This trek requires a good level of fitness and is ideal for steady-footed, keen hikers. Previous experience of technical trails in a mountain environment is preferable and you must also have a head for heights, as there are some narrow exposed sections (approx. 2km) to tackle on Day 5. On this day you'll be assisted by a second alpine guide and there are also some fixed ropes you can use to secure yourself.

You'll be carrying your main pack during the walks so we recommend putting in some training with a weighted backpack beforehand (please see the FAQ regarding luggage, too). Similarly, if you are not used to multi-day treks then putting in some long weekend hiking trips and physical preparation in advance wouldn't go amiss. You must be capable of hiking for approximately five to seven hours a day up paths of moderate difficulty with steep, loose sections. You'll walk between six and fifteen kilometres a day and although these distances are not too great, the amount of ascent and descent is often in the region of 1000m per day. The loose footing and long climbs will make the going quite difficult in parts but views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile.

You'll be hiking in the heart of Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, an area of 32,000 hectares of land with more than 1,400 species of flowers and plants. The scenery is incredibly varied and unspoilt, ranging from rocky peaks and walls, grassy hillsides, lush woodland and wide-open grassland. Because of the altitude and difficult access, mountain traditions have been preserved and mass tourism has been kept at bay. It's unlikely you'll meet many other hikers around and these trails are far less busy than in the other Dolomites parks.

The route begins in Forno di Zoldo, the most northern point of the park, and it runs across the Prampèr – Mezzodì and Schiara Dolomite Groups. It skirts the wild and almost impenetrable Monti del Sole and after the long walk across the Vette Feltrine, you’ll arrive near Feltre, the southern entrance to the Park.

The original Alta Via route usually takes seven days to complete, but on this trip you'll be hiking part of it, with some variations and detours which take in the best sights, views and highlights. For more info visit the Alta Via Dolomiti Bellunesi website.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and are non-compulsory on this trip. Of course, if you feel that your guides provided an exceptional experience then you are welcome to tip as much as you feel is appropriate. You should factor in tipping 10% on top of the bill in any bars and restaurants during the trip.

The water in the Dolomites is safe to drink and you are able to fill up freely at each of the refuges and hotels that you stay at. Make sure to bring a couple of 1-litre reusable drinking bottles or a bladder.

The Dolomite Mountains offer some of the best weather in all of the Alps. The summer months (mid-July to September) have warm temperatures and plenty of sun. It is also not unheard of for snow to fall on higher ground during the summer, and patches of snow may still be present into July. While the average maximum temperature may reach some 30°C (86 °F) on the valley floor, it might get a little fresh in the wind or in the shade. July and August are the hottest months and carry the greatest risk of thunderstorms, which can be torrential and usually occur in the afternoon. Being well-prepared and equipped for all these eventualities is essential.

Your host can store any excess luggage that you don't need on the trek for you free of charge. You don't need to trek with a big backpack as you'll have access to your excess luggage during the transfer to the southern Dolomiti Bellunesi on Day 4 (your host will bring it in the vehicle for you at your request). We therefore recommend that you hike carrying only enough clothes for the first three days, and during the transfer on Day 4 you can then quickly swap out your dirty clothes for clean ones ready for the remaining days. We recommend hiking with a pack of no more than 40 litres and to keep it as light as is sensibly possible. For those travelling with large suitcases/heavy luggage, please contact your host before you arrive to confirm arrangements as storage space is limited.

For current advice about travelling in Italy, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.