Dolomites Alta Via 1 Trekking Tour, Part 1

Discover the first section of the Alta Via 1, the Dolomites’ most legendary trail. In six unforgettable days, you’ll hike hut-to-hut through the Fanes–Sennes–Braies Natural Park and Lagazuoi Massif. You'll cross high passes, alpine meadows, and limestone peaks with an expert guide leading the way. Join Dolomite360 on an adventure that captures the essence, challenge, and beauty of Italy’s most famous trek..

  • Days 6
  • Pax 6
  • Cortina d'Ampezzo

Highlights

  • Hike the first part of the iconic Alta Via 1
  • Trek hut-to-hut through the Fanes–Sennes–Braies Natural Park and Lagazuoi Massif
  • Explore WWI history, turquoise lakes, and panoramic passes
  • Perfect for hikers wanting a guided Alta Via experience with authentic rifugio stays
  • Enjoy 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
  • Relax for 3 nights in rifugios (shared dormitories)


Itinerary

The Alta Via 1 is the original and most iconic of the Dolomites’ high routes. Over six guided days, you’ll hike a condensed version of the full trail, experiencing the very best sections from Cortina to Passo Staulanza.
You’ll cross the Fanes–Sennes–Braies Nature Park, climb through the Lagazuoi Massif, and wander below the Cinque Torri and Pelmo peaks. Expect limestone plateaus, lush valleys, and WWI sites scattered across old frontlines.
After each day of hiking, you’ll get the full Dolomites experience by spending evenings in cozy mountain rifugios, refueling with traditional mountain meals, soaking up the warm Alpine hospitality, and being mesmerized by the awesome views. Join us on a tour that offers the complete Alta Via experience in a shorter, more focused adventure! If you're looking for more travel inspiration, check out our other multi-day tours.

Programma ( 6 )

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Dolomites

    Arrive to Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,224m / 4,016') at your leisure (transfer available on request and with extra cost).
    Cortina d’Ampezzo is a charming alpine resort town surrounded by stunning peaks. Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, and co-host of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina enjoys a reputation for great skiing in winter, and in the summer attracts hikers and climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains. This chic town also caters to the high society crowd, offering many year-round social activities, shopping, and fine dining.

    In the late afternoon you will meet your hiking guide who will provide a trip briefing. 
    Dinner in a local restaurant in town (not included)



  • Day 2

    Hike in Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park

    After breakfast, a short transfer brings you to the trailhead at a cozy hut with a dairy farm. Hike in the Sennes section of the Nature Reserve along the Alta Via 1 following rivers and lush meadows framed by soft limestone peaks. Your guide will share stories of the region during the day and later over a well-earned dinner!

    (~5 hours hiking 12km / 7,4 miles, 920m / 3,018’ ascent, 630m /2,067’ descent.)



  • Day 3

    Across the Fanes Plateau to the Lagazuoi Massif

    Today, you’ll cross the wild Fanes Plateau (2,100m / 6,890’), surrounded by sweeping meadows and white limestone cliffs. Your guide will lead you past crystal lakes and through silent valleys before the dramatic ascent to a Rifugio (2,752m / 9,029’), one of the Dolomites’ highest huts with panoramic views of Pelmo, Civetta, and Marmolada.

    (~6 hrs hiking, 12.4 km / 7.7 miles, 1,105m / 3,624’ ascent, 420m / 1,377’ descent.)



  • Day 4

    Hiking in the Cinque Torri Area

    Today’s hike takes you through some of the most iconic scenery in the Dolomites. From the heights of Lagazuoi, descend through alpine meadows and WWI tunnels to the Cinque Torri area. The views open wide over the valleys and peaks, from the towering Tofane to the Marmolada and Civetta. You’ll hike under towering rock spires, where your guide will bring to life the stories of soldiers who once held these ridges. End your day at a rifugio with sweeping views and a delicious dinner.

    (~5–6 hrs, 10.6 km / 6.4 mi, 420m / 1,378’ ascent, 933m / 3,060’ descent.

  • Day 5

    Hiking around Pelmo and Civetta Massifs

    Today’s long but rewarding hike leads through open meadows, rocky passes, and incredible views of Pelmo (3,168m / 10,394’) — the “Throne of the Gods.” You’ll cross wildflower-filled slopes and ancient shepherd paths before reaching Passo Staulanza (1,783m / 5,850’), where your Dolomite journey concludes.

    (~5–6 hrs hiking, 13.2 km / 8.2 miles, 474m / 1,554’ ascent, 939m / 3,080’ descent.)

  • Day 6

    Depart

    Breakfast depart at your leisure (transfer available at your discreption)

More information

Necessary Equipment – Not Provided
  • Footwear
  • Lightweight or mid-weight hiking boots (waterproof, sturdy, with ankle support)
  • Trail running shoes (for trail running trips—not road-running shoes)
Note: Road-running shoes or sneakers are NOT suitable for hiking or trail running trips


Clothing
  • Long-sleeved synthetic or cotton shirt
  • Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton T-shirts
  • Regular underwear (synthetics recommended)
  • Medium-weight synthetic jacket
  • Quick-drying full-length pants
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight Gore-Tex or equivalent rain/wind jacket and pants
  • Baseball cap or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandanna
  • Gear
  • Daypack (20L for hotel-based trips; 35L for hut-to-hut trips)
  • Waterproof backpack cover
  • Water bottle (1-1.5 quart) or hydration system
  • Trekking poles (recommended for knee support and stability)

Accessories
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and lip balm
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Toiletry kit
  • Lightweight socks (liner socks and synthetic athletic socks)
  • Silk sleeping bag liner (required for rifugio dormitory accommodation)
  • Small amount of laundry detergent for handwashing
  • Ziploc bags for organization

Optional but Useful
  • Gloves and warm hat (for high-altitude hikes)
  • 3/4-finger leather gloves (for via ferrata)
  • Ace bandage or brace for knee/ankle support
  • Spare prescription glasses or contact lenses
  • Camera with extra batteries or charger
  • Swimsuit (some hotels have pools and saunas)
  • Casual clothes for evenings

More information

Accommodation
2 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
3 nights accommodation in rifugios (shared dormitories)

Rifugios, or mountain huts, are the traditional places to stay for hikers, climbers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Many are perched high in the Dolomites, often only accessible by hiking; some can be reached by cable car, and a few by car. Most are open during the summer, with a handful available in winter. These huts provide hearty meals and a place to sleep, with options ranging from simple dormitories with bunk beds to private rooms with bed linen and en-suite bathrooms. Hot showers, shared dining rooms, and each has its own unique charm. Whether hiking in summer or skiing in winter, spending a night in a rifugio is an essential part of the Dolomite experience.

3-Star Hotels:
In the Dolomites, 3-Star hotels are cozy, usually family-run, and a step above international standards. Expect spotless rooms, hearty breakfasts, and authentic alpine charm.

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