Hiking in the Dolomites
Experience Overview
Discover the Dolomites on a small group hiking adventure. With easy to moderate walks, conveniently located accommodation and a knowledgeable local leader to keep everything running smoothly, this trip offers an active yet leisurely way to explore one of Italy’s most iconic mountain ranges. Base yourself in the alpine town of Dobbiaco – surrounded by pointy peaks and lush meadows – and spend eight days hiking through UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes, kicking back in village inns and refuelling with hearty mountain food – apple strudel, anyone?
Highlights
- Take in scenes of sheer rock walls, deep valleys and flower-filled meadows on foot in one of Italy’s most iconic hiking destinations.
- Stay at a hotel surrounded by parkland and native woods within easy walking distance of the town of Dobbiaco.
- Hike the Three Peaks of Lavaredo loop – a full day's walk that’s widely regarded as the most scenic trail in the Dolomites.
- See the naturally formed Earth Pyramids of Platten – among the tallest and most striking pyramids in Europe.
- Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch featuring some of the region’s famous produce in Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3272
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Walking,Private vehicle,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMXI
Starts: Venice to Dobbiaco, Italy
Finishes: Dobbiaco to Venice, Italy
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,239 ($530 /day)
Itinerary
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 Dobbiaco. Sitting in a green valley surrounded by mountains and parkland, this is your home for the next eight days – and a gorgeous place to start your Dolomites hiking adventure! Settle in at your comfortable guesthouse within easy walking distance of the town before your welcome meeting at 7 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and group properly.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Group Arrival Transfer from Venice Airport
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, catch the public bus to your first hike up one of the region’s popular summits – Strudelkopf. The trail winds through flower-filled pastures and rewards you with impressive views of the surrounding peaks. Strudelkopf sits at 2307 m above sea level, and if the weather is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of Tre Cime di Lavaredo – one of the Dolomites’ most famous landmarks. After some time at the summit, loop back down and across the valley. Then, after a big day on your feet, take a breather at a mountain hut and dig into a local favourite – apple strudel.
Included Activities:
- Strudelkopf summit guided hike
- Local apple strudel tasting
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hit the road in a private vehicle towards the Earth Pyramids of Platten, a natural wonder formed over 25,000 years ago. These clay towers are the tallest and most striking earth pyramids in Europe! The trail winds through dense forests with some incredible views – watch out for chamois, deer, alpine birds and other wildlife. Reach a plateau with even more great vistas and a small hut serving food and drinks. Take a well-earned break before descending to Percha, a charming Tyrolean village with chalets, cafes and inns. Head to a cheese tasting cooperative before returning to Dobbiaco in the early afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Earth pyramids of Platten guided hike
- Cheese tasting at local cooperative
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, take a public bus to Podestagno to explore the Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park. Hike past waterfalls and the Boite River before resting at a cafe housed in a traditional building. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then choose whether you’d like to hike further into the valley or relax by the river. Hiking back down, you’ll take a different path – featuring a short crossing of a steep slope – that leads to some of the most picturesque viewpoints of the surrounding valleys. Take a bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo for some free time in the town before returning to Dobbiaco.
Included Activities:
- Malga Ra Stua guided hike in the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites
- Cortina d'Ampezzo leader led walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you have a free day to spend as you like. You could take a bus to one of the many trails in the area to enjoy more hiking on your own or swap the hiking boots for two wheels on a cycling adventure. There are also plenty of museums nearby – go to Monte Piana and Monte Piano for WWI history, or visit Bolzano to see Europe’s oldest natural human mummy known as the Ice Man.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a full-day hiking excursion to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. This loop trail is widely regarded as the most spectacular hike in the Dolomites with epic scenery at every turn, so make sure your camera is fully charged! Take a moment to rest and take it all in at Rifugio Locatelli, where you’ll have a front-row seat to views of Laghi dei Piani.
Included Activities:
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo scenic hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning will be slightly more relaxed with the option to leave your hotel anytime until 9 am. Then, take a short train ride to Versciacio – a popular ski resort in the winter months. Here, you’ll catch a cable car to today’s hike – a short but relatively challenging trek up Monte Elmo. The last part of the hike takes you up a steep slope, but there’s a great restaurant at the bottom (where you can wait if you’re not up for the summit). If you reach the top of Monte Elmo, you’ll also have a chance to cross the Italian Austrian border which runs through the summit point. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure, perhaps with a final celebration at one of the many bars or restaurants in Dobbiaco.
Included Activities:
- Cable car ride in Versciacio
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your hiking adventure comes to an end after breakfast. You’ll have a group transfer to Venice Airport Marco Polo, arriving at approximately 1.30 pm. Please book any flights from 4 pm onwards. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Group Departure Transfer to Venice Airport
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Ricky - Traveled, September 2023
I’ve been wanting to hike in the Dolomites for many years, and I’m so glad I found this tour. It was a wonderful week of challenging hikes, sunny days, lots of food and wine, and great company. The mountain scenery was breathtaking. Our guide, Edoardo, was excellent- super knowledgeable, enthusiastic about the hikes and the region, approachable, and fun. I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Kathy - Traveled, September 2023
Had a wonderful time hiking in the Dolomites! This trip can be physically challenging but the breathtaking views are worth it. Edoardo the guide was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/10/2023
Karen - Traveled, September 2023
Scenery is beautiful. I had a lot of fun and would recommend it. I am a beginner hiker and found some of it challenging. You will need a moderate level of fitness. There are some steep inclines, loose gravel, long distances, and heat also played a factor. Bring sunscreen, electrolytes, hiking shoes and poles, and have fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Lily - Traveled, August 2023
This was one of the most satisfying group hiking trips. We got lucky in the end and had brilliant weather. Edourdo really fitted in with everyone . It was a most congenial group. Lucky.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2023
Kay - Traveled, August 2023
Eduardo was a thoughtful and caring guide who happily shared his professional experience and passion for the Dolomites. Just the right amount of hiking which you can accomplish at your own pace plus some great suggestions for our free time. Loved it - thanks Edoardo. Would do it again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Hollie - Traveled, August 2023
Excellent itinerary, amazing guides and great accommodation - if you want to see the dolomites, this is the way to do it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2023
Mary - Traveled, August 2023
Over the summer of 2023 I have taken the Best of Italy and the Hiking the Dolomites tours. I took them back to back. This was my journey to the land of my mother and ancestors. My trip was a pilgrimage. The absolute gems of my trip were the two young women tour guides from Intrepid. They showed me Italy with pride and enthusiasm and their generous hearts. Thank you xx
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2023
Brian - Traveled, August 2023
Great trip! Just enough hiking to be a bit challenging but not to difficult. Staying in one hotel was nice. Long enough stay to miss the place. Magda was an awesome tour leader. Fun nights at the bar by the hotel to wind down after a long day of hiking.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2023
Lou - Traveled, August 2023
This has to be one of the best trips anyone can do to get an excellent overview of the Dolomite region. The scenery is spectacular, the combination of hikes and free time are well balanced, the food is fantastic and the people are great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/13/2023
Emma - Traveled, August 2023
This was the perfect mixture of hiking and enjoying the area surrounding the Dolomites. I would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys a few challenging days amazing scenery and a beautiful location.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/13/2023
Hannah - Traveled, July 2023
Fantastic trip that involves hiking and exploring beautiful scenery. The mountains and lakes were stunning. Matteo our tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Sarah - Traveled, July 2023
This was an amazing Trip !! I had only hiked a little before so I was worried I wouldn’t be fit enough but the trip was well paced and very doable for a novice. Our trip leader Matteo was fantastic and even though it wasn’t sunshine everyday I still highly recommend this trip !!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Julie - Traveled, July 2023
My first Intrepid experience was a trip hiking to the Dolomites in northern Italy… It was not only stunning in every corner of the destination but also intrepid designed a beautiful itinerary and knowledgeable guide to be our leader! Everyone and everything about this experience was memorable! Thank you Intrepid and Matteo for making my first trip with Intrepid so wonderful!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Heather - Traveled, July 2023
This trip is fantastic! The hikes are challenging, but so amazing. The scenery is not to be believed - it is so beautiful everywhere you go. I highly recommend the trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023
Laurel - Traveled, July 2023
This trip was absolutely perfect. Each hike was different and paced very well. These mountains are incredibly beautiful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Andrew - Traveled, July 2023
Great trip. Do-able for any capable hiker or reasonably fit person. Weather (in July) very changeable but added to the adventure. Great scenery. Free-day options to do Dobbiaco to Lienz cycle (almost all downhill and get train back) or Braies Lake. Lots of nice places to eat in Dobbiaco e.g. Pizzeria Hans. Definitely have a drink in the railway station bar! Magda was a great leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2023
Jessica - Traveled, July 2023
We absolutely loved this trip! Great hiking with amazing views of the alps, so many wildflowers, and always a delicious lunch stop! Our leader Matteo was so enthusiastic, and by the end our group felt like a big family!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2023
Graham - Traveled, July 2023
The Dollarmites hiking trip was a great escape not too difficult but really encompassing the great beauty of the area and countryside
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2023
John - Traveled, July 2023
This is a wonderful part of the world. Intrepid packaged it beautifully in a week’s walking to experience the Sud Tirol region and its culture with ample activity. It was a good balance of physical work, food, drink and cameraderie. Our leader had a masterful balance of knowledge, organisation and group empathy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2023
Karen - Traveled, July 2023
The Dolomites hiking provides amazing walking to local scenic and varied locations providing magnificent views. Staying in the one location and using local public transportation was a bonus
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2023
Sarah - Traveled, July 2023
Had the absolute best time hiking in the Dolomites! Stunning scenery, delicious food and Matteo is a wonderful tour leader! Would do it all over again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2023
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