Dolomites Hikes

Trails & Towns of the Dolomites

Towering peaks and rock walls combine with towns and villages steeped in history to make the perfect itinerary in the Dolomites! Alternate hiking with exploring the cultural history and diversity of this unique region – a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Trip Overview

Incredible mountain landscapes, countless miles of trails that wind through the valleys and across passes, with cozy villages and beautiful towns interspersed in the most strategic positions for agriculture and trade, leading to a surprising wealth of culture to explore! The Dolomite Mountains, widely considered some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, are not usually the first location that comes to mind for a cultural vacation. Hiking, biking, and skiing, perhaps. But Culture? Castles? Cathedrals? Really? YES!
   

The Dolomites have a far-reaching cultural history that extends thousands of centuries, with prehistoric settlements that pre-date the rise of Roman Empire. The Catholic Church played an immeasurable role, with the construction of medieval villages and cathedrals. And World War One and the subsequent territory annexation took its toll, reshaping the landscape and borders. This has wrought both a blending of cultures on the one hand, and equally a preservation of the uniqueness of each culture found here – Italian, Austrian, and Ladin.

The South Tyrol (Südtirol in German, Alto Adige in Italian) where this itinerary will take you, is set right against the Austrian border. In fact, until the Italian Annexation in 1926, it was part of Austria. Here you’ll find the dominant language to be German, followed by Italian and Ladin (and English, of course!). And you’ll find the same mix of cultures and cultural influences in everything from the architecture to the food. But once you hit the trail, there is no doubt where you are – the Majestic Dolomites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising over 90,000 acres of mountainous terrain, the Dolomite Mountains are full of surreal towers and crags, wild alpine meadows, deciduous and evergreen woods, high altitude lunar-like landscapes, alternating with refined South Tyrolean towns that you’ll encounter during your daily excursions. We think this incredible offers the best of both worlds – not only will you get to explore the towering cliffs of the Dolomites, carved over millennia by the elements, but also the towering spires of cathedrals and castles, carved by the hands of man. It’s almost like two trips in one!

Highlights

  • Explore hidden valleys and the majestic Dolomite Mountains – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Hike amidst glorious landscapes of pillars, pinnacles, and colossal rock walls of the Dolomites
  • Discover medieval towns and villages, nestled in the valleys created by tall mountain peaks
  • Experience the unique culture of the Dolomites – where Italian, German, and Ladin histories combine!

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Hotel in Bressanone

  • Day 2

    Hotel in Bressanone (B)

  • Day 3

    Hotel in Val di Funes (B,D)

  • Day 4

    Mountain Inn at Passo Delle Erbe (B,D)

  • Day 5

    Hotel in San Vigilio di Marebbe (B,D)

  • Day 6

    Hotel in San Vigilio di Marebbe (B,D)

  • Day 7

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

Want to learn more about our Hotels and B&Bs?
The Dolomites has a multi-faceted culture and history that is reflected in each village we visit, and we make sure to provide you with the most authentic experience of the region possible through the hotels and B&Bs we offer. Hotels and chalets are available in the larger villages, while agriturismos (working farms with accommodations similar to B&Bs) are more common in rural areas. And we always make sure you have access to inspired regional cuisine, and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites!

Prefer luxury accommodations?
You can also book a custom departure of this trip using our Luxury Hotels. For details, please contact us.

Want to learn more about our Mountain Inns & Rifugi?
Rifugi – or mountain huts in English – are the classic accommodation for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Set in spectacular locations high in the Dolomites, rifugi are accessible only on foot (with a few exceptions that are reachable by car). These marvelous establishments are open primarily in the summer, with a select few in winter, and offer meals and sleeping facilities.

The Dolomite rifugi are considered the best in the Alps. While some are dormitory style with bunk beds, many meet the standard of a simple guest house with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and each has its own unique character and charm. Bedding and linens are provided, hot showers are available, and meals are served in common dining areas – like a small mountain inn set high in the mountains with the most incredible vistas in the Dolomites. Whether you’re hiking in summer or skiing in winter, an overnight rifugio stay is not to miss on a Dolomite holiday.

To learn even more about rifugi in the Dolomites, check out our Rifugios in the Dolomites article, and learn about one of the best ways to experience these incredible mountains!

Still want more? Why not extend your adventure!
Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in the Dolomites. Explore VeniceVeronaLake GardaFlorence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There's no more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival, or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip!

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Guided Trip:
€ 4.490 per person (2 participants)
€ 3.290 per person (4 participants)
€ 2.840 per person (6 participants)

Self Guided Trip:
€ 2.310 per person (2 participants)
€ 2.130 per person (4 participants)
€ 2.030 per person (6 participants)

The cost is based on the specified hotel category. (Please see the cost inclusions list). If you would like an upgrade, please get in touch with us for a quotation.

We will do our best to accommodate you in the specified class of accommodations. However, if there is no availability in this category, we will offer you the next available classification at a supplementary price. 

Important to note:
  • There is a high-season 15% surcharge from July 14th to Sept 8th. 
  • There is a private-room supplement in Rifugi: €40 per Rifugio, per person per night (based on availability).
  • Prices may increase between the time of quotation and booking. Your Dolomite Mountains consultant will inform you of any changes.


Cost Includes:

  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and map of the area
  • 2 nights accommodation in 4-star hotel in Bressanone
  • 1 night accommodation in 3-star in Val di Funes
  • 1 night accommodation in rifugio 
  • 2 nights accommodation in 4-star in San Vigilio
  • All breakfasts 
  • All dinners except in Bressanone
  • Private transfers as per itinerary
  • Luggage transfers
  • Local English speaking hiking guide (guided trips)
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Area Map