Hike, Bike and Canoe in the Dolomites
An adventure through Italy's UNESCO-listed Dolomite Mountains via iconic peaks, wild trails, verdant valleys and hidden lakes
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesHotel & Agroturismo
3 nights in a 4-star hotel and 2 nights in an agriturismoMeals
All breakfasts and 5 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All your cycling and canoeing equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Trek one of Europe’s most striking mountain ranges, tackling the Cinque Torri trail and the Mondeval high plateau
Pedal forest trails up Mount Fertazza (2080m) on e-bikes, for staggering views of some of the world's most famous spires
Canoe in the emerald lake waters of Lago del Mis, a hidden gem surrounded by a wild basin and sparkling cascades
Bed down in a 4-star mountain spa hotel and an agriturismo with lush surroundings, tucking into tasty local food
Key Information
Day 1
To the mountains!
Driving
Meet your host 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 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, chat through the itinerary with your host, then get some rest before the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Hike into the stunning Dolomites
Hiking
Kick off your adventure with a superb hike from the iconic Passo Giau, one of the most scenic passes in the Belluno Dolomites, to the high plains of Mondeval di Sora. Along this plateau, a Mesolithic burial site was found in 1987, along with the remains of the Mondeval Man who lived in this area thousands of years ago. Today, the skeleton is preserved at the Vittorino Cazzetta museum in Selva di Cadore (which you may opt to visit later this afternoon, after your hike). Trekking along undulating trails, you'll be surrounded by the most majestic views of verdant valleys and iconic peaks, including Monte Pelmo, Croda da Lago, Monte Cernera, and the imposing wall of the Lastoi de Formin. It won't take long to see why this is considered one the the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world!
Day 3
Pedal through the peaks
E-bike
Hang up your boots – this morning you'll leave the hotel on the saddle of your electric mountain bike to cycle gravel trails and forest roads up leading all the way to the top of Mount Fertazza at 2080m. First, tackle a steady 7km climb to the Fertazza hut, winding among wonderful spruce and larch forests – thanks to your e-bike, the ascent will feel smooth and manageable. A further 2km push will take you all the way to to the mountaintop, where your efforts will be rewarded by one of the most iconic views in the whole of Dolomites, with the towering Marmolada, Averau and Pelmo peaks dominating the valley below. You'll stop here for a memorable lunch at the famous Belvedere hut, where you can tuck into some hearty dishes among the breathtaking natural surroundings. After lunch, begin your thrilling descent back to the hotel along a mix of easy gravel and off-road trails, passing scenic pastures along the way.
Day 4
Hike Averau and the Cinque Torri
Hiking
Driving
This morning you'll hit another iconic hiking trail in the Averau-Nuvolau Dolomites group, with 360° views that stretch out across the peaks. After a short transfer to the trailhead, you'll set off on a relatively easy path followed by an ascent over boulders and rocky terrain towards Forcella Averau, offering a splendid panorama of the Lagazuoi and Tofane mountains. Continue on in the direction of the iconic Cinque Torri, famous for their rugged beauty but also for the unique open-air museum tucked away near these majestic towers. Take your time to properly explore the remains of trenches and walkways used during the First World War before continuing towards the Falzarego Pass, where a vehicle will pick you up for your onward transfer (around 1.5 hours). You'll be taken to the wonderful Mis Valley, a hidden gem in the Dolomites. Your home for the next two nights in is a cosy, family-run farmhouse surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Day 5
Canoe the turquoise Lago del Mis
Canoeing
Hiking
Wake to the sounds of nature and enjoy a slow breakfast in your agriturismo. Then head out to explore the stunning Mis Valley and its pristine scenery by canoe, paddling the turquoise waters of the Lago del Mis, one of the most beautiful lakes in the whole of Italy. Lake Mis is man-made, but located in a spectacularly untouched Alpine context in the heart of the Monti del Sole and Vette Feltrine. On foot, you'll explore the stunning La Soffia Waterfall and the Cadini del Brenton, two of the most breathtaking attractions in the valley. Weather permitting, you'll also have the chance to enjoy a few hours at leisure along the lake's shore, soaking up the sun or sipping on a cool drink. Back at the agriturismo, raise a toast to the end of your epic mountain adventures with a farewell dinner, cooked by a local chef.
Day 6
Goodbye Italy!
Driving
Bid farewell to the stunning scenery of the Dolomites, as this morning you'll leave your accommodation after breakfast and head back to Venice Airport for your flight home. Arrivederci!
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Venice Marco Polo Airport
16:00 on Day 1
Ends
Venice Marco Polo Airport
11:00 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 Day 6, your host will transfer you from Sospirolo back to Venice Marco Polo Airport, where you'll arrive at around 11:00. This can be dependent on traffic, therefore please don't book a flight departing before 14:00 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 get an official taxi which you can find just outside the terminal. This will be an expensive option (approx. €300) for a one-way transfer to Selva di Cadore. For more info and bookings you can contact +39 041 5964 (24-hour service) and for more details on the fare that will be applied, ask the taxi staff before getting on board. Please remember to let your host know if your journey is delayed.
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)
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
All breakfasts and evening meals are included on this trip. Lunches are not included, but you can buy your own each morning before the day's activity from a local deli or supermarket. Alternatively, you may opt to order some tasty hot meals and refreshments from the mountain huts where you'll stop for breaks during the day.
For dinner when staying at the Hotel Orso Grigio in Pescul (Selva di Cadore) for the first three nights, some of the region's highlights include potato gnocchi with smoked cottage cheese or pumpkin, canederli (balls of bread with speck), and barley soup. Often you'll find polenta with mushrooms and pastin (a regional dish of Belluno, usually comprising minced pork or beef) featured on the menu.
When staying at the Fattoria dei Fiori in Sospirolo for the last two nights, there will be snacks and drinks available on arrival in the afternoon. For dinner on Day 4, it's Pizza night - you are in Italy after all, and then on the last night (Day 5), a local chef will cook a delicious three-course meal at the Fattoria dei Fiori, so your group can enjoy the evening over some great food and celebrate your Dolomites adventure!
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?
Pescul (Selva di Cadore)
Your first three nights 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 in which to relax after an active day out on the trails. 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 dinner.
*Your host will try to arrange rooms on a twin-share basis where possible. Due to the popularity of the location in the summer season and the limited number of rooms available at the Hotel Orso Grigio, occasionally a triple room may be allocated to the group. Whilst it is not possible to pre-request a single room at this accommodation as an optional extra, if the hotel has had a late cancellation, there may be the option available to upgrade at check-in for a local supplement.
Sospirolo
You'll spend the final two nights of your trip in an agriturismo, a beautifully converted farmhouse immersed in a private woodland area, with a botanical garden and farm. Accommodation will be in a mix of twin rooms and apartments, all of which are en suite. Each is tastefully decorated with a unique design and theme, using local materials and handicrafts. The property includes a cosy dining area and kitchen, where daily breakfasts will be served as well as a special farewell dinner on the last night of the trip.
Upgrades
Due to the style and limited capacity of the accommodation used on this trip, a private room upgrade is not available as an optional extra.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip requires a decent level of fitness and you must feel comfortable in mountain environment, although none of the included activities are hugely demanding and no previous experience is necessary. You'll have expert guides to show you the ropes and help you navigate the e-biking and canoeing. On the hiking trails, you'll be accompanied by an expert mountain guide.
The bike ride up Mount Fertazza is best enjoyed if you feel comfortable riding an electronically assisted bike off-road; however, no technical mountain biking skills are needed and you'll have a bike fitting and briefing before setting off. Should you wish to opt out of this activity, there is the opportunity to get to Mount Fertazza by cable car and meet the group there for lunch.
The included hikes include some trails over uneven, rocky terrain and the occasional short steep ascent, but they are overall of moderate difficulty so should are manageable by anyone who can handle hiking in mountain terrain for a few hours. The guide will assess the group's fitness, so there may be the option to slightly extend some of the treks, should everyone feel comfortable with it.
What will I need to carry?
During the activities, you'll only need to carry a personal rucksack with your essential items for the day; you can leave your main luggage at your hotel. On Day 4 your host will transfer your main luggage from Selva di Cadore to Sospirolo.
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.
Great trip with a great crew.
I was traveling on my own but soon made friends in the group. Accommodation & food were fantastic. Probably a little too good & wellness centre was great at the end of the day. Hiking was awesome & good for most capabilities. Biking was a little challenging but fun. Canoe was not my thing which surprised me as usually I'm into any adventure. Although due to lack of water our trip was changed, the original trip may have been OK. Highly recommend this to most travelers.
Just an excellent adventure!
I loved this trip...it exceeded my expectations. It was part of a larger trip I was doing and it just fitted in so we'll and it really added to the experience. We went to places I could have gone on my own, the activities were run by excellent operators and all the accommodation was excellent and transfers were seamless. I did this tour with an excellent group of people too!
Amazing trip
This has been one on my bucket list for a long time, and it didn't disappoint. From the moment we where picked up from the airport it has been amazing adventure.Miki went above and beyond to make sure everyone where happy. The trip was very well organised. Those of us who wanted to hike to the top had that opportunity and others who didn't had the option to rest and enjoy the amazing views of Dolmites. The trip was fairly flexible and catered for everyones abilitys. This was my first trip with MBA but it most certainly won't be last.
Exceeded our expectation - MUST TRY !!!
Thank you for the most amazing holidays we have had. It was our first time with "Much Better Adventures" and I can already say it won't be the last. From the moment we booked, picked up from the airport, all activities included we were looked after, well informed before each day. Food was just simply amazing with so many choices, accommodation ... I can not express how impressed we are. Thank you to out amazing hosts Miki and Farbizio from Wild in the Dolomiti.
Definitely recommended 10/10 !!!
Fantastic trip around the Dolomites
Fantastic trip around the Dolomites that didn’t disappoint! Amazing views from all directions and a great mix of activities that worked very well indeed. Everything went according to plan and in time so worked out perfectly
If you’re looking for an adventure, this is the one!
Great trip with a great amount of adventure activities! First time adventuring on my own, this trip takes away the stress of travelling as everything is included and very well organised. The hotels and food were both amazing. Highlight of the trip was riding around the mountains on my birthday with a great bunch of people.
Stunning!
The perfect mix of hiking, e-bikes and canoe with a wonderful group of people. Breathtaking scenery from every direction. The wellness facilities after our action packed days were much appreciated. We were very well looked after by all our hosts and guides. Highly recommend!
Had an amazing time, was
Had an amazing time, was such a good trip! The scenery is stunning and the activities really brought the best out of the landscape. Also Miki the host went above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable, and was a fab cook! Would highly recommend!