Flash Sale Now On!

Save up to 15% on selected 2024 adventures
Photo: Getty 478332257
Brand New!

Hut-to-Hut Trekking in the Dolomites

Uncover Italy's most iconic mountain range as you trek along some of the most varied sections of the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2

Duration

5 nights

Annual Leave

4 or 5 days off work

Group Size

Up to 8 people

Season

Jun-Sep

Location

Italy

Meeting Point

Venice Marco Polo Airport

Classic Accommodation

Hotel · Mountain hut

Customer Reviews

This trip is brand new

Difficulty

Challenging

From

From

Hike beneath the towering walls and pinnacles of Civetta (3220m) and Marmolada (3343m), passing the glittering glacial waters of Lake Coldai

Trek quiet paths amongst this dramatic landscape, through lush forests and blooming meadows teeming with wildlife

Bed down in comfortable, small-scale refuges deep in the Dolomites and fuel up on delicious mountain food

Day 1

Welcome to the Dolomites!

Selva di Cadore, Pelmo, Italy. Photo: GettyImages-1803201047

Meet your driver at Venice Airport and jump in your transfer to Selva di Cadore, right in the heart of Italy's iconic Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in your comfortable spa hotel and enjoy the sight of some of the most famous peaks such as towering Mount Pelmo, the spires of Cernera and jagged Civetta, right from your hotel's doorstep. Meet up with your group for dinner and do any repacking required so that you can head straight off in the morning. You needn't pack too much in your hiking backpack as you'll have a chance to access your main luggage again during the transfer on Day 4. Your mountain guide will join you in the morning to go through the details of the trek before you set off.

Day 2

The trek begins: Alta Via 1 to Rifugio Tissi

Coldai Lake, Dolomites Italy. Photo: Canva

Hiking

6hrs · 14km · 1250m up · 430m down

Kickstart your adventure with a stunning trek to Tissi Refuge. Set off on dirt roads through lush conifer woods and the pastures of the Val Fiorentina until reaching the Col dei Baldi area, which offers spectacular views over the Central Dolomites and their mighty peaks (including Mondeval, Croda Da Lago, Marmolada and Pelmo). From here you'll follow a variant of the iconic Alta Via 1 trail, which will lead to the Coldai Refuge – a chance to refuel with a hearty lunch. Continue on to until you reach the spectacular Coldai Lake (2172m), reflecting the majestic towers of the Civetta in its turquoise waters. Push on with a final climb – mostly steady, but with the occasional steep section of rough terrain as you traverse the mighty ‘wall of walls’. This is Civetta’s western face, measuring 1200m in height and over 5000m in width! Reach Tissi Refuge, set in a breathtaking location facing the giant limestone mountain walls, where you can relax over a delicious hot dinner, enjoy the warm hospitality and bed down for the night in comfortable four-bed dorm rooms.

Day 3

Deeper into the Dolomites

Rifugio Carestiato, Dolomites, Italy. Photo: Rifugio Carestiato website

Hiking

5hrs · 15km · 700m up · 1100m down

Today you'll cross into the wild landscapes of the Moiazza range. You will notice that fewer trekkers make it this far along the route, making the hiking experience extra-special. Set off on a relatively smooth descent into Val Civetta passing over rocks, through shrubs and green pastures. For the first part of the trek you'll be surrounded by trees and the impressive rock towers of the Civetta massif. Reach Rifugio Vazzoler, nestled amongst woodland with dramatic views of the Torre Venezia and Torre Trieste as a backdrop, where you can grab some refreshments before pushing on towards Forcella Col dell’Orso (1823m), along the flanks of Torre Trieste and Forcella del Camp. A final ascent through more woodland will bring you to the welcoming Rifugio Carestiato, where a well-deserved dinner awaits.

Day 4

Hike into Val Ombretta, the heart of the Dolomites

Valle Ombretta, Italy. Photo: Host/Wild in the Dolomiti

Hiking

5hrs · 14km · 700m up · 1100m down

After breakfast, set off from Rifugio Carestiato and enjoy a panoramic descent down the valley. Admire the splendid Alpine views all the way into Agordo, where your host will join your for some quick refreshments. She'll also bring any excess luggage you may have left behind, so that you can swap out your dirty clothes for clean ones if you wish. You'll hop on a quick transfer to the charming Malga Ciapela for the continuation of your trek. From there, set off on foot into the enchanting Val Ombretta, with the dramatic southern face of Marmolada visible in the distance. Despite the loftiness of the surrounding peaks, the rest of today's trail is relatively smooth so you have plenty of time to take in the views. Stop for lunch at Malga Ombretta (don't miss the chance to try their famous yogurt) before continuing along the the uphill trail, where where a totem marks the central geographical point of the Dolomites. Bed down for the night at the renowned Onorio Falier refuge, which has stunning views of the south face of Marmolada's peak.

Day 5

Alpine meadows and pristine nature

Alta Via dei Pastori, Italy. Photo: Host/Wild in the Dolomiti

Hiking

5hrs · 11km · 750m up · 1100m down

This morning you'll descend from from Val Ombretta along the Val de Franzedaz and under the walls of Monte Fop, following a quieter variant of the Alta Via 2 to Forcella di Forca Rossa. You'll then join a picturesque trail known as the Alta Via dei Pastori (High Shepherd's Way), an ancient shepherds' path which links the pastures and mountain huts of the Val del Biois, via centuries-old woodland where close encounters with local fauna such as marmots and ibex are common. Your home tonight is the stunning Rifugio Flora Alpina, where you can enjoy complimentary access to their Green Wellness Spa which includes a hydromassage, a biosauna, a sensorial Kneipp path and an emotional shower. Make a toast to the end of your epic trek with a spectacular view of the nearby peaks, then enjoy one final cosy sleep before you leave the mountains tomorrow.

Day 6

Goodbye mountains!

Dolomites, Italy. Photo: GettyImages-160136162

Hiking

2hrs · 5km · 500m down

Leave the Rifugio Flora Alpina early after breakfast. Descend via the picturesque and quiet woods of the Biois Valley to reach the famous San Pellegrino pass. Your Dolomites adventure comes to an end mid-morning, and your host will drive you back to Venice Airport in time for your onward flight home.

Included

Guides

Expert, English-speaking mountain guide

Accommodation

1 night in a 4-star spa hotel and 4 nights in mountain huts

Meals

All breakfasts and 5 dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything in between

Porterage

2 luggage transfers during the trek

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for your guides

Some meals as described

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 5

Mountain hut · Multi share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

On the first night of the trip, your evening meal will either be a three-course set menu in the hotel, or a meal at a restaurant selected by your guide. Some of the region's highlights include cheese, milk and butter, once the main source of protein for the inhabitants of the Dolomite valleys. You may also enjoy potato gnocchi with smoked cottage cheese or pumpkin, canederli (balls of bread with speck), and barley soup. For main courses, you’ll often find pastin (a regional Belluno dish usually comprising minced pork or beef) and polenta with mushrooms featured on the menu.

In the mountain huts, you'll fuel up on pasta, lentils, chickpeas, soups and meat-based dishes. Lunches are not included, but you can buy your own as you'll stop each day at great mountain huts serving a choice of sandwiches or hot meals. You should budget around €30 per day in total to cover your lunches, snacks, drinks and showers.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

Hotel Orso Grigio, Dolomites, Italy. Photo: Hotel Orso Grigio
Pescul (Selva di Cadore)

Your first night will be spent at the 4-star Orso Grigio Hotel. Located right in front of the famous Civetta ski slopes in Pescul, it's 3km from Selva di Cadore and approximately 30km from the famous Cortina d'Ampezzo. This comfortable mountain retreat features a wellness centre with two Finnish saunas, sensory showers, a Turkish bath and relaxation area, perfect for relaxing before you set off on your trek. Accommodation will be on a twin-share basis, in en suite rooms with pine-wood furnishings, warm carpeting, fine fabrics, LCD TVs and stunning views. The hotel also includes a restaurant, which serves a delicious breakfast buffet and tasty local cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Photo: hut's website
Mountain Huts

You'll spend four nights at some great small-scale refuges set in stunning locations deep the Dolomites: namely Rifugio Tissi, Rifugio Carestiato, Rifugio Onorio Falier and Rifugio Flora Alpina. These are traditional, family-run mountain huts which offer a much more intimate experience than is found in most European mountain ranges, with each of them having only a few bedrooms and catering to a limited number of trekkers. Accommodation is in small dormitory-style rooms (usually sleeping 4-6 people maximum), in bunk beds or single beds which come with pillows and blankets (you can bring your own sleeping bag liner if you like). The bathrooms are shared, they have showers but a token may need to be paid for hot water. At Refugio Flora Alpina, on Day 5, it has extra facilities including a sauna, jacuzzi and outside shower to help you relax at the end of your trip. They all feature a restaurant serving cold drinks, spirits and delicious freshly made food, which will be a highlight after a rewarding day of trekking.

Upgrades

Due to the style and limited capacity of the accommodation used on this trip, a private room upgrade is not available.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Venice Marco Polo Airport

16:00 on Day 1

Ends

Venice Marco Polo Airport

13:30 on Day 6

Transfers

On Day 1 your driver will meet you at Venice Marco Polo Airport (at 16:00 at the latest; exact timings will be confirmed by your host prior to your trip, depending on the group's incoming flights). You'll be transferred to Selva di Cadore, which is approximately two hours away. On the final Day 6, your host will transfer you from Rifugio Lagazzon back to Venice Marco Polo Airport, where you'll arrive at around 13:30. This can be dependent on traffic, therefore please don't book a flight departing before 16:00 on Day 6 in case of delays.

Please note that alternative transfers between the airport and the Dolomites are very expensive, whilst connections by public transport are limited and often not available: we therefore recommend that in order to join the group transfer, you ensure you leave ample time between your flight arrival time and transfer departure time of 16:00. Your transfer won't be able to wait beyond 16:00, so in the case of significant delays, the best option is to contact your host who can provide you with a trusted taxi number. This will be an expensive option (approx. €300 for a one-way transfer to Selva di Cadore).

Travel options

Venice Marco Polo Airport is accessible via various direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe. Flights from the US generally connect through Madrid, London or Frankfurt.

For those who wish to avoid flying, Venezia Mestre is well connected with high-speed trains from London, via Paris. The journey will take an average of 21 hours and usually involves two changes.

Given the trip begins with an afternoon transfer from Venice Airport, perhaps consider arriving the day before and take this opportunity to visit the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of canals, art and romance. When visiting Venice, check first if you are required to pay the Venice Access Fee - (applicable to some dates only)

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

Bedding, blankets, and pillows are provided at the refuges

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Rucksack for your kit (around 40 litres max. recommended)
  • Small duffle bag or soft luggage (optional, if you don't want to carry your whole kit for the trek: see FAQ on excess luggage)
  • Waterproof liner/drybags for rucksack

CLOTHES

  • Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Breathable wicking layers
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Buff or neck scarf
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts for hiking
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Gloves
  • Something to sleep in
  • Hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Lightweight shoes for refuges

SLEEPING

  • Sleeping bag liner

OTHER

  • Quick-dry towel
  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment such as Compeed)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Headtorch or torch
  • 2 x 1-litre reusable water bottle

OPTIONAL

  • Earplugs
  • Hydration salts, energy bars and snacks
  • Trekking poles

No optional extras are available for this trip.

This trip is brand new

We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 170kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

This trek requires a good level of fitness and is ideal for steady-footed, keen hikers. There is a mix of moderate hikes and more challenging trails with considerable elevation gain and loss each day, so previous hiking experience and good stamina is recommended. There may be the occasional ascent and descent on rough terrain and scree, but no technical or exposed sections, and the stunning views will be more than enough reward for your effort. You should be confident walking for up to 6-7 hours a day carrying your 35-50L pack between the refuges for three days – packing light is recommended! If this is your first experience trekking hut to hut, 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.

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

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 but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

30-40 Eur per person per trip

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

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. However, 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 30°C (86 °F) on the valley floor, it may feel cooler 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.

The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottles (at least 2L) to fill up at the mountain huts to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.

We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

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 Malga Ciapela 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.

You'll be accompanied by a local expert qualified mountain guide, leading a group of 8 trekkers maximum. Please note that you will only meet your guide on Day 2 of the trip. However your host will provide you with all the details and info you need to meet your group for dinner at the hotel on Day 1. A Whatsapp group will also be created ahead of departure to facilitate communication.

If poor weather comes in (such as storms, heavy rain and poor visibility), depending on the stage of the trek your host will consider the conditions and plot an alternative route which may involve sitting out any extreme weather in one of the huts. This is an unlikely event in the summer months, but your hosts are experienced mountain guides with a lot of successful treks in this part of the world under their belt, so you are in the best of hands.

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 always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

June 2024

Tuesday • 25th June 2024

to Sunday • 30th June 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Friday • 5th July 2024

to Wednesday • 10th July 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Monday • 15th July 2024

to Saturday • 20th July 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Saturday • 27th July 2024

to Thursday • 1st August 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Sunday • 25th August 2024

to Friday • 30th August 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Saturday • 7th September 2024

to Thursday • 12th September 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Thursday • 12th September 2024

to Tuesday • 17th September 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Wednesday • 18th September 2024

to Monday • 23rd September 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Saturday • 21st June 2025

to Thursday • 26th June 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 25th June 2025

to Monday • 30th June 2025
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 29th June 2025

to Friday • 4th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 3rd July 2025

to Tuesday • 8th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Monday • 7th July 2025

to Saturday • 12th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 11th July 2025

to Wednesday • 16th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 18th July 2025

to Wednesday • 23rd July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Friday • 25th July 2025

to Wednesday • 30th July 2025
Guaranteed to run

Saturday • 30th August 2025

to Thursday • 4th September 2025
Guaranteed to run

Wednesday • 3rd September 2025

to Monday • 8th September 2025
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 7th September 2025

to Friday • 12th September 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 11th September 2025

to Tuesday • 16th September 2025
Guaranteed to run

Monday • 15th September 2025

to Saturday • 20th September 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 18th September 2025

to Tuesday • 23rd September 2025
Guaranteed to run
Private trip

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

From