Hike the Italian Dolomites

Meet your host at Venice Marco Polo Airport and jump in your private transfer to Val di Funes. Nestled beneath the jagged Odle Peaks, this peaceful valley is one of the most photogenic corners of the Dolomites and a true gem. The small alpine villages scattered along the valley, including Santa Maddalena, are known for their wooden farmhouses, wildflower meadows, and sweeping views of the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Your base for the next three nights is Hotel Kabis, a welcoming, family-run alpine retreat in San Pietro village, complete with a cozy restaurant, bar, and small wellness area – the perfect place to unwind after travel. You’ll have time to settle in and perhaps stretch your legs with a short walk before dinner. You'll also meet your guide to go through the hiking plans for the week, before joining your fellow travelers over a relaxed group dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, set off for one of the most scenic hikes in Val di Funes. The trail climbs steadily through alpine pastures and pine forests, passing the Kaserill mountain hut, the only one in the valley producing its own cheese - a perfect stop for a tasting before continuing the ascent. You’ll then follow a panoramic trail up to Rifugio Genova (7,559ft) and the nearby Col di Poma (7,953ft), a beautiful lookout surrounded by the austere rock amphitheater of the Odle and Puez groups. From the top, the views stretch across to Sass Rigais (9,925ft) and the peaks of Val Badia, a reminder of how wild and varied this region is. There are some narrow and occasionally exposed sections along the route, but nothing too technical for confident hikers taking it steady. After soaking up the views, descend back to the valley and return to your hotel for a well-earned dinner and relaxing evening.

After breakfast, set off directly from the village of Ranui for a classic Dolomites hike through lush meadows and dense larch forests, gradually ascending along a trail that follows a mountain stream. The route winds gently beneath the dramatic spires of the Odle Group, including Cima Fermeda and Seceda, offering postcard-perfect views at every turn. As you climb higher, the landscape opens up to wide alpine pastures with sweeping views across the Funes Valley. Your destination is Rifugio Brogles (6,709ft), beautifully set in a natural amphitheater just below the towering Geisler/Odle Peaks. From here, you’ll enjoy one of the most striking panoramas in the Dolomites – a front-row view of the jagged ridges and verdant valleys that define this UNESCO World Heritage region. After soaking in the scenery (and tucking into a well-earned lunch at the rifugio), retrace your steps back down the valley and back to the hotel in time to relax before dinner.

After breakfast, depart early from Zannes for one of Val di Funes’ most scenic routes – the Adolf Munkel Trail. The path starts gently through woodland and along a small stream before opening up beneath the striking limestone towers of the Odle/Geisler range. The section beneath these cliffs is among the most photographed in the Dolomites, with open alpine meadows, traditional farm huts and superb views of the jagged spires above. The hike passes through an area dotted with malghe (alpine huts) traditionally used for summer grazing, where shepherds once made cheese from freshly milked cows. After a relaxed stop for refreshments and time to enjoy the scenery, return to the trailhead. This afternoon, jump into a minivan for the 1.5 hour drive to Dobbiaco in the Val Pusteria, your base for the second part of the trip. In the heart of the northern Dolomites and near the Austrian border, this picturesque Tyrolean town is surrounded by spectacular 9,843ft peaks and endless accessible trails that make it a mecca for hikers.

After breakfast, settle in for a 30-minute drive to Prato Piazza (6,529ft), a wide alpine plateau surrounded by meadows and wildflowers. Begin your hike up to the 7,569ft Monte Specie (also known as Strudelkopf) – a panoramic summit offering sweeping views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Monte Piana, and Monte Cristallo. On clear days, this is one of the most breathtaking vantage points in the Dolomites. Stop for a light lunch at Rifugio Vallandro, a cozy mountain hut offering traditional dishes and stunning terrace views, before descending back to the trailhead. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at your own pace: relax at the hotel, explore the pretty town of Dobbiaco, or visit one of the area’s beautiful lakes, such as Lake Dobbiaco. You could even visit the world-famous Lake Braies, though expect big crowds here during peak season. Head out to dinner wherever you like this evening; your guide will be happy to recommend some local restaurants or pizzerias in town.

After an early breakfast, transfer by bus to Val Fiscalina, the starting point for one of the Dolomites’ most spectacular hikes. This route follows a quieter and more rewarding alternative to the crowded Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, allowing you to enjoy outstanding views of these iconic peaks while avoiding the busiest sections. The trail begins gently through forest and meadows, reaching the Fondovalle Hut (5,079ft) at the foot of the Sesto Dolomites. As you ascend, the trees thin out, revealing ever-expanding panoramas of rugged peaks. Continue towards the Zsigmondy-Comici Refuge (7,297ft), dramatically positioned beneath Croda dei Toni, Cima Undici, and Monte Popera – an unforgettable amphitheater of Dolomitic rock. From here, the trail climbs higher, offering close-up views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the unmistakable symbol of the Dolomites. You’ll stop to enjoy lunch with this world-famous view before beginning your long descent towards Val di Landro, where the route ends at Lake Landro. Today is a longer and more tiring day of hiking, but the rewards are immense: varied terrain and a full immersion in one of the most breathtaking corners of the Dolomites.

After breakfast, take a short transfer to Versciaco and ascend by cable car to Mount Elmo (6,700ft), where today’s panoramic ridge hike begins. The route follows an old World War I military trail that traces the crest of the Carnic Alps, forming the natural border between Italy and Austria. Hike along open ridgelines with spectacular 360° views over the Austrian Alps on one side and the jagged Dolomitic peaks on the other – a truly memorable finale to your week in the mountains. Stop at the Sillianer Hütte for a refreshment, before beginning your descent on a quieter, rocky path through alpine meadows and wild pastures dotted with wooden huts. Continue down to the charming Klammbachalm for another well-earned break – the perfect spot for a slice of homemade cake or a cold drink – before following a gentle forest trail towards the valley floor and the village of Moos. From here, you'll return to Dobbiaco by public bus and enjoy a final dinner together with your group this evening.

Bid farewell to the stunning scenery of the Dolomites, as this morning you'll leave your lodging after breakfast and head back to Venice Airport for your flight home. Arrivederci!