. Full of wonder and a beacon to hikers, cyclists, skiers, climbers, and food connoisseurs, this mountainous shangri-la has a little something for everyone.
Activity Level: Moderate
This trek is accessible for most age levels who maintain good physical fitness, have previous hiking experience, and are prepared for the demands of hiking in mountainous areas. We’ll cover 30+ miles over seven days, hiking four to seven hours most days, and sticking mostly to established routes.
How We Travel
In style! This is a fully supported hike led by experienced local guides. We carry lightweight day packs, while the rest of our gear is transferred between accommodations. Our nights are spent at elegant mountain lodges. We'll dine at village eateries, local farms and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Your Dolomites Experience
“Each mountain in the Dolomites is like a piece of art.” —Reinhold Messner, Mountaineer
“These pale spectacular rocks nourish my very soul.” —Amelia Edwards, Author
True wilderness. Epic exploration. Deep backcountry. Cultural immersion. We’ve scoured the earth for hidden gems and invite you to join us on one of these exclusive trips. Let’s explore the trails less traveled, together.
Day by Day
Incredible daily trekking, serene mountain lodges, rustic and delicious alpine cuisine. We’ll enjoy it all on our glorious exploration of this rugged and marvelous corner of northeastern Italy. Let’s go for it.
Day 1
Benvenuto in Italia! Mountain peaks and alpine lakes, plus some of Europe’s most picturesque valleys. Get excited for an unforgettable eight days reveling in the Dolomites! We kick off our adventure in Bolzano, head to Canazei and then hop on a gondola up to Col Rodella. Our first hike is the iconic Sasso Piatto loop, with Sassolungo Massif and Marmolada Glacier looming majestically in the distance. The incredible scenery is just a taste of what’s to come.
Then it’s off to San Cassiano, a mountain village in Alta Badia at the foot of the magnificent La Varella. San Cassiano is known for its shops and first-class hotels and restaurants. It’s also a center of Ladin culture, an ethnic group indigenous to this pocket of northeastern Italy dating back to the Roman Empire. While only a few thousand people still speak Ladin—related to Swiss Romansh and Friulian languages—its cultural and gastronomic traditions run deep here. We’ll freshen up and reconvene for a traditional welcome feast at La Majun. It’s the perfect intro to the Dolomites.
Day 1: 10 miles, 6 hours, 2,657′ gain, 2,788′ loss
Day 2
Wake up to refreshing alpine air and mountain vistas as far as the eye can see. Keeping La Majun as our homebase, we’ll transfer for our hike today to Passo Falzarego. We’ll make our way up the winding pass, steadily revealing towering crags like stone daggers in the sky. The mountain pass is our jumping-off point for Cinque Torri (Five Towers). Our trail ambles through beautiful meadows carpeted in verdant grass and wildflowers, with heart-stopping views of the jagged massifs, Marmolada and Cortina glaciers, and of Val Badia and Val Gardena, two of South Tyrol’s spectacular river valleys.
Dinner tonight is at your leisure back in San Cassiano. Whether you feel like a low-key meal or elevated Michelin-starred dining, this scenic mountain village has it all.
Day 2: 7.4 miles, 5 hours, 2,769′ gain, 2,651′ loss
Day 3
Today’s hike is in the Sella group, a cluster of plateau-shaped mountains—or, as the French call it, a massif—between the four Ladin valleys of Badia, Gherdëina, Fascia and Fodom. After a transfer to Passo Pordoi, we’ll traverse the Val Badia, a visual wonderland known for its rich Ladin culture, framed by the region’s most photogenic dolomite peaks. We’ll wander through dreamy alpine pastures, skirting past staggering peaks and capturing astounding views of Piz Boè (10,341 ft), the giant fortress of rock in the heart of the Dolomites.
Our picnic lunch is set among the mighty mountains; after lunch, our descent takes us along wild streams and through alpine meadows and back down to the luminous Val Badia. Dinner tonight is at La Majun, where we’ll revel in the tastes of Ladin cuisine the San Cassiano way.
Day 3: 7.4 miles, 4 hours, 1,965′ gain, 1,922′ loss
Day 4
We say ciao to San Cassiano and continue on to La Valle, just on the other side of the Gruppo di Fanes. Much of this impressive mountain group is part of the strongly protected Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with untouched land, towering rock walls, lush meadows, and serene alpine lakes. Its geological, botanical, and ecological diversity make the park a must-see for any Dolomites hiker, and we’ll experience it to the fullest, gazing at the impressive and towering Sasso Croce peak.
Our home for the night is Lavarella Mountain Lodge, a simple mountain hut that’s been a cozy alpine escape for generations. We’ll have dinner here before resting up for another hiking day tomorrow.
Day 4: 8.5 miles, 6 hours, 4,192′ gain, 1,847′ loss
Day 5
One of the best parts about staying in Fanes-Sennes-Braies is that our trail starts, quite literally, at our doorstep! This morning we’ll lace up our boots and head out on the Lavarella Loop via Ju d’la Crusc, holding to a steep wooded hillside that skirts the Fanes Plateau. The lunar expanse here is crossed by mighty rock walls and dotted with austere caverns. In the distance, the drama is only heightened by the valley’s incredible vastness.
If you’re up for it, we’ll continue up to L’Ciaval peak for even more soaring views; it’s one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites, untouched except by nature, with vertical walls soaring skywards. Or skip the optional 1.9-mile ascent if our mountain hut and a cold beer or a glass of wine are calling your name—we won’t blame you. Either way, we’ll celebrate together tonight with traditional Ladin flavors and sleep soundly in our mountain serenity.
Day 5: 8.7 miles, 5 hours, 3,280′ gain, 3,280′ loss; optional 1.9 mile / 1.5 hour hike to L’Ciaval
Day 6
After a short hike from Lavarella to Pederù, we’ll make our way towards Cortina. Called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina is the Italian Alps destination and home to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics—so they know a thing or two about sporting and resorting.
We’ll take a break from hiking this afternoon. Instead we’ll explore the deep-rooted traditions of South Tyrol, and have the rare opportunity to immerse ourselves in Ladin culture on a visit to a local farm in the small mountain village of San Vigilio. We’ll meet the farmers, learn their old-world methods, and discover how the Alta Badia region has earned its reputation as a premier gastronomic destination. We’ll enjoy a hands-on cooking experience here as we learn to make traditional pastries. This evening we’re free to explore the beautiful village of Cortina on our own, relax at our sumptuous five-star mountain hotel, and maybe enjoy a spa treatment.
Day 6: 3.9 miles, 3 hours, 492′ gain, 2,165′ loss
Day 7
It’s our last full day in the Dolomites, and the choice is yours to make: rest and relax at our glorious hotel, or challenge yourself with a rock-climbing adventure at Ferrata Fusetti, a former military outpost on the southwest face of Sasso di Stria (8,126 ft). In 2018 a new route was established by Italian Alpini (mountain) soldiers. It was no easy feat, and still isn’t, which is why it’s a hotspot for spectacular rock climbing. We’ll gear up with an expert guide and tackle these non-technical routes with marvelous mountain panoramas.
We’ll reconvene in the afternoon at the Michelin-starred SanBrite farm and restaurant. In the local dialect san means ‘health’ and brite is a mountain hut—a healthy farmhouse with a traditional kitchen, in this case run by Chef Riccardo Gaspari and his sommelier wife, Ludovica Rubbini. It’s the last building before the fields and forest, with farm animals and a traditional dairy. We’ll meet the owners and roll up our sleeves, assisting in the cheese-making process—the perfect appetizer for our farewell dinner tonight with Riccardo and Ludovica, who will lead us on a culinary journey capturing the traditions, heritage and true flavors of this unforgettable region.
Day 8
Savor one last look at the soaring walls of the Dolomites, the plunging valley slopes, and the quaint villages we’ve called home for the past week. Our time in this picturesque part of Italy has come to an end, but will stay with us forever. After packing up in the morning, we’ll transfer to the Venice airport for our departing flights. As the Ladin say, A s’udëi! Until next time.
Where We Sleep
The best of Italian hospitality comes with refined mountain resorts and cozy lodges surrounded by towering Dolomite peaks.
La Majun
La VillaThis family-owned Dolomites villa matches warmth and authenticity, with true 4-star comfort. What was once a humble bed and breakfast has expanded over decades to become a beloved Italian getaway, just a short taxi away from San Cassiano. The villa's name means “barn” in Ladin—as in, superb local wine tastings, traditional alpine food, spa treatments, and luxurious suites all in the middle of a rugged mountain range. You won’t forget La Majun.
Lavarella Mountain Lodge
San Vigilio di MarebbeLocated in the heart of Fanes-Senes-Braies, one of the most astonishing natural paradises of the Dolomites, this simple family-run mountain lodge has a long history of welcoming hikers and climbers, and offers traditional cuisine as well as Europe’s highest microbrewery.
Grand Hotel Savoia
Cortina d’AmpezzoThis 5-star resort and spa is a timeless Dolomites landmark, the dramatic topography perfectly complementing the hotel’s contemporary style. Nothing short of a Wes Andersonian mirage, the likes of Charlton Heston, Sophia Loren and FDR have vacationed here—so you’ll be in good company. Cortina d'Ampezzo itself is one of the most renowned destinations for Italian vacationing.
Book Italian Alps: Dolomites Hiking
Questions?
We have answers! Read our FAQs below, or call/text +1 (855) 219-8018 with any questions you have about traveling. We're here 8am-5pm weekdays, Pacific.
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What does the price include?
Seven nights at unique mountain village accommodations; private transportation for luggage transfers between all hotels; certified trekking guides to accompany all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfer; entrance fees; all breakfasts, lunches and most dinners; local beverages with meals.
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What does the price not include?
Roundtrip airfare to/from Italy; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s meeting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; lodge incidentals including room service, laundry, etc; personal gear; gratuities for local guide and Modern Adventure trip leader.
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How difficult is this?
This is considered a moderate hiking adventure. You will be carrying a day pack each day, with your own water and daily supplies, while the rest of our luggage is transferred by vehicle between hotels and lodges. We’ll follow well-maintained paths but sometimes go off-trail, and sleep in hotels and lodges every night. We'll hike 30 miles over 7 days (not along a single trail, just day trips up and back). We strongly recommend that participants have a good level of fitness and are well prepared. While this trek is ideal for all skill levels, some hiking experience would also be of benefit.
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What are the arrival and departure details?
We recommend arriving in Bolzano the day before, giving you plenty of time to acclimate, relax and refresh before the adventure begins. There are several options for arrival airports including the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Venice Airport (VCE), transferring via train to Bolzano. On our last day, Modern Adventure will organize a complimentary group transfer to the Venice Airport (VCE). Your flight should depart no sooner than 1pm.
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What are the accommodations like?
We will be sleeping and dining at mountain hotels and lodges every night. Some accommodations are more high-end, while others, like Lavarella Mountain Hut, are simpler and more rustic (for our two nights here, we will stay in rooms with twin beds, possibly bunkbeds).
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What if I am a solo traveler?
Prices are based on double occupancy. If you are a solo traveler and want to have your own accommodations, a $1200 supplement will apply at checkout. These spots are extremely limited and available first-come, first-serve. Please note that Single accommodations will not be available the nights of Day 4 & Day 5 due to the nature of the mountain lodges we stay at; you will be paired with other Modern Adventure guests for these two nights.
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Who is going on this adventure?
This adventure is recommended for travelers aged 18 and above who are in good health and have some experience with hiking. You will be expected to load and unload your own backpacks and manage your own physical comfort and well-being. This adventure will be limited to no more than 14 adventurers and your Modern Adventure team. We will be joined for this adventure by expert expedition guides. Each guide is highly qualified in all necessary skills to safely travel through the Italian Alps. They will be with us for the entirety of the adventure helping us carry group supplies and helping us see the true Alps experience.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy, however are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your travels are over. For citizens of other countries, please check with the Italian Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
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What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel on or before May 1, 2022 and receive a full refund minus a $500 per-person service fee. If you cancel on or after May 2, 2022 there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after June 30, 2022 there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (see our Terms and Conditions for full details).
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Do I need Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most 'Cancel For Any Reason' policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.
