Dramatic, imposing, unforgettable: the Dolomites rival any mountain range on Earth for natural beauty. Join an International Mountain Leader to walk through the national parks of Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto, trekking among the jagged peaks and gazing over the extraordinary three spires of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. We stay in the traditional village of Villabassa, where spectacular scenery meets a fiercely proud Tyrolean heritage. That’s encapsulated by our home for the week: Hotel Adler, with a wonderful spa and renowned fine-dining restaurant within its 400-year-old walls.
If you want to test yourself, join one of our Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures. See the Itinerary and Dates & Prices tab for more details.
Day 1: Start VillabassaStart at Hotel Adler in Villabassa. The leader will give a short briefing to give an overview of the week ahead. The hotel is handily located on the village square, so any free time can be spent with a little stroll around, perhaps up past the church or down to the river. Alternatively, why not soak up the atmosphere with a relaxing drink?
Day 2: Lago di Braies (Level 3 departures)The ideal start to visiting this vast area is a walk straight from the hotel through the very pretty, flower-filled Braies Valley. We walk through small villages and farmland until we reach the magnificent Lago di Braies itself, one of the 297 glacial lakes in the area. It is certainly one of the most beautiful, surrounded by jagged peaks that are reflected in the extraordinary mirror-like surface of the water. We follow the route of SS hostages, the leaders of 19 countries who were freed after the second world war by the inhabitants of Villabassa.
Distance: 8mi (13km); ascent: 1,663ft (507m); descent: 521ft (159m) w
Extension to the Malga for coffees 1mi (1.5km); ascent 246ft (75m)
Day 3: Kreutzberg Pass to Nemes Alm (Level 3 departures)Today we explore high pastures and ridges along the Austrian border. We walk steadily exploring the meadows under the ridge of Knieberg. We have great views towards the Rotwand and Monte Popera. Later in the afternoon we visit Alpe Nemes hut, a great spot for a drink and a bite of homemade apple strudel.
Distance: 10.25mi (16.5km); ascent: 2,438ft (743m); descent: 2,365ft (721m)
Day 4: Climb up towards Strudelkopf (Level 3 departures)We start at 6,562ft (2,000m) altitude, walking among beautiful wildflowers and ascend to the summit of Strudlekopf (7,579ft/2,310m). We stop at the Durrenstein hut in the early afternoon to try the local Kaiserschmarrn speciality. On a clear day, from the summit, we can enjoy views of the Tre Cime, Monte Piana and Monte Cristallo.
Distance: 9.3mi (15km); ascent: 1,640ft (500m); descent: 3,281ft (1,000m)
Day 5: Free dayA free day to relax in the hotel wellness centre or take a self-guided cycle around this wonderful area. Alternatively, make your way to Bolzano to visit a museum dedicated to Ötzi, the 5,000-year-old 'iceman' whose remarkably well-preserved body was found in 1991 high on a glacier on the Austro-Italian frontier. Or you could journey to the attractive provincial capital of Lienz in Austria; or closer to the cosy town of Brunico.
Day 6: Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Level 3 departures)We enjoy a memorable walk under the Three Chimneys, or Tre Cime di Lavaredo (or Drei Zinnen in German). Set amid one of the classic mountain groups of this area, our walk around these impressive peaks is certainly a highlight of the week. Tonight the restaurant will delight your palate with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.
Distance: 6.83mi (11km); ascent: 1,817ft (554m); descent: 1,765ft (538m)
Day 7: Monte Piana (Level 3 departures)To complete the week, we take the amazing eastern approach route up Monte Piana. After 1,969ft (600m) ascent we find ourselves upon the flat-topped mountain surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in the Dolomites. It is the site of an open-air museum dedicated to the first world war, where trenches, dugouts and shell craters can be seen among the alpine flowers. On our return, we have time to spot the brilliant blue gentians, alpine white edelweiss and bright saffron that create a beautiful scene around Lake Misurina, thanks to the beautiful pink of the limestone rock.
Distance: 8.5mi (13.7km); ascent: 2,450ft (747m); descent: 2,857ft (871m)
Day 8: End VillabassaEnjoy your final breakfast in Hotel Adler and take the opportunity to reflect on what has been an inspirational escape in the Dolomites. After, it’s time to start your return journey home.
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