Hiking in the Dolomites

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Easy hiking, biking, and climbing in the Dolomites – the perfect vacation for families of all ages
• Experience Italian, Austrian, and the rich Ladin cultures, with their many intertwined traditions that make this region so unique
• Enjoy the atmosphere of the mountain rifugi, the real mountaineer style
• Hike with the kids on vie ferrate that were originally built to aid the military units during WWI
• Self guided tours are a great way to experience the culture and beauty of the Dolomites at your own pace

Soaring high in the sky, Italy's majestic Dolomites play host to our exciting family adventure traverse. Wild alpine meadows, deciduous and evergreen woods, high altitude lunar-like terrain, soaring peaks, dramatic walls, and towering heights alternate with the refined South Tyrolean towns of the Dolomiti di Sesto and Cortina d’Ampezzo to the quaint villages of the Alta Badia. We take the best of this fairy-tale setting – incredible scenery, gorgeous hotels and rifugi, and delectable cuisine – and weave them together with great activities: biking, hiking, via ferrata, and plenty of options for kids and adults.

Spend the first few nights in the Dolomiti di Sesto; hike to the Rifugio Lagazuoi where we will overnight and experience the unique mountain inn style, in addition to its superb panoramas and fascinating WWI relics; and end in the hidden Alta Badia valley, a bastion of the ancient Ladin culture that remains intact here in the heart of the Dolomites.

Check out our high definition videos in: SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!

TRIP DETAILS

Length: 7n / 8d

Start / Finish:  Sesto / Alta Badia

Type: Self Guided with some Guided Help

Activity Level: Family trip for everybody in good and active physical health.

Cost: Combination self-guided and guided trip starting at €2260 per person for a family of 4

Includes: family run 4-star hotels with swimming pool as per itinerary, rifugio with private accommodation and meals as noted, UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide on guided days, local transportation,briefing, maps, ferrata equipment, Italian mobile phone.

On our Family Trips: 

• when children share a room with two adults, youths between ages 7-11 receive a 15% discount;
• when children share a room with one adult or another child, a 10% discount is applied to the youth's trip price;
• when one child is in a single room, the full private room charge will apply.
  
  

• INFORMATION REQUEST
  Ready to take the next step? Just complete and return our Trip Questionnaire, or contact us directly to plan your Dolomites adventure today!
  
  

ITINERARY
This itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of your guide.

Day 1 ~ Arrive in Sesto (Sexten), Dolomites
Arrival in Dolomiti di Sesto and check in to your hotel. Depending on arrival meet with a local Dolomite Mountains representative for a trip briefing.
D… 4-Star Hotel in Dolomiti di Sesto

Day 2 ~ Italy / Austria Border – Guided Hike
In the morning meet with your guide for trip briefing.
Hike along the ridge of the Italian/Austrian border with superb panoramas of the spires of the Dolomiti di Sesto. (5 hours hiking.)
B,D… 4-Star Hotel in Dolomiti di Sesto

Day 3 ~ Italy / Austria Border – Self Guided Bicycle
Bike from Italy to Austria along the Drava River. This 46-kilometer (29-mile) ride can be cycled without major effort, and is ideal for families with children. Option for lunch in any of the South Tyrolean towns along the way. Return comfortably by train that has a wagon reserved for bicycles! (4-6 hours biking.)
B,D… 4-Star Hotel in Dolomiti di Sesto

Day 4 ~ Cinque Torre – Self Guided Hike
Morning to explore and shop in the chic town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Take a bus or private transfer and explore World War I tunnels built into the hillside. Hike to the base of the imposing Cinque Torre, a group of five famous stone pinnacles. Marvel at breathtaking sunsets and quietness of the mountains from the top of a rifugio (mountain inn), your home for tonight.
(3-5 hours hiking.)
B,D… Rifugio

Day 5 ~ Piz Sorega – Self Guided Hike
After breakfast hike to Rifugio Scotoni (1,985m / 6,512') and descend to Capanna Alpina (1,726m / 5,663'). From here you'll have a short transfer to the start of the cable car to Piz Sorega. Riding the cable car you arrive on the high plateau of Pralongia that offers many hiking possibilities for all ages and ability levels, and many mountain inns where the children can relax and play. Hike down to your hotel in Alta Badia, complete with spa and swimming pool.
 (5 hours hiking.)
B,D…4- Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 6 ~ Via Ferrata or Sella Massif Hike – Guided
Spend the day with a UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide and experience the thrill of a via ferrata climbing or hiking on the Sella Massif up to the top of Piz Boé. Delight in remarkable views of the Marmolada Glacier, the Dolomites only glacier. 
(5 hours hiking or 4-5 hours via ferrata.) 
B,D… 4-Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 7 ~ Santa Croce Sanctuary – Self Guided Hike
Indulge in a hearty alpine breakfast before hiking to Santa Croce Sanctuary. Walk through forest and green pastures to a typical Ladino shepherd’s house for lunch. Taste local specialties such as turtres (Ladino vegetable pastries), grilled vegetables, and homemade cakes. Spend the afternoon at your hotel swimming pool relaxing with the kids. (5 hours hiking.)
B,D… 4-Star Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 8 ~ Depart
Breakfast and departure.
B…

PREFER A GUIDED FAMILY ADVENTURE? 
Check out our other family trips in the Dolomites!

LEARN MORE:
Want to learn more about via ferrata? Check out our who, what, where, and when of climbing via ferrata resource!