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Walking Tours

Walking in the Italian Dolomites

Italy

7 nights 2 Departures Available

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Wander among saw-toothed peaks in the Italian Dolomites on this group walking tour, which showcases the region’s mountains, lakes and Tyrolean villages

Overview

The Dolomites is a land of frosted peaks that rise from lush meadows and forests scattered with sparkling lakes. While snow-sport enthusiasts are drawn here in the winter, as the weather warms, the landscape thaws and becomes a playground for hikers, revealing dramatic network of walking trails. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a small group adventure, taking gentle daily walks punctuated by leisurely picnics and plates of steaming strudel in cosy mountain huts. 

Wake to jagged mountain views at your alpine lodge, nestled in the town of Dobbiaco, known as the gateway to the Dolomites. From here, scenic hikes lead to villages with frescoed chapels and along former military routes which speak to fierce World War I battles between Italy and Austria. Breathe in cool, pine-scented air as you tread through high pastures to Lago di Braies, an icy-blue lake surrounded by towering massifs and thick woodlands. 

Walking highlights include scaling the 2,307-metre summit of Monte Specie and visiting the Dolomites’ most famous trio of peaks: the iconic Tre Cima di Lavaredo. The relaxed pace of this tour allows for plenty of rest stops to soak up sweeping views of the Dolomites’ 2,000-year-old mountain ranges and uncover its unique Tyrolean culture. Enjoy a completely free day to rest in your comfy lodge or take a picturesque train or bus ride to nearby towns like Brunico, where you can ride a cable car into the clouds.

Highlights

  • Soak in the spectacular Dolomiti scenery
  • Walk to the panoramic summit of Monte Specie
  • Enjoy tasty picnics in peaceful mountain meadows
  • Learn about the region's fascinating WW1 history
  • Eat strudel and sip hot chocolate in mountain huts
  • Relax in the spa at traditional Tyrolean accommodation

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Venice and transfer to Dobbiaco

Fly to Venice and transfer to the Hotel Tschurtschenthaler in Dobbiaco for seven nights. There will be an evening brief with your tour leader, followed by a welcome dinner.
(D)

Day 2 - Walk to Stadlern and enjoy a picnic lunch

Chapels and Churches Walk. A relaxing start to the week, walking directly from the hotel to the Tyrolean village of Stadlern. The route links up numerous traditional hamlets and villages, each with their own chapel and decorative frescoes to explore. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, before returning to Dobbiaco along the picturesque Rienza River.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 9kms (5.5 miles). Elevation: 190m ascent/190m descent.

Day 3 - Enjoy a high mountain pastures walk

High Mountain Pastures walk. After breakfast transfer by public transport to Lago de Braies, a beautiful bright blue lake in the heart of the Dolomites surrounded by spectacular jagged peaks. Our wonderful walk follows the right side of the lake with breathtaking views of the Croda del Becco peak (2810m). The route steadily climbs approximately 250m from the lake to the Baita del Cacciatore in the Val di Foresta.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 10kms (6.25 miles). Elevation: 220m ascent/220m descent.

Day 4 - Explore the Tre Cime landmark

Tre Cime walk. Today we visit the most iconic landmark in all the Dolomites, the majestic three peaks of the Tre Cima di Lavaredo. The three jagged peaks rising to 2999m dominate the surrounding landscape and are the symbol of the UNESCO world natural heritage in the Dolomites. Our walk takes us towards the peaks of Cime Nove and Cime Ganda along an old military route from the First World War, with numerous fascinating fortifications and gun emplacements from the period still visible.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 9kms (5.5 miles). Elevation: 250m ascent/250m descent.

Day 5 - Spend the day at leisure to relax or explore

Free day. An opportunity to relax at the hotel or explore the small town of Dobbiaco. Alternatively take a public bus to the neighbouring Tyrolean towns of San Candido (Innichen) or Sesto (Sexten) or take the train to Brunico (Bruneck), the largest town in the Puster Valley. Here you can visit museums dedicated to the world-renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner, either in the castle in town or by cable car to Corones at 2275m with fabulous panoramic views.
(B)

Day 6 - Enjoy a Monte Specie walk

Monte Specie walk. A short private transfer takes us to Rifugio Prato Piazza, a traditional guesthouse located on a dramatic mountain plateau at 2000m. From here we walk to the summit of Monte Specie (Strudelkopf) at 2307m, home to a prominent summit cross and boasting panoramic views across the Tofane, Monte Cristallo and the Tre Cime mountain ranges. From here you’ll gain a real appreciation for the scale of the surrounding mountains. During the return leg, we can visit a mountain hut for a drink.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 9kms (5.5 miles). Elevation: 320m ascent/320m descent.

Day 7 - Walk to the Bonner Hutte mountain refuge

Bonner Hutte walk. Following a short private transfer this morning, today's walk takes us to the Bonner Hutte, a traditional mountain refuge located at 2340m with magnificent views of the Tre Cime. This is a challenging climb but the reward is arguably the best panorama in the entire Dolomites and perfect for a picnic and well-earned drink. A shorter option with less vertical ascent will also be possible.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 11kms (7 miles). Elevation: 750m ascent/750m descent.

Day 8 - Fly home from Venice

Transfer to Venice airport for your return flight to London.
(B)

Notes:

Some walks may occasionally need to be altered or replaced in the event of adverse weather conditions.

8th June departure dinner on day 1 will now be on day 5.

Reviews

Unique Experience

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Hotel Tschurtschenthaler, Dobbiaco, Italy, Exterior

Hotel Tschurtschenthaler - Dobbiaco

A family-run 3-star hotel in the centre of Dobbiaco. Restaurant, indoor pool, bar and spa with hot tub, sauna and Turkish bath. 26 rooms with mountain-view balconies, heating, hairdryer, safe, minibar and TV.

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Optional Extras

Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.

Stay Extra Nights...

Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.

- Travel Guide -

You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.

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Dates and prices

8 Jun 25, 13 Sep 25

Optional Excursions & Extra Nights
7 nights

From £2045 pp

per person incl flight
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