Day 1: Canazei
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. When you arrive at the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) this afternoon, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to the town of Canazei – your gateway to Italy’s stunning Dolomites. Settle in and unpack at your comfortable hotel before your welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your local leader and group. Then, head out for an included dinner to get to know your fellow hikers before you start your hiking adventure tomorrow.
Day 2: Canazei
Spend today taking in the epic vistas of the Sellaronda. This popular ski region spans the plateau-shaped Sella massif, surrounded by four mighty mountain passes. After breakfast, you’ll hop on a gondola from Canazei to Pecol, then take a cable car to Col dei Rossi (Belvedere), giving you some excellent views of the Dolomites from up above, so you can truly soak up the vast scale of the landscape. When you arrive, set out on your first hike. Walk to Rifugio Fredarola, where stretch your hiking legs along path 601 to Viel Dal Pan. On a clear day, along this trail you can see all the way to the Marmolada – the highest peak in the Dolomites, also known as the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’. Viel Dal Pan translates to ‘Bread Path’ – historically, this trail was a popular trade route used by flour merchants. Have lunch at the Viel Dal Pan hut, perched 2432 m (7979ft) above sea level. Take a private transfer back to Canazei, arriving in the mid-afternoon. The rest of your afternoon is free for you to unwind before reconvening at the hotel tonight for dinner.
Day 3: Canazei
Take a private transfer from Canazei to Nova Levante, a town nestled at the foot of the Catinaccio massif. Then, take the Konig Laurin I & II cable cars up the mountain. When you step outside, you’ll be up at 2337 m (7667 ft) above sea level, with a spectacular view of the Catinaccio. According to legend, this was the location of the underground palace of King Laurin, the mythical dwarf king. Today, you’ll set out on trails 549 and 552, taking you on a circular hike around the Catinaccio massif. Learn more about the legend of the dwarf king as you hike through alpine pastures, taking in views of the peaks. Have lunch at Paolina Hut, with views of the Carezza ski area from the terrace, then take the Paolina chairlift down to Carezza Lake to begin a circular hike around the lake, crossing a suspension bridge over a small gorge to reach the banks of the bright blue waters. Spend some time taking in the scenery and enjoying the serene lakeside atmosphere. In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.
Day 4: Canazei
This morning, transfer from Canazei to Passo Sella to embark on a hike in the Val Gardena region, known for its abundance of hiking trails and striking views over the Sella massif to the south and the rugged Cir Peaks to the north. Today’s hike takes you through the City of Stones. Located at the foot of the Sassolungo, which stands at an imposing 3181m (10,436 ft) high, the landscape here is dotted with rocks and boulders of various sizes. Continue to the Comici Mountain Hut for lunch, then hike to the Ciampinoi cable car, which will take you to Selva di Val Gardena – the highest village in this region, sitting at 1563 m (5127ft) above sea level. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to get to know this town, which is tucked away in the valley’s slopes. The town is home to only 2500 residents and has a rich wood carving tradition which dates back centuries. After, transfer back to your hotel in Canazei.
Day 5: Canazei
Today marks your final day of hiking in the Dolomites. Start your day by walking to Campitello di Fassa, then take a cable car to Col Rodella – a rocky viewpoint which looks out over the Sella massif, Marmolada and more of the Dolomites’ towering peaks. Embark on a trek through this scenic region, rewarding you with views of the rocky mountain peaks reaching up from the vibrant grasslands. Arrive at Rifugio Sasso Piatto, where you’ll have lunch. After, hike back to the Col Rodella cable car for the ride back to Campitello di Fassa. You’ll then take a taxi back to Canazei. Settle in for one final evening and dinner with your group – here’s to an incredible adventure in the Dolomites!
Day 6: Canazei
With no activities planned after breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.