Dolomites Hikes

Via Ferrata & Hiking Experience at Lake Garda

Climb via ferrate high above Lake Garda, hike on the adrenaline-filled ''smugglers' path'' above Pregasina, and to the summit of Monte Stivo as you explore the beautiful landscape and savor the local flavors. Discover the fascinating culture and ever-present history of Lake Garda on our Via Ferrata and Hiking Experience!

Trip Overview

With our fantastic itinerary, you’ll explore the northern realm of Lake Garda, from Riva del Garda. Set above the narrow northern part of the lake and enclosed by mountains, the jagged rock surrounding Riva del Garda creates beautiful fjords and excellent opportunities for adventure! You’ll spend three days climbing Via Ferratas. These “iron paths” originate from the metal ladders used by the military in WWI to navigate these mountains – delivering mind-blowing views from high above the lake. 
 
Then you’ll spend two days hiking on two opposite sides of the Sarca Valley: the first hike will take you on a ridge of the Western side of the Lake, above the hamlet of Pregasina. There are spectacular views of the Ledro Valley to the West, Lake Garda below and as far as the Brenta Dolomites and Presena Glacier in the distance. On the second hike, you’ll summit Monte Stivo, on the Eastern side of the Sarca Valley. The view from the top is entirely worth the effort, guaranteed!
 
Plus, you will explore nearby towns by boat, with plenty of time for relaxing, drinking wine, tasting olive oil, and eating delicious food, making your vacation at Lake Garda one to remember!

Tucked into Northern Italy, Lake Garda is blessed with beautiful beaches and stuns you with intense crystalline blue water. Discover the vertical rocky cliffs, rolling hills, and towering mountains. Just two hours' drive from Milan, Venice, and the Dolomites, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda or Lago Benàco) is the largest, yet surprisingly the least famous of Italy's well known lakes. Carved by glaciers, the diversity of the landscape here is truly remarkable. The temperate climate and flourishing vegetation – primarily olive and lemon groves, orange trees, palms, cypresses, and oleanders – line the landscape and provide a lush backdrop to the striking historical and cultural remains dotting the shoreline. Plus, you can always see the awe-inspiring Dolomite Mountains towering above the lake.

All of our via ferratas are led by UIAGM/IFMGA Professional Mountain Guides, ensuring your safety and enjoyment. Completely protected, attached to a system of anchored cables while you climb, you’ll enjoy vistas typically reserved only for mountaineers!

Highlights

  • Explore the attractive town of Riva del Garda on the northern end of Lake Garda, with its vertical limestone walls and charming town center
  • Experience Lake Garda from above, climbing exciting via ferrate that offer breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings
  • Enjoy a private boat trip to the charming villages on the lake shores
  • Summit Monte Stivo for sensational views of Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites in the distance
  • Visit local producers and taste their finest samples of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and wine, followed by delicious food

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 Riva del Garda

  • Day 2

    Hotel in Riva del Garda (B,D)

  • Day 3

    Hotel in Riva del Garda (B)

  • Day 4

    Hotel in Riva del Garda (B,D)

  • Day 5

    Hotel in Riva del Garda (B)

  • Day 6

    Hotel in Riva del Garda (B,D)

  • Day 7

Area Map

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.

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.
At Dolomite Mountains, we hand pick accommodations that best reflect the style of each region, to provide you with the most authentic experience of the unique cultures found in the different cities and towns where we travel. We work directly with the owners of each property, forging strong relationships to ensure you receive the best service and care during your stay. Regardless of whether it is a five-star luxury hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast you desire, we choose the best-in-class accommodations within each category, providing you stays at the most sought after hotels in each region. And, we always make sure you have access to inspired, regional cuisine!
Still want more? Why not extend your adventure!
Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in Lake Garda. Explore the Dolomites, Venice or Verona, 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:
€ 4.480 per person (2 participants)
€ 3.080 per person (4 participants)
€ 3.040 per person (6 participants)

Self-guided version not available.

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 13th to Sept 7th.
  • 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
  • 6 nights accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Riva del Garda
  • All breakfasts
  • Dinners on days 2,4 & 6
  • Tastings as per itinerary
  • Local English-speaking Hiking Guide for 2 days
  • Local English-speaking Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide for 3 days
  • Via Ferrata equipment
  • Private boat tour with driver
  • Transfers in the area as per itinerary
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Area Map