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Private Guided Classic Dolomites Traverse

Enjoy a private guided tour amid the otherworldly beauty of the Dolomites…

Private Guided Classic Dolomites Traverse

Enjoy a private guided tour amid the otherworldly beauty of the Dolomites…

    Support
  • Private Guided,
    Style
  • Inn-To-Inn,
    Activity Level
  • Moderate to Challenging,

The Dolomites are a stunning location for a private guided trip, with dramatic mountains, flowery meadows, beautiful villages, and unforgettable hotels.

The fascinating mix of Italian, Austrian, and ancient Ladin cultures makes this mountainous corner of Italy unique as well as beautiful. The Dolomites are the Alps’ great secret… a hiker’s paradise. You’ll hike through flower-filled meadows to sunny villages, and up rugged trails into rocky peaks where an Italian serves the best espresso you’ve ever tasted. At night, a welcoming inn followed by a 5 course feast with local wine. It’s ideal.

The Dolomites are notable for having so many great routes… you can explore seemingly forever and never run out options. We feel our private guided tour is one of the best routes in the Dolomites, hiking from lush Val Gardena through traditional Alta Badia to the WW1 tunnels surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo. But on a private tour, there are very few limitations, and we can adjust and customize this trip for you until it is perfect.

Our private guides will help you find the right pace on the trail and order the right wine once you stop. They can talk about the culture and history of the region, identify the flowers, and generally make your life easy. Your hotels are booked, taxis reserved, and your own private guide will be waiting. All you need to do is show up and enjoy your trip!

 

See our Self-guided version

    Length
  • 11 days, 10 nights
    Departures
  • Jun 5 – Jul 10, 2024
  • Sep 1 – Oct 12, 2024
    Cost
  • $5290 8+ People
  • $5790 6-7 People
  • $6790 4-5 People
  • $9390 2-3 People
  • $750 Single Room

Itinerary At a Glance

Days 1-2

Ortisei

Ortisei is a sunny, walkable village in the fabulous Val Gardena. What a start! Hiking trails, gondolas and inviting cafes everywhere. We’ll start with a favorite day hike to a remote mountain restaurant above town.

Days 3-4

Schlernhaus to Plattkofel

Next, a 3 day hike across the Seiser Alm, the largest mountain meadow in the Alps. We stop at the historic mountaintop Schlernhaus hut, then traverse across the mountains to Plattkofel, a beautiful, newly renovated lodge at the base of an impressive mountain.

Days 5-6

Selva

After exploring the Langkofel group, we descend to Selva. Another great day hike from here completes our time in the Gardena valley.

Days 7-11

Alta Badia to Cortina

Now we head east to Alta Badia, a beautiful region with a strong Ladin culture and endless views. Explore Corvara and San Cassiano before a night at the unforgettable Lagazuoi hut, perched atop a high, rocky peak. Explore WW1 tunnels. Then finish in stylish Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Included

Your tour will be led by an experienced Alpinehikers guide, with guided hikes daily. All transfers to and from trailheads are included. You’ll stay 7 nights in 3-star village hotels and 3 nights in remote inns and huts, with private rooms on 9 of the 10 nights. All breakfasts, picnic lunches and dinners are included. Luggage transfers to all village hotels are also part of your tour, as well as private arrival taxi from Bolzano to Ortisei and departure taxi from Cortina to Venice.

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Ortisei

Arrive in Italy and and meet your private taxi in Venice. If you are arriving early or to a different airport, we can help with arrangements on getting to Ortisei from other regional airports. Ortisei is a lovely little village surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Gardena valley.

You’ll meet your guide, talk about the trip to come. Afterwards, enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner and settle in to our comfortable and friendly 3-star hotel for the night.

Arrival: Bolzano. We’ll arrange a private taxi to pick you up in Bolzano for the 50 minute trip to Ortisei.  We normally plan this trip for a 5 pm pickup in Bolzano, but this can be adjusted to suit your schedule.

Hotel Cosmea or similar
  • Dinner

Day 2

Ortisei, hike to Brogles hut

Today, we might start with a cable car ride to a ridge high above town, and take a dayhike through high scenic meadows to the Brogles hut, where you can scan practically the entire Gardena valley and gaze upon the jagged needles of the Puez-Odle peaks.

Afterwards, spend a little time in town. Ortisei is a beautiful village with shops and cafes lining their cobblestoned, pedestrian-only main road. The village pool and spa is also included in your stay and is a great place to relax for a couple hours.

HIKE: 5-6 hours, 8 miles; Elevation: 1180 ft up, 2360 ft down

Hotel Cosmea or similar
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 3

hike across Alpe di Siusi to Schlernhaus hut

We’ll enjoy a slow morning today and then begin our hike by ascending a gondola to the rolling green hills of the Alpe di Siusi, the largest mountain meadow in the Alps. After a mellow crossing of the meadows and an unforgettable stop at the lively Gostner Schwaige for lunch, we’ll continue our steep ascent to the peak.

Finish the day at Schlernhaus, an historic mountain inn atop the mighty Schlern peak, with breathtaking views in every direction. Trails radiate from the hut for optional walks to even higher views. Schlernhaus is fairly rustic, with private rooms and bathrooms down the hall. Their beautiful dining room is a cozy place to relax in the evening enjoying a night high in the Dolomites.

HIKE: 5-7 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 2670 ft up, 1220 ft down

Schlernhaus Hut
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 4

traverse to Plattkofel hut

Hiking hut-to-hut, we’ll traverse east toward the towering Sassolungo mountain group, to the Plattkofel hut, tucked at the base of jagged, imposing rock spires. The trail provides stunning views of the famed Catinaccio/Rosengarten group enroute. Stop at Tierser hut for a hearty lunch before continuing to your inn for the night.

For those with extra energy and time, an optional hike up to the peak of Sassolungo will reward you with spectacular views of the whole region. Plattkofel is more a comfortable mountain inn than a hut, with private rooms and hot showers. They have a quiet ambiance that allows us to relax and enjoy a beautiful evening high in the mountains.

HIKE: 5-7 hours, 8 miles; Elevation: 1640 ft up, 2140 ft down

Plattkofel Hut
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 5

hike around Sassulungo to Selva

Today we traverse around the northwest corner of the Sassolungo Group, towering in stark relief over the Alpe di Siusi. We’ll spend the day winding our way through boulder fields, grassy meadows, and spruce-larch forests before catching a cable car down to Selva.

Selva is surrounded by pleasant hiking trails and is blessed with beautiful views from every corner. Take an evening stroll and enjoy the mountain views from the highest village in the Gardena valley.

HIKE: 5-7 hours, 7 miles; Elevation: 2030 ft up, 2230 ft down

Hotel Krone or similar
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 6

Selva, a beautiful loop hike to Seceda in Puez-Odle park

There are plenty of great day hike options from Selva. Today we’ll work our way up and explore the high meadows of the dramatic Puez-Odle mountain group, and perhaps stopping in at places like the Regensberger or Stevia Huts along the way.

In the evening, you can unwind and enjoy the gourmet cuisine at your tasteful village hotel.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 3600 ft up, 3600 ft down

Hotel Krone or similar
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 7

hike to the Alta Badia region and Corvara

A dramatic hike through the U-shaped Vallunga valley leads us to the Puez hut. Puez hut has a large outdoor terrace and is a great place to stop for lunch or even just a cold drink. From here, a high, rocky traverse to the the Gardena pass, where the massive Sella mountain dominates.

After reaching the Gardena pass, a scenic descent along a wooded trail or a short bus transfer brings us to Corvara in the traditional Alta Badia region. Stay comfortable and friendly hotel in this pleasant village.

HIKE: 7-9 hours, 10 miles; Elevation: 3160 ft up, 3360 ft down

Hotel Villa Eden or similar
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 8

Corvara, hike to Santa Croce

This is a more moderate day starting from the nearby town of Badia and leading up to the chapel and restaurant at Santa Croce (la Crusc), with gorgeous views all around. Hike through scenic meadows below a monumental mountain wall to Santa Croce, which can also be reached by chairlift (for a very easy day).  After lunch at the hut, head down wooded trails to the lovely small village of San Cassiano, framed by a gorgeous backdrop of mountains.

Return to Corvara for a 2nd night.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 9.5 miles; Elevation: 2580 ft up, 1930 ft down

Hotel Villa Eden or similar
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 9

hike past WW1 tunnels to Lagazuoi hut

Today’s dramatic walk takes you high above the valley to the rifugio Lagazuoi, a popular hut perched at the summit of a mountain with incredible views and rich history. The direct trail is an uphill route through a quiet valley, with optional detours for a longer day. You can also choose an easy day today by taking a bus to the Falzarego pass, and walking to even taking a cable car to the hut.

Lagazuoi was the scene of fierce fighting in WWI, and many tunnels and artifacts remain to this day. Lagazuoi has comfortable rooms, fairly spacious dorms and hot showers, and takes care to serve abundant and delicious meals.

Lagazuoi is a very popular hut and rooms fill fast… even dorm space is often unavailable. Booking early will allow for the best chance at securing accommodations here, but if Lagazuoi is full, we can add an extra night in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 10.5 miles; Elevation: 4110 ft up, 1590 ft down

rifugio Lagazuoi or Cortina hotel
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 10

hike to Cinque Torri region and finish in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Finally, you’ll cap your trip with a hike to Cortina d’Ampezzo, and your choice of hikes. A strenuous option includes a long descent on a quiet, lightly-traveled route through the Fanes National Park. This surprising descent is filled with waterfalls, and promises yet another memorable day.

For a more relaxing day, take a shorter traverse beneath the Tofane di Rozes mountain. This brings us to a mountain inn where we arrange a taxi for a short transfer to Cortina, the lively town at the heart of the eastern Dolomites for a final, celebratory evening.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 1850 ft up, 3720 ft down

Hotel Cortina or similar
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Day 11

depart

Today we say arrivederci, and depart for our post-tour destinations.

Departure: Venice.  A private taxi to Venice, a 2 hr trip, is included in your tour, either to the airport or downtown.  We normally book a 9 am departure, but this can be adjusted to suit your schedule. We can book additional taxis or custom travel to other destinations, at extra cost, if needed.

  • Breakfast

Tour Options

Private Guided Classic Dolomites Traverse

Inn-To-Inn

  • Your own private guide, your group, your trip.
  • A moderate inn-to-inn with 7 stops in 10 nights
  • Private rooms 9 nights and luggage 7 of the 10 nights
  • A memorable mix of Tyrolean, Italian and local Ladin cultures
  • Historic mountaintop stops at Schlernhaus and Lagazuoi huts
  • Fabulous hotels and great food – high on comfort
  • Fascinating WWI history
  • $52908+ People
  • $57906-7 People
  • $67904-5 People
  • $93902-3 People
  • $750Single Room

Private Guided Deluxe Dolomites Traverse

Inn-To-Inn

  • Your own private guide, your group, your trip
  • A moderate inn-to-inn with 5 stops in 10 nights
  • Luxury stays in 4 and 5-star hotels every night
  • Relaxing spas and gourmet meals
  • A memorable mix of Tyrolean, Italian and local Ladin cultures
  • Fascinating WWI history
  • Great flexibility for easier or harder hikes
  • $72908+ People
  • $76906-7 People
  • $87904-5 People
  • $117902-3 People
  • $1350Single Room

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